14Aircraft involved in emergencies or police operations

14 Aircraft involved in emergencies or police operations

Scope (1) This section applies to an aircraft that has a maximum take‑off weight of no more than 50,000 kilograms. Emergencies (2) If the aircraft is involved in an emergency, the aircraft may: (a) take off from Essendon Fields Airport despite section 6 or 8; or (b) land at Essendon Fields Airport despite section 6, 8 or 10. (3) The aircraft may take off from Essendon Fields Airport despite section 6 or 8 to resume a flight interrupted because the aircraft was involved in an emergency. (4) The aircraft is involved in an emergency if: (a) the aircraft is being used for or in connection with: (i) a search and rescue operation; or (ii) a medical emergency; or (iii) a natural disaster; or (iv) a mercy flight; or (v) if a national emergency declaration (within the meaning of the National Emergency Declaration Act 2020) is in force—an emergency to which the declaration relates; or (b) the pilot of the aircraft has declared an in‑flight emergency; or (c) the aircraft has insufficient fuel to be diverted to another airport; or (d) there is an urgent need for the aircraft to land or take off: (i) to ensure the safety or security of the aircraft or a person; or (ii) to avoid damage to property. Police operations (5) The aircraft may take off from, or land at, Essendon Fields Airport despite section 6 or 8 if the aircraft is being used for an operation conducted by, or on behalf of, Victoria Police.