CASA Media Release - Monday, 19 January 2004
CASA consults on airspace changes
Reforms to Australian airspace being introduced under the new National Airspace System will continue to be monitored and reviewed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
CASA is actively consulting with key aviation groups and organisations about the implementation of the NAS reforms.
A series of meetings will be held this month with major airlines, air traffic controller representatives, pilot representatives, Airservices Australia and other groups to discuss the airspace changes.
CASA's chief executive officer, Bruce Byron, says the meetings will give CASA first-hand feedback on NAS.
"CASA began organising the industry meetings earlier this month to make sure we had a solid understanding of all view points on NAS," Mr Byron says.
"I want to hear the views of the aviation industry on how the reforms are bedding down and their ideas on how we might improve implementation now and in future.
"In particular, in December 2003 I informed the National Airspace System Implementation Group that I will require all future major airspace changes be proceeded by a three month period of education and training for the aviation industry.
"I believe a three month education period will ensure that pilots, air traffic controllers and airlines are given ample time to understand and adjust to future airspace changes.
"In the light of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau report on the Launceston incident, these meetings will be timely and important."
CASA will be working closely with the NAS IG and Airservices Australia in response to the findings of the ATSB.
Both the NAS IG and Airservices will look at fine-tuning the current airspace changes to address the issues raised by the ATSB.
"CASA will continue its role of reviewing all airspace changes to ensure that safety remains the primary focus," Mr Byron says.
"That has been CASA's role from the start of this airspace reform and we will maintain this safety oversight."
Media contact
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0402