Issue: communications

This includes:

  • Training
  • Broadcasting 
  • Requirements 
  • Radio congestion.

During the SSRP workshop operators recognised communication as a risk.

We discussed improving pilots’ radio training. Participants felt that pilot 'rote learning' was evident with students and low hour pilots not being aware of their surroundings when making radio calls.

Participates believed a decline in regulation had occurred. They noted less required radio calls at non controlled aerodromes. This lead to pilots not having enough situational awareness of other traffic at the aerodrome.

In busy CTAF areas, radio congestion can also reduce a pilot's situational awareness.

What can aerodromes and operators do?

Aerodromes and operators can talk with local operators, including flight training schools, of the risks involved in not having enough situational awareness. Discussing:

  • areas of operations
  • general times of operations (CAT and training for example)
  • basic communication practices emphasising ‘aviate, navigate and communicate’.

Operators can use electronic flight bags to help with awareness of traffic e.g. Ozrunways.

What are we doing and delivered?

We have industry engagement programs to help increase pilots’ awareness of the risks they may encounter. Some of these are: 

Published date: 30 September 2024
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//operations-safety-and-travel/safety-management-systems/sector-safety-risk-profiles/non-controlled-aerodromes-ssrp/issue-communications
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