All civil aircraft require a noise certification to operate in Australia. Civil aircraft are required to comply with flight noise regulations. If your aircraft meets those noise standards, it will be issued with a noise certificate that allows it to operate.
Some aircraft are automatically deemed to be certified by their manufacturer. If your aircraft's flight manual states that the aircraft complies with the relevant Australian noise laws or regulations, then you will not need to apply for any further assessment. If your aircraft is not certified by its manufacturer, you will need to obtain a noise certification.
Certain categories of aircraft are exempt and do not require a noise assessment or certification. These categories are:
- a state aircraft
- a hot air balloon
- a propeller-driven aircraft that is specifically designed, and used exclusively for, aerobatic, firefighting, agricultural or environmental operations.
If your aircraft is not exempt and you are unable to obtain a noise certification, you will need to apply for a permit to operate without a certificate.
If you need a noise assessment for aircraft in one of the following categories, you will need to apply directly to the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts:
- historical aircraft
- adventure flights / airshows
- non-scheduled flight / public interest.
