ATSB sought clarification from the regulator following the Airservices response, the regulator’s comments below:
The OAR has not approached Airservices for a discrete frequency for Ballina as a different frequency will not solve the underlying issues. The instrument approaches for Ballina and Lismore overlap and having both aerodromes on the same frequency enhances situational awareness. It is not appropriate for aircraft to operate in close proximity to each other and be on different radio frequencies.
The main issue at Ballina relates to radio communication – aircraft not broadcasting on…