Tonight on 7 News Spotlight, Liz Hayes investigates concerns over Australia’s aviation safety systems, including the risks posed by uncontrolled airspace and increasing pressure on air traffic controllers.
The special also features businessman and aviator Dick Smith, who raises concerns about whether Australia’s current systems are equipped to handle growing air traffic and the future demands on the nation’s skies.
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Passenger jets coming dangerously close. Air traffic controllers under pressure. A string of terrifying near-misses has put safety at Australia’s major airports under intense scrutiny.
But while attention has focused on the dangers on the ground, is the real risk in our skies?
In a 7NEWS Spotlight special investigation, Liz Hayes examines Australia’s vast areas of uncontrolled airspace.
Legendary Australian aviator Dick Smith sounds the alarm over a system he says has failed to keep pace with modern aviation – warning that without change, Australia risks a catastrophic mid-air collision.
“It’s a 1930s system and we’ve kept that,” Smith tells Hayes.
Hayes also speaks to those working inside our control towers about the high-stakes reality of keeping thousands of passengers safe every day, as staff shortages and increasingly busy skies place greater pressure on the system.
With air travel expected to double and the new Western Sydney International Airport adding further complexity, Hayes investigates whether Australia’s aviation systems are ready for what lies ahead.
