Airservices will begin trialling new measures to minimise aircraft noise in communities under Brisbane Airport flight paths from February 24.
The proposed trials will test different procedures when operationally safe to determine if they have any impact on reducing aircraft noise in affected communities.
From 24 February, Airservices will commence trialling:
Extended Simultaneous Opposite Direction Parallel Runway Operations (SODPROPS)
SODPROPS enable aircraft to arrive and depart over Moreton Bay when conditions, such as weather and traffic volume, allow pilots, passengers, and cargo to arrive and depart safely.
A 12-month trial to extend the operating hours of SODPROPS to weekends between 10pm and 8am (previously 10pm to 6am).
Airservices will also submit a safety case to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) in March 2022 for an increased tailwind limit, to support more aircraft to arrive and depart over the bay.
Full-length runway departures
A 12-month trial requiring aircraft to use the full-length of the New Parallel Runway for departures. Noise monitors located at the runway end, Hamilton, Bulimba, and New Farm will be used to review noise outcomes.
In addition to the trials, Airservices is examining requirements, including environmental assessments, to introduce a new Noise Abatement Procedure by March 2022 which requires jet aircraft to remain on the Standard Instrument Departure (SID) until they reach 10-12,000 feet (3050-3650 metres).
The commencement of the trials follows the completion of detailed safety assessments and procedural updates for air traffic controllers and pilots to ensure the continued safe operation of aircraft arriving and departing Brisbane Airport.
Throughout the trials, Airservices will gather community feedback and data from noise monitors to confirm if there has been a noticeable reduction in aircraft noise experienced on the ground. The trials will also determine the impact on airport safety and capacity to deliver balanced outcomes.
Investigation of other safe and feasible improvements is continuing as part of the Airservices Post Implementation Review (PIR). Any significant changes to flightpaths from the PIR or Trax International recommendations will require a formal environmental assessment and extensive community consultation.
Visit the Airservices Engage website
