How airspace is regulated

We regulate Australian airspace is to ensure we can travel safely and that aircraft are managed in an efficient way.

Just like there are rules for how to drive your car on the road, there are also rules for aircraft in the sky.

Airspace classification

The sky, or airspace, is divided into different airspace 'classes'. The class of airspace tells pilots and other people what they need to know and what their obligations are when flying in that airspace.

In some airspace, pilots will be under the control of air traffic controllers who will keep aircraft separated.

Other airspace might have the label 'uncontrolled'. This means there is no air traffic control service. Pilots in uncontrolled airspaces are responsible for making sure they are aware of who else is flying nearby and keeping away from them. In some cases, a pilot will use technology to help them.

Uncontrolled airspace is usually around smaller airports and in regional and rural areas.

From time to time there will also be airspace restrictions which prevent or restrict pilots from flying in the area. This might be because of a major event, military training or an emergency. Pilots will receive notifications of temporary airspace restrictions through a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) which tells them areas to avoid.

You can find out more about How airspace is managed on the Airservices website.

Rules for flying

To keep all airspace users safe, pilots must follow set rules. This includes:

  • how high they can fly (their altitude)
  • if they must carry a radio and when to make radio calls
  • what navigation equipment they use
  • when and how they communicate with air traffic control.

All of these rules, known as the general operating and flight rules, help keep everyone safe by ensuring everyone knows where each aircraft is.

There are also rules that pilots must follow for:

  • take-off and landing
  • how much fuel and what equipment they carry
  • and a range of other rules.

You can find out more about the rules pilots must following in our Plain English Guide to the General Operating and Flight Rules (Part 91).

Air traffic control

Air traffic controllers manage the safe movement of aircraft in the sky and on the ground. They work in control towers at airports and in air traffic control centres. They use technology such as radar and satellite equipment to help them see where the aircraft are flying. In Australia, Airservices Australia provides air traffic control services at civilian airports.

The Department of Defence provides air traffic control services at military airfields and special use airspace across Australia, as well as at airfields jointly used by civil and military aircraft.

Airspace coordination

Australia has agreements with neighbouring countries on how to manage airspace near borders. This helps aircraft to enter and depart Australian airspace seamlessly.

Last updated:
29 Feb 2024
Online version available at: https://www.casa.gov.au//operations-safety-and-travel/consumer-and-passenger-advice/how-aviation-regulated/how-airspace-regulated
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