Learn about new military operating areas

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News
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To enhance the safety of airspace users during military training or exercise activities, we are updating the airspace regulations to create a new type of special use airspace. They will be called military operating areas (MOAs).

A man rappelling from a helicopter, with both silhouetted against an orange sky, and the brown dirt beneath them

These changes will come into force from 30 November 2023 and there will be a phased transition.

The first MOAs will be introduced on 30 November 2023 at the following military bases and will be distinguished with an 'M' prefix:

  • Cerberus (Vic)
  • Edinburgh (SA)
  • East Sale (Vic)
  • Nowra (NSW)
  • Williamtown (NSW).

All military restricted areas outside Australian territory, and some areas within Australian territory, are expected to transition to MOAs by 28 November 2024. These changes will bring us into line with international law and International Civil Aviation Organization requirements.

When seeking access to MOAs:

  • Australian registered aircraft must request an approval from the administering authority listed in the AIP and conditions of entry may be imposed.
  • Foreign registered aircraft can transit an MOA outside Australian territory without an approval. Within Australian territory an approval must be requested from the administering authority listed in the AIP, and conditions of entry may be imposed. It’s strongly recommended they comply with the requirements of MOAs as if they are an Australian registered aircraft.
  • Remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) and model aircraft (drones) must request an approval from the administering authority listed in the AIP, and conditions of entry may be imposed. We recommend drone operators check the advisory message in a CASA-verified drone safety app.

Crewed and uncrewed aircraft operators should update their documentation to reflect the introduction of MOAs.

All operators and pilots are required to review the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP) before planning a flight.

We consulted on this proposal in late 2021. More information is available on our Extraterritorial airspace webpage.

Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//about-us/news-media-releases-and-speeches/learn-about-new-military-operating-areas
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