What is Council's role and Authority as Airport Owner/Operator?
Illawarra Regional Airport (IRA) is a licensed airport, which is regulated by CASA. It is security controlled as defined by the Aviation Transport Security Act (2004) which is regulated by Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Local Government.
Council's role is to manage the operation of the airport within the constraints of the regulators.
Council can determine development applications for various ground use activities which must comply with the LEP (zoning). Council may issue licences or leases or charge fees for use of its facilities at the airport.
Council's role is also to promote and generate business activities at the airport to create employment so as to enhance regional business and tourism opportunities and provide economic benefit.
Who has access to the airport?
The airport is unrestricted to aircraft registered through CASA or the Sports Aircraft Association provided they do not exceed the runway pavement weight or tyre pressure limitations. The airport manager may provide a conditional runway pavement concession for overweight aircraft.
Recent Commonwealth legislation prohibits public access onto the designated airside area, unless the person has been issued with an Aviation Security Identity Card (ASIC) or is accompanied by a person who has a card. It is an offence to access this area without authority.
Who do I contact about an airport related complaint during business hours and outside business hours?
Council's Customer Service staff register complaints and refer them to the appropriate Council Officer for investigation and response.
Council has a 24/7 answer service (phone: 4221 6111) for general enquiries and complaints. Details will be taken and a Council Officer will respond during normal office hours. In an emergency a Council Officer will be notified or the airport emergency procedure will be activated, depending on the type of emergency.
For complaints about flying activities contact CASA on 131 757.
What restrictions are there to aircraft operations on the east/west runway 08/26?
Pilots are requested not to use runway 08 - take off to the East unless it is operationally necessary due to the direction and strength of the wind. There are no night time operations on the East West runway as permanent runway lights are not available. In the event of an emergency or extenuating circumstance temporary lights may be deployed by the airport groundsman.
What security arrangements are in place for the airport?
Human-proof fencing, CCTV, flood lighting, intruder alarms, signage and patrols.
Do aircraft dump fuel when they overfly?
No, the types of aircraft that use the IRA do not have the capability or equipment required to dump fuel.
Why are some aircraft noisier than others?
Aircraft noise is predominantly caused by engine exhaust and propeller slap. The speed of the aircraft determines the duration of the noise at a location.
At high power settings, i.e. at take off, the propeller tips on some aircraft approach the speed of sound, which creates a distinctive high pitch noise. This noise is louder as the aircraft approaches. Helicopters are louder in the hover or slow taxi movement. The noise is due to the rotor blades downwards thrust.
Is there a control tower at the airport?
There is no control tower. There is a designated radio frequency for the airport which pilots are required to monitor when in the area. Pilots are required to make radio calls to advise of their location and intensions. Pilots are responsible for maintaining separation from other aircraft. There are few control towers at local or regional airports throughout Australia.
What height should aircraft fly over houses?
Generally aircraft should maintain a minimum altitude of 1500ft above houses and 1000ft above rural areas. This will vary in the aerodrome circuit area where aircraft are taking off or landing.
Do any RPT (Regular Public Transport) Services Operate out of Illawarra Regional Airport?
Currently there are no RPT services. Council will continue to encourage airline operators to establish regular services to popular destinations.