Port Augusta Airport - Changes to Aircraft Circling Altitudes

Consultation has concluded

Airservices is proposing a reduction in circling altitudes for aircraft landing on runway 15 at Port Augusta Airport. This change is occurring as a result of a review of obstacles in the airspace around Port Augusta and will increase safety margins for aircraft operators by allowing aircraft to safely descend to a lower flight altitude in poor weather conditions than what is currently allowed.

A circling approach is a well-practised manoeuvre that provides a pilot with a safe path to bring an aircraft into position for landing on a runway when operating under Instrument Flight Rules (where properly equipped aircraft are flown by reference to aircraft navigation instruments). It is typically used in poor weather conditions, such as low cloud cover, when a ‘straight in’ approach may not be suitable. A circling approach must be at an altitude that allows the pilot to maintain visual contact with the runway throughout the entire manoeuvre.

The procedures for a circling approach advise the pilot of the minimum flight altitude that must be maintained and are specific to the performance category of aircraft operating (based on approach speed). For Category A/B aircraft, such as the Pilatus PC-12 operated by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the circling altitude at Port Augusta Airport is proposed to be lowered from 1,240 feet (378 metres) to 780 feet (238 metres). For Category C aircraft, such as a Fokker 100 jet, the circling altitude is proposed to be lowered from 1,530 feet (466 metres) to 1,070 feet (326 metres).

The indicative circling approach paths for Category A/B and Category C aircraft are shown in the image below. Aircraft performing a circling approach will typically follow a similar path to existing aircraft circuit operations (which are conducted at an altitude of 1,000 feet). The reduction in circling altitude is likely to be audibly noticeable to overflown residents, with an increase in noise levels of up to 5 decibels (dBA) for an aircraft conducting a circling manoeuvre.

The frequency of use of the circling approach is difficult to predict as circling manoeuvres are typically only performed in poor weather conditions, however this would generally represent a low number of total flights.

The proposed change to aircraft circling altitudes at Port Augusta Airport is expected to be implemented 16 June 2022.

No changes are being made to the existing flight paths. There are no new residential areas exposed to aircraft noise as a result of this change.

The Flight Path Design Principles Application Report describes how the Airservices Flight Path Design Principles have been applied to the proposed changes to aircraft circling altitudes.


Airservices is proposing a reduction in circling altitudes for aircraft landing on runway 15 at Port Augusta Airport. This change is occurring as a result of a review of obstacles in the airspace around Port Augusta and will increase safety margins for aircraft operators by allowing aircraft to safely descend to a lower flight altitude in poor weather conditions than what is currently allowed.

A circling approach is a well-practised manoeuvre that provides a pilot with a safe path to bring an aircraft into position for landing on a runway when operating under Instrument Flight Rules (where properly equipped aircraft are flown by reference to aircraft navigation instruments). It is typically used in poor weather conditions, such as low cloud cover, when a ‘straight in’ approach may not be suitable. A circling approach must be at an altitude that allows the pilot to maintain visual contact with the runway throughout the entire manoeuvre.

The procedures for a circling approach advise the pilot of the minimum flight altitude that must be maintained and are specific to the performance category of aircraft operating (based on approach speed). For Category A/B aircraft, such as the Pilatus PC-12 operated by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the circling altitude at Port Augusta Airport is proposed to be lowered from 1,240 feet (378 metres) to 780 feet (238 metres). For Category C aircraft, such as a Fokker 100 jet, the circling altitude is proposed to be lowered from 1,530 feet (466 metres) to 1,070 feet (326 metres).

The indicative circling approach paths for Category A/B and Category C aircraft are shown in the image below. Aircraft performing a circling approach will typically follow a similar path to existing aircraft circuit operations (which are conducted at an altitude of 1,000 feet). The reduction in circling altitude is likely to be audibly noticeable to overflown residents, with an increase in noise levels of up to 5 decibels (dBA) for an aircraft conducting a circling manoeuvre.

The frequency of use of the circling approach is difficult to predict as circling manoeuvres are typically only performed in poor weather conditions, however this would generally represent a low number of total flights.

The proposed change to aircraft circling altitudes at Port Augusta Airport is expected to be implemented 16 June 2022.

No changes are being made to the existing flight paths. There are no new residential areas exposed to aircraft noise as a result of this change.

The Flight Path Design Principles Application Report describes how the Airservices Flight Path Design Principles have been applied to the proposed changes to aircraft circling altitudes.


Consultation has concluded

For questions about this change and/or matters relating to current aircraft operations, contact our Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS) (external link).