CASA Media Release - Tuesday, 17 September 2002
Safety checks at Townsville airport
Special safety checks are being carried out at Townsville aerodrome on Wednesday 18 September.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is making sure new instrument navigation procedures at the aerodrome are safe.
The safety checks at Townsville airport are part of an upgrade of flying procedures at 22 regional and remote aerodromes across Queensland.
As a result of the upgrade pilots will be able to use the latest Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite navigation at many Queensland aerodromes.
At Townsville CASA pilots will fly the approaches to the aerodrome to check that new 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, which is planned for the afternoon of 18 September.
New instrument approach procedures for Townsville aerodrome help to make flying even safer and more efficient.
Qualified pilots will be able to use GPS navigation when landing at Townsville.
Pilots using GPS can 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
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0251