Ballina Control Zone (implementation delays)
The AFAP has become aware a few months ago that the Ballina control services implementation date will not be met. Already an interim project date was not reached and on July 11,
Airservices publicly informed that Ballina ATC services will likely be delayed by at least 6 months. This all runs contrary to a directive upon Airservices and they certainly have questions to answer regarding their self-generated issues on this matter. The AFAP will continue to monitor the situation on your behalf.
Sydney Basin Airspace - changes due to Western Sydney Airport
AusALPA has participated in a series of industry consultation meetings hosted by Airservices. We have been keen to ensure procedural designs are safe, are aligned with international standards, and are operationally suitable in terms of flyability and workload considerations. The discussions have included topics of changes to the procedures to the other Sydney basin control zones and their associated procedures, and a detailed focus on Western Sydney International (WSI) such as the draft SIDs, STARs, NAPs and ground movement matters.
AFAF - The Australian Future Airspace Framework
The AFAF is a policy level review of the existing airspace structure and framework. With many advances in technological development and possibilities, a review is timely.
The AFAP has been involved in consultative meetings via the AFAF Technical Working Group (TWG), which S&T staff Lachlan Gray will continue to represent pilots and safety interests via this mechanism.
The July 15 meeting covered discussion on ADS-B, operational benefits and usage, policy positions on ADS-B mandates, including with challenges related to TCAS clutter and workload. The TWG will soon begin review of the first of 3 volumes of the AFAF.
Review of SID & STAR Procedures
A few years back, ICAO made changes to the standards for SIDs & STARs, which Australia mostly conformed too. Many ICAO States have raised issues about these and some States have begun consulting and reviewing the effectiveness of these changes.
CASA recently surveyed pilots and ATCs who use these procedures and the AFAP helped promote the survey to members. The survey included questions about phraseology, procedural constraints and an opportunity to suggest improvements. It is likely that there will be further opportunity for the AFAP to advocate safe and practical improvements to these procedures and we’ll remain engaged in representing these interests.