Relocation of The Oaks visual approach point

We sought feedback on a proposal to relocate the visual approach point (VAP) known as The Oaks (THK), situated adjacent to The Oaks (YAOS) aerodrome.

The change aims to address a risk of aircraft flying near each other while on different frequencies around Camden Airport and The Oaks aerodrome.

The proposed change seeks to address this risk by redirecting aircraft approaching Camden Airport away from aircraft operating at The Oaks aerodrome. It is required to support the broader airspace changes in the Sydney Basin prior to the opening of Western Sydney International Airport (WSI).

The consultation period ran between 24 February and 20 March 2026.

We sought feedback to understand industry issues, observations or positions regarding the following:

• How would the proposed changes to THK  and the associated visual flight rules (VFR) route impact  arrival procedures into Camden Airport?
• What safety and operational considerations should be taken into account before implementing the proposed new VAP location and route?

Local airspace users including flying schools, aero clubs, commercial operators, recreational and sport aviation as well as industry bodies were encouraged to respond.

We received 69 responses through the CASA Consultation Hub and direct email.

A wide variety of airspace stakeholders submitted a response. Most responses received were from recreational and private pilots. Training organisations represented the bulk of the remaining responses while a smaller number of responses were received from emergency services providers, safety managers and chief pilots.

Summary of feedback 

Responses recognised that the proposed relocation would enhance safety by reducing the airspace risks inherent with aircraft operating in proximity to one another on separate frequencies in the vicinity of The Oaks circuit. However, further analysis reveals additional information.

Impact on arrival procedures into Camden

The majority of respondents supported the proposal. In terms of the arrival procedures into Camden, respondents said key safety improvements included:

• a more predictable operating environment
• reduction in the inherent risk of mid-air collision
• an overall reduction in pilot workload by easing the complexity.  

Airspace changes occurring in July 2026 with the opening of WSI are likely to generate a considerable change in general aviation traffic movements in the airspace. Redirecting some of that traffic away from The Oaks was considered a positive. The introduction of a transponder mandate was suggested as a means of also reducing airspace risk. Creating separate inbound and outbound routes to and from Camden was raised by several respondents.

We received some responses in favour of retaining The Oaks VAP because of its convenience to Camden and its geographical prominence.  Some respondents suggested that CASA should consider changes to the Camden instrument procedure final approach fix which is also in the vicinity of The Oaks. Others suggested that The Oaks aerodrome be decommissioned. We received some responses with concerns that removing the VAP would attract aircraft to The Oaks township due to its geographic prominence.  

Safety and operational considerations

Feedback about the safety and operational considerations was varied. While respondents agreed with the safety benefits of the proposed change, many held the view that the information contained in the visual terminal chart (VTC) and Aeronautical Information Package (AIP) was the root cause.

Many respondents suggested that the text on the VTC and within the AIP be improved to clearly articulate the recommended behaviours. This could be supplemented with a program of safety education to improve pilot behaviour and enhance awareness.

Some respondents suggested mandating the altitude requirement in the vicinity of The Oaks aerodrome as well as establishing and enforcing mandatory radio broadcasts.

Removing THK as a VAP without replacing it was also raised. The proposed replacement VFR route near Hayters Mill was considered unsuitable. Airspace incursions driven largely by the Western Sydney controlled airspace vertical boundary, where pilots are required to remain clear of the rising terrain, was raised by several key stakeholders.  Some believed that Hayter’s Mill would present an operational challenge particularly for inexperienced pilots in a training environment.

Other comments

Respondents also raised the following concerns and comments:   

• include additional Class D steps in the vicinity of The Oaks to provide an air traffic service in the affected volume
• the impact of the gliding operations in the vicinity of Camden and The Oaks should be considered
• potential performance differences between aircraft operating at the proposed Hayter’s Mill VAP that could increase nose-to-tail collision risk
• improving understanding of chart symbology through a coordinated education program
• Clarifying Metro D procedures that permit entry into the CTR from multiple locations rather than directing aircraft to a smaller number of VAPs
• establishing a Danger Area around The Oaks as a means of highlighting the potential collision risk.

The Sydney Recreational Flying Club prepared an individual response although many of its members provided their own contribution.

Next steps

CASA appreciates the contributions made by respondents and acknowledges that their feedback has been beneficial to the consultation process.

It is clear from the responses that relocating the VAP is a safety enhancement that should be progressed. What is equally clear is that the location of the replacement VAP should be considered carefully including a full risk assessment to support the next phase.  

We are now considering and reviewing the feedback received, as well as safety information about the area, to determine how to proceed with any airspace changes and what these might look like. We will continue to engage with local airspace users on any proposed changes to the airspace.