Caloundra, Sunshine Coast

Email is our preferred method of contact: goflyaviation@gmail.com

Flights 7 days per week
7.30am - 3.30pm

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Admin hrs:
9am-1pm Mon-Sun
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Phone: 07 5341 8125

After hours pls text:
0410496438

AIRPORT NOISE AND THE FLY NEIGHBOURLY POLICY

Sling 8668
cirrus side on

Caloundra Aerodrome is owned and operated by the Council. The site was reserved as an aircraft landing ground in 1931. Operators at the aerodrome include the QLD Air Museum, The Westpac Rescue Helicopter, general aviation-related businesses such as engineering and helicopter modifications, and flight schools using light fixed wing aircraft.

The site is approximately 145 hectares and has two sealed runways. These are runway 05/23 and runway 12/30, which are both 795m long and 18m wide. The aerodrome is surrounded by urban development on all sides. The aerodrome employs over 150 people plus there are an additional 50 volunteers at the QLD Museum. The aerodrome contributes millions of dollars to the Caloundra economy and many students stay on overnight after their lesson or come and stay for 2-3 weeks at a time.

Approximately 40,000 takeoffs and landings occur at the aerodrome annually. Most of the aircraft are involved in flight training. From 2016 up until COVID hit us, there was a global pilot shortage and flight schools were experiencing high demand from Australian and overseas students. Having a shortage of pilots means there will be less domestic and overseas flights that can be offered to people who need to travel for business or pleasure. 

GoFly Aviation exclusively uses Sling aircraft, which are some of the quietest planes available. GoFly is committed to undertaking operations in a ‘Fly Neighbourly’ manner which is considerate to local residents, while maintaining safe operation of the aircraft. 

We do so by endeavouring to adhere to the following principles: 

  • Compliance with noise abatement procedures included in the ERSA 
  • All pilots to plan all flights to minimise flight over built up areas 
  • Wherever practicable runway departure to use full length in order to maximise height over populated areas 
  • Avoid flying low over populated areas 
  • Minimise engine failure training over populated areas 
  • No training to occur between the hours of 1900 and 0700 
  • Night training available for Caloundra based operators between 1900 and 2100 Monday to Friday only (GoFly doesn’t currently offer night training)
  •  No engine ground running for the purpose of engine testing to occur between the hours of 1900 and 0700 (unless approved by the Airport General Manager for extenuating circumstances) 
  • Ensuring that all non pre-flight engine runs are undertaken in the designated run-up area 
  • Ensuring that environmental awareness and noise issues are included in pilot training 
  • Responding to community inquiries about noise in a co-operative manner. 

Is there too much noise over your house?

A large part of learning to fly is the requirement for students to do ‘circuits’.  Our students are taught by our instructors to follow a circuit path set by Council and designed to have the least affect on neighbouring homes. After takeoff, our planes don’t turn until they reach Pumicestone Passage.  Occasionally private plane owners or students from other flight schools fly into Caloundra for sightseeing or maintenance and they are unfamiliar with our circuits and even our radio frequency. 

Concerns about noise may be raised with AirServices Australia’s ‘Noise complaint Information Service’ directly on either 1800 802 584 (free call) or by completing an online form and if a registration is provided, will match the registration of the offending aircraft to the owner and make contact with them. When reporting the aircraft noise, try to identify the type of aircraft and its colours, and if possible, the registration number. To assist you to identify the different types of aircraft, above on the left is a picture of one of our small, quiet low-wing Sling aircraft (the rego number is on the tail and often also under the wings) and on the right is our Cirrus (quieter than the older noisier Cessna type of aircraft).

You can find the Caloundra Aerodrome Master Plan here.

‘I’ve missed so many good shots of 7788 because I didn’t hear it coming!’

Caloundra Plane Spotter, 2