[Peetwo]

Part 139 NPRM feedback quietly closes - (sshhh - )

While one NPRM gets introduced with a degree of fanfare - see Alphabets post #148 - another proposed rule amendment slips by seemingly with little fuss or industry outcry...   

Today’s the last day to have your say on the proposed updated rules for aerodromes (Part 139). Complete the survey now: http://consultation.casa.gov.au/regulatory-program/nprm1426as/ …

11:36 AM - 8 Dec 2017

&..

Overview
Part 139 of the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations 1998 (CASR) and the subsidiary Part 139 Manual of Standards (MOS) were implemented in 2003. These rules regulate:

• the operation of certified, registered and ‘certain other’ aerodromes
  
• obstacles and hazards
  
• aerodrome radio communication services.
  

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By 2014, CASA and industry both recognised that a comprehensive review of the Part 139 legislative framework was necessary. While a review of the rules for fire fighting (Subpart 139.H of CASR) and heliports will be subject to separate consultation, the proposed amendments to Part 139 of CASR and the Part 139 MOS aim to:
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• more closely reflect the Standards and Recommended Practices (SARP) for Annex 14, Aerodromes to the International Convention on Civil Aviation (the Chicago Convention)
  
• simplify the categorisation of aerodromes by moving to two categories: certified aerodromes (regulated) and uncertified aerodromes (unregulated)
  
• introduce a graduated structure for aerodrome certification requirements to ensure that regulatory requirements are commensurate with the operation(s) being conducted at the aerodrome
  
• re-write existing regulations in an outcome-based format, where appropriate
  
• reduce existing regulatory costs
  
• provide a more streamlined and clearer regulatory framework for Part 139.
  

Why We Are Consulting
CASA recognises the valuable contribution that community and industry consultation makes to the regulatory development process. This notice of proposed rule making (NPRM) sets out the rationale for updating the rules related to aerodromes, describes previous consultation we have conducted and asks you to consider a range of proposals for rule changes.

A copy of the NPRM is provided below. You can read it on this screen using the scroll bar or save it to your computer using the popup options. Annexes to the NPRM are provided in the 'related' section further down this page.
Please read the documents before providing your feedback in the online survey.

 
 
Provide your feedback
Online Survey

Not exactly sure but when you refer to the link provided it would seem that comments period closed a week early: https://consultation.casa.gov.au/regulat...prm1426as/

Closes 15 Dec 2017
Opened 29 Aug 2017


Contact
ATMS Standards Section

131 757
regulatoryconsultation@casa.gov.au 

Maybe they didn't receive much interest but you'd be a bit pissed if you were preparing a lengthy submission based on the advertised closing date...
While on airports and somewhat related to manmade objects creating mechanical turbulence in the vicinity of airports, the following was brought to my attention by Sandy...

Cobden Airport under a Cloud, an open letter.                   28th Nov. ‘17

 
Cobden Airport is threatened by 12 enormous wind turbines planned at nearest distance from Airport 1.4 nautical miles and spread to the north west, against a preferred absolute minimum of 3 nautical miles. Seventy metre blades would reach up around 800 feet into the circuit area. A normal circuit height is 1000 feet, a bad weather circuit may be conducted at 500 feet. Cobden has one north south (night lit) sealed runway. If built in the planned position this wind farm will destroy Cobden Airport. Cobden Airport is community owned and has had much voluntary work and substantial taxpayer funds expended in it’s development.  Privately funded hangars and Aero Club rooms, the latter used as a terminal building, are part and parcel of the infrastructure.
 
In addition to the obvious obstruction problem and loss of night flying availability, downwind turbulence and wind shear would be dangerous when, as commonly, the wind direction is northerly.
 
Our Airport puts Cobden and the surrounding district ‘on the map.’ Air ambulance and firefighting are two important uses that will undoubtably finish. Charter flights, training flights and tourist flights will cease, no one would plan ahead to use this airport if the towers are in place. Owned by Council, it would have to consider the liability issues and insurance. If the Corangamite Council, as owner, can cause the Airport to be registered, as was the long term plan, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority may provide some protection. Otherwise the go ahead will be a political decision therefore only community opinion might sway the decision in the Airport and community’s favour.
 
Sandy Reith , member Cobden Aero Club, Commercial Pilot, retired flight instructor with 10,000 hours experience.  Stonyford,  0428 85 88 20  
 

MTF...P2