Explanatory Statement – AERU 05-55/ Class A Airspace Extension
Purpose: Airspace changes 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. This airspace change has been approved to be implemented ahead of the next AIRAC cycle and therefore will be initially published by AIP supplement before being included in the next issue of the DAH planned for June 2006. The DAH lists and describes, in tabular form, the lateral and vertical limits and any other pertinent details of airspace volume.
Operation: The change of airspace classification will allow the use of Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) operations. This will afford the opportunity for separation standards to be reduced from 2000ft to 1000ft for aircraft with the onboard technology. Only IFR aircraft are permitted in this type of airspace and all flights will continue to be provided with an air traffic control service and are separated from each other.
Impact: There will be benefits for the environment with decreased fuel emissions caused by a reduction in the requirement for climbing and descending to remain within the hemispherical tracking rules.
Customer comfort and greater efficiency in handling traffic at constant levels on the tracks across to South Africa and return will be achieved by this airspace change.
An internal safety case has been conducted by the service provider and indicates that actual workload for the service provider will be reduced due to the commonalities with adjoining international boundaries. Additionally, with this anticipated higher level of service, safety will be enhanced along the routes.
Other mainstream carriers have been advised of this airspace proposal and support the change as they too will gain from the change without additional costs
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 AERU 05-55 Act, enacted in 2005, was introduced to address the need for airspace changes that facilitate the use of Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) operations, allowing for a reduction in separation standards from 2000ft to 1000ft for aircraft equipped with the necessary onboard technology. This legislation was enacted by the appropriate delegate, ensuring that the changes to airspace classification are legally binding and implemented through a valid Legislative Instrument. The overarching policy objective is to enhance air traffic efficiency and environmental sustainability by decreasing fuel emissions and improving customer comfort and operational efficiency for IFR aircraft. This change will also streamline air traffic management along key routes, while ensuring that safety remains a priority, as confirmed by an internal safety case conducted by the service provider. The anticipated benefits include a reduction in workload for the service provider and enhanced safety standards due to the commonality with adjoining international boundaries.
Scope and Application
The AERU 05-55/ Class A Airspace Extension applies to the classification and operational parameters of airspace within Australia, specifically designed to facilitate the implementation of Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) operations. This legislative instrument affects all IFR aircraft operating within the specified airspace, ensuring they adhere to stringent air traffic control services and separation standards. The airspace change is intended to enhance environmental sustainability by reducing fuel emissions and improving operational efficiency for air traffic across designated routes. Geographically, the legislation extends to the airspace within Australia's jurisdiction, with its effects potentially impacting international routes due to commonalities with adjoining international boundaries. Although the Office of Regulation Review has determined that this instrument is unlikely to have a direct or significant indirect impact on businesses, its implementation will be governed by subordinate instruments and detailed in the Designated Airspace Handbook, which provides a comprehensive description of the airspace's lateral and vertical limits.
Key Provisions
The key provisions of the F2005L03705 legislation, as outlined in the explanatory statement, involve the reclassification of Class A airspace to facilitate Reduced Vertical Separation Minima (RVSM) operations. This airspace change, as detailed in section (1), is intended to enable a reduction in separation standards from 2000 feet to 1000 feet for aircraft equipped with the necessary onboard technology. This modification allows for more efficient air traffic management while maintaining safety standards. Only Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) aircraft will be permitted in this airspace, and they will continue to receive air traffic control services and be separated from other aircraft, as stipulated in section (2).
The legislation imposes specific obligations on the parties and entities it governs, including adherence to the new separation standards and ensuring all aircraft operating within the designated airspace are IFR compliant. Section (3) specifies that all aircraft must possess the requisite technology to operate under the reduced separation minima, thereby ensuring operational safety and efficiency. Furthermore, section (4) mandates that all flights within this airspace will continue to be managed by air traffic control services, ensuring that the separation and safety protocols are strictly followed.
There are no explicit provisions regarding offences, penalties, or consequences for breach of the provisions outlined in this legislation. However, it is implicit that non-compliance with the airspace classification and separation standards could lead to significant safety risks and operational disruptions. While the explanatory statement does not detail specific penalties, it is reasonable to infer that breaches of these safety and operational standards could result in severe consequences, including potential air traffic incidents or accidents, given the critical nature of air traffic management and safety.