SAFA Skysailor Magazine

16 SKY SAILOR July | August 2024 Operations in proximity to airfields – VHF radio usage Iain Clarke – SAFA Safety Management Officer Recently, we have had a couple of events where flight operations being conducted by our members have caused some consternation to other airspace users. In the first, a GA (general aviation) pilot was on climb-out from Porepunkah airfield (NE Vic). Whilst a constant lookout should be kept by all VFR aircraft, as they were making a left-hand turn, they observed a paraglider in their proximity. The PG pilot was already making a turn away from the aircraft. The GA pilot did not hear any airband radio calls from other airspace users. This incident caused the GA pilot some alarm due to the potential for a mid-air collision, and they reached out to SAFA and the NEVHGC to discuss the matter. The second event occurred at the Mt Beauty airfield (also NE Vic). In this case, a sailplane was hooked up ready for a tow, and just as the aircraft was about to roll on runway 32 (exiting to the north), a paraglider entered the airfield, crossed the runway centreline and the pilot landed mid-field. Again, no airband radio call was heard. The Safety Manager of the Mt Beauty Gliding Club contacted SAFA to discuss the event. In this case there was a very real risk of the PG pilot colliding with the tow wire or the sailplane if they had wandered into the airfield area some seconds later. The paraglider pilots in both instances were unable to be identified. What these matters highlight, is the impor- tance of communications between all airspace users, and particularly when operating in proximity to airfields. Let’s be clear in our minds when we are required to carry and use airband radios. SAFA Operations Manual 6.3.3 describes an aircraft must carry radio when at or above 5,000ft AMSL, or in the vicinity of an aero- drome that is a certified (i.e. regulated), or military aerodrome, and the radio operator must be properly authorised to use the radio. SAFA Operations Manual 6.3.2 describes use when operating within the vicinity of a non-controlled aerodrome. In both these cases the airfields were Common Traffic Advisory Frequency (or CTAF), but were UNCR, i.e. uncertified/unregistered. Carriage of radio is not mandated but is courteous, sensible, and recommended. If carried, use is mandatory. It is good air- manship if operating In the vicinity of a CTAF, regardless of it being certified or uncertified, to carry and use a VHF airband radio. Airfield owners or operators have rights to mandate VHF airband radio carriage and use if an aircraft is on the ground at the airfield. A pilot operating in a CTAF UNCR if landing at the CTAF may be required to carry and use VHF. Do you know what your local airfields require? If you are interested in getting into the detail, some of the regulations and standards the Operations Manual needs to satisfy are: