This issue includes varied types of aviation activities conducted at non-controlled aerodromes and their immediate surroundings. This includes:
- flight training
- other aerial work such as mustering or surveying
- other air transport operations.
What can CASA Part 133 operators do?
Organisations should ensure flight crew are sufficiently familiar with environment. This includes:
- location of likely traffic (for example training areas)
- types of activities (for example foreign students flight training)
- timing of any traffic (for example typical training departure and arrival times).
You can record this information in company documentation and kept up-to-date as required.
You should ensure procedures are appropriate based on the risk presented at each uncontrolled aerodrome. Examples of procedures include:
- Arrival and departure procedures. You can design your procedures to avoid known high traffic areas to minimise conflicts with other activities. This is even where these routes are not the most efficient.
- Requirements and process for low visibility operations. Work with the aerodrome and other operators to understand how best to manage low visibility operations at non controlled aerodromes.
- Encourage reporting of occurrences for those who do not follow procedures.
- Engage with the aerodrome and other users where you think it is necessary.
What is CASA doing or has already delivered?
The 'Your safety is in your hands' pilot safety campaign, supported by our Pilot safety hub, has a focus on operations at non-controlled aerodromes.
We have provided a range of resources for local flying schools and industry associations to encourage their students and members to get involved.
In addition to the 'Your safety is in your hands' campaign, we have also developed a range of material to support VFR pilots operating in and around non-controlled aerodromes. This will help pilots improve safety for all airspace users. Examples of these materials include:
- The Visual Flight Rules Guide (VFRG). This guide helps pilots prepare, plan and fly safely under the visual flight rules. It explains the rules in plain English and by using practical information and examples.
- The Stay OnTrack series of booklets help pilots flying under visual flight rules (VFR) become familiar with a particular region.
- An educational poster showing pilots the correct circuit procedures at a non-controlled aerodrome. The poster includes circuit heights and circuit joining procedures. We have designed the poster to support aero clubs or flying schools.
We have worked with other state safety programme agencies to support the Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS-B) Broadcast Rebate Program. The program incentivises voluntary uptake of ADS-B equipment in Australian–registered aircraft operating under Visual Flight Rules (VFR). This will improve safety and efficiency for Australian airspace users. The program runs through until mid-2027.