The reporter has raised a safety concern relating to illuminated advertising billboards distracting flight crew approaching Runway [identifier] at [Location] Airport.
The reporter states the mitigations currently in place for the illuminated billboards located at the [terminal] carpark at [Location] Airport are not sufficient.
The reporter states that during approach with a moderately low overcast layer, the billboards are still far brighter than the runway lights or Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) lighting. The reporter further states, 'although they would be unlikely to be actively confused with the PAPI, the relative brightness in such meteorological conditions is quite distracting and we found it interfered with prompt identification of the runway upon exiting the cloud layer'.
The reporter acknowledges the [Location] Airport Local Runway Safety Team (LRST) is aware of the concerns relating to the illuminated billboards however the mitigation strategies currently in place including limiting the use of red and white colours are not effective in reducing distraction to flight crew.
The reporter queries if the installation of physical shades or screens above the billboards to reduce visibility to flight crew, yet permitting an unobstructed view to vehicles on the airport roads has been considered?
Thank you for providing notification of the safety concern raised via the REPCON Aviation Safety Confidential Reporting Scheme (RA2024-00082) on the 18th of March 2024. [Location] Airport prides itself on our safety culture and thank you for the opportunity to comment.
[Location] Airport via our Local Runway Safety Team (LRST) has been collaborating with our internal and external stakeholders since potential issues with the Terminal [number] carpark advertising sign boards were first raised by a member of the Australian and International Pilots’ Association (AIPA).
The [Location] Airport LRST is a cross-functional group of aviation professionals that are dedicated to improving aviation safety systems. Membership of the LRST includes a representative of the Australian Airline Pilots’ Association (AusALPA), domestic and international airline flight operations, Air Traffic Control and [Location] Airport. Once the concern was raised from the AIPA member, the [terminal number] sign boards were added as an agenda item and engagement was sought from LRST members, AIPA and AusALPA for proposed mitigations.
[Location] Airport currently have in place revised operating parameters for the sign boards as agreed at the LRST, and at the most recent LRST no feedback was provided from the members. [Location] Airport notes the query around the installation of physical shades to reduce visibility to flight crew and we will investigate the implementation of such a control for consultation at the next LRST.
Based upon the available information CASA does believe the matter raised is a safety concern and have received further information about the mitigation that has been implemented.
If CASA becomes aware that the mitigation is not effective, or there are ongoing concerns raised following the implementation, the Part 139 Manual of Standards (MOS) provides an option to direct a flight check to be completed by a qualified flight checker. Refer to paragraph 9.18(4) of the MOS and Advisory Circular 139.C-11 v1.0 (Commissioning of aerodrome lighting systems) at paragraphs 4.1 and 4.5.20.6.
At this stage CASA is monitoring the outcome of the mitigation trial, including input from the local runway safety team.