Organisations facing communication issues outside controlled airspace (OCTA).
What can CASR Part 135 operators do?
To mitigate communication risks, you can:
- record company communication methods and standards in the exposition
- establish the minimum company standards for class G airspace and non-controlled aerodromes communication through the organisation’s exposition.
You should ensure flight crew are familiar with the general operating environment including:
- location of 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)
- known regular traffic with a focus on those who may not communicate consistently.
Record your information in company documents and keep up-to-date as required.
Use or reference relevant CASA documents that detail correct:
- radio procedures
- airspace requirements
- communication techniques.
What is CASA doing or has already delivered?
The Part 91 Manual of Standards outlines the minimum radio calls to be made for operations outside of controlled airspace. You can find requirements in the Part 91 plain English guide.
Other resources include:
- AC 91-14 Pilots’ responsibility for collision avoidance. This ACT provides advice on ‘see-and-avoid’. This includes using radio to provide ‘alerted see-and-avoid’ to make sure aircraft improve and maintain their separation at a busy aerodrome.
- AC 91-10 Operations in the vicinity of non-controlled aerodromes. This provides guidance on improving situational awareness and safety for all pilots when flying at or near non-controlled aerodromes.
You can find recommended content of radio calls included in supporting resources, in the following:
- radio procedures in non-controlled airspace booklet also available in hard copy
- radio procedures in non-controlled airspace Avsafety card
- Flight Safety Australia - Radio calls at non-controlled aerodromes YouTube video.