The concern related to the information which is contained in AIP in relation to the frequency to be used a non-controlled airports.
The reporter expressed a safety concern that the AIP has contradictory statements as to which frequency a pilot should broadcast their intentions when operating in a non-towered aerodrome which does not have a nominated discrete frequency.
In Enroute (ENR) 1.1 44.1.1(b) it states that a pilot should use the discrete frequency if the aerodrome is depicted on aeronautical charts and (c) states that if not the FIA frequency should be used. However in ENR 1.4 3.2.1 it states that if no discrete frequency has been listed then Multicom 126.7 should be used.
This has resulted in instances where pilots have been operating at an aerodrome using 126.7 but other aircraft at the same aerodrome have been operating on the area frequency.
CASA is aware of this issue and is taking action to address it. CASA will use both industry education and changes to AIP to ensure a consistent and safe approach. This includes:
- Updating CASA education material on operations at, or in the vicinity of, non-controlled aerodromes;
- Aviation Safety Advisors providing education on non-controlled aerodrome procedures as part of the 2014 field program; and
- Emphasising the availability of Regional Airspace and Procedures Advisory Committee to identify airspace and procedural issues (including ensuring aerodromes are marked on an aeronautical charts and hence Multicom is to be used) or obtaining a discrete frequency for aerodromes with frequency congestion issues.
A Request for Change (RFC) has been drafted by CASA to address a number of inconsistencies and incorrect terminology in AIP (including ENR 1.4 3.2.1). CASA intends to circulate this RFC for approval for inclusion in the 21 August 2014 AIP.
The ATSB clarified with CASA how the procedure should be applied:
- If an aerodrome is not marked on an aeronautical chart then the area frequency should be used
- If an aerodrome is marked on an aeronautical chart, but does not have a discrete frequency, then the multicom frequency, 126.7, should be used.