Victorian man arrested after allegedly faking aircraft mayday calls

[vk3ymml]

Source: https://australianaviation.com.au/2024/ ... day-calls/


Australian Aviation

The 45-year-old from Lower Plenty appeared in Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Monday afternoon after the Australian Federal Police (AFP) arrested him on three charges of radio interference at Melbourne Airport over the course of two months.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) alerted the AFP to “unauthorised access to aviation radio networks” being used to “broadcast various chants and false mayday recordings”, prompting an investigation this month.


Police executed a search warrant at the man’s house over the weekend and seized four handheld radios and other equipment that the suspect is alleged to have used to transmit the broadcasts, including a pair of mobile phones they claim contained recordings of chants and mayday calls.

“These offences are extremely serious. Aviation security is critical and appropriate procedures, processes and systems are in place to ensure the safety of aviation operations across Australian airports,” AFP Detective Superintendent Simone Butcher said.

==

==
“Anyone who attempts to compromise the safety of the travelling public, through false or unauthorised access to its operations and equipment, will be caught and brought before the courts.”

The AFP said the man has been charged with: