September Caloundra Aerodrome Community and Aviation Forum
By
BeCA Administration
Dated: 08-09-2021
Bicyclists are again being harassed by swooping magpies as the mating time of year returns.
BeCA had two representatives at the September 7th Caloundra Aerodrome Community and Aviation Forum.
It was reported that Airport Management had responded to a request to provide information regarding the recent accident when a light plane crashed into the Pumicestone Passage killing the pilot.
The road into the airport, Pathfinder Drive, has been resealed using a new surface mix made from some recycled products. It will help Council determine whether this form of road mix is suitable for future projects.
The number of movements recorded at the Caloundra Aerodrome has fallen considerably following the moving on of several Flying Schools. Movements peaked at around 6,000 per month several years ago when all Flying Schools were using the airport. Nowadays aircraft movement numbers have fallen to the mid 3000’s midway through this year.
This drop in aircraft movements has been reflected in the number of Noise Complaints received both directly to Airport Management or via Air Services Australia. Some figures indicate there was 1 complaint in May, 1 in June, 2 in July and only 1 for August.
Complaints numbers can be affected by the prevailing winds at the time. Wind direction determines which runway pilots should use. Around 60% of pilots use the north/south runway. This seems to be reflected in the overall tally of noise complaints.
Some aircraft from other airfields continue to use Caloundra for incidental touch ‘n go circuits. Whenever possible, visiting pilots and students are reminded of the fly neighbourly policy in place for Caloundra Aerodrome. This is not an officially mandated set of procedures but a series of requested procedures issued by the Sunshine Coast Council designed to keep aircraft noise levels to an acceptable limit for the benefit of residents. Generally, but not always, visiting aircraft adhere to these requirements.
The policy of using the less noise invasive north/south runway despite not totally appropriate but safe wind conditions is being adhered to by most pilots according to representatives from businesses at the airport attending the meeting. Businesses at Caloundra Aerodrome are sensitive to all aircraft noise requirements and make a conscious effort to minimize any affect noise may have on neighbouring residential communities when possible.
Regretfully there is the odd rogue pilot whose aircraft noise may cause concern to residents. Owners of noisy aircraft using Caloundra Aerodrome are notified that their aircraft causes concerns for neighbouring communities. There is no limit to the noise an aircraft can make under CASA guidelines.
Some trimming of tall trees around the airport perimeter will be undertaken and a wild life spotter will be in attendance to ensure there is no harm to animals. Koalas are found in the area.
Extensive new and upgraded line marking of runways, taxiways and airport aprons will be undertaken.
The new runway lights are operational and undergoing some minor finetuning. The lights can be activated by an incoming pilot and they remain on for 30 minutes. Another set of lights indicate wind direction. After 20 minutes, the wind direction lights will flash indicating to any other incoming plane the need to reactivate the landing lights.
A pilot in attendance at the meeting remarked the improvement in the runway lighting is first class and ensures a much safer night landing environment.
Council had received an application from a flying school situated at another aerodrome to use Caloundra Aerodrome three days per week for student touch n go training. The application has been denied.
During reports from local Community Groups, BeCA reported it had received a concern from a resident regarding aircraft noise and had encouraged the person to forward the complaint on. As this was the only concern which had been raised by the local community, BeCA believes the vast majority of residents appreciate the actions being taken by Airport Management and Airport Businesses to keep noise levels down as much as possible.
The Caloundra Residents Association reported that they are keen to foster better links between members of the Air Museum Committee and the local Wildlife Preservation Society and ensure there are open lines of communication between the two groups. The Air Museum is keen to extend its site into a preservation area but has met strong opposition from the local Wildlife Preservation group.
The Wildlife Preservation group has some suggested alternatives for any possible museum expansion. A Council representative had recently accepted an invitation to attend a Wildlife Preservation group nature walk and was astounded at the huge number of incredible examples of Australian flora found in the nearby area. He now better understands why this area is considered so valuable by conservationists and the community.
It is expected that with open dialogue channels now available between the two groups, a possible future plan to expand the museum can be reached which satisfies both groups.
The meeting was closed by the Chairperson.
Categories
Uncategorized
Comments (0)
Membership
Membership of BeCA is free to all Bells Reach and Bellvista residents, business owners, landowners or any person who has ongoing employment in Bells Reach or Bellvista.
Online Application
Photo Gallery
Take a quick tour around Bellvista and Bells Reach Estates with large park areas, kids playgrounds, two lakes, BBQ facilities, open pathways and beautiful garden areas.
View Gallery