Guidelines for vertical flight aircraft facilities at aerodromes designed for aeroplanes - Draft Advisory Circular 139-10 v1.0

Overview

We would like your feedback on draft guidance for vertical flight aircraft facilities at aerodromes designed for aeroplanes.

With the emergence of advanced air mobility (AAM) the aerodrome industry may soon start to see new vertical flight capable aircraft operating at their facilities. When considering the introduction of AAM aircraft at aerodromes designed to be used by aeroplanes, it became clear that many of the hazards and risks associated with AAM aircraft are also relevant to helicopter operations.

Draft Advisory Circular (AC) 139.10 v1.0 - Guidelines for vertical flight aircraft facilities at aerodromes designed for aeroplanes, is intended to provide guidance to aerodrome and aircraft operators in the planning, design, and operation of both helicopter and vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capable aircraft (VCA) facilities on an aerodrome that may have only been designed for fixed-wing aeroplanes. It complements current guidance in AC 139.R-01 and AC 139.V-01 and work is underway to incorporate the applicable elements this AC in the Part 139 Manual of Standards. 

Draft AC 139.10 provides guidance on:

• defining the intended vertical flight operations for an aerodrome
• aerodrome specific downwash and outwash hazards
• arrival and departure procedures
• physical characteristics of vertical flight facilities
• vertical flight aircraft versus taxiways designed for aeroplanes
• obstacle limitation surfaces for vertical flight operations
• visual aids for vertical flight aircraft – markings, lighting etc.
• published information for vertical flight facilities.

This AC will be of interest to:

• aerodrome operators
• persons involved in the design, construction and operation of airports, heliports and vertiports
• proponents of airports, heliports and vertiports
• helicopter and VCA owners/operators
• planning authorities
• Part 175 aeronautical information service providers.

Why your views matter

We recognise the valuable contribution that community and industry consultation makes to the regulatory development process. Your feedback will increase our understanding of your needs and whether the draft AC provides adequate guidance on improving the safe integration of both current and future vertical flight aircraft at aerodromes designed for aeroplanes.

We are seeking feedback as to whether:

• the content and structure of the guidance provided is clear and sufficient
• it is fit for the purpose of helping aerodrome operators to address the hazards associated with integrating vertical flight facilities at their aerodromes
• it provides vertical flight aircraft operators with the tools to consult with aerodrome operators about their intended operations.

Related Documents

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

• Draft AC 139.10 v1.0
• MS Word copy of online consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.

Please submit your comments on the draft AC through the Consultation Hub using the survey provided. If you are unable to provide feedback this way, please email us at regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au.

Please read the AC document before providing your feedback.

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 any intended changes and next steps.

Feedback that improves the guidance will be incorporated into the final guidance.