The reporter has raised a safety concern in relation to airspace congestion in the vicinity of Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport.
The reporter has frequently observed and experienced multiple training aircraft in the circuit along with other commercial operators leading to a concerning level of airspace congestion. The reporter believes the airspace at Wellcamp should be implemented with dedicated visual flight rules (VFR) entry/exit lanes, surveillance flight information service (SFIS), class D or potentially a separate common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF).
The reporter states - 'This airspace is far too congested in addition to Toowoomba Airport nearby, which can have four aircraft in the circuit alone plus all circuit and other traffic at Wellcamp. Without a doubt it is only a matter of time until a mid-air collision or other critical safety incident will occur'.
CASA’s response to the Repcon is as follows:
Following a review of the report concerning Brisbane West Wellcamp airspace, which included an examination of recent incident reports, aircraft movement data (including aircraft types), very high frequency (VHF) arrangements, and the current airspace structure, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) has determined that there is no current requirement to alter the airspace classification at Wellcamp.
CASA takes this opportunity to remind all pilots of the importance of thorough flight planning and maintaining awareness of known or expected aviation activities near aerodromes.
This includes flight training and other operations publicised through the aeronautical information system.
Pilots are reminded to actively monitor, and broadcast as necessary, on the appropriate VHF frequencies to ensure safe separation from other air traffic.
CASA maintains regular dialogue with public transport and flight training operators and continually reviews the airspace arrangements at Wellcamp in line with its legislative responsibilities.
Regarding the suggestion to establish a separate common traffic advisory frequency (CTAF) within the Broadcast Area, CASA does not support this action at this time but will raise the issues highlighted in the report for broader discussion.
Refer CASA response above.