Reporter's deidentified concern
The reporter has raised safety concerns in relation to the prolonged unserviceability of the Bankstown aerodrome beacon.
The reporter states, 'As a training aerodrome, with many students with limited flying experience, and more experienced pilots with lower currency, the absence of an operating beacon for night flight is a serious safety hazard'. The reporter advised there is a NOTAM reviewed every three months for the beacon which has been unserviceable for an unacceptable period of time.
The reporter is concerned the area has become more intensively developed; not only the airport complex but also the surrounding areas. Bankstown has become increasingly difficult to locate from any reasonable distance in dark and or poor visibility conditions. Industrial and residential lighting has increased and the gradual encroachment of new structures hugging the airport complex makes the previous ‘negative’ space harder to spot.
The reporter is further concerned this is 'disorientation in the making' and perhaps an accident or serious incident waiting to happen. The reporter acknowledged the new runway lighting is a huge improvement however it is no substitute for the absence of an effective beacon.
The reporter states, 'I fear this will become an even greater danger when the new Western Sydney Airport opens. I can’t imagine what will happen when a NVFR (night visual flight rules) pilot can’t see Bankstown aerodrome, becomes a little disoriented, and starts probing around the skies in the vicinity of heavy traffic hoping to stumble on the right airfield'.
The reporter finally queries if the aerodrome landing fees are actually used to cover 'safety of flight' equipment.
Named party's response
Aerodrome operator response
Following 2017–2018 consultations, CASA removed the mandatory requirement for aerodrome beacons in the Manual of Standards (MOS) Part 139, unless specifically required for a particular location.
In 2022 Airservices began seeking industry feedback to understand if there is any operational requirement or impact on removal for the Bankstown and Camden aerodrome beacons before a decision for its decommissioning can be made. Changes to MOS 139 have removed the mandatory requirement for an aerodrome beacon and the evolution of other aerodrome lighting. Also, the expansion of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) navigation capabilities across all levels of the industry means that the historical need for an aerodrome beacon has changed considerably.
Airservices Australia proposed to decommission both the Bankstown and Camden aerodrome beacons and remove them from operational service. Airservices has completed an internal risk assessment, consistent with their Safety Management System (SMS), for the decommissioning of the Bankstown and Camden Airport aerodrome beacons and identified a negligible impact on industry. The beacon at both Bankstown and Camden became unserviceable around 2024, after which time Airservices made the decision not to try and repair them.
Even though we have no obligation to, [Bankstown Aerodrome operator] made the decision after industry consultation via SMS meetings to purchase and install new beacons. Since that decision, a whole raft of issues have come up regarding private assets on Airservices infrastructure including engineering of new beacon positions, licencing requirements, no staff allowed in cab during any works on the towers, and so on.
This is the primary reason for the prolonged wait for new beacon installs. We understand the frustrations of the industry, as we are feeling this frustration also, however we are still pushing ahead with our plan to have them installed and operational.
2nd named party's response
Airservices Australia response
Airservices can confirm that the most recent correspondence indicates Airservices is currently awaiting submission of further information from Bankstown Airport regarding the site share arrangement, along with supporting documentation required to progress this process.
Our Customer Relations team have also advised we have not received any update from Bankstown Airport on the status of this matter.
Regulator's response
CASA views the content of the report as a valid safety concern.
CASA is engaged by Airservices when needed for input when a beacon is being considered for removal. In the case of Bankstown, CASA notes that Airservices and the aerodrome operator are working together to facilitate a beacon remaining available.
ATSB comment
The ATSB encourages continued dialogue between the aerodrome operator and Airservices Australia to address the REPCON concern.
REPCON details
| Date reported | 10/03/2026 |
|---|---|
| Published date | 29/05/2026 |
| Affected operation/industry | Facilities Management |
| Concern subject type | Other |
| Transport mode | Aviation |