Archerfield Helicopter Operations

Consultation has concluded

What is going to change?

Over the last few years, helicopter operations at Archerfield Airport have been steadily increasing with the introduction of new local operators. In parallel, facilities at the airport have expanded to previously unoccupied areas. These factors combined have increased the complexity of the operating environment, impacting the issuance of clearances that we may have been able to make in the past.

As part of our commitment to engage with our stakeholders, Airservices is seeking to consult on several proposed changes that will enable air traffic control (ATC) and airspace users to safely manage capacity and tactical workload by reducing complexity and improving airspace access for helicopter operations. These proposals are:

Proposal 1 – The removal of AREA B from the Archerfield Airport ERSA entry

AREA B as detailed in the Archerfield Airport ERSA entry is no longer a viable option for airways clearances, as it now infringes on runways and overflies several buildings. Our observations indicate that most clearance requests in this vicinity are for hover operations. Removal of AREA B would mean operations in the grassed area inside the current confines of AREA B would require specific clearance from ATC, which would be given within a smaller operating area, thereby limiting the material impact on other airport operations in the vicinity.

Proposal 2 – An increase of the ceiling height of AREA A

Increased helicopter operations are most notable in AREA A, where a significant increase in requests for higher operating levels has been observed. We have observed that most of these requests relate to autorotation practice and are causing frequency congestion. Would raising AREA A’s ceiling height to 800ft (in line with other Metro D airports) sufficiently permit autorotation practice without the need to obtain additional clearance from ATC?

Proposal 3 – Inclusion of a detailed map for AREA A

We are proposing to include a detailed map of AREA A in the Archerfield Airport ERSA entry in response to issues raised regarding compliance with area lateral limits. A sample map is available for reference and is available on the right-hand side Will the inclusion of a detailed map of AREA A assist your operations in remaining compliant?

How do I get involved?

As part of our commitment to engage with our stakeholders, we seek your feedback on whether you support the proposed changes at Archerfield Airport, to provide further information about your concerns with the proposal or recommendations for alternative improvements.

Subscribe to this project page to receive updates by clicking the Stay Informed button. You can provide feedback on this proposal to Airservices using the 'Submit your Feedback' form between 18 March 2022 to 29 April 2022.

What happens after the feedback period?

We will take into consideration all feedback as we explore this option. Your support to deliver this initiative is appreciated.

What is going to change?

Over the last few years, helicopter operations at Archerfield Airport have been steadily increasing with the introduction of new local operators. In parallel, facilities at the airport have expanded to previously unoccupied areas. These factors combined have increased the complexity of the operating environment, impacting the issuance of clearances that we may have been able to make in the past.

As part of our commitment to engage with our stakeholders, Airservices is seeking to consult on several proposed changes that will enable air traffic control (ATC) and airspace users to safely manage capacity and tactical workload by reducing complexity and improving airspace access for helicopter operations. These proposals are:

Proposal 1 – The removal of AREA B from the Archerfield Airport ERSA entry

AREA B as detailed in the Archerfield Airport ERSA entry is no longer a viable option for airways clearances, as it now infringes on runways and overflies several buildings. Our observations indicate that most clearance requests in this vicinity are for hover operations. Removal of AREA B would mean operations in the grassed area inside the current confines of AREA B would require specific clearance from ATC, which would be given within a smaller operating area, thereby limiting the material impact on other airport operations in the vicinity.

Proposal 2 – An increase of the ceiling height of AREA A

Increased helicopter operations are most notable in AREA A, where a significant increase in requests for higher operating levels has been observed. We have observed that most of these requests relate to autorotation practice and are causing frequency congestion. Would raising AREA A’s ceiling height to 800ft (in line with other Metro D airports) sufficiently permit autorotation practice without the need to obtain additional clearance from ATC?

Proposal 3 – Inclusion of a detailed map for AREA A

We are proposing to include a detailed map of AREA A in the Archerfield Airport ERSA entry in response to issues raised regarding compliance with area lateral limits. A sample map is available for reference and is available on the right-hand side Will the inclusion of a detailed map of AREA A assist your operations in remaining compliant?

How do I get involved?

As part of our commitment to engage with our stakeholders, we seek your feedback on whether you support the proposed changes at Archerfield Airport, to provide further information about your concerns with the proposal or recommendations for alternative improvements.

Subscribe to this project page to receive updates by clicking the Stay Informed button. You can provide feedback on this proposal to Airservices using the 'Submit your Feedback' form between 18 March 2022 to 29 April 2022.

What happens after the feedback period?

We will take into consideration all feedback as we explore this option. Your support to deliver this initiative is appreciated.