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Airservices and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) are seeking feedback on plans to reclassify a light aircraft corridor near Bankstown Airport as uncontrolled airspace.
The proposal would give general aviation pilots a new corridor in Class G airspace, giving them a more direct route to Bankstown from the south-east and relieving congestion in the north and west. The area is currently overflown by aircraft operating from Sydney Airport.
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“[Working with Airservices] allows us to propose introducing two daytime visual flight rules (VFR) lanes to the south-east of Bankstown Airport within this newly classified uncontrolled airspace. These new lanes will be able to be used in addition to the existing north and west VFR routes,” CASA said.
“The proposed changes aim to safely accommodate sustained growth in the Sydney region by reducing congestion and providing more equitable access to airspace.”
Airservices’ head of community engagement, Donna Marshall, said residents would likely notice more recreational and light training aircraft operating at lower altitudes.
“Airservices Australia is committed to engaging with the community on the proposed changes to Bankstown airspace operations,” she said.
“Our primary goal is to ensure all community members within the proposed corridor area are aware of the proposed changes and have the opportunity to provide feedback on any areas of interest.”
Resident feedback on the proposed airspace changes is open until Tuesday, 22 October via [email protected], and for aviation participants via CASA’s Consultation Hub.
Bankstown Airport last year announced a $130 million investment in two new major infrastructure projects. Owner Aeria Management Group (AMG) said it would pour $50 million into a new aviation hub with as many as nine new hangars, plus $80 million into a mixed-use precinct with retail and industrial facilities.
AMG’s then chief executive Daniel Jarosch said the plans will “set the standard” for 21st-century airport precincts.
“Our planned $50 million central aviation precinct at Bankstown Airport, including up to nine new hangars, with priority VIP aircraft access, will meet the needs of aviators today and the blue-sky thinkers of tomorrow, including electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft and next-generation drones,” he said.
“These facilities will support Bankstown Airport’s role as the launching pad for advanced air mobility technology and the global transition to decarbonisation. Aeria and Canterbury-Bankstown are firmly in the cockpit on the national flight path towards ‘jet zero’.”
