Differences in the traffic alert phraseology between the Manual of Air Traffic Services and Aeronautical Information Publication increased the risk of non-standard advice being provided by the controller to the pilot of the G-IV during the compromised separation recovery.
AIP amendment addresses discrepency
On 15 June 2012 Airservices provided an update to the ATSB on action taken in response to the differences in traffic alert phraseology between the Manual of Air Traffic Services and Aeronautical Information Publication.
Airservices stated: To address the safety issue identified by the ATSB, Airservices conducted a review of relevant international and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) documentation. On the basis of this review, Airservices initiated a change to the phraseology that reflects the safety critical nature of the information being provided to flight crew. The changes to the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) will be implemented 28 June 2012. AIP GEN 3.3 – 18, effective 28 Jun 12, contains the following changes on safety alerts and avoiding actions: SAFETY ALERTS AND AVOIDING ACTION Introduction ATC will issue a Safety Alert to aircraft when they become aware that an aircraft is in a situation that is considered to place it in unsafe proximity to terrain, obstructions or active restricted areas and other non-surveillance aircraft. In surveillance coverage ATC will issue avoiding action advice to an aircraft as a priority, when they become aware that an aircraft is in a situation that is considered to place it at risk of a collision with another aircraft. ATC will not issue a Safety Alert or avoiding action advice when the pilot has already advised action is being taken to resolve the situation or has reported the other aircraft in sight. ATC will prefix advice to turn or change level with “suggest” unless the alerts are for controlled flights.
The ATSB notes the actions taken by Airservices to the issues identified in this investigation. The ATSB is satisfied that actions taken will adequately address the identified safety issues.
