Picture: supplied
PILOTS, drone operators, aircraft owners and operators are reminded to check for bushfires before they hit the skies this summer.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) says it wants pilots and drone operators to check for fires before planning flights, keep well away from active fires and become aware of local aerial firefighting operations.
This applies to their departure, enroute, operation and destination locations.
CASA CEO and Director of Aviation Safety, Pip Spence, says breaking these rules creates serious safety risks.
“By steering clear of any areas with bushfires, we can all do our part to keep the skies clear of any aircraft and let firefighting aircraft have full access where they need to,” she says.
“Just remember – if you fly, they can’t – so think twice this fire season so that firefighting aircraft can do their part to keep local communities safe from bushfires.
“This also includes keeping your drone on the ground. Drones are small and hard to see, and pose a risk to aircraft and helicopters,” Spence says.
“In an emergency, you should follow the advice of your local fire authority.”
CASA RULES
A CASA statement says firefighting aircraft often operate at high speed and low altitude with abrupt changes in direction and height.
Operating a drone or aircraft to record a fire front or to check how far away an active bushfire is could endanger these aircraft, their crew and risk other lives or additional damage to property.
All aircraft not involved in firefighting activities should stay at least 9.26 kilometres away and at least 3000 feet above ground level, away from fire boundaries.
CASA says hundreds of aircraft are cleared for aerial firefighting with, on average, 30,000 hours flown each year in firefighting operations.
CASA requires air operators approved to control firefighting aircraft to identify and manage safety risks such as pilot fatigue. Safety checks and audits of these operators are carried out.
During the fire season, CASA can also allow foreign pilots to operate in Australian firefighting operations.
