The Directorate of Flying Safety-ADF and the Bureau of Air
Safety Investigation (ATSB) recommends that Airservices Australia
in conjunction with the Australian Defence Force and AusSAR
investigate methods of improving communication links for SAR
operations.
Airservices considers that the established communication network
and facilities for civil aircraft operations are adequate for the
foreseeable future. This search was an extraordinary event that is
unlikely to be repeated in the near future. For that reason
Airservices does not consider that further expansion of the civil
network or facilities is warranted.
Airservices considers that access to Military communications during
search and rescue operations would be of a distinct advantage and
would support and assist in efforts to arrange a suitable
communication capability incorporating selected Military
links.
