VFR communication and surveillance equipment

Overview

We want to understand what communication and surveillance equipment you use when you fly under visual flight rules (VFR) conditions so we know how potential future airspace changes may impact you.

If you don’t have any surveillance and communication equipment, we’d still like to hear from you to understand what may be preventing you from installing equipment. This consultation is open to all pilots and aircraft operators who fly VFR, you do not need to have a VH tail to complete the consultation.

The survey will take 5-10 minutes to complete. Your feedback will be anonymous and used in accordance with our privacy policy.

Note

The survey is designed to be generic and not aimed at capturing specific equipment details. When selecting responses you should select the answer which is most applicable to you. For example, when answering the question about transponders, if the aircraft you fly/own is equipped with a Mode S extended squitter you should respond Mode S transponder (IFR standard ADS-B capable but not fitted). Or if you have indicated that the aircraft is ADS-B equipped you should select None of the Above.

A chance to win

Complete the survey for your chance to go in the draw to win one of 10 annual subscriptions to our Flight Safety Australia magazine.

Background

Australian airspace attracts many different types of VFR aircraft, including recreational and sports aircraft, which fly in close proximity to controlled airports or controlled airspace. Future changes may have the potential to impact these pilots by causing restriction or increasing the variety of traffic that may share that airspace.

Aircraft and pilots that fly VFR have access to many different types of surveillance and communication equipment, such as low-cost ADS-B units approved for use in 2020. This equipment can enable VFR aircraft to be seen by other aircraft and air traffic control.

Why your views matter

We’re hoping to understand what types of surveillance and communication equipment you use, how it is maintained and your plans for future equipment. This will help us to understand any impacts on general aviation from future airspace changes. 

What Happens Next

Once the consultation has closed, we will register and review each submission received through the online response form. We will publish the final report on our website.