A Melbourne man has appeared in court for sending false mayday signals to passenger planes at Melbourne Airport.

The alleged offence occurred over a two-month period.

Australian Federal Police Detective Simone Butcher said “these offences are extremely serious”.

The 45-year-old was arrested after police searched his home in Melbourne’s north-east on Saturday.

The Australian Federal Police have seized four portable radios and “associated equipment” allegedly used to transmit jamming signals, including two mobile phones with recordings of shouts and SOS messages.

Police were alerted to the incidents in September by the Australian Communications Authority, which discovered someone was using unauthorised access to aviation radio networks to broadcast hails and fake recordings of mayday signals, AFP said in a statement.

Investigators “linked the man to the crime” and his home was searched on Saturday.

Following his arrest and detention, he was charged with three offences – one under the Aviation Crimes Act and two under the Radio Communications Act.

A 45-year-old man has been arrested by Australian Federal Police after allegedly sending out false distress signals at Melbourne Airport over a two-month period (pictured)

AFP searched his home and confiscated four portable radios and “associated equipment” allegedly used to transmit calls for commercial flights (stock photo)

The most serious charges carry a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

He faces charges of making a radio transmission likely to endanger the safe operation of an aircraft with intent to endanger the safe operation of that aircraft, and operating a radio device in a manner other than authorized by the aircraft’s license. The third charge is using a transmitter that interfered with radio communications in a manner that was detrimental to the safe operation of an aircraft.

Chief Superintendent Butcher said aviation safety was paramount and appropriate procedures, processes and systems were in place to ensure safe flight operations across the country.

“Any person who attempts to compromise passenger safety through unlawful or unauthorized access to the system and equipment will be caught and brought to justice,” she added.

The 45-year-old man appeared in Melbourne District Court on Monday afternoon.