Melbourne Radio Hacker

[Rowan McKeever]

Could not pick a worse frequency, full stop. If an aircraft had gone down in this area...

[MarkR]

It would have unlikely been affected by the music transmission, as the COSPAS SARSATs would ignore it. ACMA inspectors, different story

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Cu69kN7V...jpg&name=large

I would imagine there will be a close look at who has transmitters without licences in airport precincts over the next few weeks.

[Brian Noldt]

A man has been arrested over the incident

Story from ABC here:

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-11-2...rested/8047598

[Greg Hyde]

Got the ...

Australian Federal Police has arrested a 19-year-old Victorian man alleged to be behind unauthorised radio transmissions with aircraft and air traffic controllers at Melbourne and Avalon airports.

The man, who was due to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on Tuesday, has been charged with four counts of endangering the safety of aircraft and one count of interference likely to endanger safety or cause loss or damage.

The charges relate to 16 separate unauthorised radio transmissions at Melbourne and Avalon airports between September 5 and November 3, the AFP said in a statement on Tuesday.

AFP head of crime operations, acting Assistant Commissioner Chris Sheehan, thanked Airservices, the Australian Communications Media Authority (ACMA), Qantas and Virgin Australia for their assistance as part of the investigation.

“The current security measures in place for the airline industry are robust, and the traveling public should be reassured we are treating this matter appropriately,” Sheehan said in a statement on Tuesday.

“These incidents were thoroughly investigated by the AFP with the technical support of Airservices and the ACMA.

“The offences this 19-year-old man faces carry a maximum penalty of up to 20 years imprisonment.”

Airservices Southern operations manager Steven Clarke reassured the public there was no current threat to safety.

“Airservices has appropriate procedures, processes and systems in place to ensure the safety of aviation operations at Melbourne and Avalon airports, and across the country and for the travelling public,” Clarke said.

In the audio of one incident obtained by the ABC, someone pretending to be a pilot can be heard telling air traffic control his aircraft has suffered an engine failure.
Another incident involved a flight from Gold Coast to Melbourne where pilots of the aircraft aborted their landing after receiving instructions from someone pretending to be air traffic control.

http://australianaviation.com.au/201...valon-airport/

[Greg McDonald]

Well done to all concerned for doing their jobs well. Now lets see if the courts will do their job!! My money's on NOT.

[Dave Dale]

There will no doubt be some sob story. "My client is a 19 year old male, your honour. He is an intelligent man who perhaps was too intelligent for his own good. He never had any intention to harm any aircraft or persons flying. Having no incidents during the transmisssions reflects this. As a fist time offender, he should be considered for good behaviour as a maximum penalty your honour!"

[Erik H. Bakke]

Most likely no more than a slap on the wrist with a wet spaghetti.

[Phil Stevens]

Should get 121.5 years!

[Rowan McKeever]

Well done to the AFP for what can't have been a very easy investigation.

Phil, love it!

[Paul M]

Very impressed. I wonder how they found him, or was it a matter of looking for the house with the big antenna ?!?