Proposed change to Avalon airspace

Overview

The Office of Airspace Regulation (OAR) is seeking industry feedback on a proposed change to Avalon airspace.

Your feedback will help shape an airspace change proposal that is being prepared to remove Class E airspace and replace this with Class D airspace at Avalon. There are no changes to the existing airspace boundaries, air routes or instrument flight procedures.

The airspace change proposal is to include the existing control zone from the surface to 2,500 FT AMSL. It proposes:

• Class D airspace will replace Class E from 1,500 FT AMSL to 4,500 FT AMSL. Class D airspace will be operational during Avalon Tower hours.
• Outside tower hours, Class G airspace will be operational from the surface to the base of controlled airspace. Therefore, Class G airspace will operate from the surface to 4,500 FT AMSL within 30 NM DME Melbourne and surface to FL125 outside 30 NM DME Melbourne.

This change is an interim step that is intended remain until further examination of the Avalon airspace architecture to align with PBN criteria has been completed. Change to Avalon airspace is separate from expected airspace changes resulting from the new runway at Melbourne airport.

The following documents are available at the bottom of this page. We suggest you right click and open in a new tab or window:

• Avalon airspace review - February 2020
• Suggested Avalon airspace
• Avalon airspace - Tower hours
• Avalon airspace - Out of Tower hours

If you would like to provide further feedback, please email OAR@casa.gov.au. 

Why your views matter

Why we are consulting
In February 2020, the Office of Airspace Regulation published the final version of the Avalon Airspace Review. It recommends removing Class E airspace and replacing it with Class D or Class C airspace as appropriate. This proposed change will address the safety issues identified within the Airspace Review by optimising and enhancing the level of air traffic services provided at Avalon. 

We are seeking feedback to understand industry and community issues, observations or positions regarding the proposed airspace change.

What happens next
Once the consultation has closed, we will review each submission received through the online response form. 

Your feedback will help shape an airspace change proposal which will be published for feedback.

Further information about airspace regulation and the airspace change process is available on the CASA website.

Information about how we consult and how to make a confidential submission is available on the CASA website.

To be notified of any future consultations, you can subscribe to our consultation and rulemaking mailing list.