CASA 142/10 – Directions and determinations – Class D airspace

Directions and determinations - Class D airspace

This instrument commences on 3 June 2010.

The following instruments are revoked:

CASA 330/09;

CASA 597/09.

This instrument applies to:

each pilot operating an aircraft in Class D airspace; and

each pilot operating an aircraft into, or out of, an aerodrome in Class D airspace.

I give the directions, and make the determinations, contained in Schedule 1.

Schedule 1 Directions and determinations

In this instrument:

relevant ATC tower means the air traffic control tower or other facility that provides air traffic services for a particular Class D control zone (CTR) or its associated Class D airspace.

Arrival or through flight

2.1 Before entering Class D airspace, the pilot must establish 2-way radio communication with the relevant ATC tower.

2.2 While within Class D airspace, the pilot must maintain 2-way radio communication with the relevant ATC tower.

Clearance for landing, take-off and manoeuvring area

2.3 When a relevant ATC tower is in operation at an aerodrome, the pilot may only land at, take off from, or operate on the manoeuvring area of, that aerodrome if he or she has appropriate clearance from the tower.

Note Manoeuvring area is defined in the Air Services Regulations 1995 as any part of an aerodrome that is used for the take-off and landing of aircraft and for the movement of aircraft in association with take-off and landing, but does not include any apron.

Departing flight

2.4 When a relevant ATC tower is in operation at an aerodrome, the pilot must:

before entering the manoeuvring area of the aerodrome, establish 2-way radio communication with the tower; and

maintain that communication while on the manoeuvring area or within the Class D airspace, unless the tower instructs otherwise.

2.5 At a non-towered aerodrome in a Class D CTR, the pilot must:

before departing, establish 2-way radio communication with the relevant ATC tower; and

maintain that communication while within the Class D airspace, unless the relevant tower instructs otherwise.

Unless otherwise permitted by the relevant ATC tower, the pilot in Class D airspace must not exceed an airspeed limit of 200 KT if he or she is:

within 4 nautical miles of the tower; and

flying at or below 2 500 ft above the ground.