CASA has announced that it will lift the cap on the number of aircraft allowed in the circuit from six to eight per active runway at the six General Aviation Aerodrome Procedure (GAAP) airports, while it has also confirmed that FAA Class D procedures will replace GAAP from June 3 2010.
From January 18, the increase will take place at Archerfield, Bankstown, Camden, Moorabbin, Parafield and Jandakot airports. As with the cap of six aircraft introduced in July 2009, the increased cap will also be an interim measure until FAA Class D procedures are adopted at GAAP aerodromes around the country.
“After comprehensive consultation with GAAP airport users and operators it has been decided lifting the cap on circuit operations to eight is acceptable,” said CASA CEO John McCormick.
“Once US Federal Aviation Administration Class D airspace procedures are in place the cap will no longer be required.”
McCormick added that CASA will undertake a major communication and education campaign to ensure all pilots understand the new Class D procedures before they take place.
