AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL DELAYS

A recent report submitted to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) highlighted several issues with the current airspace management. It raised concerns about the frequent use of Temporary Restricted Airspace (TRA) and Traffic Information Broadcast by Aircraft (TIBA) procedures as contingency measures due to air traffic controller shortages.

It also noted that controllers and pilots lack proper understanding and training on TRA and TIBA procedures, leading to inconsistent application and confusion. An example was given of an international flight departing Cairns in August 2022 with crew unaware of TRA procedures, creating an unsafe situation.

The report also raised concerns over the increased use of “short break” procedures, where controllers take breaks and have other controllers who lack proper endorsements monitor aircraft. These procedures were designed for low-traffic enroute environments but are now often used in busy terminal control units, creating additional risks. Many controllers refuse to take “short breaks” as their license is used when they're not present.

A proposed “enroute conditional endorsement” as a solution to staff shortages would allow controllers without proper training or endorsements to fully control aircraft in a sector. The report argues this band-aid solution introduces risks due lack of familiarity with the airspace and potential traffic conflicts.

Other reports have also raised issues with the Rockhampton and Mackay TRA and TIBA procedures. These include lack of notice for pilots, confusion over procedures among controllers, forcing aircraft out of airspace, and limited flexibility causing aircraft to divert or declare low fuel emergencies.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is working with Airservices Australia to address staffing and other reasons behind the need for such frequent contingency activation. CASA has recognised that the widespread and regular use of contingency measures creates additional risks to the airspace system.

Overall, the Australian airspace management system is under severe strain due to staff shortages and overreliance on unsafe contingency measures. Urgent action needs to be taken to address these issues before a major safety incident occurs. Proper staffing levels, training, and sustainable contingency plans are desperately needed to ensure Australia’s skies remain safe for aviation.

These air traffic delays are becoming more frequent, lengthy and severe in Australia, yet most go unreported. Undocumented delays threaten flight safety, operational efficiency and compliance with flight and duty limits.

Without being properly reported, ATC delays cannot be assessed, mitigated or prevented. We encourage all pilots to report any undocumented airborne air traffic control delays they encounter, including:

• Unnotified holding and extended tracking

• Excessive taxi times/Departure Delays after engine start

• Long periods waiting in sequences or holding

• Frequent TIBA or TRA usage, including military equivalent

• Additional track miles to avoid TIBA

• Reduced flow rates

• Late runway changes

• Missed approaches due to Air Traffic Control

Even if delays do not constitute an emergency (PAN or MAYDAY), pilots should still report undocumented delays - stating there are implications for safety, compliance and crew fatigue - to the ATSB via its online 'Occurrence Notification – Aviation' form. Reports to the ATSB help provide an independent perspective and build a fuller picture of the situation.

Reports to your company should be detailed and include frequency and length of delays, potential contributory factors and any impacts. Please also copy/send to technical@afap.org.au (and mark as "confidential").

These reports from pilots demonstrate the extent of the problem to decision-makers. Reporting is a first step towards airspace management responding to growing service demand and controller shortages.