Raise your caps, chaps, they’ve fixed the GAAPs
A Christmas present from John McCormick!
CASA has raised the controversial cap on aeroplane circuit movements at the six GAAP airfields, introduced in mid 2009, from six to eight aeroplanes under the control of one controller.
The higher limit outlined in CASA Instrument 597/09, which revokes instrument 329/09, applies at all six GAAP airports – Archerfield, Bankstown, Camden, Moorabbin, Parafield and Jandakot.
Both the previous Instrument and the new one impose the limit only on fixed-wing aircraft. Sources at Bankstown tell us that unless they are flying fixed-wing type circuits, which is rare, helicopters are not counted when implementing the limits.
“The increase in the cap on the number of aeroplanes operating in the circuit and undertaking circuit operations will take effect from 18 January 2010,” says CASA.
The announcement is expected to bring considerable relief to crowded training airfields:
“The new ruling applies to aeroplanes under the control of one air traffic controller. Traffic arriving and departing the GAAP control zone will be managed by air traffic control, with no limitation on numbers imposed by CASA,” says the announcement.
The changes follow a review initiated by CASA into the current aeroplane circuit cap of six. The review included a series of workshops at the GAAP aerodromes to gather the views of operators and aerodrome users on the cap, and reflects the pressures generated by their vocal protests.
CASA says the cap can be increased because pilots and operators now have a heightened awareness of the operational requirements of flying at GAAP aerodromes.
As CASA has already announced, the airspace classification at the six airports will be changed to Class D as defined in the USA’s FAA administration Class D procedures.
The increased limits will stay in force until anticipated Class D airspace implementation takes effect from 3 June 2010.
CASA Director John McCormick, said the cap on aeroplane movements will be lifted once Class D airspace is operational.
“I made it very clear when announcing the changes to GAAP operations in mid 2009 that the cap was a temporary measure while we developed other ways to manage operations better at GAAP airports,” Mr McCormick said.
“After comprehensive consultation with GAAP airport users and operators it has been decided lifting the cap on circuit operations to eight is acceptable.
“Once US Federal Aviation Administration Class D airspace procedures are in place the cap will no longer be required.
“A major communication and education campaign will be undertaken by CASA to make sure all pilots understand the new Class D procedures before they begin operating.”
