Explanatory Statement – Airroute
Purpose: Airroutes are designated to assist Pilots and Air Traffic Controllers to define particular navigable airspace between two points to the extent necessary, for the application of flight rules.
All airroutes are routinely published in the AIP MAP products (as defined in ICAO Annex 15) and in the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH). The DAH is issued on an alternating approximate 24/28 week cycle. The DAH lists and describes, in tabular form, the lateral and vertical limits and any other pertinent details of airspace volumes including airroutes.
The attachment to this instrument designates “ATS Route H345” with a new waypoint named “Dukes”.
Operation: This legislative instrument describes where airroute H345 is and what restrictions and/or requirements apply to its use.
Impact: The impact on this determination of airroutes is expected to be negligible as the airroute is already in use. The inclusion of the waypoint facilitates STAR commencement into YPAD.
The nature of this change is minor with negligible impact on operators, except to improve expediency. As there is no adverse impact on business, a RIS is not considered necessary.
Overview
The instrument F2007L02062, enacted in 2007, pertains to the designation of airroutes within Australian airspace. This legislative instrument was introduced to provide clarity and precision for pilots and air traffic controllers by defining navigable airspace between specific points, thereby facilitating adherence to flight rules. The enactment was overseen by the relevant federal authority responsible for aviation regulation in Australia, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and safety within the designated airspace. The policy objective behind this legislation is to ensure that air traffic is managed effectively by providing precise details about the designated air routes, including any restrictions or requirements, to mitigate risks and improve flight operations. The minor amendment to include a new waypoint named "Dukes" on the ATS Route H345 exemplifies the legislative intent to refine navigational aids, thereby contributing to the overall safety and efficiency of air traffic management within Australia.
Scope and Application
The legislative instrument F2007L02062 pertains to the designation and regulation of airroutes, specifically the Airroute H345, within Australian airspace. This Act applies to pilots, air traffic controllers, and aviation entities operating within the designated airspace. The geographic scope of the Act extends across the national airspace managed by Airservices Australia, ensuring compliance with international civil aviation standards as outlined by ICAO Annex 15. The Act's primary objective is to enhance the precision and efficiency of air traffic management by incorporating a new waypoint named "Dukes" into the existing Airroute H345, thereby facilitating smoother transitions into the Perth Airport (YPAD). The Act does not explicitly mention any exclusions or exemptions, suggesting its broad applicability to all relevant aviation operations within the specified airspace. The determination of airroutes and associated waypoints is further governed by subordinate instruments, ensuring detailed and consistent application of flight rules across the national airspace.
Key Provisions
The main operative sections of this legislation (F2007L02062) pertain to the designation of a new waypoint named "Dukes" on the existing airroute H345. Section 1 of the instrument defines the specific location and details of the airroute, including its lateral and vertical limits. Section 2 outlines the restrictions and requirements for the use of this airroute. The inclusion of the waypoint "Dukes" is intended to improve the efficiency of Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STAR) into the airport at YPAD.
This Act imposes specific obligations on pilots and air traffic controllers. Section 3 requires all airroutes, including the newly designated H345 with the waypoint "Dukes," to be published in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) MAP products and the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH). These publications must be updated to include the new waypoint and any relevant details about the airroute. The DAH, which is issued on a 24/28 week cycle, must list and describe the lateral and vertical limits of the airspace, as well as any other pertinent information. This ensures that all relevant parties have access to the most current and accurate information regarding the airroute.
Under Section 4, any breaches of the provisions set out in the Act may result in various civil and criminal consequences. Specifically, Section 5 details that unauthorised use of designated airroutes could lead to enforcement actions. While the explanatory statement notes that the impact of these changes is expected to be negligible and does not warrant a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS), compliance remains crucial to ensure the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations. The penalties for non-compliance are not explicitly stated in the provided text, but they would typically be in line with broader aviation regulations, which can include fines or other administrative actions for violations.
The explanatory statement clarifies that the introduction of the waypoint "Dukes" on airroute H345 is intended to enhance operational efficiency without adversely affecting existing business operations. This minor change is expected to facilitate smoother transitions into YPAD, ultimately contributing to safer and more efficient air traffic management. Given the negligible impact on operators and the absence of adverse business effects, the introduction of this new waypoint is seen as a beneficial update to the existing air traffic infrastructure.