South-west capes, Western Australia, broadcast area

Overview

The Office of Airspace Regulation is proposing a broadcast area in the vicinity of the south west capes, Western Australia, following issues raised by local stakeholders.

Background

During a visit to Busselton and Bunbury to discuss common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) changes, it was identified that a need for frequency alignment was required by introducing a broadcast area for the south-west capes of Western Australia.

Busselton and Bunbury share a CTAF frequency 127.00 MHz; however, there is significant local traffic away from the aerodromes in the region, including:

• scenic and tourist flights
• flying training
• private aerodrome landing areas (ALAs)
• crop spraying from farm strips at certain times of the year
• Department of Fire and Emergency Services spotter aircraft and water bombers during fire season.

There is confusion on which frequency to use. Pilots are using 126.7 MHz for ALAs not marked on maps. However, the Aeronautical Information Publication Book recommends the Area frequency be used, as transiting pilots are not aware of local ALAs. Establishing a broadcast area will reduce confusion and increase situational awareness by having all local traffic operate on one frequency.

Documents for review

A copy of the proposed broadcast area map is provided below.

If you would like to provide further feedback, please email OAR@casa.gov.au. Feedback submitted by email will be considered but cannot be published publicly. 

Further information about  airspace regulation and the airspace change process is available on the CASA website.

Why your views matter

Why we are consulting

We are seeking your feedback regarding the proposed broadcast area around the southern capes of Western Australia and how it will affect your operations.  

What Happens Next

Once the consultation has closed, we will register and review each submission received through the online response form. We will make all submissions publicly available on the Consultation Hub, unless you request that your submission remain confidential. We will also publish the final report on our website.

Information about how we consult and how to make a confidential submission is available on the CASA website.

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