Originally Posted by
cessnapete
Why do you need a ‘controller’. to do a practice RNAV approach in good weather? There is no ground equipment to switch on or monitor, and Shoreham is in uncontrolled airspace. Just fly the approach track and altitudes as a visual approach.
Shows what’s wrong with Luddite restrictions in the UK. In the USA and Australia for example, RNAV approaches are routinely carried out IFR/IMC with Unicom only.
Simple.
Suppose you're not the only pilot wishing to do this and one or two more aircraft arrive at the same time; somebody needs to be there to decide the 'batting order' and also to integrate any IFR departures which might occur at the same time.
From what I've been told, I understand (may be wrong) that with non towered airfields in the USA, the TRACON controller does all the above whilst you are in Class D/E airspace; don't know how they play it in Oz though.