Mangalore 2022 aeronautical study - draft report

We asked industry to provide feedback on the draft Mangalore Aeronautical Study conducted by CASA’s Office of Airspace Regulation (OAR). This aeronautical study assessed the airspace within 25 nautical miles (NM) of Mangalore from the surface to 8,500 feet (FT) above mean sea level (AMSL). 

We sought feedback to understand industry and community issues, observations or positions regarding the information contained in the draft report.

The consultation was open from 13 July to 11 August 2022. We received 28 responses (21 via the survey, and 7 via email) from membership-based organisations (such as Civil Air, Recreational Aviation Australia and the Australian Airline Pilots' Association) as well as pilots from sporting, recreational and general aviation backgrounds. Fifteen respondents consented to having their comments published. Read what people had to say in the ‘Published responses’ section on this page.

Overall, responses were generally supportive of the draft aeronautical study.

The feedback validated the issues of frequency congestion and use of non-standard phraseology. Various aviation groups expressed an interest in presenting information at aviation seminars to help improve education.

There were some comments on topics outside the scope of the aeronautical study, including:

• the mid-air collision that occurred in 2020 and related Australian Transport Safety Bureau report
• impacts of the Navigation Rationalisation Project with the removal of ground-based navigation aids from outside the study area, and the use of alternate means for compliance with flight training.

Each comment was reviewed and, where actionable, incorporated into the final report. All comments were greatly appreciated. Where consent has been given to publish a response, these have been included in the final version of the study. 

The recommendations in the draft report have not changed.

We are now actioning the recommendations we are accountable for:

Recommendation 1
CASA Aviation Safety Advisors should conduct a safety seminar at Mangalore and surrounding aerodromes with an agenda that focusses on awareness and safety for operations within the vicinity of a non-controlled aerodrome and the importance of precise and concise radio calls.

Status: In progress
In September 2022 we started our latest AvSafety seminars for pilots with the topic “Non-Controlled Aerodromes: Manage Your Risks”. These free seminars are being held at locations across Australia for 12 months including regional centres near Mangalore. 

We also launched a broader national pilot safety campaign in mid-August. The ‘Your safety is in your hands’ campaign is built around 4 key safety topics. Operating around non-controlled aerodromes was the first topic and activities. We engaged pilots via a range of channels including podcast, investigative panel video and webinars. Resources continue to be available on our pilot safety hub.

Recommendation 2
En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) entries at Mangalore, Ballarat, Latrobe Valley and Busselton be amended to remove or clarify the requirements for the addition of 1,000 FT to prescribed altitudes during practice instrument approach procedures.

Status: Completed
The ERSA was updated and effective from 8 September 2022.

Feedback outside the scope of the study has been provided to CASA Executive Management for consideration. 

The OAR will continue to monitor the airspace around Mangalore at regular intervals.