Using electric planes for aviation training at Parafield Airport would reduce noise complaints, says Labor MP Michael Brown
ELECTRIC planes should be used for aviation training at Parafield Airport to reduce noise complaints by residents and businesses, says a newly-elected MP.
- Aspiring pilots sought for cadet program at Parafield Airport
- Parafield Airport’s mounted Cessna plane to be removed, repaired
ELECTRIC planes should be used for aviation training at Parafield Airport to reduce noise complaints by residents and businesses, says a newly-elected MP.
Labor Member for Playford, Michael Brown, has called for the state and federal governments to work together with operators to remove fossil-fuel powered training aircraft from Parafield. Mr Brown wants a plan to be developed for all training at Parafield to be conducted by electric aircraft by the airport’s centenary in 2027.
“Parafield is already one of the busiest airports in the nation, but technology exists to also make it one of the quietest,” Mr Brown said.
Four regional airports in California were involved in a sustainable aviation project to make flight training cheaper through the use of Pipistrel Alpha Electro aircraft.
The two-seater light planes have been developed by a Slovenian company which also manufactures gliders and ultralights.
They have two lithium-ion batteries which can keep them airborne for an hour, with 30 minutes in reserve.
Mr Brown said Jandakot Airport in Perth was testing the Pipistrel electric aircraft as a regular service to Rottnest Island.
He has written to state and federal transport ministers Stephan Knoll and Paul Fletcher urging them to consider using the planes at Parafield.
“If we all work together, we can achieve this,” he said.
Mr Brown said local companies, especially those at Tech Park at Mawson Lakes, could become involved in the production of electric aircraft.
“Our community is uniquely placed to research, assemble and use electric aircraft,” he said.
“We should seize this opportunity to lead the nation in sustainability, while also improving our quality of life.”
Parafield Airport has been one of the country’s biggest training airfields since the 1940s, with five companies now teaching hundreds of students to fly each year. A new masterplan developed by its owners, Adelaide Airport Ltd, is aiming to increase its annual flight movements from the current 213,990 to 339,300 by 2037.
Various projects are scheduled under the masterplan, including new industrial and commercial precincts, expanded runways, aprons and taxiways, new helicopter landing areas and improved road and rail freight connections. The masterplan has been approved.
