W1024596

RAAF BASE PEARCE

BASE AIRCRAFT NOISE MANAGEMENT PLAN

V2.0

Approved by: A. Brandham WGCDR Senior Australian Defence Force Officer RAAF Pearce 29 Mar 2019

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Amendment Certificate

Version Date Comments 1.0 01 Aug 2018 Original Document 2.0 29 Mar 2019 Updated to include F-35A Noise Management

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Table of Contents

Cover Page 1

Endorsement / Approval 1

Amendment Certificate 2

Table of Contents 3

Introduction 4

Background and Scope 4

Description of Standard Aircraft Operations 4

Variations to Standard Aircraft Operations 6

F-35A Noise Management 7

Fly Neighbourly Plan 9

Low Flying Areas 10

Localised Communication Strategy 10

Noise Compliant Handling 10

Review and Update 11

Annex A – Noise Impact Study – 2012 Pearce ANEF Contours 12

Annex B – Noise Impact Study – 2012 GinGin ANEF Contours 13

Annex C – Western Low Flying Area 14

Annex D – Northern Low Flying Area 15

Annex E – Eastern Low Flying Area and Avon Valley 16

Annex F – Outer Low Flying Area 17

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Introduction

1. Aircraft noise is an unavoidable consequence of Air Force operations and training. The impact of aircraft noise is subjective and affects communities in different ways. Air Force has an obligation to reduce the effects of aircraft noise on local communities to the maximum extent possible, without affecting operational or training outcomes. Consequently aircraft noise should be managed locally by personnel who know and understand community concerns. This Base Aircraft Noise Management Plan (BANMP) informs public understanding of aircraft noise management strategies in the vicinity of RAAF Bases Pearce and GinGin.

Background and scope

2. The BANMP has been raised in compliance with Air Command Standing Instruction (Operations) 03-11 – Aircraft Noise Management. The BANMP applies to all flying and ground operations involving Air Force aircraft, civil-registered aircraft leased by the Air Force, Defence contracted aircraft operated by external service providers and foreign military aircraft operating from RAAF Base Pearce.

Description of standard aircraft operations

3. RAAF aircraft permanently based at RAAF Base Pearce are both turbo-propeller and turbofan driven aircraft, as follows:

a. Pilatus PC-9/A – two-seat, single-engine turbo propeller aircraft b. Pilatus PC-21 – two-seat, single-engine turbo propeller aircraft c. Hawk 127 – two-seat, single Adour Mk 871 turbofan engine aircraft d. S76 Helicopter– operated by Canadian Helicopter Company (CHC) for search

and rescue e. AW139 Helicopter – operated by CHC for search and rescue.

4. The average number of local aircraft movements at RAAF Base Pearce is approximately 1700 per week, and RAAF Base GinGin is approximately 1400 per week. The majority of these aircraft movements are carried out during the day, Monday to Friday. Night Flying occurs frequently throughout the year. Each period of night flying training lasts approximately three or four days. The timing of night flying training can vary commencing from 1830 and can cease after midnight if two squadrons are operating. Weekend flying by resident squadrons does not generally occur unless it is specifically an arrival or departure associated with a deployment or activities associated with flypasts. Non local transiting aircraft do utilise the airfield after hours for arrivals and departures. 5. No. 2 Flying Training School (2FTS) currently operate PC-9A aircraft and will be acquiring the PC-21 aircraft from late 2018. This may result in a subtle decrease in the annual number of flying hours (known as the Rate of Effort (ROE)) due to the introduction of a new simulator. The estimated annual flying ROE for 2FTS:

a. FY16/17: 11,600 hours

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b. FY17/18: 10,500 hours c. FY18/19: 10,500 hours (approximate projection) d. FY19/20: Anticipated to be similar or slightly lower post introduction of the

PC-21.

6. No. 79 Squadron (79SQN) operate the Hawk 127 aircraft, the estimated annual flying ROE for 79SQN is:

a. FY16/17: 2235 hours b. FY17/18: 2530 hours

c. FY18/19: 2400 hours (approximate projection)

7. No. 130 Squadron (130SQN) Royal Singaporean Air Force (RSAF) operate the PC-21 aircraft, the estimated annual flying ROE for 130SQN is:

a. FY16/17: 7077 hours b. FY17/18: 6370 hours c. FY18/19: 6800 hours (approximate projection)

8. There are five main Pearce Training Areas (PTA’s) for general flying which are located north of the base (PTA’s A-D), and one training area located to the south (PTA G). These training areas are further divided into sub-divisions to reduce localised noise impacts and ensure segregation. Transits to/from outer portions of PTA’s A-D may be made via one of three departure/arrival lanes. Transit through vacant portions of PTA A may also be offered enroute.

9. Other flying training areas consist of

a. Five designated low flying areas (LFA’s) b. Multi-ship formation training area (MFTA) is established to facilitate sanitised

airspace for multi-ship formation training, or low-level aerobatics training. c. Low level aerobatics training area within Bindoon extended airspace. d. Two air-to-ground weapons ranges located at Muchea and Lancelin. e. Western Australian Exercise Airspace (WAXA)

10. RAAF Base GinGin satellite airfield is located approximately 35km north of RAAF Base Pearce predominantly utilised for circuit traffic and NDB approaches.

11. The Remote site located at Beermullah airfield is approximately 50km north of RAAF Base Pearce and is utilised for instrument approach training. Pearce based aircraft are required to limit their training at Beermullah where possible and are not permitted to operate beyond 1700 WST due to noise abatement.

12. All visiting aircraft are required to request access to RAAF Base Pearce prior to their arrival, unless in emergency. These requests are coordinated via the Air Base Command Post (ABCP) and normally occur during daylight hours and commonly include weekends. In the

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event of visiting aircraft remaining at RAAF Base Pearce for an extended period, the local community will be notified of the potential for increased noise should this be required. This notification could be via newspaper article, defence aircraft noise website, flyers for the local area or radio announcements, dependant on the activity.

Air Force - Flying Operations

13. RAAF Base Pearce has two intersecting runways, the main, designated runway 18/36R (Right) and a cross runway designated 05/23 (not utilised by Hawk aircraft). A smaller parallel runway to the main runway also exists, designated 18/36L (Left), used for circuits. The main runway, orientated north/south, also aligns with civilian aircraft flight paths in the approach and departure phase of flight for Perth International Airport. Predominantly, these flights paths are routed to the eastern side of Pearce Control Zone and to the south and west of Pearce restricted airspace.

14. There are a small number of residential houses that fall beneath the flight paths of the main and cross runway and are exposed to aircraft noise during departure and landing. The main runway is serviced by an Instrument Landing System used to guide pilots to a safe landing in poor weather.

15. Preferred runway use is determined primarily by wind direction, stipulated by Air Traffic Control (ATC). When ATC is not active, runway 18-36R is most often the preferred take-off and landing runway, predominantly due to wind, navigation and landing aids, lighting and width and length of runway.

16. After aircraft maintenance there may be a requirement to perform installed engine ground testing. This testing is generally performed during the day allowing for the testing of all power settings for the aircraft.

17. Residents should consider the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) map RAAF Base Pearce (Annex A) and RAAF GinGin (Annex B), which provides the best information about aircraft noise exposure. ANEF maps provide a forecast of anticipated noise for a future period, for that location. It does not show every flight and homeowners with properties outside of the ANEF map zones may still experience aircraft noise.

Variations to standard aircraft operations

18. The most common foreseeable variation to the regular flying schedule at RAAF Base Pearce are visiting aircraft from other Bases. Air Force has an extensive range of aircraft with differing engine configurations including: a. F/A-18 Hornet – two low-bypass turbofan engine b. F/A-18 Super Hornet – two low-bypass turbofan engines c. F-35A Joint Strike Fighter – A single Pratt & Whitney F135 engine c. C-17A Globemaster III – four turbofan engines d. Boeing Business Jet – two turbofan engines e. C-130J Hercules – four turboprop engines f. C-27J Spartan – two turboprop engines

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g. CL604 Challenger – two turbofan engines h. P-8A Poseidon – two turbofan engines i. P-3C Orion – four turboprop engines j. E-7A Wedgetail – two turbofan engines. k. KA350 King Air – two turboprop engines l. KC30A multi-role tanker transport aircraft

19. Unforeseeable variations (caused by inclement weather and aircraft unserviceabilities) will occur from time to time. Noise control minimisation measures will be implemented as required.

F-35A Noise Management

20. RAAF Base Pearce is a Forward Operating Base (FOB) occasionally supporting short term flying operations / military exercises which can include any aircraft in the Air Force Order of Battle. It is likely, F-35A will posture at RAAF Base Pearce either for a short-term exercise or stage as a transit destination to other locations.

21. The F-35A aircraft provides the capability to conduct the range of air-to-air and air-to-surface missions necessary for Australia to conduct its air and sea approaches, and provide support for land and naval forces. To ensure that Australia remains at the forefront of combat aviation technology and maintains an advanced and sophisticated aircraft fleet to protect Australia’s national interest, Defence will acquire up to 100 F-35A aircraft.

22. Approval was granted by the Department of the Environment for the flying operations of the F-35A Lightning by the Department of Defence, date of decision 10 July 2015 with conditions attached to this approval.(EPBC 2010/5747 – F35A EIS Approval Conditions and Actions). Such conditions relevant to the flying of the F-35A at RAAF Base Pearce are as follows:

a. Consultation activities, to ensure adequate communication with stakeholders, including local residents and relevant authorities. Consultation activities must include, but not limited to:

i. regular review of communication arrangements with affected stakeholders and communities;

ii. clear and timely notification of information regarding varied flight activity and future plans, which may impact stakeholders, including, but not limited to:

i. days and hours of operation; ii. flight paths; and

iii. higher noise events (noise events likely to impact the public from peak activity events, e.g. major tactical operations resulting in significant increases in activities)

iii. continued participation at community forums; and

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iv. development of a concise location specific package of key information related to noise levels that addresses community concerns in an easily understandable manner for the lay person.

b. Complaint Handling and Resolution, to ensure enquiries and complaints about F-35A aircraft flying operations are received, recorded, reported, responded to and resolved, as defined in the Aircraft Noise Management Strategy.

c. Scheduling operations on weekdays, where possible (training flights on weekends and public holidays will generally not occur)

d. Scheduling the majority of aircraft movements generally between 0700 hrs and 2200 hrs.

e. Comply with flight path requirements as specified in Defence policies.

f. Follow the Air Combat Group Fly Neighbourly Policy guidelines where training and operational requirements and flight safety circumstances allow.

23. Generally, it is predicted that noise levels from the F-35A aircraft will be within a similar range or less than that of the F/A-18A/B Hornet aircraft. Air Force has implemented additional mitigation measures for the F-35A aircraft to lower potential exposure to high level noise events by adopting a reduced thrust setting during climb and limiting afterburner use on departure, when operationally safe to do so. The guidelines for Engine Thrust Request (ETR) settings during departures by F-35A include:

a. Either military thrust (100% ETR) or afterburner is adopted during take-off and initial climb. Military thrust take-offs are to be used as they are considerably quieter, full after burner is only used when operationally required (weather / jet load out / PR events). Unless absolutely necessary, it is not anticipated that take-offs from RAAF Base Pearce will require afterburner and,

b. Following initial climb, where possible, a 60% ETR setting will be selected once the aircraft has reached a safe flying speed and altitude.

24. During 2019, RAAF Base Pearce will undergo a runway extension, estimated for completion 2020. Once complete, the operating runway will increase to 10,000ft and provide a sufficient safety margin to assure non-afterburner take-offs.

25. Jet aircraft will climb quickly to, or descend from 762 metres (2500ft) at the 3.7lm (2nm) limit from the base so there should be a decrease in noise levels for residents living under the flight paths in and out of the base (weather / cloud base dependant). Noise abatement procedures are adhered to within 10nm of the airfield which complements extant local procedures.

26. Noise abatement procedures are cancelled in the event of air traffic management directions or unsuitable weather conditions. In these circumstances, standard visual or

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instrument departure and arrival procedures apply, as safety remains an important consideration.

27. Noise management is a briefing item for all flying. ACG aircrew conduct operations with due cognisance of the impact of noise on communities and residents under or in the vicinity of the flight path.

28. Low flying is defined flight below 500ft (152m) over a non-build up area or 1,000ft (304m) over a built up area, above obstacles within 968ft (600m). Whilst Pearce has airspace dedicated for low flying, the F-35A is unlikely to utilise this airspace or conduct low flying activities. Low flying airspace is generally utilised for training activities for local aircraft.

29. Post flight aircraft maintenance may require engine ground testing across all power settings however, this would be a rare occurrence at RAAF Base Pearce. Ground operations staff shall ensure maintenance personnel minimise the noise created by any engine ground running of aircraft by use of available noise abatement facilities and thoughtful selection of time and location. Suitable areas and engine ground run restrictions at RAAF Base Pearce are detailed at FIHA AD2 SUPP YPEA.

Intent to ‘fly neighbourly’

30. RAAF Base Pearce commits to undertake flying operations in a manner which is considerate of our local community, whilst maintaining safe operation of our aircraft and achieving the required levels of capability. Guided by these principles RAAF Base Pearce will:

a. Comply with published airfield noise abatement procedures b. Use appropriate runway length for departures to maximise height over local

communities c. Minimise the use of afterburner on fast jets during take-off and minimise noise

during climb out d. Limit the speed of aircraft over populated areas e. Minimise flight over residential areas and other noise sensitive buildings such

as hospitals, schools and farming communities f. Avoid low flying over known noise sensitive areas such as livestock yards g. Minimise flying late at night or early in the morning h. Include aircraft noise awareness in pilot training and familiarisation i. Notify local communities of major exercises or other non-routine training and

flying activities.

31. To further minimise noise RAAF Base Pearce will: a. Abide by the noise sensitive areas as per the Hazard and Noise Database b. Investigate and close all complaints in a timely manner c. Use satellite airfields for repetitive aircraft circuits d. Implement local engine run-up procedures. Maintenance personnel are to

minimise the noise created by the engine ground running of aircraft by use of

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available noise abatement facilities and thoughtful selection of time and location.

e. Jet or turbo prop engine runs during promulgated RAAF Base Pearce hours.

Low flying area 32. All low flying is subject to the following conditions:

a. Pilots engaged in low flying are to minimise as far as possible over-flying homes and livestock, and are to avoid promulgated sensitive areas. In addition, for noises abatement, towns are to be overflown not below 1000ft vertically or 1 NM horizontally. Open cut mines are to be avoided by 1 NM.

b. Low flying along any major road on the periphery of low flying areas is prohibited.

c. Aircraft transiting LFA’s are to broadcast intentions on the appropriate ATC frequency

33. All low flying shall be contained within the designated LFA’s with the following

exceptions:

a. low level navigation exercises b. helicopter operations c. display activities d. as agreed by PEA AIROPSCOORD

Localised communication strategy

34. RAAF Base Pearce communicates regularly with the local council and the community about on base operations, in a variety of formal and informal means. This includes publishing the ANEF, community walk-in sessions, bi-annual meetings between base and council management and base representation at the Base Aviation Safety Committee.

35. RAAF Base Pearce will notify the local community of any planned Exercises, especially when fast-jets / Blackhawks are deploying to RAAF Base Pearce.

36. Noise Complaint Handling

37. Complaints regarding Air Force aircraft noise should be made to the noise telephone line on 1800 033 200 or if afterhours via RAAF Base Pearce noise enquiries line 08 9571 7167. Alternatively, submission of an aircraft noise complaint/enquiry form found at http://www.defence.gov.au/AircraftNoise/OnlineForm.asp.

38. On receipt of a noise complaint, a Defence member will initiate an investigation to determine the occurrence and likely operating Squadron. Contact will be made to the complainant to provide information on the nature of the operations to the query. All completed investigations are forwarded to Air Force Headquarters aircraft noise/environment, Canberra for further vetting. Noise complainants are able to contact the Aircraft Noise Ombudsman website or email ano@ano.gov.au

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Review and update process

39. Review of this document is to be carried out once every two years.

Annexes

A. Noise Impact Study – 2012 ANEF contours B. Noise Impact Study – 2012 ANEF contours C. Western Low Flying Area D. Northern Low Flying Area E. Eastern Low Flying Area / Avon Valley F. Outer Low Flying Area

ANNEX A

RAAF BASE PEARCE ANEF

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ANNEX B

RAAF BASE GINGIN ANEF

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ANNEX C

WESTERN LOW FLYING AREA

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ANNEX D

NORTHERN LOW FLYING AREA

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ANNEX E

EASTERN LOW FLYING AREA AND AVON VALLEY

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ANNEX F

OUTER LOW FLYING AREA