Reporter's deidentified concern
The reporter has expressed concern around the regular conduct of right-turn circuits at aerodromes within the [Region] - contrary to the requirements stipulated within the En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA).
The reporter states, 'Operating regularly in the [Region] Islands, I have become extremely concerned by the normalisation of right-hand circuit procedures where not permitted by ERSA. This is in breach of Civil Aviation Safety Regulation CASR 91.385.
Some fixed wing operators continue to conduct right hand circuits at runways not permitted for convenience or efficiency sake, but do not appear to do so with regard for other traffic.'
The reporter details concerns that [an operator] 'encourages their pilots to conduct right-hand circuits at aerodromes in the [Region] islands area where possible to do so'. They state that this practice 'contributes to a breakdown in traffic flow particularly during heavy traffic periods, as the traffic flow is no longer organised, and has in some cases contributed toward close proximity events with other aircraft'.
The reporter states that the issue has been discussed with other operators with positive outcomes, however one organisation, [Named Party], has not changed their operation to move towards compliance with the applicable regulations.
The reporter was ultimately concerned that the normalisation of right-hand circuit operations at aerodromes where this is not explicitly permitted, significantly increases the risk to all aircraft operating from aerodromes in the [Region].
Named party's response
In response to this report, [Operator] conduct right-hand circuits within the [Region] due to multiple contributing factors including traffic, safety, and the geographical locations of the multiple aerodromes. As a safety mitigation, discussions are held between [Operator] and other operators/pilots operating in the [Region], to encourage the blanket understanding of the uniqueness of the [Region]'s airspace and aerodromes. During previous CASA attendance at [Location], the topic of conducting right-hand circuits in the [Region] has been raised with further discussions planned to be held during future [Location] Operator Safety Forums established by CASA. As a result of this report being brought to our attention, [Operator] will re-evaluate the risk assessment of conducting right-hand circuits within the [Region].
Regulator's response
CASA has reviewed the REPCON report relating to the conduct of non-standard circuit directions at aerodromes within the [Region], including operations associated with [Location]. CASA acknowledges the safety concerns raised regarding the use of right-hand circuits where such procedures are not published in the En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA) and notes the potential for inconsistent operating practices to affect traffic predictability and situational awareness.
CASA is currently undertaking a review of the airspace within 40 nautical miles of [Location]. Through this work, CASA has identified a number of non-standard aviation practices and operational behaviours that warrant further examination. These matters are being considered as part of the broader review to ensure that airspace arrangements and operating procedures continue to support safe and efficient aviation operations in the region.
Recognising the importance of industry engagement in addressing complex operational issues, CASA has established the [Location] Operators Safety Forum. The forum provides a collaborative, industry-led mechanism for operators and stakeholders to discuss aviation safety, airspace matters and operational concerns affecting the [Region]. CASA has commenced raising the issue of non-standard operations within this forum to support broader discussion, shared understanding and consideration of appropriate mitigation strategies. The operator de-identified in the report has also advised CASA that it is reviewing the practice identified in the REPCON report.
CASA reminds all pilots of the importance of thorough pre-flight planning, including familiarisation with published aerodrome procedures and local operating requirements. CASA encourages operators and pilots to align their arrival and departure procedures with published requirements wherever practicable to promote consistency, predictability and the safe integration of air traffic within the [Region] operating environment.
REPCON details
| Date reported | 13/06/2026 |
|---|---|
| Published date | 23/10/2026 |
| Affected operation/industry | Flight Operations |
| Concern subject type | Operating Procedures |
| Transport mode | Aviation |