Ballina controlled airspace - preferred design

CASA sought feedback from airspace users on the preferred airspace design for the introduction of controlled airspace around Ballina.

The consultation period ran between 13 November and 10 December 2024.

This consultation follows on from an earlier consultation conducted in July and August 2024 seeking feedback on the preliminary airspace design. Feedback received during this process was incorporated into the preferred airspace design, where appropriate.

About this consultation

The consultation posed questions to determine whether the preferred airspace design is fit for purpose considering the variety of operations that occur within the airspace in the vicinity of Ballina.

Industry bodies and all local airspace users including flying schools, aero clubs, commercial operators, recreational and sport aviation pilots were encouraged to respond.

Airservices Australia sought community feedback in parallel with CASA.

A total of 25 responses were received from a variety of airspace users including airlines, aerial work operators, flight training organisations, air transport licence holders, commercial licence holders, private/recreational pilots and sport aviation pilots.

Seventy percent of the responses received were from fixed wing operators, with the remainder being rotary wing or other airspace users such as hang gliding or paragliding.

Of the total responses, 20% nominated instrument flight rules (IFR) as their primary flight rules, 44% indicated visual flight rules (VFR) only and 36% identified both IFR and VFR or elected not to answer.

Air transport pilots, commercial pilots and chief pilots represented 40% of the total submissions. Forty-eight percent of responses received were from those who identified as recreational or private pilots. The remainder were air traffic controllers or other airspace stakeholders.

Summary of feedback 

Responses received supported the preferred airspace design, particularly the modifications and principles applied in developing the design. However, the following matters were raised for consideration:

• transit lanes for VFR operations
• access to controlled airspace for recreational and sport aviation users. 

Transit lanes for VFR operations

There is a preference for established VFR access lanes, either coastal or inland, to be included within the airspace design. This preference was also raised in the previous consultation,  including in-person sessions throughout 2024. Those who responded favour uncomplicated and unambiguous transit procedures for VFR traffic to reduce the likelihood of operators tracking toward higher terrain or offshore to avoid controlled airspace. Delayed VFR clearances was also raised in some submissions.

Access to controlled airspace for recreational and sport aviation users

A number of respondents raised the issue of access to controlled airspace for recreational and sport aviation users. The fundamental concern is that current access to the airspace should be retained to the greatest extent possible, recognising that the introduction of controlled airspace will necessitate some changes. Preserving the current level of amenity for hang gliding and paragliding operations featured in the comments.

Other comments

Some responses suggested to adjust the airspace design to incorporate a circular airspace configuration. A review of the non-directional beacon (NDB) approach to the east of the aerodrome to ensure containment was also requested. The preference for a control tower in situ on location was also raised.

Next steps

Based on feedback gathered from stakeholders, we will proceed with the preferred airspace design.

While there are a number of matters (outlined below) that will be addressed as the project progresses, they do not require a change to the design of the airspace.

CASA has incorporated the preferred design into the Airspace Change Proposal (ACP) which has been submitted for approval.

We plan to develop an education program for the Ballina region to support industry and help airspace users understand the changes.

Airservices Australia is responsible for the final flight path design that sits within the preferred airspace architecture and will be releasing information on this via Engage Airservices once assessment work on the preferred flight paths is complete.

Transit lanes for VFR operations
We have addressed feedback about VFR transit and clearances through controlled airspace by minimising the extent of controlled airspace in accordance with the design principles. This maximises the Class G (uncontrolled) airspace available.

We will also develop uncomplicated procedures with the airspace users and the air navigation service provider to facilitate VFR transit though the airspace and be incorporated into the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP).  

The NDB procedure is not totally contained within the preferred airspace design, however the uncontained portion is minor only and situated offshore. We will conduct a review of the procedure if required rather than altering the architecture.

Access to controlled airspace for recreational and sport aviation users
CASA is working to develop a suitable regulatory framework that can safely authorise sport and recreational aircraft and pilot certificate holders to operate in the controlled airspace, where pilots and aircraft meet CASA specified standards. This will not result in any changes to the airspace design.