Media Releases
Media Release - Air traffic controllers trackside for Grand Prix - 07/09
Air traffic controllers are on hand at this weekend’s 2009 FORMULA 1 ING Australian Grand Prix to ensure safe skies over the event.
A portable air traffic control tower has been installed trackside by Airservices technicians to ensure the safe operation of the aerial component of the four day event.
Staffed by Airservices controllers from the Essendon and Moorabbin airport control towers, the event tower will manage hundreds of helicopter movements and high-speed flying displays by the RAAF Roulettes, an FA-18 Hornet and Black Hawk and Sea Hawk helicopters.
More than 500 race-related aircraft movements are expected around and over the circuit during the event.
Three controllers from a team of seven will be on duty at all times to ensure sufficient separation between Grand Prix aerial activities and regular services into Melbourne airport are maintained and that regular passenger and cargo services are unaffected.
Two Airservices technicians will also be onsite all weekend.
Air traffic controllers will also work with event managers in Race Control during the aerial components of the event to ensure flying displays run smoothly.
The service is the culmination of months of preparation and liaison between Airservices, race organisers, emergency services and aviation representatives.
Airservices controllers, engineers and technicians have provided similar capacity at the event since it moved from Adelaide to Melbourne in 1996.
For media enquiries call
Ph: +61 2 6257 2828 or
Email: media@airservicesaustralia.com
Airservices Australia is a Government owned organisation responsible for the safe and efficient management of air traffic across 11 per cent of the world's air space. Services include air traffic control, airspace management, aeronautical information, radar communications, radio navigation aids, aviation maintenance and engineering, environmental management and aviation rescue and firefighting. Airservices website: www.airservicesaustralia.com