Hobart Airspace Design Review

Airservices has been progressing the recommended actions identified through the Post Implementation Review (PIR). The status of each recommended action is available to view here https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/46094/widgets/319381/documents/245468.

We are progressing the recommended actions for community and industry suggested flight path alternatives as two separate packages of work.

A new project page has been created on Engage Airservices https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/hobart-community to provide you with ongoing updates on the delivery of these two packages of work. Please subscribe to this new page to continue receiving updates on this project.


Image of a Qantas Airways Australia approaching tarmac for landing at Hobart Airport

On 7 November 2019, Airservices introduced new instrument flight procedures and flight paths at Hobart Airport.

For information on current aircraft operations visit our interactive Aircraft in Your Neighbourhood website here.

As these flight paths have now been operating for 12 months we have commenced a Post Implementation Review (PIR).

The objectives of the PIR are to:

  1. Validate the assumptions and forecast noise levels in the Airservices Environmental Impact Assessments of the final design, high level routes and VOR procedures against actual aircraft movement data
  2. Review community information to ensure it reflects the most up to date information regarding the use of the flight paths, procedures, routes and actual aircraft noise levels
  3. Identify opportunities to minimise the impact of aircraft operations on the community
  4. Provide stakeholders with the opportunity to submit flight path alternatives including amendments to Noise Abatement Procedures (NAPs).

As part of the PIR we have installed short-term noise monitors to collect aircraft noise data to assist in this analysis.

How do I receive updates on the PIR?

If you wish to receive further updates on the PIR, you must register and subscribe to follow this project.


On 7 November 2019, Airservices introduced new instrument flight procedures and flight paths at Hobart Airport.

For information on current aircraft operations visit our interactive Aircraft in Your Neighbourhood website here.

As these flight paths have now been operating for 12 months we have commenced a Post Implementation Review (PIR).

The objectives of the PIR are to:

  1. Validate the assumptions and forecast noise levels in the Airservices Environmental Impact Assessments of the final design, high level routes and VOR procedures against actual aircraft movement data
  2. Review community information to ensure it reflects the most up to date information regarding the use of the flight paths, procedures, routes and actual aircraft noise levels
  3. Identify opportunities to minimise the impact of aircraft operations on the community
  4. Provide stakeholders with the opportunity to submit flight path alternatives including amendments to Noise Abatement Procedures (NAPs).

As part of the PIR we have installed short-term noise monitors to collect aircraft noise data to assist in this analysis.

How do I receive updates on the PIR?

If you wish to receive further updates on the PIR, you must register and subscribe to follow this project.


Airservices has been progressing the recommended actions identified through the Post Implementation Review (PIR). The status of each recommended action is available to view here https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/46094/widgets/319381/documents/245468.

We are progressing the recommended actions for community and industry suggested flight path alternatives as two separate packages of work.

A new project page has been created on Engage Airservices https://engage.airservicesaustralia.com/hobart-community to provide you with ongoing updates on the delivery of these two packages of work. Please subscribe to this new page to continue receiving updates on this project.


  • Previous updates - 2018

    18 December 2018

    The Community Consultation period for the Hobart Airspace Design closes on Friday 21 December 2018.

    • Airservices will accept written feedback submissions until Monday 7 January 2019.
    • Written feedback submissions may be lodged using the Online Feedback Form or by email

    Please note that within the period from 22 December 2018 to 7 January 2019 we will be unable to respond to feedback and questions.

    During the consultation period feedback may continue to be submitted via:

    Airservices Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS)

    Tania Parkes Consulting



    21 November 2018

    The Community Consultation period for the Hobart Airspace Design Review has been extended until 21 December 2018.

    Please provide feedback via:

    Airservices Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS)

    Tania Parkes Consulting



    16 November 2018

    Community Consultation sessions have commenced for the Airservices Hobart Airspace Design Review. An additional session is now available in Dunalley (Tuesday, 20 November, 12pm-2pm). Details of session times and locations can be viewed in the updated Consultation Schedule.



    9 November 2018

    Updated November Consultation Schedule

    Hobart-Airspace-Design-Review-November-Consultations-Updated-161118

    Airservices will be conducting on-site consultation in the broader Hobart Area from the 15 to 21 November 2018. Details of the locations and times of consultations are available for download here.

    Hobart Airspace Community Specific Fact Sheets

    Airservices has prepared Fact Sheets for specific communities located within areas affected by proposed flight path designs.

    The Community Specific Fact Sheets are available below.

    Bagdad
    Boomer Bay
    Bream Creek
    Bridgewater
    Campania
    Carlton
    Connellys Marsh
    Copping
    Dodges Ferry
    Dunalley
    Forcett
    Kellevie
    Marion Bay
    Murdunna
    Primrose Sands
    Richmond
    Sloping Main
    Smooth Island
    Sorell

    Airservices will be available to discuss this material in more detail at the on-site consultations to be held between 15 and 21 November 2018.

    Community Engagement activities

    Airservices is pleased to have engaged Tania Parkes Consulting to assist in this next phase of community consultation and engagement.

    Specific details of Community Engagement activities are provided in the table below:

    Community Engagement and Consultation Activities
    Key Dates
    Social Impact of Hobart Airspace Changes (September 2017/March 2018) Consultation Summary Report (August 2018) released
    4 September 2018
    Draft Community Engagement Plan (August 2018) released
    4 September 2018
    Community consultation and feedback on draft Community Engagement Plan opens
    4 September 2018
    Stakeholder Reference Panel, Hobart
    14 September 2018
    Community consultation and feedback on draft Community Engagement Plan closes
    18 September 2018
    Finalised Community Engagement Plan (September 2018) released
    28 September 2018
    Proposed Flight Path Designs released
    31 October 2018
    Community consultation and feedback period opens
    31 October 2018
    Community onsite consultation sessions - Hobart
    15-21 November 2018
    Community consultation feedback period closes
    21 December 2018
    Written feedback submissions close
    7 January 2019
    Proposed Flight Path Designs Consultation Summary Report released
    February 2019*
    Hobart Airspace Design Review Consideration of Feedback released
    March 2019*
    Hobart Airspace Design Review Final Report released
    March 2019*

    *Due to the extension of the community consultation period to 21 December 2018, these dates are currently under review. Please refer to the Hobart Airspace Design Review Timeline (December 2018).

    Details of change

    Airservices introduced flight path changes at Hobart Airport on 14 September 2017. These changes were made to organise aircraft movements onto standard routes, as previously, each aircraft was given an individual heading by air traffic control. As traffic volumes continue to increase it becomes more complex for air traffic controllers to deal with each aircraft individually in this way.

    Airservices carefully considered concerns raised through community feedback about the flight path changes implemented on 14 September 2017 and conducted a review of alternative flight paths. A report outlining why the changes were made, alternative flight paths considered and community feedback are contained in Review Report Hobart Runway 30 STAR.

    Airservices is now undertaking a further review, Hobart Airspace Design Review, of the Hobart Standard Instrument Arrival (STARs) and Standard Instrument Departure (SIDs). Terms of Reference for the review can be found below. Airservices is committed to consulting with the community and other stakeholders throughout the review process. It is anticipated that the review will take approximately 12–18 months to complete.



    8 November 2018

    The proposed flight path designs are described in the Updated Proposed Flight Path Designs Fact Sheet (November 2018). The updated Fact Sheet reflects feedback provided by the community, and contains updated and additional maps, supported by additional explanatory text. We acknowledge that the original version uploaded on 31 October included material that required correction.



    31 October 2018

    Airservices has undertaken a review of the Hobart Airport SIDs and STARs for Runway 12 and Runway 30, using a ‘greenfield approach’, with safety of air navigation as our primary consideration.

    While the current flight path design is safe, Airservices has identified opportunities to improve safety while minimising the effect of aircraft noise on the community, where possible.

    The proposed flight path designs are described in the Proposed Flight Path Designs Fact Sheet.

    Prior to the on-site consultation sessions in Hobart, to be held between 15 and 21 November 2018, Airservices will produce information for a range of communities that will provide additional information including:

    • What will I see?
    • What will I hear?
    • Where will aircraft fly?
    • How many aircraft will fly over my area?
    • How will it be different from what I experience today?

    This material will be available on our website from Friday 9 November 2018.

    We will be available to discuss this material in more detail at the on-site consultations.

    You can provide feedback here:

    • Airservices Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS)
    • Tania Parkes Consulting



    28 September 2018

    On 4 September 2018, Airservices released the draft Community Engagement Plan prepared by Tania Parkes Consulting, with an online survey to enable the community to provide feedback on the plan.

    Airservices thanks all residents who provided feedback. A Community Engagement Plan Survey Results summary is provided.

    Some residents suggested additional methods for notification of consultation sessions, including the use of text messaging, local radio and community roadside notice boards, and these have been incorporated into the plan.

    Community consultation activities for the Hobart Airspace Design review are provided in the final Community Engagement Plan.



    21 September 2018

    On 14 September 2018, Airservices convened a Stakeholder Reference Panel as part of the Hobart Airspace Design Review consultation activities.

    The Stakeholder Reference Panel was chaired by a stakeholder engagement specialist, Dr Tania Parkes, and consisted of representatives from Clarence, Sorrel and Tasman local councils, state government, Tourism Tasmania, Hobart International Airport, Airlines, and community advocates from the Hobart Community Aviation Consultation Group, South East Coast Lifestyle Association and the Dunalley Neighbourhood House.

    The Stakeholder Reference Panel is an internationally recognised best practice model used to engage a diverse range of stakeholders on change and is being incorporated into consultation activities across a range of sectors such as transportation, utilities and mining.

    The aim of the Panel was to share and discuss the range of industry and community stakeholder considerations gathered to date from various consultation activities. The Panel was briefed on a number of flight path design constraints, including international and domestic regulatory requirements, operational requirements for aircraft, and the considerations nominated by industry and community stakeholders during recent consultations. Some additional considerations were presented by Panel participants and these will further inform our flight path design activity.

    The participation of key stakeholders in the Stakeholder Reference Panel is an important milestone for Airservices and the work being undertaken in Hobart. We thank everyone for their genuine engagement, thoughtful comments and feedback, and the collective goodwill to progress the upcoming community consultation in a meaningful way.

    The proposed flight path designs are being informed by the constraints and considerations mentioned above, and will be available on our website from 31 October 2018. Opportunities to provide feedback on the proposed flight path designs will be available until 27 November 2018, including face-to-face engagement in Hobart from 15 to 21 November 2018.

    Airservices will consider the feedback received from industry, government and communities before making a decision on the final flight paths that reflect our legislative responsibility of providing safe, secure, efficient, and environmentally-responsible air navigation services to the industry and the travelling public.



    4 September 2018

    To inform the Hobart Airspace Design Review, on 14 and 15 June 2018 Airservices undertook initial community consultation in Hobart to establish a plan for community engagement and document social impacts of the Hobart flight path changes.

    This consultation activity has produced two documents: Social Impact of Hobart Airspace Changes (September 2017/March 2018) Consultation Summary Report (August 2018) and draft Community Engagement Plan (August 2018), prepared by Tania Parkes Consulting for Airservices.

    Community Engagement Plan

    Feedback is sought on the draft Community Engagement Plan.

    The survey is anonymous and can only be completed once per person.

    The survey will be open from 4 September – 18 September 2018.

    The finalised Community Engagement Plan will be provided on the Airservices website on 28 September 2018.

    The draft Community Engagement Plan has informed the development of Airservices stakeholder engagement activities. Please see below for community consultation and feedback key dates.

    Stakeholder Reference Panel

    To commence the next stage of stakeholder engagement and consultation in Hobart, and in accordance with the draft Community Engagement Plan, Airservices will host a Stakeholder Reference Panel to meet in advance of the broader community consultations for a day of facilitated discussion and consultation.

    Representation is by invitation to ensure key stakeholders and community advocates are provided with an opportunity to better understand the regulatory, technical, operational, and community considerations for Airservices’ flight plan designs, and to enable the sharing of a range stakeholder views in a small group format.



    17 August 2018

    It was originally envisaged that proposed flight path designs would be ready for community consultation in August 2018 but they will not be ready now until October 2018. This work is technical and complex and is taking longer than anticipated but it is important that we get it right.

    Airservices received a large number of responses from the community following the consultation in June 2018. We are still working through the statements and views provided by the community, and hope to publish these within the next two weeks.

    With safety as our primary consideration, the Hobart Airspace Design Review is considering design options starting from a ‘blank sheet of paper’ which will be informed by the feedback from the community, industry and government stakeholders within the constraints of our operational and regulatory requirements.

    We expect to provide an update which will include the community Consultation Summary Report, draft Community Engagement Plan for feedback via an online survey and proposed consultation periods within the next two weeks. Following consideration of this feedback, we are planning to commence community consultation in October 2018 on proposed designs. Consultation dates will avoid the Spring School Holiday period.

    If you have any questions or require further information, please contact the Noise Complaints and Information Service.



    4 July 2018

    On 14-15 June 2018 we undertook consultation to inform the Hobart Airspace Design Review.

    Airservices retained a community engagement specialist and social planner to identify social impacts to inform the Airspace Design Review and to assist in designing a Community Engagement Plan that will be used as the basis for consultation with a broader demographic in August 2018 when Airservices presents the initial findings of the Airspace Design Review.

    The consultations provided opportunity for stakeholders and community members to participate in the co-design of the Community Engagement Plan and to meet community engagement specialist and social planner Tania Parkes.

    Thank you to those who either attended the consultations or provided information following the consultations.

    A copy of the information sheet provided at the consultations is available here.

    The Draft Community Engagement Plan will be available shortly. Once the Engagement Plan is finalised, Airservices will provide further information on the consultations for the initial findings of the Airspace Design Review.



    1 June 2018

    We are progressing consultation with stakeholders to inform the Hobart Airspace Design Review.

    Airservices has retained a community engagement specialist and social planner Tania Parkes to identify social impacts to inform the Airspace Design Review and to assist in designing a Community Engagement Plan that will be used as the basis for consultation with a broader demographic in August 2018 when Airservices presents the initial findings of the Airspace Design Review.

    Stakeholders and community members are invited to attend the consultations listed below to participate in the co-design of the Community Engagement Plan and to meet community engagement specialist and social planner Tania Parkes.

    Thursday 14 June 2018
    9am and 10am consultations: Primrose Sands Community Centre, 570 Primrose Sands Rd, Primrose Sands
    12pm and 1pm consultations: Sorell Memorial Hall, Cole St, Sorell
    6pm and 7pm consultations: Dunalley Community Hall, 5 Franklin St, Dunalley

    Friday 15 June 2018
    12pm and 1pm consultations: Dunalley Community Hall, 5 Franklin St, Dunalley
    6pm and 8pm consultations: Sorell Memorial Hall, Cole St, Sorell



    27 April 2018

    The Aircraft Noise Ombudsman (ANO) has released the report Investigation into complaints about the introduction of new flight paths in Hobart April 2018. Airservices response can also be found at the end of the report.



    26 April 2018

    As part of a proactive approach to managing issues associated with implementing flight path changes, Airservices has completed an internal review into its processes associated with aircraft noise management. This internal process review was conducted to provide an assessment of performance against key policy and procedural documents and provide recommendations for improvement. This review identified 29 actions, all of which were implemented by the end of March 2018. The report Review into processes associated with aircraft noise management will form part of Airservices commitment to continuous improvement and inform the management of the introduction of flight path changes into the future.



    24 April 2018

    Stakeholder consultation to support the Hobart Airspace Design Review, of the Hobart Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) and Standard Instrument Departure routes (SIDs) will commence with initial discussions in late May, early June 2018. This first phase of consultation will allow all stakeholders to understand and provide input into the consultation process and establish the most appropriate format for engagement during 2018. A second round of consultation will be held to present a draft engagement plan developed from discussions during the initial consultation phase.

    A third consultation round is planned for August 2018 where in depth engagement will follow the presentation of initial findings of the technical review of flight path options. Details of the arrangements for the first phase of consultation will be available here shortly.



    1 March 2018
    Airservices introduced changes to arrival and departure routes at Hobart Airport on 14 September 2017. Following consideration of concerns raised by the community regarding changes to the arrival flight path to Runway 30, Airservices conducted a review to identify and assess possible safe and feasible alternatives flight paths.

    The report of the review, Review Report Hobart Runway 30 STAR, November 2017, concluded that Airservices will implement the ‘Alternative 2’ flight path.

    ‘Alternative 2’, arrival path as shown in the review report, will become effective on 1 March 2018. This new flight path will provide an improved noise outcome for some areas that are currently affected by aircraft noise.

    Operational requirements and constraints

    Given Airservices requirements to consider safety as the most important consideration and the regulatory requirements to utilise satellite based navigation, Standard Instrument Departures and Standard Instrument Arrivals must continue to be utilised at Hobart Airport to ensure the travelling public continue to receive the best level of air traffic control service with the safest outcomes.

    The following requirements exist when considering flight path options that must be adhered to:

    • Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) and Standard Instrument Arrivals (STARs) enhance safety by systemising air routes so that arriving and departing aircraft are segregated and ensuring consistency and predictability of arrival movements using the latest available satellite based navigation technology and standards
    • Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) and Standard Instrument Arrivals (STARs) provide terrain clearance, improve approach stability and environmental outcomes
    • The flight path must be designed to international safety standards that have been adopted for Australia by the airspace regulator, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority
    • Flight paths must accommodate aircraft arriving from, and departing to, airports in a number of directions
    • Flight paths must be contained within air traffic control sectors and minimise complexity within each sector
    • Airspace and flight paths must be designed to facilitate safe descent and climb
    • The flight paths must remain inside designated controlled airspace
    • Arrival flight paths must connect air routes to instrument landing procedures which provide guidance to the runway e.g. area navigation (RNAV) and instrument landing system (ILS)
    • Airspace design must allow application of air traffic control procedures and standards
    • Flight paths must allow for the efficient sequencing and management of aircraft in the broader network by air traffic control, and minimise fuel burn and emissions as much as possible

    Flight paths must also allow the efficient sequencing and management of aircraft in the broader network by air traffic control, and minimise fuel burn and emissions as much as possible.

    Terms of reference

    Within the operational requirements and constraints at Hobart Airport, Airservices will review the design of the SIDs and STARs for runway 12 and runway 30 in accordance with the following terms of reference:

    The Hobart Airspace Design Review will be undertaken as a greenfield approach with the safety of air navigation as the primary consideration and will include:

    • An assessment of the operability of the design implemented on 14 September 2017, also including the planned change to the runway 30 STAR for implementation in March 2018
    • Recommendations for any changes that would enhance the safety of the design balanced with minimising the effects of aircraft noise on the community as far as practicable
    • The requirements list in the section Operational requirements and constraints

    Any proposed changes to the airspace design must consider:

    • Regulatory requirements
    • Efficiency of aircraft operation and airport capacity constraints
    • Airspace operating constraints including aircraft capability, controlled airspace design, pilot work load, air traffic control system capability, and air traffic control standards and procedures

    A report will be prepared detailing the outcomes of the review including:

    • Findings and recommendations
    • Airline customer feedback
    • Outcomes of other stakeholder feedback including community



    28 February 2018

    Airservices introduced changes to arrival and departure routes at Hobart Airport on 14 September 2017. Following consideration of concerns raised by the community regarding changes to the arrival flight path to Runway 30, Airservices conducted a review to identify and assess possible safe and feasible alternatives flight paths.

    The report of the review, Review Report Hobart Runway 30 STAR, November 2017, concluded that Airservices will implement the ‘Alternative 2’ flight path.

    ‘Alternative 2’, arrival path as shown in the review report, will become effective on 1 March 2018. This new flight path will provide an improved noise outcome for some areas that are currently affected by aircraft noise.


    31 January 2018

    Airservices introduced changes to arrival and departure flight paths at Hobart Airport on 14th September 2017. The changes were designed to organise aircraft departing from, or arriving into, Hobart Airport onto standard routes called Standard Instrument Departures (SIDs) and Standard Instrument Arrivals (STARs). Airservices committed to a further review of the Hobart SIDs and STARs. Access the Terms of Reference for the review here.

  • Previous Updates - 2017

    24 November 2017

    Airservices has carefully considered the concerns raised in community feedback about the flight path changes implemented on 14 September 2017. A review identified a number of alternative flight paths. A report on why the changes were made, alternative flight paths considered, community feedback and Airservices decision are outlined in the Hobart Runway 30 STAR Review Report available here.


    22 November 2017

    At today’s Community Aviation Consultative Group meeting at Hobart Airport, it was announced that following a review of changes made to flight paths at Hobart Airport, that Airservices intends to implement Alternative Flight Path 2 based on safety, air traffic management and community feedback. This implementation is planned to be completed in March 2018, due to the requirement to publish the procedure in aeronautical documentation and provide airlines with sufficient time to program flight management systems. A full report of the review will be made available on the Airservices website by the end of this week.

    Airservices will now undertake a further review of the Hobart Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) and Standard Instrument Departure routes (SIDs) with terms of reference to be published by the end of January 2018. Airservices is committed to consulting with the community and other stakeholders throughout the review process. It is anticipated that the review will take approximately 12–18 months to complete.


    10 November 2017

    Information about:

    • the alternative flight paths identified as part of the review
    • the review process, and
    • how to provide feedback on the alternatives that have been identified

    is now available on our Review of arrival flight path to Hobart Airport page.


    8 November 2017

    Extended hours for consultation drop-in session

    In response to requests we are extending the hours of the community consultation drop-in session on 11 November 2017 at Dunalley House, 172 Arthur Highway, Dunalley.

    The session will now run from 11.15am until 3pm. You are welcome to attend at any time between these hours.

    On arrival small groups of up to 10 people at a time will be given an introduction of around 15 minutes by Manager Southern Operations, Steve Clarke. These introductions will run consecutively throughout the session.

    After the introduction three specialists will be on hand to discuss issues and answer questions in more depth with individuals and small groups.

    As the venue size is limited, it would be greatly appreciated if you would register your intention to attend and include an indication of what time you may arrive. We will use this information to limit any waiting times as far as possible. Please register by calling the NCIS or by using our online form.


    3 November 2017

    As part of our review of the arrival flight path over Kellevie, Copping, Dunalley and Boomer Bay, Airservices is seeking feedback from the community on safe and feasible flight path alternatives that may reduce the impact of aircraft noiseover these areas.

    A community consultation drop-in session will be held on 11 November 2017 at Dunalley House, 172 Arthur Highway Dunalley between 11.15am and 3pm and you are welcome to attend at any time between these hours.

    If you are available to attend, we encourage you to register by calling the NCIS or by indicating your intention to attend using our online form.


    20 October 2017

    Airservices have carefully considered the concerns raised in community feedback about the flight path changes implemented on 14 September 2017. A review has commenced to assess and identify possible safe and feasible alternatives that would reduce aircraft noise impact on residents. In assessing possible options, safety will be our highest priority while seeking every opportunity to minimise and where possible reduce the impact of aircraft noise. The review will take several weeks and we will provide updates here regarding expected timelines.

    Feedback can continue to be submitted to the Noise Complaints and Information Service.


    19 October 2017

    When designing these new flight paths, Airservices conducted an environmental assessment in accordance with Commonwealth regulatory requirements and Airservices environmental standards and procedures. The report Environmental Assessment of Hobart Airport – Proposed SIDs & STARS June 2017 is available here.


    14 September 2017

    Airservices implemented standard arrival and departure flight paths at Hobart Airport from 14 September 2017.

    Changes to flight paths are made for a variety of reasons, including for safety and efficiency improvements. Changes at Hobart were implemented to assist air traffic control with separation standards thus reducing complexity and workload for controllers and pilots. As traffic levels increases, the standardisation of flight paths is a key safety measure which reduces complexity for pilots and air traffic controllers. These changes build separation standards into the airspace design for departing and arriving aircraft and enable pilots to improve fuel management and reduce emissions with the use on board systems.

    In 2017, on average, there are around 30 arrivals and 30 departures each day at Hobart Airport. The flight paths that are used on any given day depend on which runway is in use. The runway direction used depends on the wind and other factors, with Runway 30 tending to be used more than 50 per cent of the time. For the changes shown in the maps residents will experience aircraft movements depending on direction of the wind and runway in use. Some residents will notice a change in where departing and arriving aircraft are tracking, as aircraft track with greater consistency. The maps and images in the fact sheet show the changes to where aircraft will be tracking.