Airservices Australia has begun construction of an en route radar in the Pilbara region of WA.
The radar, at Paraburdoo, comes in response to a significant increase in air traffic due to the mining sector, Airservices said.
The radar will allow air traffic controllers to track aircraft down to the ground at Paraburdoo and will provide coverage to approximately 10,000ft for traffic operating in or out of West Angeles, Barimunyz and Forescue Dave Forrest, and to 15,000ft for traffic to Newman. It will also provide some coverage of traffic operating to and from Karratha.
The installation is expected to be complete by November this year.
“With so many additional planes flying to and from the Pilbara region, radar provides us with the capability to know the exact location of an aircraft in real time,” Airservices executive general nanager of projects and engineering Mark Rodwell said.
“This enables us to make safer and more efficient use of the airspace, allowing aircraft to operate more efficiently, and reducing pilot and controller workload to further enhance safety.”
