Aircraft Engine Ground Running Guidelines
Prepared by Townsville Airport Pty Ltd
December 2015
Introduction
These guidelines are issued to manage noise associated with ground running of aircraft for pre-flight engine
run ups and engine maintenance testing at Townsville Airport. These guidelines have been developed with the
express purpose of minimising noise impacts at the Airport and in residential areas adjoining the Airport whilst
meeting the operational safety requirements for engine testing. These conditions do not apply to normal start,
taxi and shutdown procedures as described in the Aircraft Operations Manual including ground running of
Auxiliary Power Units (APUs) for normal aircraft turnaround.
The engine running guidelines established in this document are minimum requirements. Aircraft operators are
encouraged to consider the impact of the noise they generate in the course of executing pre-flight engine run
ups and maintenance testing on all airport users and take appropriate action to minimise these impacts as
much as it is practicable and safe to do.
General duties of the Airport Operator and Aircraft Operators
In accordance with the Airports Act 1996, Townsville Airport Pty Ltd is responsible for managing noise
generated from ground-based aircraft operations, excluding aircraft taxiing, taking off and landing.
The Plan is in place for aircraft operator’s to fulfill their obligations in compliance of the Airports (Environment
Protection) Regulations 1997 (Cth) (the Regulations). Regulation 4.06 (Environment Protection) Regulations
1997 requires that operators of undertakings at airports must take all reasonable and practical measures to
prevent the generation of offensive noise and, where prevention is not possible, to minimise the generation of
offensive noise.
The Regulations give authority to matters that may impact on the environment, including the generation of
noise. The Commonwealth Government has an integrated regime to protect the environment at all leased
federal airports in Australia. Airport Environment Officers (AEO’s) are employed by the Department of
Infrastructure and Regional Development to assist with the administration of the Airports (Environment
Protection) Regulations 1997. AEO’s also have a number of statutory functions under the Airports Act 1996 and
the Airports Regulations 1997. The AEO, amongst other environmental concerns, monitors noise.
Offensive noise occurs when noise is generated at a volume, or in a way, or under a circumstance that, in the
opinion of the AEO, offensively intrudes on an individual, community or commercial amenity.
The operator is the person or operator of the equipment or aircraft making the noise. The undertaking is the
operation of the equipment or aircraft.
Regulation 7.03 provides for the AEO to make an Environment Protection Order directing the operator of an
undertaking to comply with a duty under Regulation 4.06 by taking a particular action to minimise the generation
of offensive noise. This may include a financial penalty.
It is in the interests of all operators at the Airport to comply with and, where practicable to do so without
compromising operational safety, improve upon this Aircraft Engine Ground Running Guideline.
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Townsville Airport
Aircraft Engine Ground Running Guidelines
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Approvals for Engine Ground Runs
Aircraft conducting immediate pre-flight engine checks do not require approvals. Pre-flight engine checks above
idle are not permitted on aprons.
All aircraft conducting engine test ground runs are to first gain approval from the Duty Aerodrome Reporting
Officer (‘Safety One’) or Senior Aviation Safety Officer prior to commencing any engine test ground running
activity. Where necessary, TAPL will seek permission from Defence, via the Air Traffic Control Tower.
To obtain approval for an engine run, the maintenance organisation is to:
1. Check against the site requirements in this document for a suitable site for the aircraft type, time of day
and wind direction.
2. Call the Duty Aerodrome Reporting Officer (‘Safety One’) or Senior Aviation Safety Officer for approval
to conduct the engine test ground run, providing details of the intended operation (where necessary,
TAPL will liaise with the Tower and then advise the maintenance organisation whether the running has
been approved).
3. On receipt of the approval, call the Tower to request taxi/tow approval and advise the Tower that an
approval has been received from TAPL.
4. On arrival at the approved site, advise the Tower prior to commencing the ground running activity.
Approvals can be gained from the Duty Aerodrome Reporting Officer (‘Safety One’) on 0417 767 869 or
the Senior Aviation Safety Officer on 0418 771 999.
Should an operator require a continuing non-complying engine ground run approval for a particular
maintenance procedure and aircraft type, then he/she makes an application in writing to the Senior Aviation
Safety Officer, providing the following details:
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Date
Operator
Aircraft Type, registration, eight (kg)
Location
Heading
Time run will be commenced
Duration required
Highest power setting
Should TAPL issue approval for continuing non-complying engine ground runs to facilitate a particular
maintenance procedure and aircraft type, then this approval may be withdrawn at short notice at TAPL’s
discretion.
Aircraft Operators shall submit a weekly written report to the Senior Aviation Safety Officer, detailing all ground
running conducted. The report must detail all ground running conducted, with all the above information
included within the report.
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Townsville Airport
Aircraft Engine Ground Running Guidelines
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Locations for Ground Running Activities
Attachment A shows the physical location of the GA Run Up bay and the Key Hole/Compass Swing. Attachment
B provides details of site locations and restrictions.
Aircraft engine ground running on the Main Regular Public Transport (RPT) Apron and the Northern Apron is not
permitted at any time.
Aircraft engine ground running at a setting not above idle power is permitted on the General Aviation parking
area, subject to the conditions set out in Site Restrictions.
Safety aspects concerning jet/prop blast hazards, etc. are to be taken into account by the operator/pilot when
positioning aircraft in the allotted location.
Site Restrictions
Each site is restricted to aircraft types, time restriction, aircraft headings and directions, as shown in the table
in Attachment B.
Where a time limit applies to the maximum allowable duration of an engine test ground run, the total time
allows is the cumulative time at the relevant throttle settings e.g. less than five (5) minutes above idle power
means a total time above idle throttle setting of less than five (5) minutes.
The engine(s) of any aircraft which is about to engage in emergency flight (such as medical or search and rescue)
is permitted to be ground run for any period of any time at a power setting consistent with the maintenance
requirement for the engine(s).
The following requirement are applicable to aircraft 5,700Kg MTOW or below, conducting high power engine
runs on the GA Engine Run Up are of the Civil Apron:
 Aircraft may only conduct high power engine runs within Air Traffic Service hours.
 Aircraft require ATC approval to conduct high power engine runs.
 The aircraft operator shall contact ‘Townsville Ground’ VHF 121.8 MHz with aircraft Call Sign, Type, POB
and expected duration of the engine run and required permission to start.
 Whilst conducting the engine run the aircraft operator shall continuously monitor ‘Townsville Ground’.
 'Townsville Ground' shall instruct the aircraft operator to stop the engine run whenever an aircraft less
than 25000KG MTOW will taxi on ALPHA behind the engine run up aircraft.
 'Townsville Ground' shall instruct the aircraft operator to stop the engine run whenever a helicopter,
whilst conducting an approach to or departing from the Helicopter Landing Site at Pad Foxtrot is likely
to pass behind the engine run up aircraft.
 'Townsville Ground' shall instruct the aircraft operator to re-commence the engine run when conflicting
traffic is well clear.
 The aircraft operator shall contact 'Townsville Ground' when the engine run is complete.
When meteorological conditions are such that noise sensitive areas may be adversely affected by extreme sound
propagation (e.g. inversion), the Senior Aviation Safety Officer may refuse permission to conduct runs detailed
in condition (d) above.
Safety aspects concerning jet/prop blast hazards etc. are to be taken into account by the operator/pilot when
positioning aircraft in the allotted location.
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Townsville Airport
Aircraft Engine Ground Running Guidelines
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Aircraft Parked on Stands
On stands in cul-de-sacs and other selected stands, engine ground runs will be limited to check-starts and idle
power. For checks requiring the use of greater power settings it will be necessary to move the aircraft to a more
suitable location. The aircraft must be positioned correctly on the stand in such a way that engine running will
not harm persons or cause damage to aircraft, buildings, installations, vehicles or equipment in the vicinity. All
apron equipment must be placed at a safe distance from the aircraft. The aircraft anti-collision beacon(s) must
be switched on before engines are started and must remain on for the duration of the ground run.
The engineer in charge of the ground run must ensure that the aircraft wheels are safely chocked and that the
aircraft cannot move forward under any circumstances. Ground running must not take place when passengers
are being embarked/ disembarked on any adjacent or opposite stands, except when such passengers are using
an aerobridge.
Aircraft in Other Areas
If engine ground running is approved to be carried out in any other location, it is the responsibility of the
engineer in charge to ensure that the area behind the aircraft, which could be subjected to blast, is clear of
persons, vehicles and equipment and that the ground is firm and free from loose tarmac, stones and other
materials. The area immediately in front of the engine intake(s) must also be clear. A look out must be provided.
During all ground running of engines, other than in the maintenance area, taxiway or runway a fire watch with
appropriate extinguisher and a listening watch with a radio in constant contact with ATC must be maintained
during the run.
Auxiliary Power Units
Aircraft APUs generate high levels of noise and significant fumes which can cause disturbance to those on nearby
aprons, in buildings and in residential areas. The noise of an APU may mask the noise of an approaching vehicle,
thus endangering staff. Airlines and handlers are to ensure that APUs are used for the absolute minimum time
necessary to meet operational needs. APUs are not to be used as a substitute for either FEGP or GPUs.
Notification and Recording of Details
Requests for approval with details of operator, aircraft type, location, start time, power setting and duration are
to be telephoned to the Duty Aerodrome Reporting Officer (‘Safety One’) on 0417 767 869 or the TAPL Senior
Aviation Safety Officer on 0418 771 999.
When meteorological conditions are such that noise sensitive areas may be adversely affected by extreme sound
propagation (e.g. inversion), the TAPL General Manager Aviation may refuse permission to conduct runs.
Damage to Facilities as a Result of Ground Running
Maintenance organisations need to be aware of the impact of propeller wash, rotor wash and jet blast onto
Townsville Airport, Defence and other facilities.
Approval to carry out a ground run still requires the maintenance organisation to carry out a risk assessment of
possible damage to facilities, and the cost of any repairs from ground running activities will be covered by the
maintenance organisation.
Townsville Airport Pty Ltd accepts no responsibility for loss or damage caused by a maintenance organisation
engine test ground run.
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Townsville Airport
Aircraft Engine Ground Running Guidelines
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Request for Use of Key Hole
If an airline/aircraft operator requires the use of the key hole for ground runs, approval is to be sought by the
ARO on 0418 771 999 or the RAAF Base Air Base Command Post (ABCP) on 4752 1888. The ARO will seek
permission from the ABCP prior to giving approval.
Dispensations against this Plan
This plan has been developed to satisfy airport environmental concerns and noise strategies with regard to the
existing infrastructure. The plan details the best options and dispensations will therefore not be given unless
the matter under consideration represents an urgent operational requirement. Dispensations may be granted
by the Duty Aerodrome Reporting Officer (‘Safety One’) or the Senior Aviation Safety Officers in liaison with the
Air Traffic Control Supervisor.
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Townsville Airport
Aircraft Engine Ground Running Guidelines
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ATTACHMENT A
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Aircraft Engine Ground Running Guidelines
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ATTACHMENT B
Period
(local time)
0600 - 2100
0600 - 2100
Engine Type
All aircraft types up to 5700 kg MTOW
(including piston/turbine).
All aircraft types between 5700 - 15000
kg MTOW.
Restrictions
a)
a)
No restrictions apply on single
engine run up
Single engine - high power for a
single period not exceeding
twenty (20) minutes.
Twin engines - high power for a
single period not exceeding ten
(10) minutes.
a) Specific prior approval required
from Townsville Airport Pty Ltd.
b)
0600 - 2100
2100 - 0600
All aircraft types above 15000 kg MTOW
(including jets).
All aircraft types.
a)
Specific prior approval required
from Townsville Airport Pty Ltd.
Location
General Aviation ‘Run-up’ area
A location approved by Townsville Airport
Pty Ltd Safety Officer.
(Townsville Airport Pty Ltd will liaise with
RAAF TVL ABCP with regard to locations
controlled by Department of Defence)
A location approved by Townsville Airport
Pty Ltd Safety Officer.
(Townsville Airport Pty Ltd will liaise with
RAAF TVL ABCP with regard to locations
controlled by Department of Defence)
Townsville Airport Pty Ltd to advise
approved location.