Port Macquarie-Hastings Council may consider developing a "fly neighbourly" agreement with aircraft operators depending on results of a pilot training and aircraft noise survey.
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Council says it is undertaking the survey because aircraft movements have steadily increased in recent years, largely due to the growth in pilot training activities.
The increased aircraft movements has led to a spike in noise complaints, leading to council conducting a broad assessment of the impact of aircraft noise and pilot training on the community.
Industry consultation and noise monitoring are included as part of the assessment along with a 'have your say' survey.
A council spokesperson says the survey will capture feedback from the stakeholders and any potential opportunities to minimise the impact of aircraft noise.
"This may include the development of a "fly neighbourly" or similar type of agreement under which aircraft operators agree to operate in a manner to minimise disturbance caused by aircraft," the spokesperson said.
"Through community engagement, council is seeking to work with residents and local operators to find an appropriate balance to support local general aviation business activity that is considerate of local residents.
Through community engagement, council is seeking to work with residents and local operators to find an appropriate balance to support local general aviation business activity that is considerate of local residents.
- Port Macquarie-Hastings Council
"Council has not previously conducted formal community engagement on aircraft noise on this scale.
"Council has also previously conducted noise monitoring and modelling around the airport."
While general aviation and the pilot training sector represents a small proportion of airport revenue received by council, the economic impact is significant.
Council acknowledges the importance of maintaining a vibrant and sustainable general aviation sector at the airport and aims to foster aviation related business activities that have the potential to provide significant employment and economic benefits to our region.
Pilot training operations directly employs between 40 and 50 staff while the pilot training stimulates indirect benefits to other local businesses servicing the aircraft.
An update on the survey is likely at the August council meeting before a full report, including results of the survey and noise monitoring will be available in September.
Under the deed transferring ownership of the airport to council from the Australian government in 1992, council is responsible for the operation, maintenance and development of the airport in accordance with Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) standards.
Regulated industry
Council is required to operate the airport open to public use and to permit open, unrestricted and non-discriminatory access to the aerodrome by airline and aircraft operators.
The airport is open to aircraft operations 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and council is limited in its ability to restrict the hours of operation of the airport and/or the hours of operation or the frequency of activity of aircraft operators.
CASA is a government body that regulates Australian aviation safety, including airports, aircraft and airspace regulation.
Airservices Australia is a government-owned organisation responsible for airspace management, including flight paths and aircraft noise.
All aircraft operating in Australia, including training aircraft, must meet international noise standards and comply with the Air Navigation (Aircraft Noise) Regulations 2018.
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