August 13, 2023

Remote Airstrip Operations in Australia

Australia is a vast and rugged country. The outback is a beautiful place, but it presents myriad challenges for keeping remote communities connected and serviced. That’s where aviation comes in. Flying in remote areas plays a large role in the Australian aviation industry. Pilots fly into the outback for numerous reasons, including passenger transport, medical services, freight and even air mail. There are countless remote airstrips that dot the landscape, servicing outback towns, remote indigenous communities and sprawling stations. When learning to fly with aviation schools in Australia, it’s good to learn about remote airstrip operations. Let’s take a look at some of the most important factors you need to consider when going remote.

Accurate Planning

First and foremost, pilots flying in the outback need a clear, concise and accurate flight plan. It’s vital that you understand the conditions and details of the airstrip you’re flying to. The vast majority of remote airstrips are unsealed and can vary significantly with weather conditions. If the airstrip is private, it won’t appear in the En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA). The ERSA lists airstrip details for all licensed aerodromes and is a helpful tool for Australian pilots. In this case, you’ll need to call your destination or search elsewhere online for airstrip information. Remember that remote, unregulated airstrips are subject to change. Calling ahead to receive real-time information is always your best bet.

Once you know more about your destination, it’s time to develop an accurate flight plan. Your flight plan must ensure you can arrive (and leave) in an efficient and safe manner. The vast majority of remote airstrips do not carry fuel, so it’s vital pilots account for this in their planning. Flying in the outback can also take pilots over seemingly endless rugged terrain. If possible, plan a course that will keep you within the distance of flat terrain should a forced landing become necessary.

Strong Communication Skills

Another important facet of operating in and out of remote airstrips is having strong communication skills. Before and during flying in the outback, pilots should be in communication with various sources, including potential clients at a destination airstrip, other members of your team and even, at times, ATC. In this context, having a strong grasp of radio phraseology and etiquette becomes a necessary skill. Thankfully, aviation schools in Australia all have a strong focus on learning correct radio phraseology.

Poor communication in the outback could have dire consequences. Misheard or misspoken information could be the difference between picking up an urgent passenger on time and landing at an airstrip hundreds of kilometres away. If you’re planning on doing outback flying, either recreationally, professionally or as part of an aviation course, it can be extremely helpful to brush up on your radio calls and other communication skills.

Emergency Preparedness

The outback can be a dangerous place. A forced landing could put you hundreds, if not thousands, of kilometres from help in harsh terrain and weather conditions. If you’re prepared in the case of an emergency when outback flying, it’ll maximise your chance of survival in an emergency situation.

Be aware of the most common types of emergencies that occur in the outback and the issues that arise as a result of these. The extreme heat of the outback, along with airborne dust and sand that can get into an engine, is known to occasionally cause performance issues and even engine failures. Should this occur and a forced landing is required, there are several important factors that can ensure your survival until help arrives.

The golden rule of remote travel, be it by road or by air, is to stay with your vehicle. As pilots, we know it’s much easier to spot a vehicle from the sky than an individual person. Don’t fall into the trap of wandering off to find help.

There are measures to take before you’re even in the air, too. When travelling in the outback, ensure you have a sufficient supply of water on board and ideally a handheld GPS system or satellite phone. All of this can mean the difference between staying safe in the event of an emergency, or potentially dire circumstances.

Choosing Aviation Schools in Australia

No matter your intended career pathway, knowing more about remote airstrip operations is important knowledge to have. Even if your career doesn’t take you into remote areas, the lessons learned and training received can help you be a better pilot, day in and day out.

Importantly, this knowledge is also highly favourable amongst airlines when deciding on cadetships. If you’re looking for aviation schools in Australia that can help you get a better understanding of operating in and out of remote airstrips, Learn To Fly Melbourne can help. Our Future Cadet Pilot Program (FCPP) equips students with a high level of aviation knowledge that is looked favourably on by airlines selecting cadets.

Get in touch with our friendly team to find out more about what Learn To Fly can do for you!

What Else Should I Know?

We’ve compiled a few useful posts that might help you out. Where ever you are on your aviation journey, the team at Learn To Fly Melbourne are here to help. We want you to pass your exams and have an excellent career, so please reach out if we can help support you through your course and studies!