Access to Class C and Class D controlled airspace for sport and recreation aircraft – (DP 2314OS)

Overview

We are seeking your input to help with our ongoing work to achieve safe, efficient and equitable access to controlled airspace and controlled aerodromes.

Your feedback and ideas will assist us to consider the options for increasing sport and recreational opportunities as part of our General Aviation Workplan. The aviation community has told us that sport and recreational aviation’s access to controlled airspace is too restricted.

Through the General Aviation Workplan, we committed to consider the options to increase access to Class C and Class D airspace. This includes identifying the additional controls that may need to be put in place to achieve this safely.

This consultation will inform future policy on access to controlled airspace, and we will seek feedback on it in a subsequent consultation.

Topics for discussion

Pilots operating in controlled airspace currently must meet standards in relation to:

• pilot competencies
• radio competencies and English language proficiency
• medical fitness
• aircraft equipment
• priorities for airspace access.

These aim to ensure pilots can operate in controlled airspace safely.

Discussion Paper (DP) 2314OS examines the various requirements for users of controlled airspace and controlled aerodromes in Australia and the objectives underpinning the requirements.

We would like to know if you think:

• the objectives are appropriate and reasonable
• the current requirements reflect the objectives
• if there are alternative ways we could achieve the objectives.

To learn more before you provide a response, please read DP 2314OS.

Class 5 medical self-declaration policy
We are also seeking feedback on a proposal for a Class 5 medical self-declaration policy. The proposal considers access to controlled and non-controlled airspace.

Why your views matter

Your feedback will help us to understand the effectiveness of the current requirements before we explore alternatives or options for improvement.

Please submit your comments using the survey link on this page.

If you are unable to provide feedback via the survey link, please email regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au for advice.

Documents for review

All documents related to this consultation are attached in the ‘Related’ section at the bottom of the overview page. They are:

• Discussion Paper 2314OS
• MS Word copy of online consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.

What happens next

At the end of the response period, we will:

• review all comments received
• make responses publicly available on the consultation hub (unless you request your submission remain confidential)
• publish a Summary of Consultation which summarises the feedback received and outlines next steps.

All comments received on the discussion paper will be considered to inform future policy on access to controlled airspace.