We're you involved in the restrictions placed here or do you know who was?
As far as I am aware introducing the UNICOM idea originated in CASA. I recall hearing something @ RAPAC many years ago, and
Leadsled has given the history.
That said, being stuck with the regulations as they are, given the difference between the UNICOM service and CA/GRS, the latter would appear to be more useful a.k.a. what is provided at PD.
From Part 139:
UNICOM
14.4.1.3 Participation in Unicom services by an aerodrome operator, whether for the purposes of a frequency confirmation system or otherwise, is to be limited to the exchange of radio messages concerning:
(a) confirmation of the CTAF/MBZ frequency selected by aircraft;
(b) general aerodrome weather reports;
(c) aerodrome information;
(d) estimated times of arrival and departure;
(e) passenger requirements;
(f) aircraft refuelling arrangements;
(g) maintenance and servicing of aircraft including the ordering of urgently required parts;
(h) unscheduled landings by aircraft.
14.4.1.4 General aerodrome weather reports provided by a Unicom operator are to be limited to simple, factual statements about the weather, unless the Unicom operator is authorised by CASA to make meteorological observations.
CA/GRS
14.2.3.1 A CA/GRS must provide the following services to aircraft within airspace designated as an MBZ area in which the aerodrome is located:
(a) advice of relevant air traffic in the MBZ airspace or on the aerodrome;
(b) aerodrome weather and operational information, including:
(i) wind speed and direction;
(ii) the runway preferred by wind or noise abatement requirements;
(iii) runway surface conditions;
(iv) QNH;
(v) temperature;
(vi) cloud base and visibility;
(vii) present weather;
(viii) other operational information;
(ix) for departing aircraft, a time check;
(x) call-out of the aerodrome emergency services;
(xi) provide aerodrome information to pilots who telephone the service.
14.2.3.2 A CA/GRO may also provide other information requested by pilots.
Good to see CASA's MOS has kept up to date. When did MBZ's disappear?
Have any training organisations ever tried to put together a UNICOM or CA/GRS course?