OCTA Traffic Question

[blueblah]

Can an IFR aircraft that is in class G airspace (poor comms) change levels without gaining IFR traffic provided it remains in class G and in VMC? (Obviously the idea is that it is attempting to gain traffic).

Please add any references if you can.

Cheers Big Ears

[Jungmeister]

http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/publications/current/aip/enr/111110.pdf

The above AIP link contains the procedure for departing OCTA. A bit further down the page the procedure for change of levels is covered.

It seems to me that you have an obligation to notify ATS or broadcast your intention. If you are not in continuous communication with ATS it seems logical that a broadcast is the best action. You should have nominated a SARTIME or proceed VFR if you cannot maintain continuous communication.

The only logical process therefore if you are in the air and suffer a communications loss would be to broadcast your intention and report the failure to ATS by ESIR after the flight. (They certainly would have already done so and implemented SAR at the first missed position report.)

[Spodman]

If you can't communicate to notify the change of level you have had a communication failure. I expect you should follow ERSA Aircraft Emergency 1.6.4, it would not matter if you were in IMC or in controlled airspace either. Squawk 7600, listen out, transmit your intentions, look out the windows.

And (unlike the spud yesterday) check your radio is not working only because you are rebroadcasting "cricket on the radio" on the area frequency...

[Icarus2001]

AIP GEN 1.5 - 1 Requires IFR aircraft in A,C,D,E & G airspace:rolleyes: to be equipped with radio communications systems capable of continuous communication. They must be approved by CASA, properly installed and serviceable on departure of the flight.

GEN 1.5 -2 Para 1.4 states... At least one item of the required radio equipment must be capable of maintaining continuous communication with ATS at all stages of flight. This includes ground operations.

So in summary if you cannot be assured of VHF comms on the ground then HF is required.

The situation you describe however can occur and there are a few options...

1. Ask overflying aircraft on area frequency (VHF) for a relay.

2. Contact an RPT aircraft on 121.5 and ask for a relay.

3. Change level and broadcast your intentions. Consider using a VFR level if appropriate to location and weather conditions.

4. If mobile phone network coverage is available then contact ATC using the numbers from ERSA GEN -170.

Are we talking Private or Charter operations? As this would sometimes affect the number of radios carried etc.