The protection of airspace is essential in order to provide a safe, predictable environment for the arrival and departure of aircraft using Perth Airport in all weather conditions.
National and international standards have been adopted which define two sets of invisible surfaces above the ground. The airspace above these surfaces form the airport’s protected airspace. The two sets of surfaces are:
- Obstacle Limitation Surfaces (OLS) - Defines the airspace which should ideally be kept free of obstacles. These surfaces only relate to visual operations or the visual stages of an instrument flight. The purpose of the OLS is not to restrict or prohibit all obstacles but to ensure that existing or potential obstacles are examined for their impact on aircraft operations and that their presence is properly taken into account.
- Procedures for Air Navigation Services – Aircraft Operations (PANS-OPS) Surface - Defines the airspace related to aircraft operations that are reliant on instrument navigation. The PANS-OPS surfaces are not infringed in any circumstance.
Surfaces associated with both the current and future runway systems are protected under the Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations 1996. Future airspace surfaces associated with the ultimate runway layout were declared as prescribed airspace under the Regulations by the Secretary of the Department of Transport & Regional Services (DOTARS) in April 2001.
Click on the links below to view plans of these surfaces which are figures as shown in the Master Plan 2009.
Prescribed Airspace - Ultimate Runway Layout OLS
Prescribed Airspace - Ultimate Runway Layout PANS-OPS
Approvals Procedure
The airspace in the vicinity of Perth Airport is protected through established processes from any activity that infringes the surfaces defining this airspace. Activities include permanent and temporary structures, glare from artificial or reflected light, air turbulence, emission of smoke, dust or other particulate matter and emission of steam or other gases.
The Airport’s Act 1996 and Airports (Protection of Airspace) Regulations 1996 establish a framework for this protection and is administered by Perth Airport with assistance from Local Government.
For more information on the regulations and procedures, please visit www.infrastructure.gov.au or click on the following links for an overview, information on airspace protection or information for crane operators.