Proposal - Frequency use at low level in Class G airspace (NPRM 1712AS)

Overview

In February we asked for your views on which frequency should be used at low level in uncontrolled (Class G) airspace and at uncharted aerodromes where there is no discrete frequency or broadcast area. The options were:

• maintain the current practice of monitoring the relevant area frequency
• monitor and broadcast on 126.7 MHz (MULTICOM).

More than eighty per cent of respondents to the discussion paper supported establishing MULTICOM 126.7 MHz as the frequency to use in low level airspace.

Notice of proposed rule making

This proposal has been considered and endorsed by the Aviation Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP).

The proposed changes reflect the preferences of the aviation community, while taking into account future airspace design and safety considerations for both visual flight rules (VFR) and instrument flight rules (IFR) pilots.

The intent of changing the procedures for radio frequency use in low level airspace is to maximise the opportunity for aircraft operating at low level in Class G airspace to be on the same frequency and to make and receive broadcasts for 'alerted see-and-avoid'.

To ensure safe and effective implementation, common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) areas would be expanded under the proposal. This will ensure that aircraft conducting instrument approaches are on the same frequency as aerodrome traffic, prevent multiple frequency changes during climb and descent and ensure transmissions at busy aerodromes do not experience clutter from the MULTICOM frequency.

This proposal has two elements that are intended to be implemented together:

• Establish MULTICOM below 5,000 feet
  This change would allow VFR and IFR aircraft to monitor and broadcast on the MULTICOM frequency of 126.7 MHz up to but not including 5,000 feet AMSL in Class G airspace where a discrete frequency, such as a CTAF or broadcast area, does not exist.

AND

• Expand the airspace volume of CTAFs
  At non-controlled aerodromes this change would expand the volume of airspace contained in the CTAF to a 20 nautical mile radius laterally and up to, but not including, 5,000 feet AMSL vertically. For the few aerodromes with an elevation of 3,000 feet AMSL or higher, the vertical limits would extend to 3,500 feet AGL.

Together, these elements provide safety benefits for both IFR and VFR flights, provide additional protection for passenger transport operations and reflect the strong preference from the aviation community for keeping air traffic control transmissions separate from general transmissions, particularly at aerodromes.

Image: The proposed changes to radio frequency use in low level airspace.

Next steps

Following consultation, these changes may be implemented by mid-2018 and the aviation community will be advised.

If the changes are adopted, CASA will provide an awareness and education program to ensure pilots are aware of the new procedures and have the necessary guidance and information.

CASA will continue to review radio broadcasts and establishing further discrete frequencies would be considered if any issues of congestion arise as a result of any changes to radio frequency advice.

Why your views matter

CASA would like to hear from all airspace users on whether the proposal should be accepted. The results of the consultation will influence whether the proposal will be implemented.

The proposed changes are open for public consultation until 12 January 2018.