Airspace violation — VFR aircraft enters Class C without clearance

Summary

A privately operated Mooney M20J entered Sydney Class C airspace without an ATC clearance while navigating around the Parramatta area. The aircraft was identified by radar and issued a clearance instruction; no TCAS or loss of separation with an IFR aircraft occurred. The pilot received a formal regulatory caution from CASA.

Investigation Findings (4)

1. 01The pilot had an erroneous chart annotation placing the CTA lower limit 500 ft higher than the current published altitude.
2. 02The outdated chart was identified as the primary causal factor.
3. 03CASA issued guidance to GA pilots on the obligation to use current aeronautical charts.
4. 04No safety action was required beyond the regulatory caution.