Safety concern related to the approval to operate model aircraft from an aircraft landing area located in a busy general aviation training area.
Local operators were informed that the approval to operate model aircraft had been granted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). The reporter says that the airspace around [location] airstrip is frequently utilised by local flying schools and general aviation operators. The reporter believes that CASA is in breach of the Civil Aviation Act by failing to consult with industry prior to issuing an approval that evidently has a considerable impact on the safety of air navigation.
CASA has considered the concerns raised by interested parties and are satisfied that aviation safety is not impacted. Finally, CASA has reviewed the class of airspace, the type of operations and the provisions and restrictions of the club’s operating instrument and considers any residual risk as acceptable. A permanent NOTAM was also published by Airservices Australia in conjunction with the approval. The NOTAM was changed to an Aeronautical Information Publication chart symbol for model activities in [date].