Assignment - ATM Report

Purpose

To have students apply the knowledge gained during the course to devise solutions to operational problems in an ATM system.

PLEASE REFER TO THE FILE "ASSIGNMENT MAPS & CHARTS" (LINKS TO PPT & PDF VERSIONS ARE PROVIDED)

A wealthy businessman has decided to build an aerodrome to provide a more timely and efficient service to his resource interests in the region. There is a significant fly-in / fly- out workforce where staff are currently transported by bus from either the capital city (6hrs away) or from smaller aerodromes (min 1.5hrs away) which are serviced by low capacity charter aircraft. There is also a need to get parts and equipment to the resource sites in a timely manner.

The new aerodrome will be large enough to accommodate B747 freighters.

A chart showing the planned location of the new aerodrome is attached. There is currently some light aircraft activity at a grass strip located at the planned site for the new aerodrome.

Part 1.

As a safety regulator, what airspace changes would you propose for the new aerodrome? Include dimensions and justify.

The site for the aerodrome is currently within class G airspace (refer to an appropriate chart / map for consideration of existing air routes, adjacent airspace and nearby aerodromes).

What minimum CNS systems would you recommend?

Part 2.

As a senior manager in a major airline, you have been approached to provide the bulk of the charter flights to / from the new aerodrome.

You also see the potential of opening up the region's tourist potential.

From a charter perspective there is a need to move an average of 2000 personnel per week which is projected to double within 5 years.

From a tourist perspective, your modelling predicts a potential market of 800 people per week with travel mainly on Fri - Mon. Initially it will take some time to build the demand.

What level of CNS would you recommend considering safety, cost and insurance concerns? If you could influence the regulator, what airspace model would you advocate and why?

Part 3.

As a local pilot and aircraft owner, the grass airfield from which you and your other 19 flying club members (all of whom own and operate their own private aircraft), will no longer be able to be used once the new aerodrome commences operations. You have enjoyed flying in and out if the grass - strip for many years at a minimal cost. As a gesture of goodwill, the new aerodrome owner has offered to include a General Aviation parking ramp with a hangar and club rooms.

What recommendations would your club make to the regulator on the airspace model?

Would you encourage your members to move onto the new aerodrome?

If you did choose to base yourself at the new aerodrome, what potential issues would you anticipate once operations commenced?