Parafield Airport

Investigations

Investigations

Airservices proactively works with the airport and the community to investigate, trial and implement changes to improve aircraft noise outcomes.

More information about how air traffic control works, including explanations of controlled and uncontrolled airspace, is found here.

Circuit changes

After an increase in complainants concerned that the circuit had changed, the investigation found that this was due not only to the use of different runways as a result of seasonal winds, but also to the presence of helicopters conducting circuit training.

Because helicopters are slower than fixed wing aircraft, and more manoeuvrable, they are required to operate inside the fixed wing circuit. To accommodate this fixed wing aircraft are required to continue on runway heading for one nautical mile before turning onto their crosswind leg. This extends the take-off/upwind leg and therefore the area overflown.

This requirement is in place for safety reasons to ensure safe separation between both types of aircraft. For this reason it cannot be changed.

Aircraft Noise Ombudsman investigation

The Aircraft Noise Ombudsman conducted an investigation into Parafield Airport noise issues in 2012. The report is available on the Ombudsman’s website.

Community consultation

Community Aviation Consultation Group (CACG) meetings are independent forums where community members and organisations can raise opinions and issues. These meetings address planning and development issues as well as operational matters such as aircraft noise and provide an opportunity for communication and consultation, although they may not be public forums.

Airservices attends the Parafield Airport Consultative Committee meetings to provide information to the community and assist in discussions on aviation matters.