Aviation safety initiative to proceed
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has announced that improvements to airspace arrangements between Canberra and Ballina in northern NSW will go ahead after a 14-day deferral to allow the airlines to clarify their operational procedures.
"Constructive consultations with the airlines and Airservices Australia over the past few days have cleared the way for this major safety initiative," the Director of Aviation Safety, Mick Toller, said today.
From 22 October, Airservices will introduce a radar-based traffic information service in Class G airspace. The changes will be closely monitored during a demonstration period lasting until mid-1999.
Experts from the Civil Aviation Authority of the United Kingdom provided independent confirmation that the demonstration of the new airspace could proceed, subject to improvements that will be implemented.
Introduction of the radar service is part of the Airspace 2000 Program which aims to revitalise the management of Australian airspace and make Australia a world leader in aviation safety.
The Bureau of Air Safety Investigation has recommended that Airservices should "maximise the use of the currently available radar coverage, particularly on routes used by regular public transport aircraft".
Mr Toller says the radar system is more accurate and will provide a more comprehensive service to pilots who will find it easier and safer to operate. "The old way, dating back almost 50 years to the days of the DC-3, is no longer suitable now that regional centres are serviced by fast, modern aircraft."
He said CASA had to ensure that safety regulations matched current developments. "What we are doing is in accord with our 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."
The Chief Executive of Airservices, Bill Pollard, said regional airlines could be assured that the radar service they sought would be consistently available.
"This addresses the main concern raised by the regional airlines. Airservices is committed to the trial of Class G Airspace and is doing everything possible to ensure its successful implementation," he said.
Comprehensive education material has been distributed to ensure pilots are aware of and understand the airspace changes. Information centres and a telephone hotline service have been available to help pilots.
MEDIA ENQUIRIES
Don Hook
Acting Manager Public Relations
Phone (02) 6217 1015 or Mobile 041 929 6446
7 October 1998
Ref: ME9828PR