Safety issue

Safety issue description

The New South Wales Rural Fire Service had no procedure to ensure that fire common traffic advisory frequencies (Fire-CTAFs) were reliably known by state air desk personnel. This resulted in aircraft being dispatched with incomplete Fire-CTAF information.
Issue number AO-2023-054-SI-02
Issue owner New South Wales Rural Fire Service
Transport function Aviation: General aviation
Issue status Closed – Adequately addressed
Date issue released 12/12/2025
Issue status justification

NSW RFS updated Fire-CTAF tracking within its ARENA dispatch system, providing real-time visibility of active frequencies. In addition, it has implemented the Electronic Aircraft Request module in ARENA (2025) to automate the flow of task details, frequency allocations and acknowledgements between the state air desk, incident management teams and operators. 

The ATSB is satisfied that performance audits and operator feedback from the 2024–25 season, confirming improved communication accuracy from these new procedures and tools, adequately addresses the safety issue.

Safety action

Action type Proactive action
Action number AO-2023-054-PSA-02
Organisation New South Wales Rural Fire Service
Action description

Between mid-2024 and August 2025, the NSW RFS implemented a suite of communications reliability measures. Fire-CTAF tracking was embedded within the ARENA dispatch system, providing real-time visibility of active frequencies and reducing the likelihood of dispatch errors. 

In parallel, the NSW RFS implemented the Electronic Aircraft Request module in ARENA (2025), providing a unified digital platform for aircraft tasking and communications. By automating the flow of task details, frequency allocations and acknowledgements between the SAD, IMTs and operators, the system has reduced manual errors and improved the accuracy and timeliness of information reaching air crews. 

Complementing this, a cockpit reference guide was introduced in 2025, offering standardised reference material for pilots and SAD personnel, incorporating frequencies, radio protocols, and tasking procedures. 

The Safety Hub (introduced July 2025) enables real-time reporting of frequency conflicts or communication lapses. Reports are automatically categorised and trended to inform system enhancements and SAD refresher training. The SAD curriculum was updated in 2024 to include frequency validation, communications discipline, and safety implications modules. 

Performance audits and operator feedback from the 2024–25 season confirmed improved communication accuracy and consistent radio discipline across contracted operators. 
Action status Closed