CASA Media Release - Wednesday, 7 November 2001
Safety checks at Port Hedland airport
Special safety checks are being carried out at Port Hedland aerodrome on Thursday 8 November.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is making sure new instrument navigation procedures at the aerodrome are safe.
CASA pilots will fly the approaches to the aerodrome to check that the procedures work in practice and there are no obstacles that could endanger aircraft.
This will involve a number of low level flights in the area surrounding the aerodrome in a twin engine light aircraft.
CASA apologies for any inconvenience caused by the low level flying.
New instrument approach procedures for Port Hedland aerodrome help to make flying even safer and more efficient.
The procedures will allow qualified pilots to use Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation when landing at Port Hedland.
Pilots using GPS will be able to fly in a straight line towards the runway rather than making a circling approach - cutting flying time, saving fuel and reducing noise in surrounding areas.
GPS approaches also allow greater access to the aerodrome during poor weather.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0150