To enhance the safety of airspace users during military training or exercise activities, CASA is updating the airspace regulations to create a new subset of danger areas. They will be called military operating areas (MOAs).
These changes will come into force from 30 November 2023 and there will be a phased transition.
The first MOAs will be introduced on 30 November 2023 at the following military bases and will be distinguished with a ‘M’ prefix:
- Cerberus (Vic)
- Edinburgh (SA)
- East Sale (Vic)
- Nowra (NSW)
- Williamtown (NSW).
All military restricted areas outside Australian territory, and some areas within Australian territory, will transition to MOAs by 28 November 2024. These changes will bring us into line with international law and International Civil Aviation Organization requirements.
The following conditions will apply when seeking access to MOAs:
- Australian registered aircraft must request a clearance to transit a MOA and conditions of entry may be imposed.
- Foreign registered aircraft can transit a MOA outside Australian territory without a clearance. Within Australian territory a clearance must be requested, and conditions of entry may be imposed. It’s strongly recommended they comply with the requirements of MOAs as if they are an Australian registered aircraft.
Aircraft operators should update their documentation to reflect the introduction of MOAs.
All operators and pilots are required to review the Aeronautical Information Package (AIP) before planning a flight.