Safety issue

Safety issue description

Controllers were routinely exposed to ‘not concerned’ radar tracks that were generally inconsequential in the en route environment, leading to a high level of expectancy that such tracks were not relevant for aircraft separation purposes. Training did not emphasise the importance of scanning ‘not concerned’ radar tracks in jurisdiction airspace.

Issue number AO-2012-132-SI-01
Issue owner Airservices Australia
Transport function Airspace
Date issue released 20/03/2015
Issue status justification

The ATSB is satisfied that the safety action, when fully implemented, will reduce the risk associated with this safety issue.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number AO-2012-132-NSA-047
Organisation Airservices Australia
Action date 12/02/2015
Action description

In response to the occurrence, Airservices has amended its air traffic controller Abinitio training exercises to include ‘not concerned’ (black) track scenarios to ensure that training emphasised the importance of scanning ‘not concerned’ radar tracks. The scenarios will also be included in operational simulation training where appropriate.

Furthermore, Airservices advises that the safety issue (AO-2012-132-SI-01) will be used to raise awareness of black tracks amongst air traffic control staff.

Action status Closed