Don’t be alarmed by low-flying planes

NORTHERN Geelong residents might see low-flying aircraft in the skies on Friday (August 11) as part of routine safety checks from aviation authorities.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) will carry out flight path safety checks from Avalon Airport.

A twin-engine Cessna Conquest will be used for the inspections, and will fly up to 40km away from the airport.

CASA said low-level flying was an essential part of the exercise, with aircraft to be as low as “several hundred feet” during the process.

“Local residents may notice an uncommon flying pattern, but this is to make sure obstacles are accurately marked on charts and no new obstacles exist,” CASA stated.

“Obstacles can be towers, trees, masts or buildings that can be a danger to aircraft.

“If poor weather or other factors do not allow the safety checks to go ahead on the planned days, they will be carried out as soon as possible.”

The activity is part of several checks the CASA at various aerodromes to ensure instrument procedure flight paths operate safely.

Regulations require the procedures to be assessed every five years to ensure safety compliance.