CTAFs in Australia

[awqward]

This may be a silly question, but not having flown in Australia for a long time, but planning to shortly, I have a question regarding CTAF procedures: The ERSA FAC for a number of airports with a CTAF advise the CTAF frequency 126.7 or some other assigned frequency...BUT it also advises the Center Frequency to be used in the Circuit Area??? Am I missing something here? How does that work??

[cptkris]

All circuit traffic calls should be done on the CTAF only.

The Centre frequency you are referring to is the Air Traffic Services (usually Melbourne Centre ML CEN) available at the location. Due to limited range, it can be either in the "circuit area(yscr)", "on the ground(ypjt)" or a specified altitude e.g. 3000ft(yspk).

This is given FYI in case you need it for example to cancel SAR and you dont have a phone on you.
(its mainly used for IFR traffic that need to contact ATS as early as possible with their taxi/departure calls and SAR on arrival)

Have fun and be safe! (oh -and it might be a good idea to have a good long chat to the boys at the flight school to give you a more thorough brief, a fair few things have changed recently such as scrapping GAAP aerodromes, circuit procedures in CTAFs etc)

[awqward]

Thanks Kris, that makes sense.... I am quite thorough about reading up on procedures etc as I regularly fly VFR in the UK and the US so I am always having to read up on the latest applicable regulations. For Australia I have re-read the ERSA, VFG, Jandakot procedures, the AIP and even parts of the CARs/CAOs to refresh myself! But in any case I will be getting a dual check....I think they had just gone to Class D instead of GAAP the last time I flew there...which is what I am used to here in Aberdeen....

Cheers
Anthony Q

[cptkris]

Thats excellent, you shouldn't have much problems then.

If you do go into the big Class D aerodromes such as Jandakot then just use the phrase "unfamiliar with the aerodrome". The controllers are very helpful and it does get very busy at times (YPJT had 368070 movements in 2008...)

Fly safe!

[Lasiorhinus]

Go and have a talk to Simon at Jandakot Flight Centre. He'll explain all the stuff youve missed out on in the last year or so in Australian airspace.

[awqward]

Thanks L...although I already have an appointment at RACWA....

One more question for anyone familiar with Perth: Despite the ERSA note almost banning VFR transits except by Victor 65 and 66, (which seems overly restrictive considering I can fly right over the top of Orlando Class B which I'm sure are a little busier than YPPH), is it possible to track say CKL or SWY dct PH dct CTE? Cutting across runways at altitude avoids local traffic and is surely safe? Maybe a polite phone call to the ATC Supervisor?

AWQ

[Expat87]

Hi Anthony,I done all my PPL training with RACWA at Jandakot and we always took Victor 66 from Clackline back to SIXS (or I think it was actually Canning Dam you come out of CTA). I never heard of anyone coming back overhead YPPH. Worth remembering that even if they don't clear you for V66 you can still head back to YPJT not above 2000ft and remain clear of CTA (although not a great idea in a SEP with only the Canning Highway as the only potential forced landing area!)

[southport]

Hi, if you are going to fly on a C O V make sure you book a procedures flight with RWCA out of Jandakot as this will take 1.5hrs and will need a level 2 instructor to sign off. If you dont you may do multiple flights which will be costly. 1st half will consist off usuall stalls & emergencys . 2nd will be entering & exiting at all the nominated points. Have you downloaded the procedures off the CASA website? It has all the radio calls & pics of the reporting points from the air it really is fantasically helpful. When are you going to fly there ?

[maehhh]

Excellent question, please post it here if you find an answer! :ok: