CASA Media Release - 26 July 1999
Warwick airport safer thanks to satellites
Warwick Airport is set to become safer and more efficient as a result of the latest satellite navigation technology.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is validating a new set of procedures for Warwick Airport that will allow pilots to use Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation.
Pilots use GPS instruments - which determine positions through satellite signals - to accurately navigate while flying enroute and during landings.
During landings GPS navigation instruments allow qualified pilots to make simpler and safer approaches to airports.
Pilots using GPS to land at Warwick Airport will 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.
CASA's Assistant Director Aviation Safety Promotion, Mike Smith, says GPS is smart technology that is being used by more and more pilots.
"Satellite technology will make flying into Warwick Airport simpler for pilots and safer for everybody," Mr Smith says.
"Pilots who are qualified to use this technology can navigate more accurately and can usually restrict the areas they need to fly over at low levels when landing.
"GPS navigation is being gradually introduced at regional airports around the nation and will be available at Warwick within weeks."
To introduce GPS navigation CASA pilots are undertaking low level test flying this Tuesday (27 July) on the approaches to Warwick Airport.
CASA pilots will be flying a blue Baron aircraft (VH-WLC). The flights will begin at 10.00 am and last for about five hours.
CASA apologises for any inconvenience.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: ME9939PR