Proposed decommissioning of Warburton, WA non-directional beacon

The Ngaanyatjarra Council is proposing to decommission the non-directional beacon (NDB) as it is unserviceable.

The issue

The Warburton (WBR) NDB is unserviceable and has been subject to a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) for some time. It is uneconomical to repair or replace, and the owner has requested that it be decommissioned.  This navaid is not part of the backup navigation network. 

Decommissioning of the WBR NDB will result in the following changes to the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP):  

• removal of the WBR NDB details from ERSA 
• removal of the Warburton airport (YWBR) NDB approach and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) arrival procedures 
• modification of one route that references the WBR NDB
• updating of charts and other documentation to remove reference to the navaid.  

The existing required navigation performance (RNP) approach procedures will not be affected.

Purpose

The Ngaanyatjarra Council, as the owner of the WBR NDB, is proposing to decommission the navigation aid.

Airservices is seeking feedback from aircraft operators and other industry stakeholders to understand if and how the WBR NDB was being used and whether decommissioning it will have any impact on their operations.