Dick et al,
A question relating to a small point that seems lost:
IF VH-XMV called Flightwatch VHF 134.85 at 2300UTC, what response would she have got?
The answer:
NOTAM YMMM C5358/07
ON-REQUEST FLIGHT INFORMATION (FIS), SARTIME AND EMERGENCY ALERTING SERVICES NORMALLY PROVIDED BY FLIGHTWATCH ON DISCRETE VHF FREQUENCIES NOT AVBL DUE TO STAFF SHORTAGE.
(edit)
ON-REQUEST FLIGHT INFORMATION (FIS), SARTIME AND EMERG ALERTING SERVICES AVAILABLE ON FIA FREQUENCIES OR HF (REFER ERSA FAC-B BRISBANE ACC/FIC AND FAC-M MELBOURNE ACC/FIC).
FROM 11 230013 TO 11 300100 EST
MON TO FRI 2200-0100
In other words: Bugga all!!!!!!!!
Yes, that’s right. For all the rhetoric that services will continue pending “the review”, between 2200 and 0100 UTC every weekday, Flightwatch VHF frequencies are turned off at the tap. No one listens out, no one “ghosts”, no one responds to in-flight emergencies.
Want proof of that Dick? A call for service during that time would do the trick.