Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport an Regional Development Michael McCormack today released an issues paper on a national airspace policy, calling for the aviation community to provide feedback.
The issues paper is part of a program to develop a national strategic approach to airspace management, which the government believes will ensure airspace policies reflect the future needs of users in what is becoming a rapidly changing environment.
“It is becoming more evident that future airspace operations will involve a mix of significantly different aircraft types and performance characteristics, this includes traditional aviation such as jet and piston aircraft and new aviation technology like drones and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft,” McCormack said.
“The existing framework that underpins our safe and efficient airspace system has served Australia well for many years, however it needs to evolve to accommodate this rapidly changing environment.
“We value the input of those who use the airspace and see the Issues Paper as the starting point for open and transparent discussion."
Community feedback will be considered as part of developing Australia's Future Airspace Framework (AFAF), a project led by CASA.
Issues canvassed in the paper include proposals for low-level airspace to integrate drones and VTOL aircraft, and proposals for airspace classification and design.
Earlier this month, RAAus CEO Matt Boutell called for the development of a national airspace strategy in the ASAO's feedback to Airservices Australia's revised proposal for Class E airspace on the eastern seaboard, saying it would enable airspace users to prepare for change and ensure no-one is disadvantaged by "poor planning or an inadequate safety case by government or its agencies."
The Federal Government also issued today a draft Australian Airspace Policy Statement (AAPS), which it also wants community feedback on.
Both documents can be downloaded from the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications website.
The issues paper is open for comment until 16 July 2021.