CASA wants safer skies for fare-paying passengers
Changes being introduced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to airspace between Canberra and Ballina in northern NSW are part of the Airspace 2000 Program which aims to make Australia's skies safer for fare paying passengers.
CASA's Director of Aviation Safety, Mick Toller, said today that from 8 October a radar information service will replace the existing radio system that dates back more than 40 years to the days of the DC-3.
"The old way is no longer suitable now that regional centres are serviced by fast, modern aircraft.
"Radar is more accurate and will provide a more comprehensive service to pilots who will find it easier and safer to operate in this airspace."
Mr Toller said pilots would be informed of the position of other aircraft by using the radar service operated by air traffic sector controllers.
He said there had been incidents in the Canberra-Ballina airspace which might have been avoided if radar services had been available.
The Bureau of Air Safety Investigation has recommended that radar services be introduced as soon as possible in this airspace.
The changes have been subjected to extensive analysis and consultation with the Regional Airlines Association and a few improvements have been made at the association's request.
In addition, CASA has obtained an independent assessment of the changes proposed from the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom.
A comprehensive education campaign is underway to ensure pilots are aware of and understand the airspace changes. Information centres and a telephone hotline will be available to help pilots.
"What we are doing is in accord with CASA's policy of concentrating resources where fare-paying passenger-carrying aircraft operate, and providing them with the highest level of safety that modern technology can provide," he said.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Don Hook
Acting Manager Public Relations
Phone (02) 6217 1015 or Mobile 041 929 6446
16 September 1998
Ref: ME9824PR