Reporter's deidentified concern
Multiple reporters have approached the ATSB to raise safety concerns in relation to ongoing aerodrome pavement failure and foreign object debris (FOD) at [Location] airport.
In 2025, the ATSB published REPCON (RA2025-00008) relating to the poor condition of the aerodrome apron and movement areas. The reporters collectively advised the issues remain ongoing; in particular, continued pavement failure and poor management of foreign object debris (FOD) which is hazardous to aircraft operations.
One reporter acknowledged the aerodrome operator will conduct pavement repairs however only when required to do so following an incident. The reporter provided the example of a fixed wing aircraft that had to be towed after it sank into the pavement. Another reporter states, 'The helicopter apron areas are in a degraded condition and are producing ongoing FOD, including loose material, fragments of apron surface, and vegetation growth. The apron deforms under helicopter landing loads and moulds around the skids, creating a risk of skid interference during landing and take-off. Upgrade works have been undertaken to [x] helipads involving excavation of the existing helipad surface, placement and compaction of gravel, and installation of concrete pavers. The resulting surface is uneven and non-uniform, creating a hazard including the risk of skids catching on paver edges and at the interface with the surrounding concrete apron'. The reporter further states, 'There is a persistent FOD management issue. The apron is rarely swept. On occasions when sweeping is conducted using a towed FOD collection device, collected debris is subsequently emptied back onto the apron...' The reporter advised, the concern has been raised with the aerodrome operator, who advised there was no alternative disposal location.
The reporters collectively note that these ongoing concerns have been raised with the aerodrome operator at multiple stakeholder meetings over many years resulting in nil action or accountability by aerodrome operator management.
Regulator's response
Thank you for the opportunity to review the REPCON.
CASA is maintaining a heightened surveillance posture of this aerodrome at the present time, and considers this REPCON report to contain valid safety concerns.
CASA conducts regular surveillance of the operator and the site itself, and has conducted a response surveillance event recently. Any findings from the surveillance event will be managed in accordance with our surveillance procedures(Opens in a new tab/window).
We acknowledge and thank the author(s) of the REPCON for taking the time to raise this report, and for their continuing interest in aviation safety.
Named party's response
The aerodrome apron and movement areas at [Location] airport are in a poor condition due to the inadequate sub-grade which lies underneath. This is further exacerbated by an underground creek that runs under the apron and the heavy wet seasons that [Location] experiences (currently experiencing).
The [Airport owner] monitors this area regularly and when weather permits conducts repairs as and when it is required. The [Airport owner] does not wait for an incident to occur before repairs are commenced.
The helicopter apron area is currently having works preformed there to repair the landing areas. The works commenced at the eastern end of the apron at the community pads. Unfortunately, due to weather these works could not be completed before Christmas. Since then, the wet season has taken hold and works have been halted. Once these [x] easterly pads have been completed, works will commence at the western end in front of the [aircraft operator] hangar. Please also note that these works have not been finalised and the issues raised in the REPCON about the paving will be resolved when the wet season breaks and the work is restarted and completed.
FOD sweeping is scheduled for every Saturday as there are limited movements that day and the staff can work more efficiently. Unfortunately, most Saturday's lately have been accompanied with rain.
The device used is a FOD Boss, which is used by many airports across Australia and around the world.
A staff member did mistakenly empty the mat near a helicopter midway through last year. This has only occurred once, and the staff member was disciplined.
To remedy the issues of the poor apron [Aerodrome operator] has applied for grant funding to fix it, by having a rich sealant put over the whole area to bind the pavement together and give it strength. This project also includes works to the runway, line marking and extensions to the existing apron area. Unfortunately, the Federal funds granted were insufficient and [Aerodrome operator] has had to apply to the State Government for this to be topped up. This grant application and the associated works will take many months, but the [Aerodrome operator] is hopeful that this project can be completed this year before the next wet season.
REPCON details
| Date reported | 27/01/2026 |
|---|---|
| Published date | 08/05/2026 |
| Affected operation/industry | Facilities Management |
| Concern subject type | Maintenance |
| Transport mode | Aviation |