UNICOM and CA/GRS Radio Services Perth
UNICOM and CA/GRS Radio Services
As aircraft movements increase at a regional aerodrome, so does the level of coordination required to keep operations safe.Oz Airports is Australia’s premium provider of UNICOM Perth radio services, along with Certified Air Ground Radio Service support. This gives Western Australian aerodromes access to experienced, licensed operators when traffic density rises above what pilots can manage through sea and avoid procedures alone.
When an Airport Needs Enhanced Radio Coordination
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority monitors risk at key regional airports through regular aeronautical studies. As an aerodrome’s risk profile increases, CASA will often recommend the introduction of a formal air traffic service, ranging from:
- A Certified Air Ground Radio Service
- A full air traffic control service provided by Airservices Australia
Understanding where your Perth aerodrome sits against these criteria is the first step in deciding which service level is appropriate.
UNICOM Perth Services for Events and Peak Activity
Our UNICOM Perth services are typically engaged for events such as fly-ins, air shows, race meetings and other occasions where increased airport activity calls for improved coordination between aircraft and ground staff.
UNICOM is a non ATS radio communication service delivered on the common traffic advisory frequency, enhancing the information already available at a non controlled aerodrome.
Participation in a UNICOM service is limited to specific message types, including:
- Confirmation of the correct CTA
- General aerodrome weather reports
- Aerodrome information
- Estimated arrival and departure times
- Refuelling arrangements
- Refuelling arrangements
- Parking requirements
- Unscheduled landings
It is important to note that UNICOM does not provide direct traffic separation. Its role is to help pilots exchange the information they need to maintain their own separation.
Our staff delivering UNICOM Perth coverage are highly qualified former air traffic controllers and flight service operators. Our services comply fully with Civil Aviation Regulation 83(2).
Certified Air Ground Radio Service Perth
For aerodromes with aircraft movements exceeding twenty thousand per year, a Certified Air Ground Radio Service Perth deployment offers a cost effective alternative to full air traffic control.
A CA/GRS provides:
- Frequency confirmation
- Air traffic information for known aircraft in the terminal airspace
- Aerodrome weather information
- Emergency services alerting where required
The operator assists pilots in arranging alerts, see and avoid separation but does not direct that separation themselves.
Establishing air traffic control at a regional aerodrome can cost millions of dollars annually, costs that are ultimately passed on to air operators. It can also exclude some airspace users, such as local flying schools and maintenance businesses, from operating in newly controlled airspace.
A CA/GRS avoids these outcomes while still reducing the aerodrome’s risk profile. Its costs are typically recovered through a small surcharge on passenger ticketing, resulting in no direct cost to the general aviation community.
CTAF Radio Services Perth Pilots Rely On
Whether delivered through UNICOM or CA/GRS, our CTAF Radio Services Perth aerodromes use are built around clarity and consistency.
Pilots calling on frequency receive accurate, timely information that helps them build situational awareness before they are within visual range of other traffic. This is particularly valuable at busy regional airports supporting charter, training and fly in fly out operations.
Proven Experience Developing These Services
Oz Airports has extensive experience delivering both UNICOM and CA/GRS services around Australia. Our National Manager for Operations worked directly with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to develop the CA/GRS service and its regulatory requirements, through trials conducted at:
- Wagga Wagga
- Uluru
- Broome
The service has since operated successfully at Broome, Uluru and Ballina, giving Perth based aerodromes confidence that they are engaging a provider with a genuine track record in this specialised area.
Our operators are licensed by CASA to deliver CA/GRS services under the Manual of Standards Part 139 requirements. Every member of our radio services team brings direct air traffic control or flight service background to the role.
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
A Veteran Owned Aviation Specialist
As a veteran owned and operated business recognised under the Australian Veteran Owned Business initiative, Oz Airports applies the same discipline and attention to procedure in our radio services that our team brought to prior aviation careers.
This gives Perth aerodrome operators added assurance when engaging a provider for a safety critical communication service.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the difference between UNICOM and CA/GRS?
UNICOM is a non ATS radio communication service typically used for events or short periods of increased activity, while a Certified Air Ground Radio Service provides a more structured, ongoing information service for aerodromes with higher regular traffic volumes.
When would a Perth aerodrome need a CA/GRS instead of UNICOM?
CASA typically recommends a CA/GRS when aircraft movements exceed twenty thousand per year, or when an aeronautical study identifies a risk profile that UNICOM alone cannot adequately address.
Does a CA/GRS control aircraft separation?
No. A CA/GRS operator provides traffic, weather and frequency information to assist pilots with alerted see and avoid separation. The operator does not direct or control that separation.
Who operates the UNICOM and CA/GRS radios for Oz Airports?
Our services are delivered by staff with backgrounds as air traffic controllers or flight service operators, licensed by CASA where relevant to the service being provided.
Can Oz Airports provide UNICOM coverage for a one off event at a Perth aerodrome?
Yes. UNICOM services are commonly engaged for events such as fly-ins, air shows and race meetings, providing enhanced coordination for the duration of the increased activity.
Related Services in Adelaide
Aerodromes considering UNICOM Perth or CA/GRS support often have related compliance needs:
- Our Airport Safety Inspections service can help assess broader aerodrome compliance.
- Our Airport Management service provides ongoing operational oversight for airports without dedicated aviation management staff.
Enquire Today
If your Perth aerodrome is experiencing increased traffic or has been advised by CASA to consider enhanced radio coordination, contact Oz Airports to discuss UNICOM Perth and CA/GRS options suited to your airport.