Prioritising aviation safety

A plane crash at Heatherton, just after takeoff from Moorabbin Airport. The pilot was taken to hospital.

Local pilots are being invited to upgrade their safety skills when flying in and around non-controlled aerodromes.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in Moorabbin says pilot safety and skills in navigating non-controlled aerodromes is the focus of the latest pilot safety seminar this week.

Most Australian aerodromes are in non-controlled airspace and Australian Transport Safety Bureau statistics show there have been more than 60 incidents, including mid-air and ground collisions, in or around non-controlled aerodromes in recent years.

CASA’s aviation safety advisers host free seminars for pilots at locations around Australia year-round to encourage pilots of all experience levels to refresh their knowledge and improve their safety.

This week’s seminar in Moorabbin will give pilots practical tips about flying efficiently and safely at non-controlled aerodromes and discovering the CASA resources available to support them.

CASA’s Tim Penney said flying into non-controlled aerodromes poses its own hazards and risks for pilots.

“At the seminar, we’ll spend time discussing looking and listening out, radio calls, procedures, pre-flight planning and supporting systems in your aircraft that can help pilots manage the risks and fly safely into and out of non-controlled aerodromes,” Tim said.

Tim said CASA may also use case studies to see how things can go wrong and how pilots can be prepared to mitigate those risks to fly safely.

“Whether you’re a novice or have been flying for years, we’ve designed this seminar so pilots of all levels of experience will get something valuable from coming along.

Local pilots will have the chance to talk about local safety issues with other pilots in their area, to hear the perspectives and questions of those that share the sky.

Pilots are welcome to raise any local safety issues and ask questions about rules and regulations.

The Moorabbin aviation safety seminar will be held on Thursday 9 February 2023 at 6.30 pm at the Woodlands Golf Club. Spots can be booked on EventBrite for the Non-Controlled Aerodromes – Manage Your Risks seminar.