Ground Radio Course
Basic Handheld Radio Use
Refer to your operators manual for your particular unit (try Google if you don't have the hard copy) but below are some general tips on use:
Turning on and off is generally by twisting the volume knob or by holding down a button.
Tuning to the correct frequency (120.55 Mhz for Oamaru Airport) is usually by twisting a tuning knob or by typing it into the key pad and either waiting a few seconds, or pressing enter.
There is usually a squelch function which suppresses the speaker when there's no strong incoming signal. If this is set too weak it will continuously hiss, and if set too strong it will not receive the calls.
Plugging the unit into power may affect the squelch.
To transmit, wait for a gap in the radio calls, press the PTT (push to talk) button and speak clearly.
Only move your vehicle once you have made the call.
Do not turn the radio down while airside. Keep it with you when you leave the vehicle.
Oamaru Airport Chart
Not for operational use - source the latest version from www.aip.net.nz
The Circuit
The circuit is a standard pattern flown to keep multiple aircraft flying in a predictable direction to minimise the chances of a collision.
The active runway will typically be into wind (check windsock for wind), but they may practice landing with cross wind.
The standard overhead join is the correct way for an aircraft to join at Oamaru Airport, assuming cloud conditions permit. However, some aircraft often join straight in which is poor practice but technically legal. Expect this to happen, and an aircraft that has called "joining" over the radio that arrives directly into the circuit will land slightly sooner than one that had joined overhead.
Some aircraft may do a glide approach which is very quiet. Even aircraft approaching with some power will approach the runway very quietly.
Landing aircraft have right of way over vehicles.
Key terms you will hear are:
ECHO OSCAR INDIA [call sign of aircraft], FINAL [position], TWO NINE [runway].
This means the aircraft is in line with, and about to land on runway 29 from the east.ECHO OSCAR INDIA, LEFT BASE, TWO NINE, TOUCH AND GO
This means the aircraft is shortly to turn left to line up with the runway for landing in about one or two minutes. It will then take off again without stopping.ECHO OSCAR INDIA, DOWNWIND, TWO NINE, NUMBER TWO, FULL STOP
The aircraft is parallel with the runway flying toward base leg and will taxi off the runway once landed after the preceding aircraft has landed.ECHO OSCAR INDIA, ROLLING TWO NINE, DEPARTING TO THE SOUTH VIA THE CROSSWIND.
The aircraft is taking off on runway two nine, turning left onto the crosswind leg and leaving the circuit to operate south of the field.ECHO OSCAR INDIA, ROLLING TWO NINE, REMAINING IN THE CIRCUIT
The aircraft will take off and land again on the same runway in about six minutes.MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, ECHO OSCAR INDIA, ENGINE FAILURE AFTER TAKE OFF, TWO NINE, THREE P.O.B., LANDING IN A PADDOCK.
Emergency call - call council to initiate the airport emergency situation action plan (as per safety manual), call the operator and then call emergency services. The aircraft will be upwind of the runway, hopefully landed safely in a paddock.
IFR Approach
The main runway has an instrument approach for when there is low cloud. Large aircraft typically do this approach and the main runway must be entirely clear from fence to fence when they are on approach. This is a straight-in approach for runway 18 (from Glenavy) or runway 36 (from Oamaru) and the radio is the only way you will hear them coming in time for you to vacate the area. The key is to recognise the term RNAV.
Typical calls: "OAMARU TRAFFIC, CHATAMS ZERO ONE TEN TO THE NORTH ESTABLISHED ON THE RNAV RUNWAY ONE EIGHT"
NOTAMS
Notice to Airmen - this is the official nationwide method of notifying pilots of anything unusual that might affect their operation at a given location. Any works airside are to be communicated to pilots by NOTAM which is issued by council.
Terminology for Ground Vehicles
Radio calls need to be made if you are entering the runway. They aren't necessary if you are driving around the parking areas because the benefit doesn't outweigh the radio clutter, but you should always give way to taxiing aircraft and use your rotating beacon or hazard lights.
Parked aircraft which have lights flashing may be about to start. Avoid propellers and wings. Never bring animals airside.
If entering a runway, first have a 360 degree lookout for traffic and then make your call before entering: "OAMARU TRAFFIC, VEHICLE AT THE ZERO TWO THRESHOLD, ENTERING AND BACK TRACKING TO THRESHOLD FOR TWO ZERO."
If crossing a runway, have a 360 degree lookout for traffic and then call: OAMARU TRAFFIC, VEHICLE CROSSING THREE SIX"
When working on a runway, expect that an aircraft may land on it even if it is closed. This may be an emergency, or it may be a violation. Either way report it to council. Assuming there's no harm there won't likely be a penalty for the pilot and it will be investigated locally for prevention of similar occurrences in the future, and perhaps by the Civil Aviation Authority if more serious.
When work is complete: "OAMARU TRAFFIC, VEHICLE AT THREE SIX THRESHOLD, BACK TRACKING ONE EIGHT FOR THE AERO CLUB"
The main way to find other traffic is to look for it - and expect to find it. Look in each direction for two seconds before moving your eyes to the next segment of sky.
The secondary way to find traffic is Flight Radar 24 which shows aircraft positions in almost real time, but certain aircraft are excluded from it such as the local helicopters, and also any aircraft without ADSB transponders. In addition to a good lookout, you should check Flight Radar before entering a runway: https://www.flightradar24.com/-44.96,171.07/12