Aeronautical Study of Port Macquarie - Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Office of Airspace Regulation Page 34 of 69
The following results were obtained:
a. Airspace and ATS
Most PT respondents did not believe that the current CTAF procedures provided
suitable protection for their operations. They showed a preference for a UNICOM, or
a CA/GRO, or a Control Tower service. An explanation of terminology can be found
in Annex E.
b. Traffic
The PT respondents indicated that the traffic volume and/or complexity is often high
or complex and that was normal for this CTAF during peak times.
c. Radio
Respondents very strongly reported that it is often difficult to get calls in on the radio
due to frequency congestion, and there is often traffic that does not appear to be on
the radio frequency.
d. Navigation Aids and weather conditions
The pilots agreed that the radio navigation aids currently provided are sufficient for a
safe and efficient operation. Some pilots commented that the current PT levels would
warrant a VHF Omni-directional Radio Range (VOR)/Distance Measuring Equipment
(DME); and that the lack of visual slope guidance and the state of the runway at TRE
is a concern. They also commented that a VOR at TRE would be useful, plus a
RNAV approach from the South.
Respondents agreed that the weather conditions are often such that instrument
approaches are required at both aerodromes and there is other IFR traffic also
arriving or departing at the same time. They also agreed that there can be a lot of
VFR traffic operating below the cloud base, providing little time for visual acquisition.
e. Aerodrome facilities
The pilots expressed concerns about the physical condition of the runways and
taxiways, particularly at TRE. It is recommended that CASA follow this up with further
consultation to establish the level of dissatisfaction
f. Safety
The pilots expressed concerns regarding CTAF procedures. They indicated that they
believed that the current airspace design only provided the minimum safety standard,
and that this area should have improved air traffic services due to the traffic numbers
and mix of operations.
5.9 Stakeholder comments and feedback
Stakeholder comments in response to the draft Airspace Review can be found in
Annex F.
Airspace Review of Port Macquarie (YPMQ) May 2010 Version 1.0