We asked industry to provide feedback on the draft Airspace Review of Ballina conducted by CASA’s Office of Airspace Regulation (OAR). This aeronautical study assessed the airspace within the vicinity of Ballina from the surface to 8,500 feet above mean sea level.
The consultation was open from 16 June until 17 July 2022.
We sought feedback from airspace users via a survey, drawing on the contents of the airspace review. The review had identified 3 areas of concern:
To address these concerns and improve safety, the review proposed 9 recommendations. They represent a graduated approach to reducing airspace risk at Ballina, intending to build up to a controlled aerodrome service with an associated control zone and control area steps.
We received 148 submissions via the survey and email.
Responses were received from a variety of airspace users. Most were from airlines, aerial work operators, flight training, air transport licence holders, commercial licence holders, private/recreational pilots, sports aviation pilots and air navigation service provider staff.
The reduction of airspace risk was widely supported. There was virtually no opposition to the importance of airspace safety and strong support to improve safety in and around Ballina.
There were some differences in opinion regarding the appropriateness, timing and phased implementation of the recommended measures.
There were a small number of remarks regarding the cost associated with the recommendations. Some preferred more cost-effective solutions such as the existing SFIS services. The primary concern among the general aviation community was the balance between retaining the current level of access and amenity while deriving the safety dividend.
There were some concerns about airspace efficiency and that controlled airspace constraints may reduce capacity at times. Some expressed the view that the introduction of ATS reduces the efficiency of the airspace due to the separation standards applied to aircraft operating in the area compared to uncontrolled airspace. Some users had concerns about potential delays in obtaining clearances to operate in their usual volumes of airspace.
A common theme was interim solutions should be ICAO-compliant and form part of the enduring solution. Any interim measure should not have to be wound back as subsequent measures are phased in.
Timing of the measures is a critical consideration. Many stakeholders favoured the earliest practical adoption of the measures. There were no comments seeking to delay the initiatives among the vast majority that support the measures, notwithstanding that some respondents preferred the status quo.
Based on the responses received, no changes were made to the recommendations in the draft report however the proposed milestones were revised.
The timelines and milestones for implementing the recommendations will be finalised through further engagement with stakeholders.
Read the full report on the CASA website.
View submitted responses where consent has been given to publish the response.
CASA is seeking your comments on the draft airspace review of Ballina, New South Wales.
The review was conducted to assess current risks and propose solutions. The draft review has identified three areas of concern:
Nine recommendations to improve safety have been identified through stakeholder engagement and analysis. They are designed to adopt a graduated approach to reducing airspace risk at Ballina intended to build up to a controlled aerodrome service with an associated control zone and control area steps.
We are seeking your feedback on all aspects of the draft review, including the recommendations and timeframes.
Your feedback, together with other evidence and data, will help us continue working with stakeholders to finalise the best way to implement a graduated approach to improve safety and reduce risks.
The final timeframes will be influenced by your feedback and what is realistic for putting the final solutions in place.
The Office of Airspace Regulation applies a precautionary approach when conducting airspace reviews. The following recommendations are consistent with the CASA Board’s direction that aviation safety risks must be reduced to the lowest practical and proportionate level.
As part of our graduated approach, we have already introduced the first safety improvement measures (recommendations 1 and 2).
From 16 June new radio frequencies are being introduced to ease congestion and improve safety around Ballina, Lismore, Casino and Evans Head aerodromes. This was introduced early in response to industry feedback, including extensive engagement with stakeholders (such as local flying schools, aero clubs, airspace users, industry bodies) and a public consultation survey in November last year.
Documents for review
Please read the Draft Airspace Review of Ballina, NSW (May 2022) provided at the bottom of this page to help with your submission.
We want to hear from as many Ballina area airspace users as possible including local flying schools, aero clubs, operators and industry bodies.
We are seeking feedback on key elements of the graduated approach, including timing.
Your feedback will help us to finalise the Ballina airspace review including recommendations and timings.
Completing the survey
You can choose to comment on as many topics as you like. If you do not have enough time to complete the consultation in one go, don’t worry. You can save your input and come back later.
If you would like to provide further feedback, please email OAR@casa.gov.au. Feedback submitted by email will be considered but cannot be published publicly.
Further information about airspace regulation and the airspace change process is available on the CASA website.
What happens next
Once the consultation has closed, we will register and review each submission received through the online response form. We will make all submissions publicly available on the Consultation Hub, unless you request your submission remains confidential. We will also publish the final report and recommendations on our 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, subscribe to our consultation and rulemaking mailing list.
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