Airspace incursion involving a Cessna 404, VH-ARQ, Restricted Area 505, New South Wales, on 6 May 1993

199301227

Summary

The pilot said that after he had reported ready for take-off at the holding point for runway 11 centre, he was told that there would be a 5-minute delay in obtaining an airways clearance. After about 10 minutes he was advised that he could depart Bankstown, remaining outside controlled airspace (OCTA). He decided to proceed because he was obstructing other traffic.

The aircraft was observed to track directly through the centre of restricted area R505 which was activated. Mode C radar readout showed the aircraft on climb to 3000 feet, confirming that the pilot had penetrated the restricted area and the control area without clearance.

The pilot said he was unfamiliar with Sydney airspace boundaries and had Jeppesen charts for reference. He said in hindsight he should not have departed under the circumstances but decided to do so as he felt he was impeding other traffic on the ground at Bankstown.

Occurrence summary

Investigation number 199301227
Occurrence date 06/05/1993
Location Restricted Area 505
State New South Wales
Report release date 30/10/1993
Report status Final
Investigation type Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status Completed
Mode of transport Aviation
Aviation occurrence category Airspace infringement
Occurrence class Incident

Aircraft details

Manufacturer Cessna Aircraft Company
Model 404
Registration VH-ARQ
Sector Piston
Operation type Charter
Departure point Bankstown NSW
Destination Canberra ACT
Damage Nil