Wilkie urges radar upgrade

HOBART Airport deserved aviation systems of the same standard as interstate capitals, Denison MP Andrew Wilkie said yesterday.

His comments came in the wake of criticism of the radar system at Hobart and Launceston airports from businessman Dick Smith, former chairman of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

“That Hobart Airport continues to be accorded the same priority for radar coverage as country towns on the mainland is simply outrageous,” Mr Wilkie said. “We’re a capital city with a large number of aircraft movements and we deserve that same level of aviation infrastructure as every other capital city. Blood will be on the government’s hands if the current pre-radar air traffic control system results in any fatality, let alone the loss of an airliner.”

Airservices Australia said there were many other locations which had the same system, including Broome, Alice Springs, Karratha, Tamworth, Mackay and Coffs Harbour.

Mr Smith and Mr Wilkie’s concerns were not reflected by the industry.

A Qantas spokesman said: “We’re very comfortable with the air traffic management technology in place at airports in Tasmania and have no safety concerns whatsoever.

“Ground-based systems aside, all Qantas aircraft have sophisticated on-board navigation systems to help our pilots fly safe, precise landings.”

A Jetstar spokesman said the airline’s views were the same as those of Qantas. He said A320 aircraft which operated to Tasmania had satellite technology which allowed pilots to navigate precise landings with very high situational awareness, no matter what the on-ground technology was.

Mr Smith’s criticism came after the CASA revealed to a national newspaper that the $6 million Tasmania Wide Multilateration (TASWAM) system implemented in 2010 did not operate below 7000 feet.

It meant that a procedural approach system was used for landing which Mr Smith said was prone to human error.

A Virgin Australia spokesman would not comment on Mr Smith’s views.

A Hobart Airport spokesman said the airport, which catered for 2.2 million passengers last year, did not comment on airspace matters.

Launceston Airport finance manager Michael Cullen said airport management companies relied on Airservices and CASA to discharge aircraft control responsibilities.