FAQs
Research through NASA and Joby shows that AAM aircraft generally produce lower overall noise levels and a different type of sound compared to helicopters.
However, people can still notice changes in sound, particularly if flights are frequent or occur close to homes. This is why noise is assessed not just by volume (decibels), but also by sound characteristics such as pitch and tone.
Early testing and evaluation is planned in low density areas and controlled environments to minimise impacts on the community. Flight paths and operating areas will be across over 8,000 hectares of forest and low density areas.
In the early stages, activity is expected to be limited and carefully managed, with testing occurring in defined time periods. As the industry matures, flight activity would only increase in line with safety approvals, infrastructure and community expectations.
Yes. Testing activities typically operate under:
•Defined operating hours
•Latrobe Regional Airport procedures and requirements
•CASA safety requirements, in particular the pre-approval of the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA).
These controls help manage noise and ensure operations are safe and meet regulatory approvals.
Internationally and nationally, governments, universities and manufacturers are conducting detailed research on:
•How loud AAM aircraft are at different heights
•How people perceive different types of aircraft sound
•How flight paths and operating procedures can reduce noise impacts
Community feedback is important and helps shape how operations are introduced and managed. Testing programs are monitored, allowing operators and authorities to monitor impacts and adjust procedures before expanding activity.
Most AAM aircraft and drones are not designed for surveillance. Where cameras or sensors are used, they are typically for navigation, safety systems, or specific approved tasks (such as inspections or mapping), not for recording people or private property.
Operators must comply with privacy laws and are not permitted to collect or use personal information without a lawful purpose.
Data collected is usually related to operational safety, such as:
•Aircraft position and altitude
•System performance
•Airspace coordination data
•Australian privacy laws, and
•CASA aviation regulations that control where and how aircraft and drones can fly.
These rules limit unsafe or inappropriate operations and help protect people from nuisance or intrusion.
Safety is the top priority in all aviation, including AAM. Before any aircraft can operate, it must meet strict safety and certification requirements set by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. Testing programs are designed to be progressive and tightly controlled, starting with limited activity and expanding only as systems prove safe and reliable.
In addition, prior to any flight, operators must complete a Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) that must be approved by CASA.
Aircraft go through multiple stages of testing, including:
•Ground testing of systems and software
•Controlled flight testing in low-density areas
•Gradual expansion of operating conditions and complexity
This staged approach allows issues to be identified and resolved well before any wider commercial use.
AAM aircraft are designed with multiple layers of safety, including:
•Redundant systems (back-ups if one system fails)
•Emergency procedures and fail-safe modes
•Continuous monitoring by operators and through the Precinct’s Command Centre, communications can be issued to ground flights if there is a perceived risk.
Test areas are selected to reduce risks to people and property on the ground, and emergency response procedures are in place as part of operating approvals.
Flights are only permitted under approved operating conditions, which may include:
•Defined testing zones and flight paths – operators will have access to over 8,000 hectares of low density areas, minimising risk to individuals and communities
•Approved operating times and under the requirements of the Precinct Command Centre
•Coordination with airspace users
•Compliance with CASA regulations, as well as approval of the Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA).
Though the Latrobe region is nominated as ‘uncontrolled airspace’, through the Precinct’s Command Centre aircraft will be:
•Tracked in real time
•Separated from other airspace users
•The Command Centre consolidates all tracking data and can also identify unauthorised airspace users. If there are any perceived risks, the Command Centre can issue instructions to cease the test and return to the airport.
Testing is deliberately located in areas with:
•Fewer people and buildings
•Less competing air traffic
•Clear operating environments
This reduces risk and allows operators to safely trial new technologies before wider deployment.
Most AAM aircraft are designed to use electric or hybrid-electric propulsion, which means:
•No exhaust emissions at the point of use for fully electric aircraft
•Lower overall carbon emissions when powered by renewable energy
•Reduced fuel handling and spill risks compared to conventional aviation fuels
The Precinct will integrate renewable energy generation and storage solutions to support zero-emissions operations and demonstrate end-to-end sustainable aviation systems.
Research indicates that sudden or repeated loud noise can disturb wildlife, which is why:
•Testing is generally conducted in low-density areas
•Operations are staged and limited in frequency
•Flight paths can be adjusted to avoid sensitive locations
Ongoing monitoring and adaptive management allow procedures to be refined if issues are identified.
Yes. Activities must comply with:
Environmental protection laws
Planning and land-use controls
Site-specific operating conditions
Where required, environmental assessments and management plans help identify risks and appropriate mitigation measures.
AAM is part of a broader shift toward:
- Lower-emission transport
- Smarter use of energy
- Reduced reliance on fossil fuels
Testing and development in regional areas helps accelerate technologies that can contribute to long-term emissions reduction across transport and logistics sectors.
Community feedback is important and helps guide how activities are managed. In addition to speak with Council, issues can be raised through Air Services and CASA.
AAM aircraft, including drones and new electric aircraft, operate under Australia’s existing aviation, safety, planning and privacy laws, with several agencies involved.
CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority)
regulates aircraft safety, pilot licensing and operating conditions. No aircraft can operate without meeting CASA requirements.
Airservices Australia
manages airspace and supports safe aircraft separation, including issuing airspace notifications (NOTAMs) when required.
State Government
oversees planning controls and environmental approvals to ensure activities align with land-use and environmental protection policies.
Local Council
manages local land-use matters, infrastructure and community engagement, but does not regulate aircraft safety.
Privacy laws
overseen by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC), apply to any use of cameras or data systems.
Together, this layered approach ensures aviation safety, environmental protection and community considerations are all addressed before and during operations.