QLD - Proposed change to Mackay Class D CTA Step to the West
Airservices are proposing a new Class D CTA step with a lower limit (LL) of 1500ft between 6‐11 DME to the west of Mackay. Due to surveillance approach being introduced at Mackay, ATC require additional airspace to ensure CTA containment of high‐performance aircraft departing via an initial westerly heading.
The issue
The consultation will be open until 19 May 2022.
The introduction of surveillance approach services in Mackay require changes to ATC procedures and airspace.
Current airspace design provides insufficient airspace to facilitate CTA containment of some departures with an initial westerly heading.
The proposed Class D LL 1500ft step should best facilitate VFR aircraft, without impacting climb gradients of radar departures.
On 27 April 2022, Airservices proposed an amendment to the CTA structure to the west of Mackay. The proposal was to introduce a Class D LL 1500 CTA step between 6-11 DME Mackay.
Airservices received substantial feedback from the General Aviation community in Mackay addressing the impact to airspace users to the west of Mackay, including the numerous aerodromes in the vicinity that would be affected.
Due to Airservices’ commitment to safety and providing equitable access to airspace, the recent proposal has been withdrawn. We will continue working with stakeholders including CASA OAR, Air Traffic Control, RAAus and General Aviation operators to achieve a suitable solution for all users.
Due to the cut-off date for the 1 December 2022 AIRAC date now being unachievable for an amended proposal, no changes will be made on 1 December 2022.
Airservices will not be publishing any amended proposal on AVSEF until after June 2022. Therefore, the earliest any future proposal could be implemented would be 15 June 2023.
Airservices are proposing a new Class D CTA step with a lower limit (LL) of 1500ft between 6‐11 DME to the west of Mackay. Due to surveillance approach being introduced at Mackay, ATC require additional airspace to ensure CTA containment of high‐performance aircraft departing via an initial westerly heading.
The issue
Nigel Morgan – Airservices: fpd@airservicesaustralia.com
Relevant documentation
Outcomes
On 27 April 2022, Airservices proposed an amendment to the CTA structure to the west of Mackay. The proposal was to introduce a Class D LL 1500 CTA step between 6-11 DME Mackay.
Airservices received substantial feedback from the General Aviation community in Mackay addressing the impact to airspace users to the west of Mackay, including the numerous aerodromes in the vicinity that would be affected.
Due to Airservices’ commitment to safety and providing equitable access to airspace, the recent proposal has been withdrawn. We will continue working with stakeholders including CASA OAR, Air Traffic Control, RAAus and General Aviation operators to achieve a suitable solution for all users.
Due to the cut-off date for the 1 December 2022 AIRAC date now being unachievable for an amended proposal, no changes will be made on 1 December 2022.
Airservices will not be publishing any amended proposal on AVSEF until after June 2022. Therefore, the earliest any future proposal could be implemented would be 15 June 2023.
Make a submission
Send your feedback on this consultation to Flight Path Design - Airservices: fpd@airservicesaustralia.com