The Auto Release procedures at Melbourne Airport allowed for aircraft to be departed at or close to the separation minima, with no controls in place to ensure aircraft would maintain a minimum speed and flight crews would advise air traffic control if the speed could not be achieved.
AIP SUP H90 issued on 15 November 2012, and effective from 13 Dec 2012. Departure speeds in Class C airspace have been standardised to 250 kts or PIC must advise ATC if they cannot comply. These requirements now provide ATC with information on the speed profiles of departing aircraft and any variances, which can be used for planning and separation.
To address the safety issue identified by the ATSB, Airservices has reviewed the relevant international and domestic documented requirements and discussed the current practises used at radar terminal area (TMA) aerodromes in Australia.
On the basis of the above review, Airservices submitted a proposal to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) on 23 March 2012 to amend the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP). This amendment establishes a standard speed profile and ensures pilots of jet aircraft notify Air Traffic Control when operating at a significantly lower speed to this profile. Following review by CASA, Airservices will undertake industry consultation with the intent to align the implementation of the AIP amendment with the Aeronautical Information regulation and Control (AIRAC) date of 25 August 2012.
As an interim measure, Airservices will investigate the implementation of procedures at Melbourne in accordance with our Safety Management System.
The ATSB considers that this safety action appropriately addresses the safety issue, once the safety action has been completed.
