Circuit Training at Moorabbin Airport Circuit Training at Moorabbin ...

“Class D” airspace is an International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) airspace classification
and provides for clear and standardised airspace management with unambiguous
procedures.
Changes to circuit patterns and non‐standard circuit designs at Moorabbin would in essence
introduce an additional safety risk to training operations and for other aviation users familiar
with the use of “Class D” airspace procedures at similar capital city general aviation airports
around Australia. Changes to aircraft training circuits are also likely to adversely impact on
other airport users particularly helicopter operations.
There is also a key operational training factor that mitigates against changes to circuit
patterns. Flying training is provided to both domestic and international students on the
basis of preparing pilots to operate potentially domestically and internationally in
accordance with international standards.
To introduce “special” types of circuits at Moorabbin is therefore not conducive to
encouraging the development of internationally consistent training by schools based at the
Airport, developing skills transferable anywhere in Australia and around the world.
CASA and flight training schools advised the Taskforce a circuit is designed to ensure the
greatest level of safety is achieved. Pilots are asked to perform the least amount of turns
possible, as this reduces complexity and provides pilots with greater visibility throughout
their circuit. The shape of a circuit is also determined by a standard height.
Therefore MAC, noting this advice, does not support the adoption of further changes to the
shape of training circuit patterns at the airport.
5.5 Helicopter Training and General Operations.
Similar issues to fixed wing training were also raised by community groups and local
government in relation to helicopter training including the scope for all of their operations
to be contained within the airport. While it was noted that generally helicopter training was
confined within the airport boundary there were times when training does require flying
beyond the boundaries of the airport.
Helicopter facilities are positioned in south central western and north western areas of the
airport housing around 15 helicopters across two training schools. Helicopter training at
Moorabbin Airport is performed either in a circuit pattern or undertaken on the grassed area
in the south of the airfield.
As a separation of 300 feet is required between fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, trainee
helicopter pilots must fly at a lower altitude than fixed wing circuit training aircraft.
Industry and Airservices advice confirmed the pattern of helicopter circuit training is
adopted because, similar to fixed wing operations, the current shape and height of the
training circuit helps reduce the levels of risk in helicopter pilot training. There is little scope
given the nature and height of these circuits to change their operating patterns without
impacting on safety and overall airport operations.
In addition to those used for training, there are around 50 privately owned helicopters based
at Moorabbin Airport. There are no formal approach and departure flight paths determined
for helicopters arriving at and leaving the airport.
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