FOI uncovers safety concerns at Jandakot : thewest.com.au

Monday, August 18, 2008

10:32 AM

FOI uncovers safety concerns at Jandakot

16th August 2008, 9:30 WST

There are serious concerns about safety at Jandakot Airport, where an average of more than six safety incidents a month are recorded.

The figures were unearthed in a Freedom of Information request to Federal airport controller Airservices Australia by Today Tonight and The West Australian.

It revealed that 275 incidents were reported in the three years to January, including at least 12 near-misses and 12 instances when pilots could not get vital instructions from air traffic control because too many people were using the same frequency.

At least eight pilots had emergency landings and two planes crashed — one a light training plane which hit 100m from houses after its engine failed.

The report revealed 120 times when pilots, many believed to be trainees, approached or entered a runway without control tower clearance or illegally entered Jandakot’s restricted airspace.

Full Article: <http://www.thewest.com.au/default.aspx?MenuId=77&ContentID=91827>