Air Traffic Controllers Keep Watchful Eye On Scouts

Air Traffic Controllers Keep Watchful Eye on Scouts

MEDIA RELEASE

5 January 2010

Airservices Australia will provide additional control tower services at Camden airport from today in support of the 22nd Australian Scout Jamboree 2010, taking place at nearby Cataract Scout Park in Sydney.

Camden Tower is typically staffed by controllers only on weekends and public holidays when recreational flying is at its highest.

During the Jamboree Airservices will operate the tower from 9am to 5pm daily to support "Powered Flight Activity" - a 40 minute interactive flying exercise designed especially for Jamboree participants.

Air traffic controllers will staff two shifts a day to support operations by six aircraft undertaking about 35 flights per day.

Airservices has waived normal air navigation charges for Jamboree flights and controllers have been rostered to ensure the young aviation buffs enjoy a safe experience.

The agency worked closely with Scouting Australia and CASA over recent months to ensure there were no safety risks from the increased number of flights from Camden airport during the popular event.

The flights will allow some of the 13,000 scouts participating in the Jamboree to get a first-hand look at take off and landing procedures and enjoy the fabulous surrounding scenery.

The experience will also provide the Scouts with an opportunity to communicate with the pilot, observe cockpit operations and listen to the vital work undertaken by air traffic controllers.

The flights will run from today until Wednesday, 13 January.

Normal tower operations at Camden will resume on Saturday, 16 January.

For enquiries please call Airservices Media on 02 6257 2828 (24 hours) or email [email protected]

Airservices Australia is a Government owned organisation responsible for the safe and efficient management of air traffic across 11 per cent of the world's air space. Services include air traffic control, airspace management, aeronautical information, radar communications, radio navigation aids, aviation maintenance and engineering, environmental management and aviation rescue and firefighting.


SOURCE: Airservices Australia