Complaints

Complainants

There have been 64 individual complainants for the 2020 calendar year. This is a decrease from 78 complainants in 2019. Since 2016, the numbers of complainants has been decreasing each year.

The COVID 19 pandemic is the main reason for the decrease in 2020, due to international and state border closures, resulting in significantly fewer jet operations. The Movements at Australian Airport reports show that to the end of October 2020 there had been 49 452 movements at Adelaide Airport. As a comparison at the end of November 2019, there had been 97 510 movements.

In 2020, the NCIS implemented monthly reporting data in lieu of quarterly reporting for all airports. It is important to note that if a resident contacts the NCIS once every month, they are noted as one complainant for each of the 12 months, however, when we record the number of complainants for the calendar year they are only counted as one complainant, regardless of how many times they have contacted us.

Chart 1: Complainants per month, average number of complainants per month for the past three years and total number of complainants 2020

Chart 2: Complainant comparison 2016 to 2020

Issues

Curfew movements were the main concern in 2020 with 46 percent of complainants affected.

Helicopters concerned 21 percent of complainants while Standard flight path movements affected 15 percent. Seven other issues were raised as shown in Chart 3, for each of these issues four or fewer complainants were recorded.

General aviation concerns included flight training by light aircraft at Adelaide Airport, aircraft conducting airwork, and emergency services fixed wing aircraft. Training concerns were regarding instrument training at the airport.

Night movement concerns were all regarding emergency services operations. The enquiry under Other is a request for noise monitoring data, and the unusual movement was an aircraft conducting a radar departure.

Chart 3: Issues raised in 2020

Curfew

The majority of these movements, 87 percent, were permitted movements. Permitted movements include noise-compliant freight aircraft, emergency services aircraft, aircraft diverting from other airports, aircraft with a dispensation from the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities to operate at that time, as well as permitted passenger aircraft in the shoulder period 5am to 6am.

Six percent were concerned by emergency services operations. The number of complainants affected by curfew movements was close to 50 percent higher than in 2019. This may have been due to COVID restrictions and more people working from home and affected by these movements.

Helicopters

The majority of these, 57 percent, were concerned with emergency services operations, while 36 percent were concerned with airwork operations. One complainant was affected by standard operations.

Standard flight path

Runway 23 was used for the majority of aircraft movements in each month throughout the year; however, both Runway 23 arrivals and Runway 05 departures each affected 30 percent of complainants under this issue. Runway 23 departures and multiple runway directions each affected 20 percent of these complainants. Complainant numbers under this issue have halved since 2019, a direct result of COVID restrictions on passenger aircraft.

Emergency Services

Overall, emergency service operations affected 23 percent of complainants. These were categorised under the issues of helicopters, night movement, general aviation, and curfew. The majority of these complainants, 53 percent, were concerned with emergency helicopter movements, while 20 percent were affected by night movements, and 13 percent were affected by either curfew or general aviation emergency movements.

Chart 4: Emergency services issues raised in 2020

Suburbs

Complainants from 47 separate suburbs raised issues in 2020.

Mile End recorded the most complainants, seven, while West Beach recorded four. Thirty-seven suburbs recorded a single complainant.

Six Mile End residents were concerned with curfew movements, while the other resident were affected by a helicopter conducting airwork.

Two West Beach residents were affected by emergency services helicopter operations while another resident was affected by a helicopter conducting standard operations. One resident was affected by permitted curfew movements.

Curfew operations, including emergency services affected 22 suburbs.

Chart 5 below shows the suburbs recording the most complainants for 2020 and the comparison of numbers of complainants for each of those suburbs in 2017, 2018, and 2019. This chart shows the fluctuation in the numbers of complainants at various suburbs.

Chart 5: Suburbs recording the most complainants in 2020, with comparison of complainant numbers in these suburbs 2017 to 2019

Complainants

There have been 78 individual complainants for 2019 which is a decrease from 89 complainants in 2018.

Issues

As shown in Chart 1 below, the main issues raised for 2019 were Curfew, Standard flight path movements, and Helicopters. Curfew was raised by 22 complainants, Standard flight path movements by 20 complainants and Helicopters was raised by 16 complainants. A comparison of complainant numbers for 2016, 2017, and 2018 for these issues is also provided, showing a drop in complainant numbers for all main issues since 2018.

Chart 1: Main Issues and complainant numbers of 2019 with comparison of 2016, 2017 and 2018

Runway 23 was used for the majority of aircraft movements throughout the year, except for the month of June where the use of Runway 05 surpassed the use of Runway 23.

Despite the greater use of Runway 23 during the majority of the year, a greater percentage of complainants affected by standard flight paths were concerned with Runway 05 Departures (35 percent). This trend also occurs at other airports across Australia. When a runway that is not utilised for some time due to seasonal weather or other reasons, complainant numbers increase. Runway 23 Arrivals was a concern to 30 percent while multiple runway directions affected another 20 percent of these complainants.

Chart 2: Runway Direction in use for the issue of Standard flight paths and percentage of complainants affected

Curfew

In 2019, 90 percent of the complainants raising the issue of Curfew were concerned with permitted movements. Permitted movements include noise-compliant freight aircraft, emergency services aircraft, aircraft diverting from other airports, aircraft with a dispensation from the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities to operate at that time, as well as permitted passenger aircraft in the shoulder period 5am to 6am.

The other 10 percent of curfew complainants were concerned with emergency services operations.

Helicopters

The majority of residents (81 percent) concerned with helicopter movements in 2019 were concerned with emergency services operations. These complainants were located within the city area and along the coastline.

Suburbs

Complainants from 54 separate suburbs raised issues in 2019.
As in 2018, the suburbs with the most complainants were Glenelg North with six complainants, and Mile End with five complainants. Glenelg North is located adjacent to and immediately to the south of the airport, and Mile End is located two kilometres to the northeast of the airport under the flight path for the main runway, Runway 05/23.

Glenelg North residents were concerned with curfew operations, both permitted and emergency services, and ground running.
The majority of Mile End residents were concerned with permitted curfew movements, while two residents were affected by Runway 05 departures.

The suburbs of Adelaide, North Adelaide, Mawson Lakes, and Torrensville all recorded three complainants.

Standard flight path movements affected residents of North Adelaide and Torrensville, while helicopter operations affected Adelaide and Mawson Lakes residents. Adelaide and Torrensville residents were also affected by curfew movements.

Curfew operations, including emergency services affected 18 suburbs.

Chart 3 below shows the suburbs recording the most complainants for 2019 and the comparison of numbers of complainants for each of those suburbs in 2016, 2017, and 2018. This chart shows the fluctuation in the numbers of complainants at various suburbs.

Chart 3: Suburb and complainant comparison 2016, 2017 with 2018

Complainants

During quarter three, there were 27 complainants. This is a slight increase from 25 complainants in quarter two. It is a decrease from 38 complainants in the same period last year.

Issues

During quarter three, the main issue was Curfew movements affecting 41 percent of complainants. Thirty three percent of complainants in quarter three raised issues that were not in Airservices’ remit, such as ground running, masterplan enquiries and the insulation scheme; or not noise related. In the latter residents were concerned with a publicity exercise where a fixed wing and rotor wing aircraft were flying close together. These is shown under the issue of Other in Chart 1.

Chart 1: Issues and number of complainants affected Q3 2019

Standard flight path movements

The use of Runway 05 was the main concern to residents in quarter three. In this quarter and historically the use of Runway 05 use decreases quarter three and the use of Runway 23 increases. All complainants were concerned with Runway 05 departures.

Helicopters

Emergency services operations were the concern to all complainants under this issue. One complainant was disturbed during the Curfew period.

Curfew

There were several curfew dispensations approved by the Minister during quarter three. Only one complainant referenced an aircraft that was subject to a dispensation, and one complainant was disturbed by an emergency services operation. Aircraft who had taxied prior to the Curfew or freight operators generally operating between 03:00 and 04:30 disturbed all other complainants.

More information on the Curfew can be found on our Airport Curfews Factsheet.

Chart 2: Comparison of Curfew operations, emergency services operations during the curfew and complainants affected Q1 to Q3 2019

Suburbs

Complainants from 23 separate suburbs raised issues during quarter three. The suburbs recording the most complainants were Glenelg North with three complainants, Torrensville, and West Beach with two complainants each.

Twenty suburbs recorded a single complainant.

Glenelg North and Torrensville residents raised concerns with Curfew Movements and requested property information.

Glenelg North also raised concerns with ground running.

West Beach residents raised concerns with the Master Plan.

Complainants

There were 25 complainants in quarter two 2019. This is a slight increase from 23 complainants in quarter one, however is a decrease from 26 complainants in the same period last year.

Issues

In quarter two the main issues were Standard flight path movements, raised by 10 complainants, and Helicopters, raised by eight complainants. Curfew movements was raised by five complainants.

Chart 1 below provides a comparison of the main issues raised for the last four quarters.

Chart 1: Comparison of main issues for each of the last four quarters

Standard flight path movements

The use of Runway 23 continued to be greater in the first two months of quarter two however in June Runway 05 use was greater. Historically Runway 05 use increases in the cooler months. The majority of complainants in quarter two were concerned with the use of Runway 05.

Helicopters

Emergency services operations disturbed 63 percent of complainants disturbed by helicopters, with the majority concerned with late night or early morning flights.

Other complainants disturbed by helicopters were concerned with airwork operations by a helicopter conducting photographic airwork over the city on a number of days in May and June.

Curfew

There were several curfew dispensations approved by the Minister during quarter two, however all complainants affected by curfew movements were concerned with permitted aircraft operating in the curfew period.

These complainants were located in the Adelaide Airport area, Glenelg North, Sefton Park, and South Plympton; these areas are located either around the airport or along major flight paths.

More information on the Curfew can be found on our Airport Curfews Factsheet.

Suburbs

Complainants from 20 separate suburbs raised issues in quarter two. The suburbs recording the most complainants were Adelaide, Brooklyn Park, Mawson Lakes, Mile End, and Windsor Gardens, each recording two complainants. A single complainant was recorded from 15 suburbs.

Adelaide residents were affected by helicopters conducting airwork, while Mawson Lakes’ residents were affected by emergency services operations.

Brooklyn Park is adjacent to the airport and residents were affected by ground running of engines at the airport, and by Runway 05 departures.

Mile End and Windsor Garden are both located under the Runway 23 arrival flight path and Runway 05 departure flight paths. These residents were affected by standard flight path movements from both runways.

One resident from Beaumont and one resident from Torrensville requested information for property purchases.

Complainants

There were 23 complainants in quarter one 2019. This is an increase from 20 complainants in quarter four 2018, however is a decrease from 27 complainants in quarter one 2018.

Issues

In quarter one the main issues were Curfew, raised by seven complainants, and Helicopters, raised by five complainants. Standard flight path movements was raised by four complainants.

Chart 1 below provides a comparison of the main issues raised for the last four quarters.

Chart 1: Comparison of main issues for each the last four quarters

Helicopters

All complainants raising this issue were disturbed by emergency services operations, with 80 percent affected by late night or early morning operations.

These complainants were located across the greater Adelaide area.

Standard flight path movements

Although the use of Runway 23 continued to be greater in quarter one compared to Runway 05 use, both Runway 05 departures and Runway 23 arrivals were of equal concern to complainants in this quarter.

Curfew

There were several curfew dispensations approved by the Minister during quarter one, however most complainants affected by curfew movements were concerned with permitted freight aircraft operating in the curfew period or with large jet aircraft operating close to the curfew start time. One complainant was disturbed by emergency services aircraft in the curfew period.

These complainants were located in the suburbs of Adelaide, Dernancourt, Glenelg North, Henley Beach, Mile End and Sefton Park, which are located either around the airport or along major flight paths.

More information on the Curfew can be found on our Airport Curfews Factsheet.

Suburbs

Complainants from 19 separate suburbs raised issues in quarter one. The suburbs recording the most complainants were Glenelg North with three complainants and North Adelaide and Henley Beach each recording two complainants.

Glenelg North and Henley Beach residents were concerned with curfew movements, and Helicopters, including emergency services operations. One complainant from Glenelg North requested information for a property purchase.

North Adelaide complainants were concerned with Runway 23 arrivals; the suburb is located 4.5 kilometres to the northeast of the airport under the arrival flight path for Runway 23.

A single complainant was recorded from 16 suburbs.

Complainants

There have been 89 individual complainants for 2018 which is a decrease from 108 complainants in 2017.

Issues

As shown in Chart 1 below, the main issues raised for 2018 were Curfew, Standard flight path movements, and Helicopters. Curfew was raised by 38 complainants, Standard flight path movements by 25 complainants and Helicopters was raised by 17 complainants. A comparison of complainant numbers for 2016 and 2017 for these issues is also provided.

Chart 1: Main Issues and complainant numbers of 2018 with comparison of 2016 and 2017

The majority of complainants affected by standard flight paths were concerned with either Runway 05 Departures (40 percent) or Runway 23 Arrivals (28 percent). Both of these flight paths track over the city of Adelaide. Multiple runway directions affected another 28 percent of these complainants.

Runway 23 is used for the majority of aircraft movements throughout the year, however in August the use of Runway 05 equalled the use of Runway 23.

Chart 2: Runway Direction in use for the issue of Standard flight paths and percentage of complainants affected

Curfew

In 2018, 84 percent of the complainants raising the issue of Curfew were concerned with permitted movements. Permitted movements include noise-compliant freight aircraft, emergency services aircraft, aircraft diverting from other airports, aircraft with a dispensation from the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities to operate at that time, as well as permitted passenger aircraft in the shoulder period 5am to 6am.

The other 16 percent of curfew complainants were concerned with emergency services operations using helicopters.

Helicopters

All complainants concerned with helicopter movements in 2018 were concerned with emergency services operations. The majority of these complainants were located within 5 nautical miles of the airport.

Suburbs

Complainants from 59 separate suburbs raised issues in 2018.

The suburbs with the most complainants were Glenelg North with seven complainants, and Mile End with six complainants. Glenelg North is located adjacent to and immediately to the south of the airport, and Mile End is located two kilometres to the northeast of the airport under the flight path for the main runway, Runway 05/23.

Glenelg North residents were concerned with curfew operations and standard flight path movements including Runway 23 departures.

The majority of Mile End residents were concerned with curfew movements, with one resident affected by a military aircraft conducting training at the airport.

Brooklyn Park, Gilberton, Hilton, North Plympton, Walkerville, and West Beach all recorded three complainants.

Standard flight path movements affected Brooklyn Park, Gilberton, Hilton, North Plympton and Walkerville.

Curfew operations, including emergency services affected, Brooklyn Park, Gilberton, Hilton, North Plympton, West Beach and Walkerville.

Ground running affected residents of West Beach and Brooklyn Park.

Chart 3 below shows the suburbs recording the most complainants for 2018 and the comparison of numbers of complainants for each of those suburbs in 2016 and 2017. This chart shows the fluctuation in the numbers of complainants at various suburbs.

Suburbs that increased in complainant numbers in 2018 include Gilberton, Hilton, Mile End, Glenelg North, North Plympton and Walkerville.

Chart 3: Suburb and complainant comparison 2016, 2017 with 2018

Gilberton residents have raised concerns with curfew operations and standard flight path movements each year.

Curfew operations were the concern in Hilton in 2016. In 2018 three residents raised concerns with standard flight path operations.

Mile End residents are generally concerned with curfew operations. In 2018 this trend continued with an increase in complainants raising this issue compared to 2017.

Glenelg North residents had increased concerns with regard to curfew operations and emergency services helicopter operations.

Complainants

There were 20 complainants in quarter four 2018. This is a significant decrease from 38 complainants in quarter three. There was a comparable decrease in complainant numbers in quarter four in both 2017 and 2016.

There have been 89 individual complainants for the year.

There was a decrease in complainants concerned by either curfew movements or standard flight path movements in quarter four, and no complainants were concerned with helicopter movements.

Issues

In quarter four the main issues were Curfew with 13 complainants and Standard flight path movements with seven complainants.

Chart one below provides a comparison of the main issues that have been trending in 2018 and the number of complainants for each issue.

Chart 1: Comparison of main issues for Quarters 1, 2, 3 and 4

Curfew

There were several curfew dispensations approved by the Minister during this quarter, however most complainants affected by curfew movements were concerned with either large jet aircraft operating close to the curfew start time, where they have taxied prior to the curfew start time; or were concerned with permitted freight aircraft operating in the curfew period. Only three complainants were disturbed by emergency services aircraft in the curfew period.

More information on the Curfew can be found on our Airport Curfews Factsheet. Permitted movements included aircraft that normally operate during the Curfew and do not require a dispensation from the Minister. Also more information is under the section Complainant above.

Standard flight path movements

Although the use of Runway 05 continued to decline in quarter four, Runway 05 departures remained the main concern of complainants in this quarter.

Chart 2: Runway directions, number of complainants affected and comparison with quarter one, two, three and four 2018

Suburbs

The suburbs recording the most complainants in quarter four were Mile End and Gilberton. Mile End recorded four complainants while Gilberton recorded two complainants.

Mile End and Gilberton residents were all affected by curfew movements, both permitted movements and emergency services operations.

Other suburbs affected by curfew operations were Cowandilla, Dernancourt, Dover Gardens, Ethelton, Klemzig, Medindie Gardens, and Sefton Park.

Complainants were recorded from 16 separate suburbs across the greater Adelaide basin with a single complainant recorded in 14 of those suburbs.

Complainants

There were 38 complainants in quarter three 2018, this is a considerable increase from 26 complainants in quarter two. In 2017 complainant numbers for quarter three were also increased at 51 complainants.

There have been 76 individual complainants for the year to date.

The main reason for the increase in complainants in this quarter was due to the issue of Curfew. In quarter two seven complainants were affected, and in this quarter 17 complainants. Additionally in quarter three 2017 there were 24 complainants under this issue. The Adelaide Curfew Act allows for international aircraft enroute to Sydney and Melbourne to divert to Adelaide if weather conditions at the eastern ports deteriorate and require more holding fuel. As fog is more prevalent in the eastern ports in the winter months, this could account for the trend of increasing complainants in quarter three.

Issues

The three main issues remain; Curfew (17 complainants), Standard flight path movements (10 complainants) and Helicopters (six complainants). Standard flight path movements recorded a slight increase (two complainants) this quarter and Helicopters recorded a slight decrease (three complainants). Chart one provides a comparison of the three main issues that have been trending in 2018 across three quarters and the number of complainants for each issue.

Chart 1: Comparison of main Issues for Quarters 1, 2 and 3

Curfew

There were several Curfew Dispensations approved by the Minister during the quarter. More information on the Curfew can be found on our Airport Curfews Factsheet. One complainant under this issue was affected by an emergency services operation. Permitted movements was the concern of the other complainants. Permitted movements included aircraft that normally operate during the Curfew and do not require a dispensation from the Minister. Also more information is under the section Complainant above.

Helicopters

Emergency services operations were the cause of concern to all complainants under this issue. The majority of complainants are affected by operations between 9pm and 6am.

Standard flight path movements

Even though the use of Runway 05 declines in this quarter, it remained the main concern of complainants.

Chart 2: Runway directions, number of complainants affected and comparison with Quarters 1, 2 and 3

Suburbs

The suburbs of Hilton and Mile End recorded the most complainants in quarter three. Each suburb recorded three complainants each. Hilton residents were disturbed by Runway 05 Departures, while Mile End residents were affected by Curfew operations and a military Orion from Edinburgh.

Five suburbs recorded two complainants each; Glenelg North, Henley Beach, Sefton Park, Walkerville and West Beach. Curfew operations affected the residents of Glenelg North, Sefton Park and Walkerville. Emergency services operations were a concern to residents in Henley Beach and West Beach.

Henley Beach was also affected by training operation at the airport, while West Beach was also disturbed by ground running at the airport.

Complainants were recorded from 30 separate suburbs across the greater Adelaide basin and a single complainant was recorded in 23 of those suburbs.

Complainants

There were 26 complainants in quarter two 2018, which is consistent with quarter one. It is also consistent with quarter two 2017.

There have been 45 individual complainants for the year to date.

Issues

The three main issues in quarter two were; Helicopters (nine complainants), Standard flight path movements (eight complainants) and Curfew (seven complainants). These issues have consistently caused the most concern to residents over the last three quarters.

Chart 1: Issues and percentage of complainants affected

All complainants under the issue of Helicopters were affected by emergency services operations. The majority of these complainants were concerned with operations in the late evening (after 9pm) and the early morning (before 6am) hours.

There were several Curfew Dispensations approved by the Minister during the quarter. More information on the Curfew can be found on our Airport Curfews Factsheet. All complainants disturbed during the Curfew were affected by permitted movements.

The majority of complainants affected by Standard flight path movements were concerned with Runway 05 departures. Historically, the use of Runway 05 begins to decline in quarter three.

Chart 2: Runway directions, number of complainants affected and comparison with quarter one 2018

Suburbs

A total of twenty two suburbs across the Adelaide basin recorded complainants in quarter two. The suburbs recording the most complainants were Glenelg North, with three complainants, and Brooklyn Park and Lockleys with two complainants each.

Glenelg North residents were affected by Curfew operations, emergency services aircraft and Runway 23 departures.

Brooklyn Park and Lockleys residents were affected by emergency services operations. One resident in Brooklyn Park was concerned about ground running at the airport.

Nineteen separate suburbs recorded a single complainant.

Complainants

There were 27 complainants in quarter one 2018. This is an increase from 19 complainants for quarter four 2017, but is a decrease from 31 complainants in quarter one 2017.

Issues

Complainants affected by the issues of Standard flight path movements and Helicopters contributed to the increase of complainant numbers this quarter. However, the number of complainants affected by the issue of Curfew, dropped to six complainants from nine complainants last quarter.

The main issues raised in quarter one were Standard flight path movements with nine complainants, Helicopters with eight complainants and Curfew with six complainants. Chart 1 below compares issues and complainants in quarter one 2018 and quarter four 2017.

Chart 1: Issues and complainant numbers

Emergency services operations affected 33 percent of complainants in quarter one. All but one complainant raising the helicopter issue were affected by emergency services operations. One complainant under the issue of Curfew was also affected.

Several surveys were conducted during the quarter across the Adelaide basin, and these were the cause of concern to the complainants under the issue of General aviation traffic. This type of air work can include powerline inspections, aerial mapping and photography.

Standard flight path movements affected 33 percent of complainants, with complainants evenly distributed between Runway 05 departures and Runway 23 arrivals. Historically during quarter one the use of Runway 23 decreases and the use of Runway 05 increases. Chart 2 below shows the runway direction, the number of complainants affected and a comparison with quarter four 2017.

Chart 2: Runway directions and number of complainants

Suburbs

Twenty-three separate suburbs recorded complainants in quarter one. All except for Glenelg North, Lockleys and Underdale recorded a single complainant.

Glenelg North recorded the most complainants with four residents affected by aircraft operations. Operations during the Curfew concerned three residents, one of whom was affected by an emergency services operation.

Lockleys and Underdale recorded two complainants each, both concerned with emergency services operations. Underdale was also affected by Runway 05 departures.

Complainants

There have been 108 individual complainants for the year which is a decrease from 133 complainants in 2016.

Issues

As shown in Chart 1 below, the main issues raised for 2017 were Standard flight path movements and Curfew. Standard flight path movements was raised by 42 complainants and Curfew was raised as an issue by 36 complainants in 2017.

Chart 1: Issues and complainant numbers

The majority of complainants affected by standard flight paths were concerned with either Runway 05 Departures (37 percent) or Runway 23 Arrivals (44 percent). Both of these flight paths track over the city of Adelaide. Predominately Runway 23 is used throughout the year more than other runways.

Chart 2: Runway Direction complained of for the issue of Standard flight paths and percentage of complainants raising it

Curfew

In 2017, 92 percent of the complainants raising the issue of Curfew were concerned with permitted movements. Permitted movements include noise-compliant freight aircraft, emergency services aircraft, aircraft diverting from other airports, aircraft with a dispensation from the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities to operate at that time, as well as permitted passenger aircraft in the shoulder period 5am to 6am.

The other 8 percent of curfew complainants were concerned about emergency services operations using helicopters.

Chart 3: Curfew and number of Complainants affected

Suburbs

Complainants from 68 separate suburbs raised issues in 2017. The suburbs with the most complainants were West Beach with nine complainants and Thebarton with six complainants. Adelaide and Glenelg North each had four complainants.

West Beach is located adjacent to and directly to the west of the airport. It is overflown by arrivals to Runway 12 and departures off Runway 30. The helipad is also located on the west side of the airport and helicopters may overfly the suburb. Complainants from West Beach raised issues regarding Ground Running (4), Helicopters (3), Training by helicopters (1), and a (permitted) Curfew operation.

Thebarton is to the north east of the airport, and is under the arrivals flight path for Runway 23 and departure flight path for Runway 05. Complainants from Thebarton raised Standard flight path movements (3) with the majority of these concerned with Runway 23 arrivals, and Curfew (permitted) movements (3). These were all Runway 23 arrivals in the curfew period.

The suburb of Adelaide is to the north east of the airport and is overflown by Runway 05 departures for eastern and northern destinations. Adelaide complainants raised Standard flight path movements with regard to Runway 05 Departures and also requested information on the airport’s ANEF and information related to property purchase in the area.

Glenelg North is located adjacent to and immediately to the southwest of the airport. Complainants from this suburb raised curfew movements, both permitted and emergency operations, as well as Standard flight path movements with regard to Runway 05 Departures.

Chart 4 below shows the ten suburbs with the most complainants for 2017 and the comparison of numbers of complainants for each of those suburbs in 2016.

Chart 4: Suburb and complainant comparison 2017 and 2016

Complainants

There were 19 complainants for quarter four 2017. This is a significant decrease from 50 complainants in quarter three of 2017, and fewer than in the previous quarters for the year (31 complainants in quarter one and 25 complainants in quarter two).

There were 108 individual complainants in 2017.

Issues

As shown in Chart 1 below the main issues raised in quarter four were Curfew, Standard flight path movements and Helicopters.

Chart 1: Issues and complainant numbers

Curfew

Chart 2 below breaks down the issue of curfew movements. It shows that movements that are permitted under the curfew rules were the key cause of concern, with emergency services operations accounting for most of the movements complained of.

Permitted movements in the curfew period include emergency services aircraft, noise-compliant freight aircraft, aircraft diverting from other airports, aircraft with a dispensation from the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities to operate at that time, as well as permitted passenger aircraft in the shoulder period 5am to 6am.

Chart 2: Breakdown of the issue of curfew

Helicopters

All of the complainants raising the issue of Helicopters were concerned with emergency services operations in the night hours.

Standard flight path movements

75 percent of complainants were concerned with either Runway 23 Arrivals or Runway 05 Departures, whose flight paths both track over the city area. 25 percent of complainants were concerned with Runway 23 Departures which track over the water.

Chart 3: Standard flight path movements

Suburbs

Complainants from 17 separate suburbs raised issues this quarter. All suburbs except West Beach recorded a single complainant.

West Beach is located adjacent to and immediately to the west of the airport. The three complainants from West Beach raised issues on Ground running, Helicopter training, and Curfew movements.

All but one of the complainants who raised the issue of Curfew are located in suburbs either immediately around the airport or live under either the Runway 23 Arrival or Runway 05 Departure flight paths.

Complainants

There were 50 complainants for the quarter. This is a significant increase from 25 complainants in the previous quarter and but consistent with quarter three of 2016 where there were 47 complainants.

There have been 96 individual complainants for the year-to-date.

Issues

As shown in Chart 1 below, the main issues that have caused an increase in complainants this quarter, were those of Curfew and Night Movements with a total of 24 complainants. This is an increase of 18 complainants from last quarter.

Chart 1: Issues and complainant numbers

Chart 2 below breaks down the issues of night and curfew movements and shows that movements permitted under the curfew were the key cause of concern, followed by arrivals to Runway 23 and concerns that the curfew was not being complied with. This stems from the fact that during the quarter there were many curfew dispensations granted by the Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development. More information on curfew dispensations can be found at the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s website.

Chart 2: Breakdown of issues of curfew and night movements

The NCIS continues to refine how issues are classified and applied. We have recently decided to classify all complaints regarding movements that are tracking on the relevant flight path and within the normal altitudes as Standard flight path movements. In our reporting to the community this will provide greater clarity about what can be expected in the normal course of operations at the airport. Unusual movements will only be used for commercial aircraft operating outside their usual flight paths at major airports. Examples of unusual movements will include, weather diversions, traffic management, radar departures, direct tracking and missed approaches.

The Night Movements category has been expanded beyond the previous 11pm – 6am hours to cover complainants who advise the NCIS that they have been disturbed by air traffic at any hour of the night. However this category will no longer be used for Adelaide Airport because the Curfew Movements category is more applicable. Curfew movements will be further broken down into Permitted movements, Emergency services and Other.

The reason for these changes is to better reflect normal and unusual operations in our reporting and to allow us to more efficiently identify whether or not there are any noise mitigation opportunities available. In most cases at major airports, there is little that can be achieved for any standard flight paths.

Over time the NCIS will recategorise older issues to the new issue names.

Suburbs

Complainants from 35 separate suburbs raised issues this quarter. Twenty seven suburbs recorded a single complainant. The suburbs recording the most complainants were Glenelg North and West Beach with four complainants each, and Adelaide, Klemzig, and Thebarton all with three complainants.
All complainants in West Beach were affected by ground running at the airport.

The majority of complainants in Glenelg North, Klemzig and Thebarton were disturbed by aircraft operations under the issues of Curfew or Night Movements. These operations affected complainants in a total of 20 suburbs in the quarter and included Elizabeth East, Manningham, Casterton, Port Noarlunga, Windsor Gardens and Vale Park.

Residents of Adelaide were affected by Runway 05 departures, and non-noise related issues of information requests regarding property purchases and ANEF information.

Complainants

There were 25 complainants for the quarter. This is a decrease from 31 complainants in the previous quarter and below quarter two of 2016 where there were 49 complainants.

There have been 52 individual complainants for the year-to-date.

Issues

Forty percent of the issues raised by complainants in quarter two were about flight paths including concerns about increased frequency of use, perceptions something had changed, and the altitudes of aircraft. A further twenty-four percent were about helicopters.

Chart 1: Issues and number of complainants raising them

All of the complainants that raised the issue of helicopters were concerned with emergency services helicopter operations. See the Investigations page for more information about helicopter movements during the curfew.

The complainant concerned with general aviation traffic was affected by an aircraft conducting a Laser Airborne Depth Sounder (LADS) survey. LADS is a laser system that measures the seafloor depths of coastal waters. The aircraft involved in this mission does fly at low levels, and the survey was conducted over a 10 week period. Only one complainant can be attributed to this event.

The majority of complainants raising flight path issues were concerned with Runway 05 departures as shown in Chart 2. The use of Runway 05 historically rises in the second quarter of the year and this was the case for 2017 with a sharp rise in use in May.

Chart 2: Runway directions associated with flight path issues

Suburbs

Complainants from 23 suburbs raised issues in the second quarter of 2017. Twenty-one of these suburbs had one complainant each, with two suburbs having two complainants. These were Glenelg North and Walkerville. One complainant from each of these suburbs raised issues about movements in the curfew period. One of the Walkerville correspondents was making a positive comment and not a complaint.

There were 31 complainants for the first quarter of 2017, up from 24 complainants in the fourth quarter of 2016 but below the same quarter in 2016 (47).

Issues

The main issues were related to flight paths including a perception that something had changed, the location of the flight path, altitudes and increased frequency of use. 17 complainants raised these issues. Five complainants raised helicopter issues. In each case the helicopter was emergency services.

Four complainants were concerned about an aircraft doing multiple passes over the area on 24 January. This was a Navy aircraft calibrating on-board equipment with two known surveyed landmarks, Noaralunga Jetty and Bice Oval. This was classified as “general aviation” in chart 1.

Chart 1: Issues

Historically Runway 23 tends to receive increased use in the warmer months of the year due to seasonal wind patterns. This was reflected in complaints with 53% of flight path-related submissions being related to arrivals to Runway 23.

Chart 2: Runway directions

Suburbs

Four suburbs had two complainants and 23 suburbs had one complainant. No suburb recorded more than two complainants. Onkaparinga Hills is one of the suburbs with two complainants – both were concerned about the Navy calibration exercise discussed above. West Beach also had two complainants, both concerned about emergency services helicopter activities.

The total number of individual complainants for 2016 was 133.

Issues

The two main issues for 2016 were movements during the curfew (35 complainants) and helicopter activities (30 complainants).

With regard to the curfew, the majority of complainants were concerned that aircraft were not complying with the Curfew Act. Most of the nominated movements were permitted movements under the Act. Breaches of curfew are rare but when potential breaches occur they are reported by air traffic control and are investigated and prosecuted by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development.

Emergency services operations affected 26 of the 30 complainants who were concerned about helicopter activities. Airservices is currently looking at whether there are any options that may provide residents in close proximity to the airport some mitigation of the noise of helicopter arrivals.

Flight path issues such as the perception that something had changed, the desire to change the location of the flight path, and concern about increased frequency of movements, were raised by 42 complainants. These issues tended to be raised when there was a change of runway direction and suburbs that had experienced some respite began to experience noise. This was particularly the case for residents affected by Runway 05 which tends to be used more frequently in the cooler months, as the following chart shows. Runway 23 is the most-used runway throughout the year.

Suburbs

Residents from 79 suburbs lodged complaints in 2016.

The suburbs with the most complainants in 2016 were West Beach (eight complainants), North Adelaide (seven), Glenelg North (six), Mile End (six) and Brooklyn Park and Adelaide with five complainants each. 58 suburbs had one complainant each, nine suburbs had two complainants, four suburbs had three complainants and two suburbs had four complainants.

West Beach and Glenelg North due to their close proximity to the airport are affected by aircraft noise from all operations at the airport at all times of the day. The issues recorded by West Beach and Glenelg North residents included ground running, curfew and helicopter activities.

North Adelaide and Mile End are aligned directly with the main runway. Residents in North Adelaide and Mile End can be affected by both arrivals and departures. While it is preferred that during the curfew period arriving aircraft land over the bay, this is not a requirement. If wind conditions preclude this aircraft will arrive over North Adelaide and Mile End during the curfew. This issue was raised by the greatest number of individual complainants from both suburbs in 2016.

There were 24 complainants in the fourth quarter of 2016. This is half as many complainants as in each of the first three quarters (47, 48, 47).

The two main issues for quarter four were the curfew and helicopter activities, particularly at night.

This is a reflection of the calendar year data above and is also consistent with quarter three where these issues were discussed in more detail.

Suburbs

The suburbs of Croydon, Flinders Park, Glenelg North, Rosewater and West Beach all recorded two complainants during quarter four. Except for Glenelg North, each complainant raised a separate issue. Both complainants in Glenelg North were concerned about aircraft movements during the curfew.

Issues

There were 47 complainants for the third quarter, which is consistent with both quarter one and quarter two. For the year-to-date there have been a total of 120 individual complainants, indicating that some complainants have contacted NCIS in more than one quarter.

Issues raised by complainants this quarter included Runway 05 departures. This is unusual for this quarter. Historically the use of this runway declines during July and August and increases again in September due to seasonal wind patterns. This quarter, use peaked in August and then declined over September. This usage pattern was last seen in 2013. The wind also affected the ability to use the preferred runway configuration during the curfew of arrivals and departures over the bay, resulting in more curfew movements over residential areas and contacts from complainants in affected areas.

In September due to strong westerly and north westerly winds, operations were at times confined to the smaller cross runway due to too much crosswind on the main runway. A runway cannot be selected for use if the crosswind exceeds 20 knots – see the Runway selection fact sheet for more details.

Emergency services helicopter activity continued to be a concern with an increase in the number of complainants raising this issue this quarter. The majority of complainants were concerned about the altitude of the operations and the timing of these flights, especially during the early hours of the morning. Emergency services encompass medical, police and fire operations. They operate on a 24 hour basis and are provided with every assistance in their work such as being “direct tracked” to their destination. At times they are required to operate at lower altitudes due to the nature of the emergency. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) who is the aviation regulator provides these types of operations with the appropriate dispensations.

Defence conducted several military exercises across the Adelaide basin during quarter three. These include military exercises in the Cultana training areas and commemorative fly pasts. No complaints were received about these activities.

Chart 1: Issues raised

Chart 2: Breakdown of increased frequency issue
“YPAD” is the airport code for Adelaide. The numbers refer to runway directions.

Suburbs

No suburb recorded more than two complainants in quarter three. All the suburbs with two complainants were located immediately to the north of the airport and situated in line with the runway, which means they are exposed to both arriving and departing aircraft. These included Mile End, Thebarton, Adelaide, North Adelaide and Klemzig.

Issues

There were 48 complainants for the second quarter, consistent with the first quarter. For the year to date there have been 85 “unique” complainants, that is, NCIS has been contacted by 85 individuals.

19 complainants were concerned about aircraft not complying with the curfew based on use of Runway 23 when landing. Runway 23 was used for arrivals on 39 nights during the curfew in this quarter. This was due to the wind conditions making Runway 05 unsuitable for arrivals. This is permitted under the curfew legislation and as such does not constitute a breach. Two aircraft received dispensations from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development to land after the start of the curfew due to bad weather en route on 5 June. A third dispensation was granted for a late departure on 28 June.

Complainants raised concerns about Runway 05 departures to the north-east and arrivals to Runway 23 from the north-east. Arrivals to Runway 23 decreased overall compared to the previous quarter, consistent with the seasonal pattern. Departures from Runway 05 increased markedly compared to the previous quarter. While this is also in line with the typical seasonal pattern, usage of Runway 05 in the quarter was higher than the same period in 2015 but remained below the peaks in 2013 and 2014. Complainants characterised this as increased frequency or as a change of flight path.

Chart 1: Breakdown of issues raised

Suburbs

This quarter there were two suburbs with five complainants each: Mile End and North Adelaide. There were three suburbs with three complainants each: Adelaide, Dernancourt and Glenelg North. All these suburbs are either in line with the runway or immediately adjacent to the extended centreline, and are therefore affected by both arrivals and departures.

Issues

There were 47 complainants for the first quarter. Two issues were highlighted more frequently than others:

Curfew

Ten complainants were concerned that aircraft were not complying with curfew, however no curfew breaches occurred during this quarter. The majority of complainants were from suburbs affected by Runway 23 arrivals. Under Section 15 of the Act, Runway 23 can be used for arrivals only when air traffic control cannot nominate Runway 05 for arrivals. This occurred on 45 nights in the quarter due to the wind conditions.

In the event of unusual operational or weather events aircraft operators can apply for curfew dispensations from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development. The Department granted four curfew dispensations this quarter.

Helicopters

16 complainants were concerned about helicopter movements. Helicopters are often used for services that are of benefit to communities, such as fire-fighting, crime prevention, search and rescue and media coverage. Helicopter operations require flexibility and will fly over residential areas that are rarely flown over by other aircraft. In this quarter the majority of helicopter movements were emergency services, shark patrols and media.

Chart 2: Breakdown of helicopter issue
“OCTA” stands for “outside controlled airspace“.

Suburbs

This quarter suburbs with the most complainants were coastal, such as West Beach (five), Glenelg North (four) and Henley Beach (two). All are adjacent to Adelaide Airport. Henley Beach and West Beach are affected by helicopter traffic due to their proximity to the south-west and north-west helicopter departure routes.