AOPA Australia calls for the suspension of 8th November Melbourne VFR route rules

Thursday, 1st November 2018 Mr Michael McCormack MP Deputy Prime Minister Minister for Infrastructure and Transport PO Box 6022, House of Representatives Parliament House CANBERRA ACT 2600, Australia Mr Shane...

Thursday, 1^st November 2018

Mr Michael McCormack MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
PO Box 6022, House of Representatives
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600, Australia

Mr Shane Carmody
Director of Aviation Safety, CASA
GPO BOX 2005
Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

Mr Rob Walker
Group Manager Stakeholder Engagement
GPO BOX 2005
Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

AOPA Australia calls for the suspension of 8^th November Melbourne VFR route rules

Deputy Prime Minister,

Further to the announcement by Airservices Australia of their planned 8^th November 2018 changes to the Melbourne VFR route for general aviation aircraft.

Under the new Melbourne VFR route rules, aircraft will be recommended to fly at the same level in the opposite direction to aircraft operating under current VFR recommendations nationwide. This not only creates confusion but also substantially increases the risk of a mid-air collision which may result in fatalities.

AOPA Australia’s concerns with the Melbourne VFR route rules are;

From the 8^th November pilots transiting the Melbourne VFR route will be recommended to fly at the same level in the opposite direction to aircraft operating under current VFR recommendations nationwide;
The changes will create unnecessary airspace confusion, which may result in aircraft inadvertently flying at the same level in opposite directions;
The changes dramatically increase the risk of a mid-air collision by creating an environment where aircraft following the current VFR recommendations will be in direct conflict with aircraft operating by the new Melbourne VFR route rules;

RECOMMENDATION

The AOPA Australia calls for the immediate suspension of the planned 8^th November 2018 changes to the Melbourne VFR route rules, seeking a review with particular reference to the recommended direction of air traffic.

Thank you for your time and our association awaits your reply.

Yours Sincerely,

BENJAMIN MORGAN
Executive Director

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia (AOPA Australia)
Hangar 600, Prentice Street, Bankstown Airport NSW 2200 Australia.
PO BOX 26, Georges Hall NSW 2198 Australia.