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The Guardian

Police are investigating 15 incidents of illegal radio transmissions with aircraft at Melbourne and Avalon airports, including hoax calls that forced at least one aircraft to abort its landing.
In a statement issued on Monday night, the Australian federal police said there had been “unlawful interference with air traffic control broadcasts over several weeks”.
Audio obtained by the ABC revealed that, during one of the calls, the hoax caller pretended to be the pilot of a light aircraft as he spoke to an air traffic controller.
“I can see you there now. Roger your Mayday. Could you please advise what your situation is,” the air traffic control operator asks. “Engine failure,” the hoax caller replies. “Descending passing through 4,500.”
'There's a bomb in my pants': Passenger held at Beijing airport over hoax
In another incident a Virgin Australia flight en route from the Gold Coast to Melbourne was forced to change course under the instruction of the hoax caller transmitting from an unknown location, the ABC reported. A Virgin Australia spokeswoman told Guardian Australia she could not comment on the incident as the matter was now under investigation by police.

While police said there was no threat to the safety of travellers, and that travellers did not need to change their plans, they have issued a call to the public to provide information. The police statement refers to one person being responsible for the calls.
Man arrested for staging bomb hoax at Hong Kong International Airport to stop girlfriend’s flight
The AFP’s head of crime operations, the acting assistant commissioner Chris Sheehan, said the incidents were being investigated with technical support from the Australian Communications and Media Authority. .
“The airlines have been briefed to ensure the advice has been passed on to their pilots and to ensure appropriate measures are in place,” he said.
Airservices Australia, which provides traffic control and navigation advice, said at no time was public safety jeopardised as a result of the calls and that it was working closely with the airlines and the AFP.
Unauthorised transmissions on non-public channels are an offence under the Radio Communications Act and carries a jail term of up to 20 years.


Hoax radio transmissions cause aeroplane to abort landing at Melbourne airport

A young boy watching an aircraft belonging to Australian national air carrier Qantas taxing for takeoff at Tullamarine Airport in Melbourne. Photo: EPA

epa05583089 A picture made available 13 October 2016 shows a air staff operator leading out a departing Virgin Australia aircraft for take off on the tarmac at Tullamarine Airport, in Melbourne, Australia, 08 October 2016. The growing Chinese tourism market for Australian airlines is prompting carriers to announce plans for direct flights to China, with Qantas announcing the resumption of the direct route from Sydney to Beijing beginning 25 January 2017. According to Qantas Group Chief Executive Alan Joyce, the route will help the airline take advantage of surging travel demand. Given that Chinese companies Nanshan and HNA have acquired shares in air carrier Virgin Australia, the airline is predicted to open new routes to China in late 2017. EPA/BARBARA WALTON

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