Explanatory Statement – AERU 05-17/ Class E Airspace
Purpose: All changes to airspace are given legal effect by the raising of a valid Legislative Instrument, signed by the appropriate delegate. The permanent description of airspace is 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 volume.
The attachment to this instrument is a duplicate of the section of the DAH, which becomes effective 09 June 2005, describing the Class E airspace.
Operation: The Class E airspace legislative instrument describes the area which IFR and VFR aircraft are permitted. IFR flights will be provided with an air traffic control service and IFR flights are separated from other IFR. All flights will receive traffic information so far as practical.
Impact: The impact on this determination of Class E airspace is expected to be negligible as the majority of this airspace is already in existence as previously established airspace for IFR operations within the Australian flight information region.
There has been a small reduction in Class E airspace to allow for an extension of Class A airspace around Perth terminal area which resolves a request for corrective action issued to Airservices Australia by CASA. This airspace change was widely consulted through Perth and regional operators of Western Australia. Although there was some opposition from local operators, the airspace now conforms to recognised standards and provides for an increase in the level of systemic safety for aircraft operating in this area.
The Office of Regulation Review determined this instrument appeared unlikely to have direct or significant indirect impact on businesses and therefore confirmed a Regulation Impact Statement would not be required.