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Colin
Haywood
453SQN Royal Australian Air Force
Most activities do not require the full use of R596 and it would be more efficient to establish a Danger Area for when the entire range is not in use.
The issue
Current ground weapon activities at Salt Ash Air Weapons Range do not require the full use of R596 and often results in inefficient airspace restrictions. The implementation of a small Danger Area will cover live-fire operations and reduce the frequency of R596 activation, including outside of Air Traffic Service hours.
Purpose
The Australian Defence Force is seeking feedback on a proposal to establish a small Danger Area at Salt Ash Air Weapons Range (R596). This will provide a more efficient use of airspace with small arms range activities compared with activation of R596, while still alerting aircraft to live-fire operations.
Proposal
The Salt Ash Air Weapons Range is a military range facility to the East of RAAF Williamtown. A review of activities requiring PRD airspace has found most activities that occur at permanent ranges use significantly smaller dimensions than the airspace they are restricting. Safety traces for small arms fire used frequently within the range occupy a substantially smaller footprint than the current dimensions of R596.
Activation of R596 is an excessive use of airspace not required for the routine ground training activities in the area.
Publication of a Danger area within the Williamtown Military CTR would provide greater visibility for users when this airspace/range is active. It will provide greater flexibility for the use of air space and less restrictions to current users.
The RAAF proposes to create a more efficient Danger Area, to be used when the air weapons range is not in use.
Related links
https://www.airservicesaustralia.com/aip/aip.asp?pg=10 - DAH Effective 30NOV23, Section 13, SUA-24 (R596)