Ballina controlled airspace - preferred design

Overview

CASA is seeking feedback on the preferred airspace design for the introduction of controlled airspace around Ballina.

We are asking for feedback from Ballina area airspace users including local flying schools, aero clubs, operators, and industry bodies. Your feedback will help us finalise the design to support the Airspace Change Proposal (ACP). 

The preferred design

Earlier this year we sought feedback from the aviation industry on the preliminary design while Airservices Australia consulted the local community. Through our consultation we received many suggestions intended to enhance safety, operational efficiency and equitable access in the area.

Based on the feedback received, we have adjusted the airspace design. The key changes reflected in the updated design are:

• modifications to portions of the lower limit of the controlled airspace to reduce the impact on a number of affected stakeholders
• introduce Standard Instrument Departure (SIDs) from Lismore to accommodate the departure procedure particularly during Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)
• adjustments to some of the arrival and departure procedures at Ballina based upon operators’ and stakeholder feedback.

The updated design for review: 

The above image compares the preliminary design with the updated preferred design. The preferred design is highlighted in blue with the preliminary design marked in red.

The airspace architecture has been designed to contain a series of instrument flight procedures as well as standard arrival and departure paths. A key principle of the preferred design is to retain the current airspace usage patterns where possible.

Airservices Australia has released the preferred flight path designs for consultation. Visit Engage Airservices to see the flight paths and interactive map for additional detail.

Background

Airspace around Ballina Airport will be controlled by air traffic controllers in 2025 as CASA and Airservices Australia move to develop services to accommodate the airport’s growth.

This follows an airspace review of the Ballina region in 2022. This review included feedback from industry and subsequent discussions with Airservices Australia on timing for the establishment of controlled airspace and air traffic services.

Why your views matter

Why we are consulting

The feedback received will help us to finalise the Airspace Change Proposal for the Ballina region with Airservices Australia.

What happens next

Once the consultation has closed, we will:

• review all comments received
• make responses publicly available on the consultation hub (unless you request your submission remain confidential)
• provide an update through the Consultation Hub on any intended changes and next steps.

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.

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.