Proposed
Microlight And Autogyros Aircraft Flight School -
Jurien Bay Airfield
Jurien Bay Airfield
Location: Jurien
Bay Airfield Reserve 35408
Applicant:
Patrick Connors
Folder Path:
Business Classification Scheme/Traffic and Transport/Service Provision/Airports
and Landing Facilities
Disclosure of
Interest: None
Date: 13 February
2017
Author:
Signature of Author:
Senior Officer:
Chief Executive Officer Signature of Senior Officer:
PROPOSAL To
consider an application submitted by Patrick Connors to operate a flight
training school (Microlight and Auto Gyros) out of the Jurien Bay Airfield.
BACKGROUND The
applicant has provided the following background; The business model that we are
proposing to the Shire is to provide the general public of all ages a modern,
exciting and vibrant opportunity of learning to fly using the latest state of
the art ‘sport’ microlight aircraft and auto gyros at a greatly reduced cost
compared to general aviation.
Our business would provide Trial Instructional Flights (TIF) to allow ab-initio
pilots the chance to take to the air and experience the wonder of flight
hopefully inspiring them to take further lessons following a dedicated Civil
Aviation Safety Association (CASA) syllabus by fully qualified and experienced
instructors.
The business would be using aircraft manufactured by the largest and very
successful microlight producer in Australia, ‘Airbourne Australia’, based in
Newcastle NSW. They also import, assemble and distribute the latest high tech
Italian made gyros by Magni of which we would utilize too. Along with TIF’s and
flying instruction we would provide a full sales, syndicate, service and
engineering back up with the support of Airbourne Australia where we would
become a distributor for their aircraft.
Jeff and I have been in discussions with local businesses to make them aware of
our intentions and to insure them that we hope to enhance their existing
businesses, posing no threat to them. We understand the skydiving business is
extremely busy and have viewed their aircraft frequency and have concluded that
we can operate alongside them following standard aviation circuit protocol.
At this time, there is no one offering a similar service to what we plan, in fact there is only one other flying school operating from the aerodrome this being a relatively new business operating the much older, single engine Piper Warrior light aircraft, giving instruction towards the much more expensive category of ‘Private Pilots Licence’, not microlights or gyros.
At this time, there is no one offering a similar service to what we plan, in fact there is only one other flying school operating from the aerodrome this being a relatively new business operating the much older, single engine Piper Warrior light aircraft, giving instruction towards the much more expensive category of ‘Private Pilots Licence’, not microlights or gyros.
There is in fact only one other such school providing microlight instruction
and that operates out of ‘White Gum’ airfield east of York. With reference to
the ‘Airsport Assist Jurien Bay Aerodrome Development Plan’ we feel that our
business proposal fulfils such criteria listed within this document, hopefully
promoting and increasing tourism and growth to the local area and shire.
Regarding the aerodrome, we have also been in discussions to share one of the
existing hangars;
However, we would be very interested in leasing one of the
new ‘proposed’ hangars if and when available. Our aircraft utilize modern,
lightweight designs with low engine noise of around 75 decibels, therefore we
envisage minimal impact on the local environment with very little or no impact
on local residents compared to other general aviation type aircraft.
Our aim, again, is to provide trial flights and deliver full training for
prospective clients to obtain their unrestricted licence on these modern sport
aircraft. Jeff and myself currently reside within the Perth metropolitan area,
however we are prepared to relocate to the district as soon as the business
enables us. Jeff and I will at all times be members of RAAS and HGFA and will
have current instructor ratings as required to provide such training.
The plans are to have 2 staff members in attendance. We intend on operating
weekends initially however we envisage there will be a small amount of
attendance during the week. In regards to operating hours this does depend on
weather conditions. We anticipate up to 5 hours per day on Saturday and Sunday
and around 5 hours for the entire week. Students in attendance would be between
1 or 2 at any one time.
OFFICER
RECOMMENDATION That Council grant approval to Patrick Connor to
operate a flight training school (Microlight and Auto Gyros) out of the Jurien
Bay Airstrip Reserve 35408 subject to the following conditions and advice
notes:
1. All training
flights shall be conducted:
(a) between to the hours of 7.00am to 6.00pm; and
(b) by a qualified aviation trainer.
(b) by a qualified aviation trainer.
2. All flights shall
execute a flight plan/path away from built up areas of Jurien Bay and
surrounding Rural Residential areas, to minimise the impact of noise.
3. The following
documentation shall be submitted to the local government prior to the
commencement of the operations:
- a copy of the certificate of approval from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority to conduct flight training;
- a copy of a current public liability insurance policy to a minimum value of $20 million for the period of this approval.
Advice Note
1. The erection
of signage promoting the flight training is subject to a separate application
for planning approval. The applicant be advised that “should you be aggrieved
by this decision, or any conditions imposed, there is a Right of Review under
the Planning and Development Act 2005.
An application for Review must be submitted in accordance
with Part XIV of the Planning and Development Act within 28 days of the date of
this decision to:
The State Administrative Tribunal GPO Box U1991 PERTH WA
6845”
.
