Aircraft noise
RAAF provides air and space power for Australia's security. Air Force continues to play a critical role in Operation Slipper, to prevent Afghanistan from being used by terrorists to plan, prepare and train to undertake attacks against Australians. In 2011, RAAF played an essential role in Operation Queensland Flood Assist, Operation Yasi Assist, Operation Christchurch Assist, and Operation Pacific Assist.
RAAF's ability to respond quickly is a result of our high training standards. No one can predict when or where RAAF will need to respond, so our pilots and crews need experience in a range of environments. This includes day and night flying, high and low altitude flying (below 500 feet or 150 metres) and bombing and strafing practice.
Although some training is conducted using flying simulators, nothing replaces actual experience for our pilots and crews. When flying, RAAF pilots and crews operate the aircraft in a way that minimises aircraft noise.
RAAF has an honest and open approach about the noise experienced by residents living near RAAF bases. Although aircraft noise will never be eliminated, RAAF is doing everything it can to reduce noise impacts on communities, whilst balancing operational and training requirements.
Aircraft Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) maps
Defence is required to produce ANEF's for its military airfields around Australia whenever there are significant changes to aircraft movements, or the existing ANEF expires.
Town Councils use the ANEF, through the Australian Standard 2021 – 2000, as guidance for the siting and construction of new buildings against the effects of aircraft noise.
ANEF's are produced by forecasting the noise that will be created when aircraft fly on the most commonly used flight paths. Defence ANEF's include the forecast noise from both civilian and military aircraft in a future year.
You can view the Australian Noise Exposure Forecast (ANEF) map for your local base on our website http://www.defence.gov.au/id/2025_anef.htm
Making an aircraft noise enquiry
To make an enquiry about aircraft noise, you should call 1300 DEFENCE (1300 333 3623) and ask to be connected to your local base.
RAAF bases are busy places – you may need to leave a message on an answering machine so that we can return your phone call. Alternatively, you may write to your local base, addressing your letter to the Base Command Post.
If you make an enquiry, your enquiry will be recorded and an investigation will be commenced to determine if it was a RAAF aircraft, and then to determine if RAAF was operating within relevant procedures and guidelines.
To assist with RAAF's investigation, you should clearly give the date and time, your location, and a description of the event that caused you to make the enquiry. Please note that inappropriate language will not be tolerated.
The investigation may take up to 28 days, however in most cases you will receive a reply in less time.
