Frequently Asked Questions
You need to check the relevant legislation in your State and Territory, as the rules are different in each jurisdiction.
-
What are the different types of aircraft?
- Particular types of aircraft are defined in the Commonwealth regulations as including:
- aerodyne;
- aeroplane;
- airship;
- balloon;
- glider;
- helicopter;
- hot air airship;
- jet propelled aircraft;
- kite;
- manned balloon;
- military aircraft;
- power-assisted sailplane; and
- rotorcraft.
>> Read more & related FAQ's
-
What documents should be on board an Australian aircraft?
- The following documents must be on board an Australian aircraft:
- a certificate of registration;
- a certificate of airworthiness;
- the maintenance release;
- medical certificates of the cabin crew;
- the aircraft’s flight manual;
- any radio equipment licence;
- a list of the names, places of embarkation and places of destination of any passengers; and
- the bills of lading with respect to any cargo being carried.
- An aircraft flying wholly within Australian territory is not required to carry its certificates of registration and airworthiness nor any radio equipment licence or list of the names, places of embarkation and destination of any passengers.
>> Read more & related FAQ's
-
What is a noise management plan?
- Airports are responsible for developing noise management plans after consultation with the local community.
- Several organisations oversee aviation noise management including Airservices Australia (AA) who has the role of determining aviation flight paths.
- Aircrafts must comply with the noise standards as prescribed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).
- CASA will only certify aircraft that meet the mandatory noise standards.
- If you are having difficulties due to aircraft noise our free Find a Lawyer directory provides contact details for lawyers who may suit your needs.
>> Read more & related FAQ's
-
In what circumstances are flight paths changed?
- The design of flight paths is a sophisticated process involving extensive consultation with aviation industry representatives, regulators and local community members.
- The most common reasons for making changes to existing flight paths are safety and noise management.
>> Read more & related FAQ's
-
What Australian airports have curfews?
- Curfews are imposed by Commonwealth laws.
- Currently the only Australian airports affected are those in Sydney, Essendon, Adelaide and the Gold Coast.
>> Read more & related FAQ's
-
Why do pilots undertake circuit training?
- As the initial practical stage of pilot flight training circuit training involves repetitive takeoffs and landings.
- Cadet pilots approach the runway, touchdown and then apply appropriate and sufficient power to take off again. Pilots perform circuits training at all times of the day and night.
- Learning how to undertake these tasks is an essential part of all pilot training
>> Read more & related FAQ's
-
What is meant by fly neighbourly advice?
- In essence a fly neighbourly advice is an agreement or a negotiated code of practice between the aviation industry stakeholders and the wider community.
- The key objective of a fly neighbourly advice is to minimise the disturbance caused by the aviation industry particularly in relation to issues such as height limitations, flight paths and the frequency of air operation.
- If you are experiencing disturbance as a result of flight plans a lawyer may be able to advise you if there is a fly neighbourly advice in existence for your area, whether it is being complied with and assist you to negotiate with the appropriate people regarding any changes you require.
- Our LegalPlan™ membership will allow you to ask lawyers for a Fixed Fee Quote on your matter.
>> Read more & related FAQ's
-
What factors determine which runway will be used for take-off on a particular day?
- There are many factors including:
- wind direction;
- wind speed;
- aircraft traffic conditions and levels;
- the types of aircraft operating in the area at any given time; and
- noise considerations.
>> Read more & related FAQ's
-
Why aren’t wind observations always the same?
- The reports issued by the Bureau of Meteorology refer to weather that extends to an entire area rather than one specific spot. These reports usually cover a 10 nautical mile radius.
- Furthermore the Bureau’s reports are made at certain times in the day rather than on a minute-by-minute basis.
- Conversely wind observations are collated by instruments that are located on each aircraft runway. These instruments have the capacity to give us accurate minute-by-minute wind readings.
>> Read more & related FAQ's
-
At what height must an aircraft be flown?
- Commonwealth regulations prescribe minimum flying heights. These state that pilots must not fly over towns or cities at a height lower than 1000 feet. In some situations exceptions may apply such as:
- when adverse weather conditions make lower flying necessary;
- where the aircraft is being used for air work such as news reports; and
- for military or police searches and other emergency operations.
- You can use our Phone a Lawyer service for a preliminary legal consultation if you think you may need legal advice.
>> Read more & related FAQ's
-
What happens if a pilot breaches a safety regulation?
- The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has the authority to investigate any safety breach.
- This includes breaches of:
- the Civil Aviation Act 1988 (Cth);
- the Civil Aviation Regulations 1988 (Cth); and
- the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (Cth).
- Enforcement action may include:
- counselling or remedial training designed to assist with compliance for minor or accidental breaches which have little or no effect on aviation safety;
- variation, suspension or cancellation of your authorisation, licence, Air Operator’s Certificate or Certificate of Approval. This is not intended as punishment but in order to remove any threat to the safety of air navigation in accordance with CASA’s primary role;
- in some circumstances CASA may agree to accept a written voluntary undertaking which creates a legal obligation to comply with the terms of the undertaking;
- immediate suspension of a civil authorisation where there is a serious and imminent risk to air safety;
- referral of serious, deliberate or reckless breaches that endanger the safety of others to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for prosecution in the criminal courts; and
- issuing infringement notices imposing a fine and the loss of demerit points for strict liability offences. These are offences where the mere fact that a breach has occurred is sufficient evidence of wrongdoing without the need to prove intention or recklessness.
- If you need more specific information about whether particular behaviour constitutes a breach of a safety regulation, the investigative and enforcement powers of CASA or how the regulations apply in your situation you can use our free and anonymous Ask a Lawyer service.
>> Read more & related FAQ's
View more Information on Aviation