Possible Flight Restrictions for Presidential Visit

May 24, 2010

UPDATED

There is no longer an expectation that temporary airspace and procedural changes will occur in June 2010. As such, the Mass Air Briefings scheduled for Monday 7th June and Tuesday 8th June have been cancelled. All agencies who were to present at the briefings understand the inconvenience this cancellation causes and greatly appreciate the interest shown in the briefings. All agencies look forward to working with the aviation community should any future temporary changes be required.

Original Story

Defence has provided advanced notification of possible restrictions to be implemented at short notice in Sydney and Canberra in June.

As part of security arrangements the Australian Defence Force anticipate TRAs and ADIZ that will affect both Canberra and Sydney Basin airspace sectors and will have detailed restrictions/requirements for civil aviation operations. The reason is a possible visit by the President of the United States of America.

Details and timings are currently not available. An AIP Supp and NOTAMs will be released immediately following completion of airspace planning. RAPAC members will be regularly updated on all relevant developments via email. Additionally, once airspace planning is complete, Headquarters Joint Operations Command-Joint Airspace Control Cell shall provide civil industry briefings in both the Canberra and Sydney region. These briefings are expected to occur early in June.

The ADF will endeavour to minimise the impact to civil operations. Notwithstanding, during activation the TRAs will have implications for flying operations, with delays and possibilities of denial of access to certain airspace for short periods of time. When not required for Military and Police Air Wing operations, TRAs will be deactivated.

Watch this space for updates and advice of the briefings.