CASA Media Release - 12 November 1999
Radio service trial at Jandakot airport
Jandakot Airport in Western Australia is to be the site of the latest trial of a new aviation communication service.
A ground based radio operator will provide pilots with detailed operational information during periods when the Jandakot air traffic control tower is closed.
The month long trial will be undertaken three nights a week (Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday) from 6.00pm to 9.00pm.
The certified air/ground radio service will provide pilots with information on other air traffic both on the ground and in the air, as well as the latest weather conditions.
CASA's Assistant Director Aviation Safety Standards, Richard Yates, says Jandakot is the second airport to trial the new communication service in recent months.
Mr Yates says initial results of the trial at Ayers Rock Airport in September were positive and the operational implications are being considered.
"Many pilots told us the service was a big help in raising their awareness of other air traffic at a busy stage of their flights," Mr Yates says.
"At Ayers Rock it helped both regular public transport and private pilots maintain safe separation in the air and avoid confusion when on the ground.
"At Jandakot, which is a very busy general aviation aerodrome, the service will assist pilots during times when the control tower is closed.
"The Jandakot trial allows CASA to evaluate the effectiveness of an air/ground service in a general aviation training environment a quite different environment from Ayers Rock Airport."
The air/ground operator will respond to pilot broadcasts made when aircraft arrive, depart or conduct circuit training at the aerodrome.
The trial at Jandakot is being conducted by Jandakot Airport Holdings and the air/ground operator will use Airservices Australia's control tower facilities.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: ME9950PR