STOP FLIGHT PATH IMPACTS

ILS usage

Stop Flight Path Impacts continues to challenge Airservices Australia about unacceptable ILS usage numbers that appear questionable in meeting stringent restrictions set by the AAT in 2017.

Airservices Australia’s Gold Coast Airport ILS usage data for November 2023 to February 2024 showed that over the four-month period, the ILS was used 462 times. There are strict rules governing its use and we have questions about the reasons for nearly a quarter of these. Many have been reported as being required by the pilot with no further explanation.

Remember, the Airport's stated sole purpose of the installation of the ILS, as detailed in the draft Master Development Plan in 2015, was to reduce the adverse weather-related diversion rate.

Airservices Australia’s response will be updated here when available.

Response to date from airservices

Following are Airservices Australia’ s previous responses to some common questions we asked on behalf of community supporters about past usage of the ILS flight path:

Q: Why was the ILS flight path “operationally required”? 

A: Airservices advised that uses have included pilots requesting an ILS landing due to an unserviceability issue on the aircraft that would not allow RNP type approaches.

Q: Why the ILS was not nominated by pilots but was used due to “low visibility”?

A: Airservices advised that Air Traffic Control must make a decision to nominate the use of the ILS flight path well in advance of an aircraft arriving at the airport. This will often require a prediction by the controller of the weather conditions about 30 minutes prior to landing.

Remember, lodge a complaint every time you believe aircraft may not be following the guidelines set by the AAT found here. You can lodge your complaint online at this link found here or call 1800 802 584 10am-4pm Monday to Friday (Sydney hours).

Supporters have advised the have diligently reported ILS infringements to Airservices, only to be informed that further complaints may not be responded to. DO NOT be discouraged by this off hand response, as complaints are recorded and discussed at airport meetings, at which one of our members attends. If you see the ILS being used in fine weather, report it!