The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has opened consultation on Airservices Australia's proposal to lower Class E airspace over continental Australia to 12,500 feet.
Currently, the Class E lower level in low-density continental airspace is 18,000 feet, below which is Class G if not controlled.
Accordiing to Airservices, the change will benefit IFR flights by reducing the amount of Class G airspace where pilots have to self-separate. IFR flights in Class E are separated by controllers, but get only a traffic information service in G.
Airservices says there will be no change to the Mildura, Dubbo and Tasmania Class E corridors.
"We are seeking industry feedback to understand the impact of the proposal on current and future airspace users and the impact it could have on safety and operational efficiency," states the Office of Airspace Regulation (OAR), the CASA division that approves airspace changes.
"Please note: Airservices Australia is also seeking feedback on similar initiatives under Tranche 3 of the airspace modernisation project [AMP]. This proposal is a separate initiative."
The AMP Tranche 3 will propose to remove Class C airspace over Class D airports in regional areas and replace it with Class E. Consultation on that proposal is open via Airservices Australia only as the proposal has not yet reached the OAR.
Feedback on the Class E lower level can be submitted via CASA's Consultation Hub.