MEDIA RELEASE
FLIGHT WATCH ANNOUNCEMENT BY MINISTER
The Air Traffic Controllers Union, Civil Air, has welcomed the decision of Transport Minister, Mark Vaile, not to proceed with plans to shut down 27 Flightwatch transmitters.
Civil Air President Michael Haines was however cautious that the directive to Airservices Australia may not be enacted due to Airservices pleading a lack of staff to fill the positions.
???Air Traffic Control staffing is already stretched beyond the limits; however, resources could be drawn from recently retired Controllers or from those who had previously held an Air Traffic Control licence.
It is essential that an independent Flightwatch service be maintained. The fact remains that there is a pool of suitably qualified staff available to perform this vital function??? Mr. Haines said.
14 November 2007
Media contacts: Michael Haines (03) 9647 9100
Media contacts: Michael Haines (03) 9647 9100