Originally Posted by
YPJT
There are basically two methods which ERSA describes in a very long winded way. Where a PAL is on the same frequency as the CTAF it is one second on, one second off. When the PAL is on its own frequency it is normally 3 seconds on and 1 second off.
As I alluded to earlier, what can be really stressful even if you are sure that you are keying the correct tx sequence is that no confirmation message is being transmitted from the unit. Not fun flying to a location in the dark and not knowing if you have lights until you're visual with the field. Leigh Creek has one such unit. The only saving grace being that there is a flashing beacon that is visible for quite a ways out on a clear night. From memory though, the flashing (rotation) interval on the beacon is not as per the published 6 seconds. Might be time for a bit of maintenance of the system out there.
YLEC lights work best when you do it this way: (key mic) count one and two and three and (release mic) count off and two and three and, then repeat twice more.
From memory that beacon flash is 9 seconds. As far as a bit of maintenance on the system then perhaps you should contact the aerodrome owners (Outback Areas) & voice your concerns. If enough people complain (especially RFDS pilots) then maybe something will get done.
I had a phone call from one member of Outback Areas a few days ago who was checking up on how I was feeling after Saturday night, & in the course of our conversation I mentioned about my husband going out there & doing roo runs before the RFDS aircraft landed at night. He didn't see why that was necessary, until I told him how many roos hubby had chased off in just one night alone - he gave up counting after 30!
DF.
DF.