Safety in the vicinity of non-towered aerodromes - Australian ...

6.1 Occurrences involving non-broadcasts
As discussed in section 4.4, pilots operating at non-towered aerodromes are expected
to make a series of standard broadcasts regarding their position and intentions. The
aim of these broadcasts is to improve situational awareness for all pilots operating in
the circuit, on approach, or transiting in the vicinity of the aerodrome.
A review of the 709 occurrences between 2003 and 2008 suggested slightly over 200
cases where pilots flying within 10 NM of a non-towered aerodrome may not have
been broadcasting or maintaining a continuous watch of the CTAF. This included
instances of not being tuned to the correct frequency, having the radio volume turned
down, faulty radio equipment, not making broadcasts, or through other distractions.
It was generally difficult to determine from the reported information exactly why a
broadcast was not heard - because it was not made, because a pilot did not hear it due
to distraction or radio interference, because of a radio problem, or if it was for some
other reason. Figure 9 gives an approximation of how frequently each of the
recommended broadcasts was not heard, based on a review of these 200 or so
occurrences. It also provides an indication of situations where backtracking
broadcasts (while not required) were not made, leading to a breakdown in situational
awareness and reduced separation between two aircraft.
Figure 9: Frequency of recommended broadcasts not being heard or made by
pilots, 2003 to 2008
The need for good airmanship and broadcasting by pilots is central to safety in the
non-towered aerodrome environment, and will continue to be following the 3 June
2010 changes. This section discusses each phase of a flight where it is good practice
to make broadcasts, and the prevalence of non-broadcasting by aircraft at each which
led to an occurrence (sometimes causing a conflict).
Departure - before taxiing / entering the runway
Taxiing and standing aircraft were involved in 106 occurrences at non-towered
aerodromes between 2003 and 2008. Thirteen of these occurred at the start of the taxi.
Twelve occurrences involved an aircraft departing an aerodrome without making any
taxiing broadcasts. In one occurrence, the aircraft made the correct broadcasts, but on
the wrong frequency.
Aircraft entering an active runway without the pilot stating their intentions on the
CTAF were involved in 23 incidents.
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