The current aerodrome studies are most likely the result of a CASA CTAF options paper regarding the establishment and de-establishment of CTAF(R)
www.casa.gov.au/oar/download/ctaf_options_paper.pdf

This document was published by CASA last December and establishes various criteria for the provision of traffic services at uncontrolled aerodromes. The aerodromes under study have moved to the "Risk Group 1" as outlined in that document. More specifically, para.2.2.8 where it states" The provision of a Local Aerodrome Advisory service (LAA) at an aerodrome is to be assessed by an aeronautical studies where at least 2 of the following 3 criteria are met:

a) Total annual aircraft movements exceed 20,000
b) Total annual commercial passenger transport aircraft movements exceed 5,000
c) Total annual passenger numbers (arrival and departure passengers) exceeds 200,000

It seems the results of the studies will enable CASA to recommend the establishment of either ATC tower/ CAGRO/ or unicom services at these airports.

With regard to CAGRO services at Broome , here's a few facts:

1. Traffic information provided by CAGRO at Broome is for all conflicting aircraft both IFR and VFR within the confines of the CTAF. They use the same criteria to assess relevant traffic as ATC. Gen 3.3-12 2.15.5.
Basically the same as the good old Flight Service AFIZ procedures.

2.To avoid duplication of traffic, CAGRO monitors the ATC frequency and if traffic is already passed by ATC they advise "No Additional Traffic". This duplication could be further reduced if :

a) Pilots taxying would advise ATC of traffic already passed to them by the CAGRO
b) ATC did not pass traffic within the CTAF as per Gen 3.3-11 2.15.3 " The ATS obligation to provide the pilot with traffic information ceases when the pilot reports changing to the CTAF"

And with regard to a tower at Broome. on some occasions when Broome gets busy a tower could be warranted, but in the majority of circumstances the CAGRO works very well. And bear in mind that if a "D" tower was introduced, the delays on the ground would be extensive, given the lack of a parellel taxyway and the frequent crossing of runways from north to south of GA aircraft. No more aircraft following each other down the runway etc.etc. So I guess everything is a compromise and nothing is ever going to be perfect. In fact from my observations, the CAGRO service is very well received by both local and RPT pilots.

Aerocat - You are spot on! :D

Broome needs a full length taxiway first & foremost. But hey, that Broome real estate is getting damned expensive isn't it! Far, far too much kero has been burnt whilst waiting for strings of lighties to land during some of my visits there. No disrespect intended here, we all have a right to share equally, but a bit of consideration would go a long way in the meantime.

Secondly, the CAGRO needs to remember he is there to provide traffic info, NOT control the said traffic.

Karratha - Bring on the new taxiway too. :ok: I'm not so sure about the tower bit though.:hmm:

Amen to that - report changing to the CTAF to make your friendly ATC even friendlier! If you are on the CTAF (2nd comm) but dont tell us - we will keep passing you TFC.

TT

Word. TT.

Gets a bit thin when you pass some traffic and some driver snaps 'WE ARE ON FINAL!!!'

Cool guys but if you don't want to be distracted, report changing to CTAF.:rolleyes:

I still get passed traffic even when I tell Centre I'm changing to the CTAF, in fact they will sometimes go to some lengths to try and contact me.

Whilst he is no doubt only doing his job the cagro at times is a joke... the jet on short final really wants to know ASAP when you are clear and just as you are about to key the mike someone gives a taxi call... instead of "standby" he gets traffic is .......+....+....+the aircraft taxiing behind you plus thhe chopper 20 mile away mustering not above 200 plus ...+...+.... , by the time you get a word in the jet is parked already...

Or the classic on taxi..... "traffic is the 737 about to vacate the runway"... oh cheers.. I was wondering what that big red tube the size of 2 houses with a V at the back was..!!

Someone has said it already but the best thing at times would be to stay quiet...

Oh come on 4x !

" the jet on short final really wants to know ASAP when you are clear and just as you are about to key the mike someone gives a taxi call... instead of "standby" he gets traffic"

So you're suggesting that the cagro says nothing? Do you think he has a crystal ball ? Standby by for what? The cagro is required by the regs to acknowledge an aircraft transmission with a traffic statement. This also confirms to the taxying aircraft that his radio is working. The cagro will advise the aircraft on short final if the runway is not clear. That is why he has to be able to see the runway and movement areas.

"traffic is the 737 about to vacate the runway"... oh cheers.. I was wondering what that big red tube the size of 2 houses with a V at the back was..!!

So your also suggesting that the cagro says no traffic ? When an aircraft is still on the active runway !! And "presume " that the other aircraft has seen him ! That is a recipe for disaster as any ATC will tell you.