Archerfield Airport Corporation (AAC) introduced a Fly Neighbourly program last month to reduce noise impact on the surrounding areas.
The program is a voluntary code of practice, which encourages "good manners" by everyone who uses the airport, and nominates six areas around the airport that have been declared noise-sensitive, including the Queen Elizabeth II Hospital to the north-east.
“Safety will always remain the priority at the airport, and there will be times when noise from ground-based activities or aircraft cannot be avoided,” said AAC General Manager Heather Mattes.
“We also acknowledge that noise will always be associated with airports, however there are simple things that pilots and airport operators can do to reduce noise levels. Fly Neighbourly is simply about considering our neighbours and keeping noise levels down wherever possible and safe.
“We want Fly Neighbourly to become part of the airport culture, and we are encouraging airport operators to support the program and promote it to new and existing staff and students, especially pilots."
Procedures in the Code of Practice call for pilots to:
- Avoid noise-sensitive areas where possible
- Unless subject to Air Traffic Control (ATC) procedures or instructions, aircraft should follow high ambient noise routes such as railway lines and highways and unpopulated routes such as waterways
- Vary flight path where possible, especially during circuit training and when arriving and departing, to avoid nearby residential areas, schools and hospitals; and try to fly above 1000 feet when ATC procedures permit or as allowed by ATC
- Restrict low level training to designated and approved areas
- When operating near noise-sensitive areas maintain appropriate fly-over altitude, reduce speed, use low noise speed/descent settings and use high take-off/descent profiles
- Adopt best rates of climb to minimise noise over residential areas as soon as possible after take-off
- Maintain correct track after take-off
- Reduce engine revs as soon as possible
- Follow designated flight paths
- On Anzac Day restrict circuit training to commence after 11.00 am
- For helicopters, restrict low level training to designated and approved areas
- Be aware that some residential areas are on much higher ground than the airport
- Avoid where possible very early morning (in the dark) circuit training.
AAC has also included Fly Neighbourly in the airport’s Conditions of Use and the En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA).
A brochure detailing the Code of Practice is on the Archerfield Airport website.