CASA is seeking industry feedback on a proposal to relocate the visual approach point (VAP) known as The Oaks (THK) and its associated VFR route west of Camden Airport.
The consultation, which opened on 24 February and closes on 20 March, is aimed at addressing safety concerns in the busy airspace around Camden and The Oaks aerodrome.
CASA says the current arrangement presents a risk of aircraft operating close to each other while using different frequencies. Pilots typically transit THK when approaching the Camden control zone, contacting Camden Tower for clearance at 2,500 ft AMSL to overfly The Oaks circuit.
However, the Sydney VTC permits aircraft to operate as low as 1,900 ft AMSL at THK, the same altitude as The Oaks circuit, meaning aircraft inbound to Camden and those operating at The Oaks may be on different frequencies and separated by only a few hundred feet.
Proposed change shifts traffic west
CASA says a similar risk exists when aircraft conduct mid-field crosswind circuit entries from the west into The Oaks, where traffic may be operating between about 1,900 ft and 2,400 ft AMSL.
The proposed change would relocate the VAP to the west over Hayters Sawmill, redirecting Camden-bound traffic away from aircraft operating at The Oaks.
CASA says the proposal also supports broader Sydney Basin airspace changes planned ahead of the opening of Western Sydney International Airport.
Industry stakeholders can provide feedback through CASA’s consultation hub before the closing date.