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Byron Shire
July 16, 2026

Low flying aircraft as Ballina and Lismore flight path checked

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A Cessna Conquest twin engine turbo-prop will be used to carry out the safety checks. Photo supplied

Ballina and Lismore residents may see an aircraft flying unusually low next week, as the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) carries out flight path safety checks.

‘The checks are being conducted by CASA to validate amended instrument approach procedures at Ballina Byron Gateway and Lismore Airports and ensure they operate safely,’ said a CASA spokesperson.

The checks of the approach procedures will be carried out on Wednesday 30 April 2025.

A Cessna Conquest twin engine turbo-prop will be used to carry out the safety checks.

‘Low-level flying is an essential part of the safety exercise, with the aircraft down as low as several hundred feet at times,’ they said. 

‘Local residents may notice an uncommon flying pattern, but this is to make sure obstacles are accurately marked on charts and no new obstacles exist.  Obstacles can be towers, trees, masts or buildings that can be a danger to aircraft.’

If poor weather or other factors do not allow the safety checks to go ahead on the planned days, they will be carried out as soon as possible.



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