Good communication helps keep everyone safe, especially at non-controlled aerodromes and in shared airspace.
Workshop participants said that busy CTAF frequencies can make it harder for pilots to communicate. Shared frequencies, blocked transmissions and different radio practices can reduce pilots' awareness of other aircraft.
Participants also raised concerns about aircraft flying over or near non-controlled aerodromes without making radio calls. This can make it harder for other pilots to know where traffic is, especially at busy training aerodromes.
Different aircraft types also add to the challenge. Recreational aircraft, helicopters, gliders and training aircraft all fly differently and may operate together in the same airspace.
Not all aircraft carry radios or electronic traffic awareness equipment. When this happens, pilots must rely more on keeping a good lookout.
What you can do
You can improve safety by using standard radio procedures and flying predictable circuit patterns.
Key actions include:
- make clear, concise radio calls using standard phraseology
- make radio calls early and at the correct stages of flight
- follow standard circuit and joining procedures
- use "see and avoid" - do not rely on radio calls alone
- brief visiting pilots on local procedures
- use electronic traffic awareness devices where practical
- follow agreed procedures when operating with different aircraft types.
An example discussed during the workshop included aircraft overflying aerodromes such as Southport and Heck Field without broadcasting intentions. This reduces situational awareness for circuit traffic.
Training can also help. Practising CTAF congestion, simultaneous circuit operations, and non-standard aircraft operations helps pilots build confidence and improve communication.
What we have done
We support safe operations at non-controlled aerodromes through education, guidance, surveillance and industry engagement.
Current activities include:
- publishing operational guidance and educational resources on CTAF procedures and collision avoidance
- delivering webinars and safety promotion activities focused on non-controlled aerodrome operations
- promoting standard radio phraseology and predictable circuit operations
- supporting awareness of ADS-B and other electronic traffic awareness devices
- monitoring safety trends, including communication issues and near collisions.
We remind pilots that radio calls do not replace keeping a good lookout. Pilots should always combine effective radio communication with visual scanning.
Guidance such as Be heard, be seen, be safe reminds pilots to use both radio calls and effective visual scanning.
The Part 91 Manual of Standards explains the required radio calls. You can also find this information in the Part 91 plain English guide.
More information about radio procedures and non-controlled aerodromes is available from: