Essendon (YMEN) aerodrome beacon utilisation

What do we propose to change? 

Improvements in general aerodrome lighting and the installation of global navigation satellite system (GNSS) equipment across the industry have significantly reduced the dependence on aerodrome beacons.  In 2017 and 2018, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) consulted on changes to aerodrome beacon requirements and subsequently published amendments to Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR) Part 139 – Aerodromes and the associated Manual of Standards (MOS).  These amendments made the provision of aerodrome beacons optional.  

Airservices has conducted a risk assessment under our Safety Management System (SMS) and proposes to decommission the aerodrome beacon at YMEN.  Removal from service is expected to have a negligible impact on industry.

How to have your say? 

As part of our commitment to engage with stakeholders, we are seeking your feedback to understand if there is any operational requirement or impact from the removal of the YMEN aerodrome beacon before a decision is made.

You can provide feedback on this proposal between 10 and 31 July 2025 by completing our Engage Airservices Survey:

Click here - https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/ymen-beacon or by emailing stakeholder@airservicesaustralia.com.

Your support to deliver this initiative is appreciated, and we look forward to your feedback.