21 February 2007

The Hon Mark Vaile MP

Minister for Transport and Regional Services

Parliament House

CANBERRA  ACT  2600

Dear Minister

There have been claims on the Professional Pilots Rumour Network that Airservices Australia will be closing down most, if not all, of the separate Flightwatch VHF outlets and transferring the responsibility to air traffic control.

This is not the US National Airspace System.  Under the NAS system there is a separate Flight Service organisation which provides a Flightwatch on separate frequencies.

Can you advise if Airservices has made this decision and where has the consultation taken place?  I am a customer of Airservices Australia and I keep my ear to the ground all the time in relation to airspace changes.  I do not believe that I have been adequately consulted in relation to this change – if it is indeed happening.

I will look forward to your advice.

Best regards

Dick Smith