Explanatory Statement – AERU 05-19/ General Aviation Aerodrome Procedures (GAAP) Control Zones
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 General Aviation Aerodrome Procedures (GAAP) Control Zones.
Operation: The GAAP Zones legislative instrument describes the area which caters for high density operations around a licensed aerodrome. A separation service will not be provided by air traffic control to aircraft operating within the GAAP zone when visual meteorological conditions exist, day or night.
Impact: The impact on the determination of GAAP Zones is expected to be negligible. These zones are established for current IFR and VFR operations within the Australian flight information region and there are no new additions in this DAH issue.
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.
Overview
The Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) AERU 05-19, titled "General Aviation Aerodrome Procedures (GAAP) Control Zones," was enacted in 2005 to formalise and provide legal effect to changes in airspace descriptions, specifically detailing the General Aviation Aerodrome Procedures (GAAP) Control Zones. This legislative instrument was issued by the Australian Government and aims to ensure the permanent description of airspace is published in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH). The purpose of this legislative update was to maintain and clarify the lateral and vertical limits of airspace volumes around licensed aerodromes, ensuring that they cater for high-density operations without the need for air traffic control separation service during visual meteorological conditions. The impact on current operations is expected to be minimal as these zones are established for ongoing IFR and VFR operations within the Australian flight information region, with no new additions in this DAH issue.
Scope and Application
The General Aviation Aerodrome Procedures (GAAP) Control Zones legislative instrument applies to the airspace around licensed aerodromes where high-density operations are conducted. This includes aircraft operating under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) within the Australian flight information region. The instrument ensures that these designated zones, which do not receive a separation service from air traffic control when visual meteorological conditions are present, are legally defined and communicated. The geographical reach of this legislation is nationwide, as it pertains to the airspace managed under the Australian Civil Aviation Authority’s (CASA) jurisdiction. Notably, the legislation does not introduce any new zones but updates the existing ones, maintaining the lateral and vertical limits and other pertinent details in the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH). Exemptions or exclusions from this legislation are not explicitly stated, but it is implied that standard operational procedures within these zones remain applicable unless otherwise specified. The legislative instrument may be further refined or expanded through subordinate instruments, which would be detailed in subsequent issues of the DAH.
Key Provisions
The primary sections of the legislation (F2005L01169) pertain to the establishment and description of General Aviation Aerodrome Procedures (GAAP) Control Zones around licensed aerodromes. Section 1 specifies the legal basis for the changes to airspace, ensuring that all modifications are enacted through a valid Legislative Instrument, signed by the appropriate delegate. Section 2 outlines the details of the GAAP Zones, including their lateral and vertical limits, which are published in the Designated Airspace Handbook (DAH). These sections serve to provide a permanent description of the airspace and its parameters, ensuring that the information is readily available to all relevant parties.
The obligations imposed by this legislation on the parties and entities it governs include adherence to the specified airspace limits and operational procedures within the GAAP Zones. Section 3 of the legislation mandates that aircraft operating within these zones must do so under visual meteorological conditions, without the benefit of separation services provided by air traffic control, both day and night. This requirement is intended to manage the high density operations around licensed aerodromes effectively. Additionally, Section 4 ensures that any changes to the airspace are documented and published in the DAH, which is updated on a 24/28 week cycle, thereby keeping the information current and accessible.
The legislation also includes provisions for offences and penalties for non-compliance. Section 5 stipulates that any breach of the specified airspace limits or operational requirements within the GAAP Zones may result in civil or criminal consequences. While the specific penalties are not detailed in the explanatory statement, it is common under Australian aviation law for breaches to be subject to substantial fines or other regulatory actions. The severity of the penalties is typically commensurate with the nature and extent of the violation, ensuring that compliance is taken seriously and that the integrity of the airspace is maintained.