Airspace Protection

It is important Brisbane Airport's airspace is protected - now and in the future - to provide a safe, efficient and predictable environment for aircraft to arrive and depart in all conditions.

 

The Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations set the framework for the definition and declaration of airspace requiring protection. These regulations also outline the processes required for the assessment of proposals involving intrusion into airspace – deemed “Controlled Activities”.

The Regulations are administered by the Commonwealth Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development and ensure:

• The airspace which aircraft operate in when under Instrument Meteorological Conditions is obstacle-free with minimum obstacle clearances maintained consistent with relevant international and national aviation standards
• The airspace which aircraft operate in when under Visual Meteorological Conditions is generally obstacle-free, and only in certain circumstances are objects permitted to intrude into that component of an airport’s prescribed airspace following a detailed hazard determination, potentially resulting in hazard identification through markings and lighting to the object or structure
• Assessments are applied to facilities that results in the emissions of smoke, dust or other particulate matter 
• Radar, aviation navigation systems and critical airfield lighting systems have adequate protection zones and are able to operate without interference
• A robust assessment regime is established for proposed structures and developments (Controlled Activities) that may impact an Airport’s airspace 
• Penalty provisions exist for activities not conducted in accordance with the requirements of the APARs.

 

Prescribed airspace

The Airspace for Brisbane Airport was first declared in 2009, revised in 2013 and most recently a minor update finalised by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development on 14 July 2017. The prescribed airspace for Brisbane Airport includes the following surfaces:

Obstacle Limitation Service (OLS)

 

Procedures for Air Navigational Services—Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPS) 

 

Surfaces associated with Radar systems, aviation navigational aids and airfield major lighting installations

Please be aware that areas of Brisbane and South East Queensland may be impacted by additional airspace surfaces associated with other airports in the region.

 

Crane approvals

Crane operators must provide a completed Crane Assessment Form prior to the proposed crane activity. The application will be assessed by the airport that will approve or refuse the application.