FOI 23-14
Document 2
Review Report
HOBART RUNWAY 30 STAR
November 2017

link to page 19 1. BACKGROUND
1.1 About us
Airservices Australia (Airservices) is a Government-owned organisation responsible under the Air Services Act
1995 (the Act) for providing safe, secure, efficient and environmental y responsible services to the aviation industry.
We provide the aviation industry with telecommunications, aeronautical data, navigation services and aviation
rescue fire fighting services (ARFFS). In accordance with the Airservices Act 1995, the safety of air navigation is
the most important consideration in the performance of our functions.
We provide services from two major centres in Melbourne and Brisbane, two terminal control units (TCUs), 29
air traffic control towers at international and regional airports, and ARFFS at 26 of the nation’s busiest airports.
In addition to this, Airservices maintains a range of aviation navigation and surveil ance equipment around the
country. We safely manage 11 per cent of the world’s airspace where there are more than four mil ion aircraft
movements carrying more than 152 mil ion passengers annual y.
1.2 Flight path changes and review
On 14 September 2017, Airservices introduced changes to arrival and departure routes at Hobart Airport. The
changes are designed to organise aircraft arriving into, or departing from, Hobart Airport onto standard routes
cal ed Standard Terminal Arrival Routes (STARs) and Standard Instrument Departure routes (SIDs).
Fol owing implementation, concerns were raised by the community and Airservices acknowledged that adequate
consultation on the changes to the new STAR flight path to Runway 30 had not occurred. In light of that,
Airservices announced a review of the flight path and facilitated a community consultation session in Dunal ey
on 11 November 2017. The consultation session ran for four hours and was an opportunity for Airservices staff
to hear residents’ concerns first hand, to explain and present four alternative flight path options, and to answer
specific questions residents wished to raise. Three subject matter experts were available to respond to residents’
questions and provide explanations. Seventy-four people registered for the session.
A range of support materials was provided to assist the community better understand the rationale for the
changes and the alternatives. A dedicated webpage available on the day of the session contained information
and images depicting the proposed alternatives. A handout that included similar information was available at the
session and online at Airservices website (see Appendix 1).
Community members were encouraged to provide written feedback on the proposed alternatives over a nine-
day consultation period. Community members had the option of utilising an online feedback form on Airservices
website or via a hard copy form which was made available at the community session. This report includes a
summary of the feedback received which was used to inform Airservices decision.
The purpose of this report is to describe:

The flight paths that existed prior to 14 September 2017– section 2

Why changes were required – section 3

Alternative flight paths considered as part of this review – section 4

Community feedback – section 5, and

Airservices decision – section 6.
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2. PREVIOUS FLIGHT PATHS TO RUNWAY 30
Prior to 14 September 2017 there was no STAR and aircraft landing on Runway 30 used one of three approaches:

An instrument approach utilising the ground-based VHF Omnidirectional Range (VOR) navigation system

A visual approach or

An instrument approach using area navigation (RNAV) that provides guidance to the runway in all weather
conditions.
Figure 1 il ustrates these flight paths and depicts one month of arrival tracks prior to the implementation of the
STAR on 14 September 2017.
Figure 1 – Arriving aircraft to Runway 30, 14 August - 13 September 2017 (pre-change). VOR approach
(green), RNAV approach (blue), visual approach (lavender)
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2.1 VOR Approach
In this type of approach the aircraft uses the VOR as the primary navigational aid. The VOR emits radio signals for
the aircraft to interrogate. This type of approach requires an aircraft to overfly the VOR and then circle around to
realign with the runway. Figure 2 shows this procedure.
Figure 2 - Former VOR approach to Runway 30, 14 August - 13 September 2017 (pre-change)
The VOR is a legacy technology compared to the satel ite-based approaches that now are available. The VOR does
not provide vertical guidance, or the same degree of landing predictability and precision as satel ite navigation
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is the Australian regulator of aviation safety standards. CASA has
determined a mandate for airlines and Airservices that came into effect on 4 February 20161. This requires
Instrument Flight Rules aircraft to transition from ground-based navigation, such as VORs, to satel ite-based
navigation as the primary technology.
In accordance with the mandate, Airservices is redesigning landing approaches at over 50 airports across
Australia, including Hobart. Landing approaches at these airports will now rely primarily on satel ite-based
navigation with vertical guidance (reducing the risk of control ed flight into terrain during approach and landing).2
Ground-based navigation aids including VORs have been progressively decommissioned across the country as
the transition to satel ite-based navigation is implemented. A number of ground-based navigation aids, including
the Hobart VOR, are being retained as a contingency in the event there is a failure of satel ite navigation either in
the aircraft or within the satel ite network. This is known as the backup navigation network.
The Hobart VOR was located on land required by Hobart Airport for an extension of the runway. Once the new
STARs were introduced, the VOR was decommissioned for relocation to a new site on the airport. When the VOR
is re-commissioned as part of the back-up network, an instrument approach must be designed with reference to
the VOR’s new location. Once the design process is complete, the new VOR procedures must be flight tested by
CASA in line with safety requirements. This process is expected to take at least three months. Once implemented,
the VOR approach will be used only for contingency purposes as described above, or for “recency”, that is, when
a pilot needs to maintain their proficiency in using that approach.
1. Civil Aviation Order 20.18
2. http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/projects/aircraft-navigation-modernisation-program/
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2.2 Visual Approach
The visual approach is a short approach that is flown by pilots navigating with reference to the ground. A visual
approach can only be performed in visual meteorological conditions (VMC), that is, where visibility, cloud ceilings
and cloud clearance meet certain minimum requirements.
To perform a visual approach aircraft tracked towards the runway using the VOR navigational aid, and, once in
sight of the runway, reported “visual” and requested permission from air traffic control to make a visual approach.
Figure 3 - Visual approaches prior to the change, 14 August - 13 September 2017
Because the visual approach is so short and often not flown on auto pilot, there are more speed and height
changes required and the potential for less stability on the final approach. The most stable approaches are the
long approaches where aircraft fly straight in with wings level on a consistent angle of descent. Because visual
approaches general y require the pilot to adjust the height and speed of the aircraft manual y, it is more difficult
to ensure that the aircraft is on a stable descent angle when turning onto the centreline of the runway for the final
section of the approach.
When there are variations in wind speeds and direction on the final approach for the runway, an aircraft that is not
set up for a consistent angle of approach and speed may need to abort the approach or “go around”, applying
power to climb and then circling around to re-join the landing sequence. Air traffic control ers must tactical y
assure separation between aircraft in these circumstances by managing each aircraft individual y.
In the two months since the new STAR was implemented, from 14 September to 14 November 2017, there was
only one non-weather-related missed approach, compared to four for the same period in 2016. This 75 percent
reduction il ustrates the improved stability and safety offered by a STAR and is why visual and VOR approaches
are not preferred when satel ite-assisted approaches are available.
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2.3 RNAV Approach
Area navigation (RNAV) approaches are satel ite-based instrument approaches that can provide both lateral and
vertical guidance to the runway. The RNAV approaches at Hobart are “straight-in” approaches.
Figure 4 - RNAV instrument approaches to Runway 30 (from south) and Runway 12 (from north)
Before the implementation of the STARs on 14 September 2017, the RNAV approaches were not “linked up” in the route
structure. There was no standard flight path that could be programmed into the flight management system that an aircraft
could fol ow to join an RNAV approach. Rather, from the point where it entered the airspace immediately surrounding the
airport (“Terminal airspace” – see Figure 9), an aircraft would be individual y directed by air traffic control to intercept the
RNAV approach. This type of individual handling increases workload and there is less predictability for the control er and
pilot. The introduction of a connected STAR enhances predictability and accuracy and therefore safety.
Figure 5 - Tracks of aircraft intercepting the RNAV approach, 14 August to 13 September 2017 (pre-change)
Figure 5 shows the tracks of aircraft that were individual y handled to intercept the eastern arm of the RNAV approach in
the month before the STAR was implemented. There were 161 RNAV arrivals in the il ustrated time period.
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3. NEED FOR CHANGE
Airservices introduced the changes to flight paths at Hobart Airport to improve safety for the travel ing public.
There were a number of factors that influenced the change.
In June 2015, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) conducted an audit at Hobart Tower and raised an
Observation recommending that Airservices conduct a review of the route structure in both high level and low level
airspace to ensure that any unnecessary crossovers and undue complexity were minimised or removed.
During 2016, CASA conducted an Aeronautical Study of Hobart and released a report in February 2017.3
Recommendation 3 of the report supported the route redesign work that was underway at that time:
To improve efficiencies and predictability, taking into account Performance Based Navigation requirements
Airservices should continue redesign work for flight routes into and out of Hobart, make improvements to
existing Terminal Instrument Flight Procedures (TIFPs) and introduce STARs into Hobart.4
As referenced in Section 2.1, a CASA mandate came into effect on 4 February 20165. This requires Instrument
Flight Rules aircraft to transition from ground-based navigation to satel ite-based navigation as the primary
technology and this requires changes to flight paths.
Around this time, Hobart Airport had also begun work on the extension of one of the two runways at the airport.
The ground-based navigation aid (the VOR) was located on land that the airport required for extension the runway.
Airservices therefore had to remove the aid from the land and from use by aircraft flying into the airport. This
ground-based navigation aid was then replaced by satel ite-based navigation, which requires SIDs and STARs.
The VOR will be relocated and re-commissioned at an alternative site at Hobart Airport, but only as part of the
back-up network, for use should the satel ite-based navigation be temporarily unable to be utilized.
4. ALTERNATIVES
The fol owing constraints exist when considering alternatives for the flight path:

A Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) enhances safety by building in the required distances between
aircraft, and ensuring consistency and predictability of arrival movements

The flight path must be designed to international safety standards that have been adopted for Australia by the
airspace regulator, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority

There must be an arrival flight path to the southern end of the runway that caters for aircraft coming from both
the east and west coasts of Australia

This flight path must join up to the pre-existing area navigation (“RNAV”) instrument approach path, which
provides guidance to the runway in all weather conditions

The turn onto the RNAV flight path must be between 70 and 90 degrees to meet aircraft performance and
safety requirements

The arrival flight path must cross over the departure flight path at a location that al ows aircraft to safely
descend and climb on their respective flight paths

The flight path must remain inside “control ed airspace”
In general terms, flight paths must also al ow the efficient sequencing and management of aircraft in the broader
network by air traffic control, meet aircraft descent performance requirements and minimise fuel burn and
emissions as much as possible.
3. Aeronautical Study of Hobart, Civil Aviation Safety Authority, February 2017
4. Ibid, Recommendation 3 at p.35
5. Civil Aviation Order 20.18
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4.1 Alternative 1: Current STAR to Runway 30
Figure 6 shows the tracks of regular public transport jet aircraft flying the current STAR (Alternative 1) between 14
September and 13 October 2017:
Figure 6 – Tracks of aircraft flying the current STAR (Alternative 1), 14 September – 13 October 2017
The noise impacts of the current flight path (Alternative 1) and the effects of the concentration of aircraft into
one consistent flight path have been reported in Dunal ey, Copping, Kel evie, Bream Creek, Marion Bay, Boomer
Bay, Murdunna and Sloping Main. There are an indicative 180 dwel ings within a 1km buffer to either side of the
flight path.6
4.1.1 Usage analysis
Between 14 September and 17 November 2017 the flight path was used on all but two days. Because aircraft
must take off and land into the wind, the wind and weather conditions play a key role in whether or not the flight
paths to each runway are used on any given day. There are about 28 regular public transport (RPT) flights to and
from Hobart each day. Runway 30 usage peaked on 10 October with 32 movements, of which 27 were RPT, two
were medical and three were private flights. There were 29 flights on 6 November including 26 RPT, one medical
and two military flights, and on 1 October three medical flights again brought the number of flights to 29 with 26
being RPT. There were 28 movements on 29 September and 9 October, all RPT in each case.
The usage of Runway 30 has dropped considerably in November compared to September and October. This
reflects the typical usage pattern that results from seasonal winds. Runway 30 is typical y used less frequently in
the summer months when southerly winds tend to be more prevalent. Southerly winds favour use of the opposite
runway direction, Runway 12.7
6. 2016 Census, Australian Bureaus of Statistics. Note that the dwel ing count is indicative only and may not reflect actual
numbers because of the uneven distribution of population in rural areas.
7. More information on this topic is available in the Runway Selection fact sheet: http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/
wp-content/uploads/12-139FAC_NCIS-Runway-selection_P2.pdf
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Figure 7 il ustrates the variation in runway usage on any given day. While Runway 30 was clearly used for whole
days on those days with high numbers of flights, on days where movements were low this indicates that Runway
30 was only used for part of the day.
Figure 7 - Number of flights per day 14 September - 17 November 2017
4.1.2 Average Altitudes
Between 14 September and 17 November 2017 the average altitude of aircraft over Kel evie was 7144 feet (2177
metres). Over Copping the average was 6302 feet (1921 metres). Aircraft over Dunal ey were on average at 5412
feet (1649 metres).
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4.2 Alternative 2
This proposal would move aircraft further away from affected areas starting from Kel evie in the north to Dunal ey in
the south. In Figure 8 Alternative 2 is shown in green. The pre-existing, unchanged RNAV flight path is shown in red.
Figure 8 - Alternative 2
Alternative 2 replicates, as far as is possible, the “long approach” that was previously flown by aircraft with air
traffic control individual y directing pilots to intercept the RNAV approach (see Figure 5). There are an indicative 91
dwel ings within a 1km buffer to either side of the flight path.8
While communities such as Dunal ey, Copping and Kel evie would no longer be overflown by Alternative 2, aircraft
are likely to continue to be heard, especial y at the southern end of the flight path. Dunal ey residents would notice
aircraft tracking on average 1 kilometre west of the current flight path and around 1.5 kilometres west of the south-
western edge of the township.
Residents of Connel ys Marsh may notice arriving aircraft tracking closer than before at between 3 to 4 kilometres
from the eastern edge of the township. The current arrival flight path is between 4 and 5 kilometres from the
eastern edge.
Residents of Murdunna and Sloping Main would notice little change from Alternative 2 compared to the current
flight path (Alternative 1). While not overflown, these areas will continue to notice the effect of the concentration of
all arrivals into the one flight path.
8. 2016 Census, Australian Bureaus of Statistics. Note that the dwel ing count is indicative only and may not reflect actual
numbers because of the uneven distribution of population in rural areas.
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4.3 Alternatives 3 and 4
Alternative 3 would be used by aircraft coming from north eastern ports such as Sydney and Brisbane. Alternative
4 would be used by aircraft coming from southern and western ports such as Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth.
Alternatives 3 and 4 would require airspace redesign. Flight paths for large commercial passenger aircraft must
be in “control ed airspace”. These alternatives are outside control ed airspace. Figure 9 below shows control ed
airspace in green.
Figure 9 – Control ed airspace shown in green. Designated training area depicted in brown.
CASA designates airspace categories. Airservices would be required to submit a proposal to CASA to change the
airspace category to accommodate these flight paths. This airspace change process would take at least a year.
The approval decision sits with CASA.
A detailed environmental assessment would need to be conducted to assess the effect on communities and the
environment. If the environmental assessment found that there would be a significant impact on the community,
Airservices would not progress the alternative. If the environmental assessment indicated the change could
potential y be implemented, CASA approval would be pursued and community consultation undertaken.
If Alternative 3 proceeded, but Alternative 4 did not, or vice versa, aircraft coming from the ports that the
alternative was catering for would continue to require the use of either Alternative 1 or Alternative 2.
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Figure 10 - Alternatives 3 (flight path from the east) and 4 (flight path from the west)
In Alternative 3 aircraft would fly around 2.5 kilometres north of the north-western edge of Murdunna, which would
be noticeable to the community in the area. Noise levels are estimated to be below 60 decibels, but due to the low
ambient noise, this is likely to have similar effects to those currently experienced by communities affected by the
current flight path (Alternative 1).
All areas overflown by Alternative 4 would be newly overflown. This would affect a number of small townships
and key tourist areas such as Kettering, Oyster Cove, Snug and Bruny Island by overflight at relatively high levels
of around 9000 feet. However due to the low ambient noise in these areas this may be noticeable. Sloping Main
would experience an increased concentration on the western “arm” of the existing RNAV approach.
As discussed above, if only one of Alternative 3 or 4 was implemented, some aircraft would still need to use either
Alternative 1 or 2 instead depending on which airport they originate from.
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link to page 13 link to page 17 link to page 6 link to page 11 5. COMMUNITY FEEDBACK
In total, 92 residents have contacted the Noise Complaints and Information Service (NCIS) since the flight path
was introduced with complaints and/or feedback about the alternatives proposed.
Complaints and submissions were received from residents of Kel evie, Dunal ey, Copping, Boomer Bay, Marion
Bay, Bream Creek, Murdunna, Sloping Main, Eaglehawk Neck, Forcett and Dodges Ferry.
From the commencement of the changes on 14 September 2017, up to the community consultation session held
in Dunal ey on 11 November 2017, complaints were received from 45 people with positive feedback provided by
two people. Some residents contacted the NCIS more than once.
After the community consultation session on 11 November, written feedback was received from 71 people, some
of whom made more than one submission and 26 of whom had also initial y lodged complaints.
Section 5.1 identifies the key issues from the feedback and section 5.2 discusses the community’s feedback on
the alternatives proposed.
5.1 Issues
The main issues raised included:

The effects of the new flight path, particularly given the quiet nature of the area

Concern or confusion surrounding the reasons for change and the location of the flight path

The inadequacy of the consultation process

The flight path review process
Most respondents raised more than one of these issues.
5.1.1 Effects of Flight Path
Fifty-three residents described the effects the new flight path was having on their families and businesses.
Airservices acknowledges that the effect this flight path would have on a quiet rural area where there is very little
ambient noise was underestimated. The community’s feedback to this effect will assist Airservices in its evaluation
of the noise impacts of flight paths in non-urban areas in the future.
5.1.2 Reasons for Change
Concerns were raised about the location of the flight path and the reasons for the change.
The reasons that led to the flight path changes on 14 September are described in section 3. Additional detail
describing the safety and other benefits of standard arrival routes is outlined below.
As explained at 2.3, before the STAR was introduced there was no flight path that moved aircraft from the point
at which they entered Terminal airspace (see Figure 9) to where they intercepted the RNAV approach. In aviation,
‘flight paths’ usual y mean standardised, published routes that all aircraft fol ow.
Standardised flight paths have separation standards designed into them. Each aircraft flies exactly the same
route and are subject to the same altitude requirements. Air traffic control ers still need to ensure that the requisite
separation standard between each aircraft flying the flight path and any adjacent flight path is maintained and that
an orderly landing sequence is established, but lateral segregation is built into the system. Where each aircraft is -
at any given time - is predictable, which enhances both safety and efficiency.
On standardised routes, aircraft fol ow a connected, vertical path all the way to the ground and have the benefits
of vertical guidance using on-board technology. This reduces the risk of control ed flight into mountains, obstacles
or the ground, and this therefore also increases safety.
Air traffic management efficiency is also a consideration. Standard routes al ow air traffic control to provide a
control service to more aircraft in the same airspace at the same time. As demand for air travel to and from Hobart
increases, this becomes more and more important.
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When flight paths are standard, aircraft fly a more efficient, predictable and stable descent profile. This uses
reduced power because the flight management system can calculate throttle settings and a consistent angle to
fly based on the number of track miles there are to the runway from any given point. Aircraft are also not being
directed to slow down and speed up for separation purposes as frequently. This decreases both fuel burn and
noise.
A number of respondents felt that, in the absence of evidence that the previous system was unsafe, there was no
basis for the argument that the change enhances safety. Airservices primary responsibility is the safety of air traffic
management, and improvements to procedures and systems that enhance safety are continuously identified,
tested and implemented. Circumstances change over time and factors such as increased growth in traffic mean
increased risk. Airservices must take this into account and plan for the future as well as the present.
Some residents rejected the safety argument based on their observations that some aircraft do not fol ow the
STAR. Figure 11 shows all regular public transport aircraft between 14 September and 13 October 2017. The
yel ow lines show the current STAR:
Figure 11 - STAR and off-STAR tracking 14 September - 13 October 2017
While the majority of aircraft fol ow the STAR, in Figure 11 a number can be seen that are flying off the STAR. This
is not unusual. There are a number of reasons why aircraft may be directed “off-STAR” by air traffic control. The
most common reason is for traffic management. While STARs do enhance safety through increased predictability
and consistency, from time-to-time unforeseen circumstances arise. For example, there may be light aircraft to
manage that are not able to use SIDs and STARs, a faster aircraft may be catching up with a slower one in front or
an emergency medical flight may need priority or an emergency services operation may need to be avoided. Air
traffic control ers have to manage this tactical y in response to the circumstances.
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Another key reason why jet aircraft may fly outside published routes, is to enable them to avoid bad weather
including storm cel s and dangerous cloud formations that cannot be flown through. Modern aircraft have
sophisticated weather radars on board that al ow pilots to identify bad weather that may be many nautical miles
away from airports and not evident to those on the ground. If a pilot requests a diversion due to weather, air traffic
control is required to provide this.
Some residents were concerned that the reason for the change has been explained variously by reference to
factors such as enhanced safety, air traffic management efficiency, minimisation of delays and CASA’s mandate
about satel ite navigation. All these factors were relevant in coming to the decision that the change was required.
Aviation is a complex industry and multiple factors need to be taken into account in every decision – safety,
efficiency for air traffic management in the air and on the ground, providing more predictability to assist with the
workload for pilots and air traffic control, aircraft performance and engineering, the availability of navigation aids,
CASA requirements, international standards, the economic importance of the industry and many other factors
must be considered.
5.1.3 Consultation Process
The manner in which consultation on the flight path change was conducted through the Community Aviation
Consultation Group (CACG9) was raised as a key issue by 45 people. No-one who contacted the NCIS was aware
of the change before it occurred.
Airports around the country have established CACGs as a key consultation forum for community representatives
to come together with airports and relevant federal and state government agencies to discuss a range of airport-
related issues, including proposed airport construction and flight path changes. CACGs are therefore the primary
community forum Airservices utilises when proposing flight path changes. Airservices recognises that these
groups do not always contain representatives from every affected area and Airservices acknowledges that
consultation in this instance was not adequate to ensure that community members were aware of the proposed
change.
After the flight path review and the community consultation session in November was announced, concerns were
raised about the ensuing process and/or timeline by 10 residents. The objective of the consultation session was
to explain the constraints that existed and what solutions could be offered so that the community could then
provide informed feedback in writing about their preferred alternative. Airservices approach to the consultation
session was to offer small groups an introduction fol owed by the opportunity to ask subject matter experts
specific questions about the alternative flight paths that had been identified. This approach al owed many people
to personal y express their views, ask questions and explore alternatives, something that could not have been
achieved in a larger forum-style meeting.
Airservices acknowledges that the ten day timeframe for feedback on the proposed alternatives was short. Initial
community complaints on the flight path change suggested that the community sought a quick resolution to their
concerns. The timeline for consultation on the proposed alternatives was set to expedite a change if that was what
the community feedback indicated. Once Airservices flight path review had identified some alternatives, putting
these before the community at the earliest opportunity was considered to be the appropriate and responsive
course of action.
Any change would take at least three months to introduce due to the requirement to publish the procedure in
aeronautical documents 56 days before it is implemented – this gives the airlines time to program it into their
flight management systems and for any flight crew and air traffic control training to be conducted. Publication
dates for aeronautical documents are standard throughout the world as set out by the International Civil Aviation
Organization Aeronautical Information Regulation and Control (AIRAC) cycle of every 28 days.
Airservices procedures require any flight path change to be consulted through the relevant Community
Aviation Consultation Group. In this case, the Hobart Community Aviation Consultation Group (CACG) was 22
November 2017. Airservices aimed to present any proposed change at the November meeting so that it could
be implemented in March 2018. The next meeting is scheduled in March 2018, which would have delayed
implementation until the second half of 2018.
9. Information about CACGs can be accessed from the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development’s
website at https://infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/airport/planning/index.aspx
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Concerns about the session pre-empting the results of the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman (ANO) were raised.
The ANO Charter enables the ANO to review actions taken by Airservices and make recommendations to the
Airservices Board. However the ANO has no powers to require flight path changes to be made or other actions to
be taken. It is up to Airservices to make flight path changes, thus waiting for the ANO report would unnecessarily
delay improvement action being taken. Any recommendations made by the ANO’s review about consultation
processes will be taken into account in consulting about flight path changes in future.
A considerable proportion of the written feedback received from the community about the proposed alternatives
expresses the view that a longer consultation process is required and suggests that finding the best solution for
the whole community is valued more highly than a fast solution.
5.1.4 Other Issues
Several respondents suggested that aircraft should be higher than at present. Arrival flight paths are designed
to al ow a standard glide slope of three degrees, descending by approximately 300 feet per nautical mile. At this
rate 30 nautical miles are required for an aircraft to descend from 9000 feet (the altitude they are at when crossing
over the departing traffic) to the runway. This means that aircraft cannot be substantial y higher than their current
altitudes on this flight path.
Some residents were concerned that no environmental assessment had been done.
Airservices has environmental obligations under both the Air Services Act 1995 and the federal Environmental
Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999. Airservices has an environmental management
system that is independently certified to the relevant international standard (ISO 14001) and which requires
environmental assessments to be conducted. The environmental assessment of the introduction of SIDs and
STARs to Hobart is available from the Airservices website. 10
Gaining an understanding of the different powers and responsibilities of the agencies involved in aviation can be
chal enging, and this was evident in some of the feedback received. For example, concerns were raised that the
consultation process breached the Airports Act 199611 and the Hobart Airport Master Plan12. The Airports Act
establishes a system for regulating airports. The Master Plan is the Airport’s document and is produced to meet
its obligations under the Airports Act. In contrast, Airservices is governed by separate legislation, the Air Services
Act 199513. Flight paths in control ed airspace are the responsibility of Airservices, not the Airport. Section 10
of the Air Services Act provides that, in the performance of its functions, Airservices must, where appropriate,
consult with government, commercial, industrial, consumer and other relevant bodies and organisations. The Civil
Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is Australia’s aviation safety regulator and sets down rules that Airservices must
fol ow in the provision of air traffic management. CASA also designates airspace categories including control ed
and uncontrol ed airspace.
Another resident chal enged Airservices for not being aware of the specifics of future increases in international
traffic to and from Hobart Airport. Airservices regularly reviews forecast traffic levels at airports to manage
operational risk. Specific details about new airlines intending to fly to particular airports may be commercial in
confidence between the airport and the airline.
10. http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/projects/flight-path-changes/hobart-airport-standard-arrivals-and-departures/
11. https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2016C00709
12. https:/ hobartairport.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/HIA_MasterPlan_FINAL_030316__compressed__smaller.pdf
13. https://www.legislation.gov.au/Details/C2012C00170
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5.2 Feedback on the Alternative Proposals
5.2.1 Revert to the old flight path / start again
Feedback from 35 residents urged that the flight path revert to its previous location and/or start the design
process again. Most linked this to the consultation process. Some respondents advocating reversion rejected all
other proposed alternatives, while others also nominated one of the other alternatives as a second-best option.
Unfortunately, reverting to the previous flight path is not an alternative that Airservices can offer. This is because:

The introduction of a standard arrival route is a significant safety enhancement for aircraft and passengers
traveling into Hobart Airport. These safety benefits are described in section 3 and 5.1.2. Airservices must
always ensure that the safety of air navigation is its most important consideration

The VOR used for arrival flight paths in place prior to 14 September has been decommissioned, and when it is
relocated and recommissioned it will be available only as a back up to the satel ite based navigation at Hobart
airport.
5.2.2 Alternative 1
Two residents of Dodges Ferry submitted positive comments about the current STAR to Runway 30. Prior to the
change arriving aircraft flew over Dodges Ferry when making visual approaches. This overflight occurred shortly
before the aircraft turned onto the runway-aligned segment of the short approach, and due to being only minutes
away from touching down, these aircraft were at low levels.
5.2.3 Alternative 2
Twelve residents supported the implementation of Alternative 2. Some of these cited it a second preference to
reverting to the old flight paths. Others suggested using Alternative 2 as a temporary measure.
A further three residents suggested that Alternative 2 be moved further west to be on the other side of the
ridge line from Kel evie at one end, and further away from Dunal ey at the other. A number of attendees at the
consultation session also supported this view.
Two residents expressed concerns about how they would be affected by Alternative 2.
5.2.4 Alternatives 3 and 4
Fourteen residents supported the long-term option of Alternative 3 however general y acknowledged its potential
negative effects on Murdunna and suggested it be moved further south. There was little written comment received
on Alternative 4 but the prevailing view expressed at the community session was that it was an unrealistic option
given the area is not currently overflown. The written feedback indicated that residents understood that the viability
of these options is not a guaranteed and is contingent on the required airspace change being ultimately approved.
5.2.5 Share the Noise
Residents sought solutions that would mitigate the effect of the concentration of traffic which results from
standardisation of routes.
Airservices acknowledges these views however providing a sharing solution is complex. Alternatives 3 and 4
would be manageable because they flow logical y from the current route structure which has Melbourne and
Adelaide traffic arriving from the west while Sydney and Brisbane traffic arrive from the east. Each approach would
utilise a different part of the available airspace. However, having more than one STAR sharing the same piece of
airspace is not done anywhere in Australia where STARS are in use.
There is usual y only one STAR to each runway for all traffic. This is because having multiple STARs to one runway
will increase complexity for pilots and air traffic control, potential y reducing the safety benefits of having a STAR.
The safety benefit is that each aircraft is given the same route and the position and altitude of each aircraft flying
that route is entirely consistent and predictable. This reduces the workload for pilots and air traffic control ers and
reduces the possibility of human error.
Report Review Hobart Runway 30 STAR 16

link to page 19 link to page 19 5.3 Other Suggestions
Respondents suggested changes to the proposed alternatives such as:

Moving Alternative 2 further west

Shortening the RNAV approach

A southwards extension of the current STAR or of Alternative 2 to increase altitudes over the affected areas
with banking occurring over Norfolk Bay

Southwards extension of Alternative 4

Southwards extension of Alternative 3

Fly across the coast to the north of affected communities, over the Weilangta Forest, and then around/over the
Tasman Peninsula
Airservices acknowledges the views of residents who asked that Alternative 2 be moved further west. However,
initial analysis indicates that this would negatively affect additional residences. Given that the community places a
high value on comprehensive consultation, Airservices is cognisant that this proposed adjustment has not been
put to that community and for this reason will not pursue it outside the further review (see 6).
The other suggestions will require further detailed analysis, environmental impact assessment and community
consultation and will be considered as part of Airservices further review of the SIDs and STARs at Hobart (see
Section 6).
Airservices thanks residents for their consideration and the time taken by to participate in the consultation
process.
Report Review Hobart Runway 30 STAR 17

link to page 17 6. CONCLUSION
The view put most frequently in the community feedback was that the flight path should revert to the pre-14
September structure and the design process should start again. As discussed at 5.2.1, Airservices is unable to
offer this solution.
There was no consensus on the flight path alternatives. Of those respondents who did nominate a preference,
Alternative 2 was general y preferred in conjunction with a longer term review.
Based on the feedback received and noting the constraints that exist, Airservices will implement Alternative 2
as soon as possible. This will see aircraft move further away and provide an improved noise outcome for some
existing affected areas starting from Kel evie in the north to Dunal ey in the south. The alternative flight path is now
as closely aligned to the original flight path as possible while still achieving the safety outcome.
This implementation is planned to be completed in March 2018 due to the requirement to publish the procedure
in aeronautical documentation and provide airlines with sufficient time to program it into their flight management
systems.
In response to community feedback for a longer consultation process, Airservices will also undertake a further
review of the Hobart STARs and SIDs. A terms of reference will be published by the end of January 2018.
Airservices will be consulting closely with the community and other stakeholders throughout the review process,
which is expected to take approximately twelve to eighteen months to complete.
Report Review Hobart Runway 30 STAR 18

APPENDIX 1: HANDOUT PROVIDED TO THE
COMMUNITY
HOBART AIRPORT
REVIEW OF ARRIVAL FLIGHT PATH
Airservices introduced changes to arrival and departure routes at Hobart Airport on
14 September 2017. The changes organise aircraft arriving into or departing from
Hobart Airport onto standard routes.
Airservices has carefully considered the concerns raised

The flight path must be designed to international
in community feedback about the changes to this flight
safety standards that have been adopted for
path and has conducted a flight path review to identify
Australia by the airspace regulator, the Civil Aviation
and assess possible safe and feasible alternatives.
Safety Authority

There must be an arrival flight path to the southern
In assessing possible alternatives safety was the
end of the runway that caters for aircraft coming
highest priority while seeking every opportunity to
from both the east and west coasts of Australia
minimise and where possible reduce the impact of
aircraft noise.

This flight path must join up to the pre-existing
area navigation (“RNAV”) instrument approach
path which provides guidance to the runway in
THE REVIEW PROCESS
all weather conditions– the RNAV flight path is
illustrated in red in figures 1 and 2 below
A final decision will be made by Airservices based

The turn onto the RNAV flight path must be
on safety, air traffic management efficiency and
between 70 and 90 degrees to meet aircraft
community feedback received. The outcome and
performance and safety requirements
reasons for the decision will be published in a Review
Report on 22 November 2017. The Report will set

The arrival flight path must cross over the departure
out the alternatives considered and the reasons why
flight path at a location that allows aircraft to safely
each was determined to be feasible or not feasible. It
descend and climb on their respective flight paths
will also contain a summary of the issues raised in the

The flight path must remain inside “controlled
community feedback and complaints.
airspace”

Controlled airspace is designated by the Civil
Feedback will be accepted until midnight 19 November
Aviation Safety Authority. The eastern edge of
2017. Everyone who submits feedback will be notified
Tasmania and the ocean further to the east is
of the outcome in writing on 22 November 2017.
largely uncontrolled airspace which prevents flight
paths being located there
CONSTRAINTS ON FLIGHT PATH DESIGN

Wherever practicable aircraft should not fly over
communities not currently overflown
In considering alternatives for the flight path, the
following constraints exist:

A Standard Terminal Arrival Route (STAR) enhances
safety by building in the required separation
distances between aircraft, and by ensuring
consistency and predictability of arrival movements
AC
Report R
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ALTERNATIVES CONSIDERED
Alternative 1: Current flight path
Figure 1: Alternative 1 – the current flight path, implemented on 14 September 2017, is shown in yellow. The red
flight path is a pre-existing flight path that has not changed.
www.airservicesaustralia.com
Report Review Hobart Runway 30 STAR 20

Alternative 2
Figure 2: Alternative 2 is shown in green. The pre-existing, unchanged RNAV flight path is shown in red.
www.airservicesaustralia.com
Report Review Hobart Runway 30 STAR 21

Figure 3: Comparison of Alternative 2 with flight tracks pre 14 September 2017. The blue tracks are actual
aircraft tracks before the change was made on 14 September 2017. Alternative 2 is shown in green.
www.airservicesaustralia.com
Report Review Hobart Runway 30 STAR 22

Alternatives 3 and 4
Alternative 3 would be used by aircraft coming from
Detailed environmental assessment will need to be
north eastern ports such as Sydney and Brisbane.
conducted to assess the effect on communities and
Alternative 4 would be used by aircraft coming from
the environment. If the environmental assessment
southern and western ports such as Melbourne,
found that there would be a signficant impact on
Adelaide and Perth.
the community, Airservices would not progress the
alternative. If the environmental assessment indicates
Alternatives 3 and 4 would require airspace redesign.
the change potentially could be implemented
Flight paths for large commercial passenger aircraft
CASA approval would be pursued and community
must be in “controlled airspace”. These alternatives
consultation undertaken.
are outside controlled airspace. The Civil Aviation
Safety Authority (CASA) designates airspace
If Alternative 3 proceeded but Alternative 4 did not,
categories. Airservices would need to submit a
or vice versa, aircraft coming from the ports that the
proposal to CASA to change the airspace category
alternative was catering for would continue to require
to accommodate these flight paths. This airspace
the use of either Alternative 1 or Alternative 2.
change process would take at least a year, with no
guarantee that CASA will approve the proposal.
Figure 4: Alternatives 3 (flight path from the east) and 4 (flight path from the west)
www.airservicesaustralia.com
Report Review Hobart Runway 30 STAR 23

COMPARISON OF ALTERNATIVES
Figure 5: Comparison of all alternatives: 1 (yellow), 2 (green), 3 and 4 (orange). The pre-existing, unchanged
RNAV flight path is also shown (red)
The noise impacts of the current flight path (Alternative  and Kellevie will no longer be overflown, aircraft
1) and the effects of the concentration of aircraft
are likely to continue to be heard, especially at the
into one consistent flight path have been reported in
southern end of the flight path. Dunalley residents will
Dunalley, Copping, Kellevie, Bream Creek, Marion Bay,  notice aircraft tracking on average 1 kilometre west of
Boomer Bay, Murdunna and Sloping Main. Dunalley,
the current flight path and around 1.5 kilometres west
Copping and parts of Kellevie are directly overflown.
of the south-western edge of the township.
Alternative 2 replicates, as far as is possible, the “long
Residents of Connellys Marsh may notice arriving
approach” that was previously flown. This proposal
aircraft tracking closer than before at between 3 to 4
would move aircraft further away from affected areas
kilometres from the eastern edge of the township. The
starting from Kellevie in the north to Dunalley in the
current arrival flight path is between 4 and 5 kilometres
south. While communities such as Dunalley, Copping
from the eastern edge.
www.airservicesaustralia.com
Report Review  Hobart Runway 30 STAR 24

Residents of Murdunna and Sloping Main would
Alternative 2 would require only the standard
notice little improvement from Alternative 2 compared
publication period and could therefore be
to the current flight path (Alternative 1). While not
implemented in around three months.
overflown, these areas will continue to notice the
effect of the concentration of all arrivals into the one
Alternatives 3 and 4 would require a minimum time
flight path.
of 18 months to achieve, including three months for
detailed environmental assessment, approximately
In Alternative 3 aircraft would fly around 2.5 kilometres  twelve months for community engagement and
north of the north-western edge of Murdunna which
airspace change, and, if it proceeds, the required
would be noticeable to the community in the area.
three months for implementation.
Noise levels are estimated to be below 60 decibels
but due to the low ambient noise this is likely to
HOW CAN I LODGE MY FEEDBACK?
have similar effects to those currently experienced
by communities affected by the current flight path
(Alternative 1).
Feedback will be accepted until midnight on
19 November 2017.
All areas overflown by Alternative 4 would be newly
overflown. This would affect a number of small
An online Hobart Flight Path Feedback Form is
townships and key tourist areas such as Kettering,
available at: https://complaints.bksv.com/feedback
Oyster Cove, Snug and Bruny Island by overflight at
relatively high levels of around 9000 feet. However due  The Feedback Form can also be lodged at the
to the low ambient noise in these areas this may be
Community Consultation Drop-In Session or posted to
noticeable. Sloping Main would be adversely affected
NCIS, Post Box 211, Mascot NSW 1460.
by increased concentration on the western “arm” of
the existing RNAV approach.
MORE INFORMATION
As discussed above, if only one of Alternative 3 or 4
Interactive flight path maps of Alternatives 1 and 2 and
was implemented, aircraft that would have used the
more information can be accessed from this webpage:
other alternative would need to use either Alternative 1
or 2 instead.
http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/projects/flight-
path-changes/hobart-airport-standard-arrivals-and-
TIMEFRAMES
departures/
The earliest Alternative 2 could be implemented is
March 2018. Any flight path change takes at least
three months to implement. The detailed design of the
approach is required to be undertaken and the new
flight path must be published a minimum of 56 days
before it is implemented. This gives the airlines time to
program it into their flight management systems and
conduct any required training.
www.airservicesaustralia.com
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