A Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) review of Southport airspace has found that the airspace classification and design is appropriate and safe.
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We instigated the review proactively following a tragic mid-air collision in 2023.
The review also highlighted some opportunities for us to promote our existing guidance material for pilots flying in the area or create new resources.
Our review revealed pilots might benefit from practical examples of common situations when flying in the Southport area.
Our airspace review included a public consultation in June 2023 which sought feedback from the aviation industry and the general public on airspace around Southport to see if there was scope for improvement.
Feedback from the consultation indicated pilots and operators believe Southport airspace is busy but classified appropriately. Aviation operators also showed they clearly understood the benefit of standard operating procedures.
Some pilots expressed concern about the safety of drones operating in the area, so we conducted a locally targeted advertising campaign to remind recreational drone flyers about the rules when flying near other aircraft.
The 3-month campaign in 2024 resulted in a 36% drop in drone flights and permanent cautionary drone safety signage was installed at 25 locations.
The review revealed that additional visual approach points or visual flight rules routes may enhance pilot situational awareness. Where appropriate, we will assist local operators to prepare airspace change proposals.
Our ongoing pilot safety education campaign, Your safety is in your hands, encourages pilots to reflect on a range of topics to keep them, and others, safe. Topics have included flight planning and flying in and out of controlled and non-controlled aerodromes. A wide range of resources are available on our pilot safety hub.
We have also produced a series of Stay On Track booklets including one for flying in the Gold Coast region to help pilots become familiar with the area.
The ATSB is still investigating the tragic collision of 2 helicopters on the Gold Coast in January 2023 and detailed findings are expected to be released in the second half of this year.