Varied type of aviation activities conducted at non-controlled aerodromes and their immediate surrounding, including flight training, sports, GA etc.
What can CASR Part 121 operators do?
Make sure flight crew are familiar with the environment, including:
- 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 keep it up-to-date as required.
You should make sure procedures are appropriate based on the risk presented at each uncontrolled aerodrome. Examples of procedures include:
- arrival and departure procedures designed to avoid high traffic areas to minimise conflicts with other activities. This includes routes that 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.
Organisations can also:
- engage with other operators at the aerodrome
- establish lines of communication
- consider delivering regular awareness briefings to training schools and aero clubs. This will enhance their understanding of air transport operations and what to expect when sharing airspace.
Engagement could also include having representatives attend regular aerodrome and or local operators’ safety meetings to discuss safety related issues. Sharing lessons learnt and best practice around risk and safety management can lead to improved outcomes for all operators.
You should continue to report safety occurrences to ATSB, including occurrences around non controlled aerodromes. This allows State Safety Programme agencies to better understand where prevalent issues are trending.
What is CASA doing or has already delivered?
The online Pilot safety hub supports the recent 'Your safety is in your hands' pilot safety campaign. The hub has a significant focus on operations at non-controlled aerodromes.
A range of resources created for the campaign support local flying schools and industry associations. They also encourage their students and members to get involved in the campaign messages.
In addition to the 'Your safety is in your hands' campaign, we have also developed material for VFR pilots operating in and around non-controlled aerodromes. This aims to improve safety for all airspace users. Examples of the material includes:
- the Visual Flight Rules Guide (VFRG) helps pilots prepare, plan, and fly safely under the visual flight rules. The guide 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. This includes circuit heights and circuit joining procedures. The poster supports 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).
The program aims to improve safety and efficiency for Australian airspace users and runs through until mid-2027.
You can submit your applications at Automatic Dependent Surveillance (ADS-B) Broadcast Rebate Program.