REFRESHERS · RADIO · 6 MINUTES · AUSTRALIA
Radio rules rewritten.
Who may transmit, which calls you must make, and what counts as the vicinity of a non-controlled aerodrome now come from CASR Part 91 and its Manual of Standards.
Step 1 of 4
What changed, and when
Under regulation 91.625, you must not transmit on certain frequencies published in the AIP or NOTAMs unless you are authorised or qualified. For an Australian aircraft other than a Part 103 or Part 131 aircraft, that comes under Part 61, 64 or 65. Sources: CASR 91.625
The Part 91 MOS adds two kinds of frequency to that list: the CTAF for a non-controlled aerodrome, and the frequency for an MBA. Sources: MOS 21.01
Under regulation 91.630, if your aircraft is fitted with or carries a radio, you must make the broadcasts and reports the Part 91 MOS prescribes. Sources: CASR 91.630
Limits of this refresher When an aircraft must be fitted with a radio is set in section 26.18 of the Part 91 MOS. This refresher does not cover it yet.
Step 2 of 4
What it means in practice
PREDICT FIRST
You fly a straight-in approach in a mandatory broadcast area with no SFIS active. Table 21.09 (1) sets the latest point for your broadcast. How far from the runway threshold is it?
PREDICT FIRST
At a non-controlled aerodrome outside an MBA, your VHF radio works and you are qualified to use it. When does Table 21.04 (1) require a CTAF broadcast?
Skip the questions and read on
You are in the vicinity of a non-controlled aerodrome when you are in uncontrolled airspace, within 10 NM, and at a height that could conflict with its operations. If an aerodrome reference point is published, measure the 10 NM from it. Sources: CASR 91.360
Subsection 21.04 (1) applies at or in the vicinity of a non-controlled aerodrome, when the aircraft has an operative VHF radio and you are qualified to use it. Broadcast on the CTAF whenever you consider it reasonably necessary to avoid the risk of a collision. Sources: MOS 21.04 (1), MOS Table 21.04 (1)
In a mandatory broadcast area with no SFIS active, Table 21.09 (1) sets the calls. On a straight-in approach, broadcast no later than 3 NM from the runway threshold. Sources: MOS 21.09 (1), MOS Table 21.09 (1), item 3
Immediately before entering the runway for take-off in an MBA, broadcast that you are entering the runway and give its identifier. Sources: MOS Table 21.09 (1), item 8
Each chip after a paragraph jumps to the words it rests on.
Step 3 of 4
The source, word for word
Quoted from the Australian sources we hold, with the date we checked them.
(a) the person transmits on a radio frequency published in the AIP or NOTAMs that is: (i) used by Air Traffic Services; or (ii) used for communications at a certified aerodrome, a registered aerodrome, a military aerodrome or an aerodrome prescribed as a designated non-controlled aerodrome by the Part 91 Manual of Standards for the purposes of subparagraph 91.400(1)(a)(iv); or (iii) used in aeronautical emergencies; or (iv) of a kind prescribed by the Part 91 Manual of Standards for this subparagraph; and (b) the person is not authorised or qualified to do so: (i) for an Australian aircraft (other than a Part 103 aircraft or a Part 131 aircraft)—under Part 61, 64 or 65; or
For subparagraph 91.625 (1) (a) (iv), the following kinds of radio frequencies are prescribed: (a) the CTAF for a non-controlled aerodrome; (b) the frequency for an MBA.
(1) The pilot in command of an aircraft for a flight contravenes this subregulation if: (a) the aircraft is fitted with, or carries, a radio; and (b) during the flight, the pilot in command does not make a broadcast or a report relating to the flight that is prescribed by the Part 91 Manual of Standards for this paragraph.
(1) An aircraft is in the vicinity of a non-controlled aerodrome if it is: (a) in uncontrolled airspace; and (b) within 10 nautical miles of the aerodrome; and (c) at a height above the aerodrome that could result in conflict with operations at the aerodrome. (2) For the purposes of paragraph (1)(b), if an aerodrome reference point for the aerodrome is published in the authorised aeronautical information for the flight, the distance must be measured from that point.
(1) The pilot in command of an aircraft must ensure that broadcasts on the CTAF are made for a non-controlled aerodrome in accordance with Table 21.04 (1) if: (a) the aircraft is operating at, or in the vicinity of, a non-controlled aerodrome (including a certified or military aerodrome when non-controlled); and (b) the aircraft is equipped with an operative VHF radio; and (c) the pilot is qualified to use the radio.
Item 1 | When the pilot in command considers it reasonably necessary to broadcast to avoid the risk of a collision with another aircraft | Broadcast
(1) The pilot in command of an aircraft intending to operate in an MBA must: (a) make broadcasts and reports in accordance with: (i) if an SFIS is not active for the MBA — Table 21.09 (1); and
Item 3 | Conducting a straight-in approach | No later than 3 NM from the runway threshold — broadcast the situation
Item 8 | Immediately before entering the runway to be used for take-off | Broadcast the following: (a) a statement that the aircraft is entering the runway; (b) the runway identifier.
Step 4 of 4
Practise this
SOURCES FOR THIS REFRESHER
- Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, Part 91 (Compilation No. 103), Regulation 91.625, paragraphs (1)(a) and (1)(b)(i)
- Part 91 (General Operating and Flight Rules) Manual of Standards 2020, Compilation No. 8, Section 21.01
- Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, Part 91 (Compilation No. 103), Regulation 91.630, subregulation (1)
- Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998, Part 91 (Compilation No. 103), Regulation 91.360, subregulations (1) and (2)
- Part 91 (General Operating and Flight Rules) Manual of Standards 2020, Compilation No. 8, Subsection 21.04 (1)
- Part 91 (General Operating and Flight Rules) Manual of Standards 2020, Compilation No. 8, Section 21.04, Table 21.04 (1), item 1
- Part 91 (General Operating and Flight Rules) Manual of Standards 2020, Compilation No. 8, Subsection 21.09 (1), paragraph (a)
- Part 91 (General Operating and Flight Rules) Manual of Standards 2020, Compilation No. 8, Section 21.09, Table 21.09 (1), item 3
- Part 91 (General Operating and Flight Rules) Manual of Standards 2020, Compilation No. 8, Section 21.09, Table 21.09 (1), item 8
Practice questions: Source-checked, awaiting pilot review. Learning only. Your instructor and the current rules come first. Sources and licences