Relocation of The Oaks visual approach point

Overview

We are seeking feedback on a proposal to relocate the visual approach point (VAP) known as The Oaks (THK) and its accompanying visual flight rules (VFR) route to the west of Camden Airport.

The proposal addresses a risk of aircraft flying close to each other while on different frequencies around Camden Airport and The Oaks aerodrome.

Pilots will typically transit THK when approaching the Camden Airport control zone and contact Camden tower for clearance at 2,500 ft above mean sea level (AMSL) to overfly The Oaks aerodrome circuit. However, the Sydney VTC permits, without recommending, that aircraft could operate as low as 1,900 ft AMSL at THK which is The Oaks circuit altitude. Aircraft flying within The Oaks circuit use a different frequency than those aircraft approaching Camden tower, generating an airspace risk within the area.

A similar risk exists when pilots conduct a mid-field crosswind circuit entry from the west into The Oaks aerodrome. Aircraft could be approaching between 1,900 ft and 2,400 ft AMSL, creating potential conflict with aircraft inbound to Camden Airport via THK, particularly as they are likely to be operating on different frequencies.

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.

The proposal 

The image above shows the current position of The Oaks visual approach point on the Sydney visual terminal chart (VTC) and the proposed relocation over Hayters Sawmill (thick purple line).

Why your views matter

This consultation provides a platform for airspace users to provide feedback to increase safety and efficiency. 

Completing the survey

Please submit your comments using the survey link on this page.

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. 

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:

• review all comments received
• make responses publicly available on the consultation hub (unless you request that your submission remain confidential)
• publish a summary of the feedback received and outline next steps.

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.