Oh; The endless beating of 'expert' gums.
And yet, in other grown up aviation countries, for years they have had a tried and true system, which has many times, assisted in the prevention of the 'Oaks' situation. It ain't 100% bullet proof; but then what system is? The 'Oaks' is perfectly located to provide the service, indeed, perhaps even made mandatory. It could be organised on volunteer roster basis; only manned during (ahem) 'peak' periods and would serve the traffic very well – when needed. Airline companies and many charter companies have a 'base' radio; bloody handy sometimes. But now I digress. This link – HERE – to WIKI paints the picture; worthy of consideration at least.
"UNICOM is employed at airports with a low volume of general aviation traffic and where no control tower is active.[4] UNICOM stations typically use a single communications frequency. Some airfields always offer UNICOM service while others revert to UNICOM procedures only during hours when the control tower is closed. Under this protocol, aircraft may call a non-government ground station to make announcements of their intentions. Pilots who join the frequency later can request field advisories, which may include "weather information, wind direction, the recommended runway" and any previously reported traffic"
Good enough for the grown ups; so why not for the pitiful level of traffic Australia carries (in fine weather, when the fuel price is sustainable and the landing fees are not outrageous, on top of the air-nav charges. Traffic numbers are as low as they have ever been – and yet, even in broad daylight airborne things keep hitting other airborne things.. Flight Service was a great help and valued. Ever wonder why some fool shut it down with what we have today as a replacement Oh, I do; indeed, I do........
Toot toot.
Toot – toot.
And yet, in other grown up aviation countries, for years they have had a tried and true system, which has many times, assisted in the prevention of the 'Oaks' situation. It ain't 100% bullet proof; but then what system is? The 'Oaks' is perfectly located to provide the service, indeed, perhaps even made mandatory. It could be organised on volunteer roster basis; only manned during (ahem) 'peak' periods and would serve the traffic very well – when needed. Airline companies and many charter companies have a 'base' radio; bloody handy sometimes. But now I digress. This link – HERE – to WIKI paints the picture; worthy of consideration at least.
"UNICOM is employed at airports with a low volume of general aviation traffic and where no control tower is active.[4] UNICOM stations typically use a single communications frequency. Some airfields always offer UNICOM service while others revert to UNICOM procedures only during hours when the control tower is closed. Under this protocol, aircraft may call a non-government ground station to make announcements of their intentions. Pilots who join the frequency later can request field advisories, which may include "weather information, wind direction, the recommended runway" and any previously reported traffic"
Good enough for the grown ups; so why not for the pitiful level of traffic Australia carries (in fine weather, when the fuel price is sustainable and the landing fees are not outrageous, on top of the air-nav charges. Traffic numbers are as low as they have ever been – and yet, even in broad daylight airborne things keep hitting other airborne things.. Flight Service was a great help and valued. Ever wonder why some fool shut it down with what we have today as a replacement Oh, I do; indeed, I do........
Toot toot.
Toot – toot.