CASA Media Release - Friday, 2 August 2002
New pilot training campaign
Pilots are being offered new training and education as part of a campaign to cut the number of violations of controlled airspace.
There are more than one thousand recorded violations of controlled airspace in Australia each year - increasing the risk of mid-air collisions.
Violations of controlled airspace occur when an unauthorised aircraft enters airspace that is under positive air traffic control.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has produced a special video to help pilots avoid flying into the wrong airspace.
The video is being distributed free-of-charge to all flying training organisations to assist in the education of new pilots.
The video explains the correct procedures for flying in controlled airspace and provides tips for avoiding mistakes.
It also takes pilots through the operation of Traffic Collision Avoidance Systems, which are fitted to large commercial aircraft to warn of potential in-flight conflict with other aircraft.
Pilots are told the preparation of through flight plans, leaving ample buffer zones from controlled airspace and asking air traffic control for help are all ways of avoiding airspace violations.
The video shows pilots practical in-flight examples of correct procedures and how common mistakes are made.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0234