An area broadcast frequency covering the popular Lake Eyre region in northern South Australia has now been activated.
Pilots operating in the Lake Eyre region must use 127.8 MHz while flying in the designated airspace. The discrete frequency has been put in place to reduce congestion on the other four area frequencies surrounding Lake Eyre and the common traffic advisory frequencies (CTAF) at William Creek and Maree.
An instrument requiring the use of the Lake Eyre area frequency came into effect at the start of this month and will lapse at the end of October.
CASA has introduced the discrete frequency due to the larger than usual numbers of aircraft visiting Lake Eyre for sight seeing and tourism. With Lake Eyre rapidly filling with water, visitors are expected to flock to the region right through the winter months. The Lake Eyre region is a great choice for an air safari, and the region was featured in the Sep/Oct 2009 issue of Australian Flying.
The Lake Eyre region covered by the frequency centres on North and South Lake Eyre – from Lake Gregory in the east to Mt Margaret in the west, and from Lake Pantoowarinna in the north to Tarlton Knob mine in the south. It applies up to 5000 feet.
Pilots must broadcast the aircraft’s callsign, position and level, as well as the intentions for the flight. Pilots taking off or landing from within the designated airspace must also use the new area frequency.
Read the Lake Eyre instrument here.