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Provide your feedback on Noise Abatement Procedures for WSI

We are seeking community feedback on the proposed Noise Abatement Procedures (NAPs) for Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI). NAPs are procedures that can be applied by Air Traffic Controllers or airports, with the aim to reduce the impact of aircraft noise on the community. To learn more about the proposed NAPs for WSI, please view the NAP factsheet.




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NAPs proposed for WSI

We are seeking feedback on the following NAPs for WSI:

  • Reciprocal Runway Operations (RRO) - NAP
  • Noise Abatement Departure Procedures (NADPs)

Reciprocal Runway Operations (RRO) - NAP

WSI is expected to use RRO as its preferred runway mode between 11pm and 5.30am with an aim to provide the best noise minimisation outcomes for the surrounding communities.

Subject to weather conditions and arriving traffic numbers, this RRO-NAP allows air traffic control to radar vector aircraft departing to the west and north-west, which means planes are tactically directed to avoid communities in Blue Mountains as well as south-west of the airport. With increasing overnight traffic, air traffic control will revert to using “normal” RRO.

We are seeking feedback from the community on how this NAP should be operated. 

Noise Abatement Departure Procedures (NADPs)

NADPs are designed to help reduce aircraft noise during take-off through the use of different climb gradients and engine power. The noise reduction outcome from a NADP depends on several factors, including aircraft and engine type, required thrust, and the altitude at which thrust reduction occurs.

There are two different NADPs proposed for WSI: 

NADP 1: Quieter for Areas Close to the Airport

  • NADP1 is used when there are noise sensitive areas within 10km of the runway end
  • A steep climb after take-off moves the aircraft away from populated areas quickly, reducing aircraft noise exposure for residents near the runway.

NADP 2: Quieter for Areas Further Away

  • NADP 2 is used to reduce noise over areas further away from the runway.
  • After take-off, the plane increases its forward speed, which results in a slower climb, so the plane stays lower for longer.
  • When the plane reaches a certain altitude, thrust will be reduced, enabling the plane to climb higher, reducing aircraft noise exposure for residents further away from the runway.

We are seeking community input to determine which of these procedures would provide the greatest benefit to WSI communities. We also welcome feedback about other WSI NAPs and opportunities to reduce noise impacts.