RE: Notice of proposal to construct an aerodrome - Wharekauhau
Submission from Wellington hang gliding and paragliding club
The basis for this submission is simply to advise of the clubs past and ongoing activities of the clubs flying site situated at Wharekauhau, Ocean Beach.
The club values this site very highly as it is probably the most scenic ridge soaring site in New Zealand. It stretches from Wharekauhau to Turakirae Head where controlled airspace begins. We have regularly flown this site since the 1970s. It is well established and a nationally recognized site for hang gliding and paragliding. Our principle area of operations is to the west of the main lodge above the cliffs on the coast, and dependant on wind direction, out to Turakirae Head. Invariably, flights are not made behind, or north of the cliffs. The site is only used when winds are from the SW-SE and in wind strengths of 5 to 20 knots.
To date there have been no conflicts or incidents involving helicopters flying to or from Wharekauhau. However, if there are any potential conflicts that may arise from formally establishing an aerodrome at Wharekauhau the club would appreciate the opportunity to discuss solutions that would allow us to continue to use this site. The Club is very appreciative of the access to the launch site provided by Wharekauhau Station.
If you need to contact us for any reason, please use the numbers below.
WorkHomePresidentKris Ericksen04 470 842604 938 6539
Kris Ericksen04 470 842604 938 6539SecretaryGrant Tatham06 378 613406 3797322
Grant Tatham06 378 613406 3797322Airspace OfficerGuy Harding021 707 2033854437
Guy Harding021 707 2033854437Yours sincerely
Guy Harding
Airspace Officer
WHGPC
Part 157 Aeronautical Study
Wharekauhau Lodge - Featherston
Table of Contents
Introduction
Aeronautical study1
1Study procedure2
2Submissions2
2Analysis of submissions2
21.Effect on aerodrome traffic circuits2
Effect on aerodrome traffic circuits22.Effect on airspace uses3
Effect on airspace uses33.Effect on safety of persons and property4
Effect on safety of persons and property44.Effect of objects4
Effect of objects45.Other issues4
Other issues4Determination5
5Appendix 1 — Operators and organisations invited to make submissions6
6Appendix 2 — Issues raised in submissions7
7Introduction
In December 2005, the Wharekauhau Lodge and Estate, submitted, under the provisions of Civil Aviation Rule Part 157, a notice in relation to an Aerodrome on the property known as the Wharekauhau Lodge and Estate, Western Lake Road, Palliser Bay. The submission proposed to provide a 850m grass runway.
Advice of the submission was made to a variety of aviation organisations with interests in the area, the local authority and the public were asked for submissions on the proposal.
Aeronautical study
Note: This information is a summary of the key requirements of Civil Aviation Rule Part 157. Reference should be made to the Rule Part for complete details of requirements.
When conducting an aeronautical study the Director is required to consider the effects that the proposed action would have on the safe and efficient use of airspace by aircraft, and on the safety of persons and property on the ground. In particular, the aeronautical study is required to consider the following:
(a)the effect the proposed action would have on existing or contemplated aerodrome traffic circuits of neighbouring aerodromes:
the effect the proposed action would have on existing or contemplated aerodrome traffic circuits of neighbouring aerodromes: (b)the effect the proposed action would have on existing and projected airspace uses:
the effect the proposed action would have on existing and projected airspace uses: (c)the effect the proposed action would have on the safety of persons and property on the ground: and
the effect the proposed action would have on the safety of persons and property on the ground: and(d)The effect the existing or proposed man-made objects and natural objects within the affected area would have on the proposed action.
The effect the existing or proposed man-made objects and natural objects within the affected area would have on the proposed action. The Director is required to consult with such persons, representative groups, and organisations as the Director considers appropriate when carrying out the study.
The submission is not evaluated by the CAA from the environmental or noise pollution points of view, it is strictly limited to the four areas indicated above.
On completion of the aeronautical study the Director is required to issue a determination which shall be one of the following:
(a)Unobjectionable when the Director is satisfied that the proposed action will not adversely affect the safe and efficient use of airspace.
Unobjectionable when the Director is satisfied that the proposed action will not adversely affect the safe and efficient use of airspace.(b)Conditional when the Director identifies objectionable aspects of the proposed action but specifies conditions which, if complied with, will satisfy the Director that the proposed action will not adversely affect the safe and efficient use of airspace.
Conditional when the Director identifies objectionable aspects of the proposed action but specifies conditions which, if complied with, will satisfy the Director that the proposed action will not adversely affect the safe and efficient use of airspace.(c)Objectionable when the Director identifies objectionable aspects of the proposed action.
Objectionable when the Director identifies objectionable aspects of the proposed action.Interested persons may petition the Director to revise a determination based on new facts that change the basis on which the determination was made.
Study procedure
Submissions and comments on the proposal were sought by:
(a)An advertisement in the Wairarapa Times Age newspaper ; and
An advertisement in the Wairarapa Times Age newspaper ; and(b)Writing to all aircraft and aerodrome operators and aviation recreation organisations identified in the CAA database as being involved in aviation in the Featherston area. These are listed in Appendix 1.
Writing to all aircraft and aerodrome operators and aviation recreation organisations identified in the CAA database as being involved in aviation in the Featherston area. These are listed in Appendix 1.Submissions were analysed against the requirements of Rule Part 157, and conclusions regarding the proposal were made. Conditions relating to the Director’s determination were established, and a final determination was made.
This report was prepared, and copies of the determination and this report will be provided to the Southern Wairarapa District Council, the proponent, and all persons who made submissions.
Submissions
Two submissions were received. These are listed in Appendix 2, together with details of the issues raised. Many of the submissions contained a number of concerns supporting the position of the person or organisation making the submission.
Of the total of 2 concerns given, none were related to concerns outside the scope of this study.
There were no submissions relating to the first study item, the impact on the circuits of adjacent airports.
There were 2 submissions containing a total of 2 concerns given in respect to airspace use.
There were no submissions given in respect to safety of persons or property on the ground.
There were no submissions given in respect to the impact of objects on the proposal.
Analysis of submissions
1.Effect on aerodrome traffic circuits
Effect on aerodrome traffic circuitsRule 157.9(c) (1)No submissions were received expressing a concern in relation to adjacent aerodrome circuits.
The proposed site is 12NM east of Wellington International airport and separated from this airport by the Rimutaka Range. The establishment of this aerodrome will cause no impact on the operation of Wellington airport.
The proposed site is 17NM south of the Kaitoke glider aerodrome and will cause no impact on the operation of this aerodrome.
The Wharekauhau Station also has a helicopter landing area which is quite close to the proposed runway.
Conclusion
The proposed aerodrome will have no impact on adjacent aerodromes.
Procedures will need to be developed to ensure users of both the runway and the heliport are aware of each other’s position and intentions. This is best achieved by the use of a common frequency for helicopters and aircraft operating at the Station as well as aircraft operating in the low flying zone.
2.Effect on airspace uses
Effect on airspace uses Rule 157.9(c) (2)There were 2 submissions regarding airspace impacts.
The first submission stated that the aerodrome would have no impact on Air Traffic Control procedures in the area.
The airspace around the proposed site is uncontrolled airspace up to 4500ft above mean sea level (amsl). There is a radio navigation aid situated 4NM east of the site but aircraft using this facility would be at least 5000ft amsl in this area.
Aircraft arriving at Wellington airport from the east on a visual approach would be at least 2000ft amsl in the vicinity of the proposed aerodrome and probably considerably higher.
The second submission concerned the use of ridges to the south and southwest of the site for hang gliding and paragliding activities, and access to these ridges through the property on which the aerodrome will be located.
There are two areas used for hang gliding and paragliding. One begins approximately 2NM west of the proposed aerodrome site and extends to the south west along the coast. The other is along the ridges forming the coastline along the Ocean Beach frontage of the Wharekauhau Station. Access to the launch sites have been through the property on which the aerodrome will be constructed. The site is used on approximately 6 weekends per year and there would be up to 12 aircraft operating at a time.
The club spokesman advised that there had been an event where one of their aircraft had been affected by the rotor wash of a helicopter approaching Wharekauhau.
Low Flying Zone (LFZ) L 663, established for the use of the Wellington Aero Club and the Wellington Flight Centre, is located along the coast in the vicinity of the proposed site, and is approximately 750m from the aerodrome site, at the closest point. One user of the LFZ stated that at their lowest operating altitude of 300ft, they were below the aerodrome level and would have little impact on operations at the aerodrome.
Conclusion
Safety would be enhanced by the exclusion of hang gliders and paragliders from the take-off and approach fan, located to the south of the aerodrome, as described in the Advisory Circular AC 139-07A relating to aerodrome design for aerodromes suitable for aircraft below 5700kg MCTOW.
The use of a common frequency for aircraft operating in the uncontrolled airspace in this location, aircraft in the LFZ and aircraft operating to or from the aerodrome would enhance situational awareness for all pilots.
3.Effect on safety of persons and property
Effect on safety of persons and property Rule 157.9(c) (3)No submissions were received regarding the safety of persons or property on the ground.
The area is private rural land with no major concentrations of residences or public facilities in the vicinity, where massed gatherings would take place.
A number of buildings in the vicinity of the aerodrome are all part of the proponent’s property thus would not be considered under this study.
Conclusion
The design of the aerodrome, especially relating to obstacle limitation surfaces and the adherence to Rule 91 by pilots operating at the aerodrome would ensure the safety of persons or property on the ground.
4.Effect of objects
Effect of objects Rule 157.9(c) (4)No submissions were received regarding the effect of objects on the proposed aerodrome.
There are no noticeable objects in the vicinity of the aerodrome which would affect the use of the aerodrome.
Conclusion
There is no impact on the proposal from objects in the vicinity of the aerodrome.
5.Other issues
Other issuesNo submissions were received on items outside the scope of this study.
Determination
A Conditional determination has been made as follows:
(a)The proponent shall establish a procedure for pilots operating at the aerodrome to communicate as required when operating at an uncontrolled aerodrome on a common frequency which would be used by aircraft and helicopters at the Station and by aircraft in the adjacent low flying area. This frequency would need to be published in appropriate AIPNZ documents.
The proponent shall establish a procedure for pilots operating at the aerodrome to communicate as required when operating at an uncontrolled aerodrome on a common frequency which would be used by aircraft and helicopters at the Station and by aircraft in the adjacent low flying area. This frequency would need to be published in appropriate AIPNZ documents.(b)That the aerodrome is designed to comply with the obstacle limitation surfaces as detailed in Advisory Circular (AC) 139-07A.
That the aerodrome is designed to comply with the obstacle limitation surfaces as detailed in Advisory Circular (AC) 139-07A.(c)That consultation with the hang gliding and paragliding clubs using the Ocean Beach ridges as flying areas takes place to ensure that the risk of collision between these aircraft and those using the aerodrome is reduced to the lowest possible level. This could be done by ensuring the hang gliders and paragliders do not operate within the approach and departure “fan” for the aerodrome.
That consultation with the hang gliding and paragliding clubs using the Ocean Beach ridges as flying areas takes place to ensure that the risk of collision between these aircraft and those using the aerodrome is reduced to the lowest possible level. This could be done by ensuring the hang gliders and paragliders do not operate within the approach and departure “fan” for the aerodrome.Appendix 1 — Operators and organisations invited to make submissions
Wellington Aero Club (Inc)P O Box 14-091KilbirnieWELLINGTON 6041Wellington International Airport LtdP O Box 14-175KilbirnieWELLINGTON 6041
Wellington International Airport LtdP O Box 14-175KilbirnieWELLINGTON 6041Wellington Flight Centre Ltd62 Rakau RoadHaitaitaiWELLINGTON 6003Air Services (1979) LtdP O Box 209MASTERTON 5900
Air Services (1979) LtdP O Box 209MASTERTON 5900Ace Aviation133 South RoadMASTERTON 5921Airways Corporation of NZ LtdP O Box 14-131 CHRISTCHURCH
Airways Corporation of NZ LtdP O Box 14-131 CHRISTCHURCH South Wairarapa District Councilvia emailRoss St GeorgeCAA Field Safety officer
Ross St GeorgeCAA Field Safety officerHeliproP O Box 7004PALMERSTON NORTH
Appendix 2 — Issues raised in submissions
The ATS supplier advised that the proposed aerodrome would have no impact on any of their procedures.
A submission was made from the Wellington hang gliding and paragliding club regarding their use of the ridges to the southwest of the proposed aerodrome and the access afforded through the Wharekauhau Station.
S-A225-02 6/157/0014 (DW1113320-0)
Heliport Determination
Wharekauhau Proposal, Western Lake Road, Palliser Bay
Pursuant to Rule Part 157 of the Civil Aviation Rules I, Mark Clifford Hingston, Manager Aeronautical Services, having received from Wharekauhau Lodge and Estate, a Notice of Aerodrome Proposal, conducted an aeronautical study in consultation with such persons, representative groups and organisations as I considered appropriate.
After completing the study, I am satisfied that the proposed action will not adversely affect the safe and efficient use of airspace, nor the safety of persons or property on the ground.
Therefore I hereby issue a Conditional determination in respect of the Notice of Proposal.
The following conditions are specific to this determination:
(a)The proponent shall establish a procedure for pilots operating at the aerodrome to communicate as required when operating at an uncontrolled aerodrome on a common frequency which would be used by aircraft and helicopters at the Station and by aircraft in the adjacent low flying area. This frequency would need to be published in appropriate AIPNZ documents.
The proponent shall establish a procedure for pilots operating at the aerodrome to communicate as required when operating at an uncontrolled aerodrome on a common frequency which would be used by aircraft and helicopters at the Station and by aircraft in the adjacent low flying area. This frequency would need to be published in appropriate AIPNZ documents.(b)That the aerodrome is designed to comply with the obstacle limitation surfaces as detailed in Advisory Circular (AC) 139-07A.
That the aerodrome is designed to comply with the obstacle limitation surfaces as detailed in Advisory Circular (AC) 139-07A.(c)That consultation with the hang gliding and paragliding clubs using the Ocean Beach ridges as flying areas takes place to ensure that the risk of collision between these aircraft and those using the aerodrome is reduced to the lowest possible level. This could be done by ensuring the hang gliders and paragliders do not operate within the approach and departure “fan” for the aerodrome.
That consultation with the hang gliding and paragliding clubs using the Ocean Beach ridges as flying areas takes place to ensure that the risk of collision between these aircraft and those using the aerodrome is reduced to the lowest possible level. This could be done by ensuring the hang gliders and paragliders do not operate within the approach and departure “fan” for the aerodrome.The determination void date in respect of this Conditional Determination is the 31st. day of August 2006.
Dated at Petone this 4th day of April 2006.
Mark Clifford Hingston
Manager Aeronautical Service
S-A225-02 6/157/0014 (DW1113558-0)
