Difference between ALA and unlicenced aerodrome??
 

Does any one know the difference between an ALA and an unlicenced aerodrome?

Apparently I need to know for my CPL test.

Cheers

Hmm... is it - both can be (and often are) better than licenced ones?? :}

Not 100% sure
 

but a couple of things I thought of

1) You don't need operators prior permission to use an un-licensed aerodrome?
2) Perhaps 'un-licensed aerodromes' as listed in the ERSA adhere to the ALA dimesnion guidlines in CAAP 92.1, whereas not all ALA's do?

To be honest I'm not 100% sure so I hope someone else can you fill you in on this. It will be interesting to find out what sets them apart, if anything.

ops_guy

My understanding is that an ALA can be any field you deem fit to land on such as an open paddock, provided you are satisfied it is suitable to do so. CASA has published these guidelines in the relevant CAAP.

Regarding unlicensed aerodromes, I am unaware if such aerodromes still operate under this category. The categories that are established now are either certified, registered or other.

There are currently four types of aerodromes in Australia: certified, registered, ALA and Certain others. The certain others come under CASR Part 139.D, and are basically ALAs supporting RPT or regular passenger charter between 9 and 30 passenger seats which are not registered. Unlike ALAs, the certain other aerodromes have to comply with physical standards for the aircraft type which operates there, as well as having an inspection and reporting system which is outside the NOTAM system. The aerodrome reporting officer reports directly to the RPT/charter operator. A typical certain other aerodrome would be Yam Island in the Torres Strait.

Both Certified and Registered aerodromes have serviceability status notified by the NOTAM system.

As an aside, there are also military aerodromes with RPT ops, such as Newcastle/Williamtown, but that is a totally separate situation.

Its been awhile since I've been an instuctor but our schools understanding was a ALA has absolutley no Notam service and an unlicenced aerodrome was titled with "Full Notam Service Not Avaliable." It was the idea that a unlicenced aerodrome could have a notam at some point such as "aerodrome closed". For example Wee Waa and Cecil Plains in Queensland back in the day....

The full NOTAM service is only available at certified and registered aerodromes. NOTAMS are only available at certain other aerodromes/ALAs for things such as radio nav aid serviceability (eg Georgetown) or Pilot Activated Lighting facilities if there is PAL at an ALA. Pilots operating into these aerodromes are supposed to determine aerodrome status by contacting the aerodrome operator prior to arriving.

No-one has answered the original question - I don't think there is any difference, but I'm no expert. I treat both the same, get permission to land and an update on condition from the owner before operating there. I also need to get approval of CFI as an Ops manual requirement (for the aircraft I fly).

If this is related to your theory exam, you are permitted to take CAAP 92-1 into the exam. When I did my theory exam late last year I only had one question on ALA's and the answer was in the CAAP, hope this helps.

Cessna Dave and Bentleg,

There is no long any animal called an "unlicensed aerodrome", you have asked an out of date question.

Other posters have already answered the question after a fashion, but if you need to know for the CPL, I strongly suggest you read the relevant CASR's, including the Manuals of Standards and Advisory Circulars, and the AIP.

Even if you are a PPL, you should understand something as basic as this, it ain't just (or even) CASA, the insurance companies expect you to know. Unless, of course, you are flying an uninsured aircraft.

Don't even think about basing CPL examination answers on pprune posts.

Tootle pip!!

Thanks for the info so far.

I did a CPL Pre-lic ground component the other day and there was a question on it, the very question we are answering. It must be out of date. I understand the types of aerodromes that others have put forward.:ok:

What ever happened to studying?!
 

cessnadave, this may sound strange but instead of posting questions on pprune for exam questions, why not just spend the time with your nose in the actual theory book & study it like everyone else? All the answers are there and in plain english!

There is a similarity though. Both are unlicensed. ;)

ALA - Aerodrome that complies with the ALA guidelines for dimensions and splays in accordance with CASA's ALA CAAP.

Unlicenced Aerodrome - is an aerodrome other than a Licenced Aerodrome. This is in simple terms a piece of dirt, that is not licenced.

Anything can be an Unlicenced Aerodrome, if it is used by aircraft, but to be an ALA is needs to comply with the CAAP.

Have a nice day.