DECEMBER 2017 AUSTRALIAN AVIATION 49Bizjets 2017
and propeller-driven movements during
the curfew, non-emergency movements
have contributed to the generation of
noise complaints including a number of
services, which have been investigated
by the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman,” the
paper said.
Finally, the third proposal was
allowing jet aircraft with a noise level
not greater than 90 decibels to land
during the curfew.
The Department said the 90 decibels
level was stricter than what was in
place at Sydney, Adelaide or Gold
Coast airports for business jets landing
during curfew hours.
This would ensure “only the newest
business jets can land at Essendon
during the curfew”.
The consultation paper noted
Essendon was the only airport in
Australia with a weight restriction on
operating aircraft during non-curfew
hours, as well as a ban on business jets
landing during curfew hours.
Essendon Airport chief executive
Chris Cowan said he supported the
proposed changes.
“The operators of corporate jets
require the ability to fly anywhere any
time in the course of their business,”
Cowan said in a statement.
“The proposed changes to the
curfew simply remove red tape which
restricts efficient airport operations.
Modern jets are relatively quieter
nowadays than many propeller aircraft.
“We believe the changes will
result in less noise and fewer aircraft
movements.”
The ABAA too has backed the
proposed amendments for Essendon,
given the large business jet presence
there.
Further, it has asked the federal
government to conduct a similar review
at Sydney Airport, with the aim of
having restrictions based on aircraft
noise, rather than aircraft weight
currently.
Bell said the current 34,000kg
MTOW limit and 95 decibels sound
limit for business jets operating in
curfew hours at Sydney Airport, as well
as at Adelaide and Gold Coast airports,
was “totally out of step with reality”.
This was because some modern
aircraft, although having a MTOW
above 34,000kg, were in fact quieter
than some of the older aircraft with
less than 34,000kg MTOW currently
operating during curfew hours.
“It should be purely based on noise,
but unfortunately the weight issue has
got in the way,” Bell said.crew on business jets have had to taxi
over to the international terminal to
join all other international passengers
in a process that takes time and impacts
the airport’s operations given aircraft
often have to cross active runways.
While an improved process for
business jet arrivals at Melbourne
Tullamarine and Essendon began
flowing through in the second half of
2016, Bell said discussions with the
ABF regional commander in Western
Australia on better arrangements at
Perth Airport were ongoing.
“The worst airport in Australia
in this respect is Perth, where it is
very difficult to obtain off-terminal
clearances,” Bell said.
A potential circuit-breaker to
the current impasse could come in
March 2018, when Qantas moves its
international operations to the western
side of the airfield at Terminal 3,
which will require customs and border
processing facilities.
Having ABF staff stationed at
Terminal 3 would mean they would be
much closer to Perth’s FBOs.
“We are very close to Terminal 3 so
we might get a better deal,” Bell said.
“We have met with Border Force
in Perth on this issue and they have
acknowledged it might improve, that it
might be the vehicle to allow a better
deal for business aviation. It is going to
help the airport as well.”GOVERNMENT REVIEWING OPERATIONAL
RESTRICTIONS AT ESSENDON AIRPORT
The Department of Infrastructure and
Regional Development recently concluded
public consultations on proposed changes
to the rules at Essendon Airport regarding
aircraft operations.
The Department’s public
consultation paper outlined three
potential amendments.
First, lifting the maximum takeoff
weight (MTOW) to 55,000kg, from
45,000kg currently, for operators
during non-curfew hours.
“Larger jets (for business aviation
and regional passengers) are now, on
average, between 48-53,000kg MTOW
and have greater range, enhanced
fuel efficiency and improved noise
profiles, that are similar or lower than
older jet aircraft, due to newer engine
technology and advanced navigation
systems,” the paper said.
“The current restriction on operating
weight would not allow larger regional
passenger jets or new generation
business jets to operate at Essendon
Airport.”
Aircraft that would be free to fly in
and out of Essendon Airport should
the proposal be implemented included
the Bombardier Global Express
(45,132kg), the Gulfstream 650
(45,177kg) and the Boeing 717-200
(54,884kg).
“Allowing these newer, quieter
business jets to operate at Essendon
Airport would attract both regional
passenger services and business
aviation with newer, larger jet aircraft,”
the paper said.
Second, the Department proposed
banning non-emergency helicopters
and propeller-driven aircraft weighing
more than 8,618kg from operating
during the 2300-0600 curfew.
“While noting that there is very little
demand for non-emergency helicopterThe worst
airport in
Australia in
this respect
is Perth.
DAVID BELLGlobal and Gulfstream jets at
Sydney Airport in mid-
November.SETH JAWORSKI