Airspace restrictions will apply to operations in and around the Gold Coast this weekend in response to Pacific Airshow Gold Coast (PAGC).
The restrictions will apply from 1100 to 1500 Thursday 15 August, and 0930 to 1630 on Friday 16, Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 August.
"Operations to and from Gold Coast (YBCG) and Brisbane (YBBN) airports and surrounding airspace will be impacted for the duration of the airshow inside the Temporary Restricted Area (TRA)," CASA says.
"Pilots intending to operate at Gold Coast Airport during this period should check the AIC for Apron and GA parking restrictions.
"Pilots flying around the Gold Coast are required to read the AIP SUP carefully and monitor NOTAMs."
AIP SUP H105/24 details the temporary restricted airspace, which includes:
- Temporary Restricted Area (TRA) R930ABCDE, which has 3 nm and 5 nm radius limits centred on Surfers Paradise
- air show display area that covers SFC to FL150
- impacts on local operations including parking and access to Gold Coast Airport, restrictions on helicopter joy flights and parachuting operations
- establishment of CTAF 119.0 as a Unicom for the duration of the show
- changes to SIDs and STARs
- holding areas for display aircraft.
The AIP SUP notes that aircraft will not be permitted to transit through the TRA when it is active.
CASA has also place restrictions on drone operations, citing an incident in Darwin that disrupted an air display off Mindil Beach.
"Spectators, visitors and residents within a 9-kilometre radius of Surfers Paradise are advised not to fly their drones during the event to maintain safety," CASA has stated.
"Flying a drone while restrictions are in place is illegal and could lead to hefty fines or severe consequences.
CASA’s RPAS team leader Heath Macdonald said it is the drone owner’s responsibility to check that the location in which they’re operating is not within the TRA.
"While it is generally well known that drones can’t be flown at major events there are other restrictions operators must know about," Macdonald said.
"Flying your drone in restricted airspace poses a significant safety hazard to the aircraft crew executing staged manoeuvres and spectators on the ground."
CASA inspectors and Queensland Police will be monitoring Gold Coast airspace. The fine for breaking drone safety rules is up to $1650.
PAGC is held offshore along the coast at Surfers Paradise. The show is returning this year after a successful debut in 2023.