New guidance on objects and structures that affect aviation safety

Overview

We would like your feedback on our draft guidance on objects and structures that affect aviation safety.

Objects and structures that are a certain height above ground level can impact the safety of aircraft conducting normal operations. They need to be assessed, and any safety hazards mitigated.

This draft guidance is intended to assist authorities and people involved in the planning, approvals, erection, extension or dismantling of objects and structures or sources of hazardous plume rises (gaseous effluxes). It aims to help them understand how the information they provide impacts the safety of aircraft operations.

Draft Multi-Part Advisory Circular (AC) 139.E-01 and AC 175.E-02 V2.0 - Objects and structures that affect aviation safety, combines guidance from two ACs. One on the reporting of tall structures and hazardous plume sources; and the other on obstacles (including wind farms) outside the vicinity of a CASA certified aerodrome.

The guidance in this draft AC addresses:

• aviation risks and regulatory frameworks
• reporting of objects, structures and hazardous plume sources
• assessment of aviation hazards
• aviation hazard mitigation
• reporting of objects and structures.

This draft AC will be of interest to:

• a person who owns, controls or operates a tall object or structure, including buildings, telecommunications towers and wind turbines
• a person who owns, controls or operates any plant or equipment which may release a hazardous plume into airspace utilised by aircraft
• aerodrome operators
• development proponents
• government agencies that oversee airspace, infrastructure development and planning, and land-use planning.

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 sufficient guidance on the height considerations of objects, structures and hazardous plumes.

We are seeking feedback on whether the:

• content and structure of the guidance is clear and sufficient
• guidance assists you in understanding the vital nature of the information you provide and its impact on the safety of aircraft operations
• guidance is fit for the purpose of supporting the development of infrastructure.

Related documents

The documents related to this consultation are:

• Draft Multi-Part AC 139.E-01 and AC 175.E-02 v2.0 - Objects and structures that affect aviation safety
• MS Word copy of online consultation for ease of distribution and feedback within your organisation.

Please read the draft AC before providing your feedback.

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

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 AC.