As reported by AsA
PR people the following:
Court Case Dropped - Airservices Australia Continues With Planned National Airspace Changes
No. 27/04
National air traffic control agency, Airservices Australia, fully intends to meet the 25 November deadline to implement safety enhancements to the National Airspace System, the Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer, Bernie Smith said today.
Bernie Smith reiterated the Corporation’s position on NAS after lawyers acting for businessman Dick Smith, today confirmed he would discontinue proceedings against Airservices in the Federal Court in Sydney.
Dick Smith commenced legal action in September to overturn a decision of the Airservices Board to introduce changes to the current National Airspace System.
'Dick Smith applied for, and was given leave by the Federal Court today, to discontinue proceedings and his counsel indicated to the court he will do so early next week. A decision on costs is reserved and will be considered by the court at a later date,' Bernie Smith said.
The Airservices Board’s decision involves changes to only about 10 percent of the current NAS 2 (b) E class airspace, but introduces significant safety enhancements to air traffic control procedures around towered airports protecting airliners.
Bernie Smith said the education program on the changes for pilots and industry operators continues.
'Initial material was sent out in early September for all pilots and forums have already been held at airports around the country to assist instructors to educate pilots and students.
'We encourage all pilots wishing to use this airspace to familiarise themselves with the changes,' he said.
'Aeronautical Information Publications such as new radio frequency boundaries on charts are currently being distributed and pilot forums will begin nationally in early November with additional operational material to be sent to pilots by the end of October, 'Bernie Smith said.
Meanwhile, controller training on airspace changes continues with all training to be completed before 25 November 2004.
For further information contact: Richard Dudley
+61 2 6257 4479 0412 146 828
Date: 22 October 2004
Airservices Australia is a Government owned organisation responsible for the safe and efficient management of air traffic across 11 per cent of the world's air space. Services include air traffic control, airspace management, aeronautical information, radar communications, radio navigation aids, aviation maintenance and engineering, environmental management and aviation rescue and firefighting. Airservices website:
www.airservicesaustralia.com
The facts ma'am just the facts
