NAPs can include:

• preferred flight track and/or runway modes of operation
• Noise Abatement Departure Procedures (NADP) such as directing aircraft to depart over water at night
• approach procedures such as Continuous Descent Operations (CDO) and low power, low drag techniques
• modified flight path angles to adjust climb gradients
• restrictions on engine run-ups (a type of engine check) and/or ground equipment use.

Communities near airports may be sensitive to operations at different times of the day and night. To minimise the noise impacts on these communities NAPs may also include requirements regarding time of operations, including nominating the preferred runway use.

We develop and review NAPs in consultation with stakeholders, including aircraft operators, airlines, the airport operator and Community Aviation Consultation Groups.

NAPs are implemented by air traffic control, airports or airport owners (e.g. Councils).

There are some limitations to the use of NAPs and they may not be used if they generate delay and congestion, as this can cause noise and emission impacts. Air traffic control or pilots may not be able to use them in certain situations, for example weather conditions or operational requirements.

Appropriate consideration of all potential environmental impacts is required in developing and reviewing NAPs. The appropriateness of NAPs depends on a range of factors including the physical lay-out of the airport and its surroundings, and airport and airspace capacity, particularly during high demand periods.

We monitor and report use of runways and flight paths and conduct reviews to check the effectiveness of NAPs.

Brisbane Airport Noise Abatement Review

Canberra Airport Noise Abatement Review

Gold Coast Airport Noise Abatement Procedures Review

Perth Airport Noise Abatement Procedures Review

More information our Noise and Flight Path Monitoring System (NFPMS) is available on Monitoring Aircraft Noise.

Several airports and airfields have established voluntary Fly Neighbourly Advice or Fly Neighbourly Agreements. These are established between aircraft operators and communities or authorities (normally airports or local councils) to assist in reducing the impact of aircraft noise on local communities. Fly Neighbourly Agreements are not NAPs.