Tips for VFR flying in Oz
PPRuNe Co-Pilot
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: The Sky
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tips for VFR flying in Oz
Hi All,
After completing my PPL here in the UK i intend to take a long holiday in Australia, and take the opportunity to do as much flying as i can.
Can someone share their VFR flying stories if you have any or any tips for a PPL pilot that will be flying around Oz for the first time.
Many Thanks
After completing my PPL here in the UK i intend to take a long holiday in Australia, and take the opportunity to do as much flying as i can.
Can someone share their VFR flying stories if you have any or any tips for a PPL pilot that will be flying around Oz for the first time.
Many Thanks
Sprucegoose
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: Hughes Point, where life is great! Was also resident on page 13, but now I'm lost in Cyberspace....
Age: 60
Posts: 3,485
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Gidday Airway,
Flying in oz takes on many different forms.
It sort of depends on where you are intending to be flying. If your flying in the bush you will definately need plenty of water and a GPS to start with.
Australia has much to offer and is great to view from the air. Let me know where you are going and I will give you some tips and out of the way places to visit.
If your looking for places to stay and have a quiet beer, I bet there are many Ppruners who will be willing to help you out.
Cheers, HH.
Flying in oz takes on many different forms.
It sort of depends on where you are intending to be flying. If your flying in the bush you will definately need plenty of water and a GPS to start with.
Australia has much to offer and is great to view from the air. Let me know where you are going and I will give you some tips and out of the way places to visit.
If your looking for places to stay and have a quiet beer, I bet there are many Ppruners who will be willing to help you out.
Cheers, HH.
PPRuNe Co-Pilot
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: The Sky
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Hi HH,
Thanks for your reply
My plan is to start in Brisbane probably would like to do some flying up in Cairns, barrier reef ( if allowed ) then work my way down from Brisbane to Sydney then Melbourne.
The Scenary is amazing
Indeed, this is a flying holiday
----
PS - VFR flying around Sydney City, do i need some special permission for that?
Thanks for your reply
My plan is to start in Brisbane probably would like to do some flying up in Cairns, barrier reef ( if allowed ) then work my way down from Brisbane to Sydney then Melbourne.
The Scenary is amazing
If your looking for places to stay and have a quiet beer
----
PS - VFR flying around Sydney City, do i need some special permission for that?
Last edited by AIRWAY; 24th Feb 2004 at 17:34.
Bottums Up
How wonderful GPS is!
How did we do without it?
How the hell did Orange Flight of '83 make it from Cesspit to Perth to Laverton to Warburton to the old strip at The Rock to Alice to Oodnadatta to Leigh Creek to Broken Hill to Cesspit, without one??
How did we do without it?
How the hell did Orange Flight of '83 make it from Cesspit to Perth to Laverton to Warburton to the old strip at The Rock to Alice to Oodnadatta to Leigh Creek to Broken Hill to Cesspit, without one??
Airway,
Sounds like a good plan.
Bear in mind that winter is the best time of year for visiting north Queensland.
It may not be such a good season for going to Victoria.
Navigation along the east coast of Australia is fairly straightforward (keep the land on one side and the ocean on the other) with only a few control zones to negotiate, and certainly not as challenging as the wide open spaces inland.
Obtaining a clearance to fly over Sydney Harbour is usually no problem (depending on time of day or night and runways in use at YSSY which is a few miles to the south). It's Class C airspace. But so you can concentrate on the view, it's a flight you might prefer to do as pax.
Sounds like a good plan.
Bear in mind that winter is the best time of year for visiting north Queensland.
It may not be such a good season for going to Victoria.
Navigation along the east coast of Australia is fairly straightforward (keep the land on one side and the ocean on the other) with only a few control zones to negotiate, and certainly not as challenging as the wide open spaces inland.
Obtaining a clearance to fly over Sydney Harbour is usually no problem (depending on time of day or night and runways in use at YSSY which is a few miles to the south). It's Class C airspace. But so you can concentrate on the view, it's a flight you might prefer to do as pax.
You will have a fantstic time, but bear in mind the REAL australia is not found on the east coast.
You will be well served by trying to head to outback places like Birdsville, Arkaroola, William Creek, Coober Pedy, Ayers Rock, Alice, Curtain Springs, Katherine, Gove, Darwin, Kakadu, Kununurra, anywhere in the Kimberley, and down the west coast of oz.
These outback places are very well geared for flying - usually you buzz the pub and they drive out to the strip to fetch you (if indeed it is not in walking distance).
As I said it's the real australia. The east coast is like disneyland and can almost be seen just as effectively as a ground based tourist.
I have flown light aircraft in almost every corner of Aus, so can give you a good heads up if you need more info
CS
You will be well served by trying to head to outback places like Birdsville, Arkaroola, William Creek, Coober Pedy, Ayers Rock, Alice, Curtain Springs, Katherine, Gove, Darwin, Kakadu, Kununurra, anywhere in the Kimberley, and down the west coast of oz.
These outback places are very well geared for flying - usually you buzz the pub and they drive out to the strip to fetch you (if indeed it is not in walking distance).
As I said it's the real australia. The east coast is like disneyland and can almost be seen just as effectively as a ground based tourist.
I have flown light aircraft in almost every corner of Aus, so can give you a good heads up if you need more info
CS
Bottums Up
I've never been to William Creek but my brother (non flying) raves about the place. He descibed it as taxi up to the pub, throw the prop over the hitching rail, walk into the pub and have a coldie! 
Airway,
You will need to decide now under what licence you plan to fly.
If you are only intending to come over for a holiday, you can obtain a "Special Pilot Licence", which is basically ability for you to fly on your UK PPL and UK medical in Australia. Have a look at this page for more details on overseas licences http://www.casa.gov.au/avreg/fcl_lic/overbr.htm.
Australia is a very big country, you could fit 4-5 UKs into Queensland alone, radar coverage is very limited (actual physical m^3 with radar coverage greater than the UK, but the % coverage of the country is much less). Try and get hold of maps etc before you come over to do some prior planning.
I would suggest you obtain the WACs, TACs, ERCs, VTC, VNC's, and ERSA that will be valid for you period of holiday. These can be obtained by visiting the Airservices Australia Pilot shop online (http://www.airservices.gov.au). I would also obtain a copy of the "VFR FLIGHT GUIDE", this is an easy to read book produced by CASA (rare event), you will find it invaluable to see the format of radio calls, rules of the air, flight planning etc.
Also suggest you obtain a copy of the Outback Flying publication from CASA.
Flying around Sydney, no special permission required, if you plan to go into CTA, you will need to lodge a flight plan, otherwise have a look at the Sydney Basin Visual pilot guide
Lodging flight plans and obtaining weather in Australia is done only via "remote means", briefing offices where you could get face to face weather briefings have not been around for some time. So I would suggest you obtain a copy of NAIPS from Airservices Australia, and a briefing "Phone Away" card.
NAIPS is a program that will connect via the internet or phone line to the Airservices Australia internet briefing service computers, connecting to these machines is free via the internet. You can download the program for free from the Airservices Australia web site, you will need to obtain a free username and password from Airservices Australia, and this can all be obtained from this page http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/brief/index.htm . The good thing is that you can do this from the UK now and start looking how to get weather and notams. You can even have a go at lodging flight plans online, if you use the aircraft callsign "NOSEND" the computer understands you are practicing and will not submit them any further.
The "Phone Away" card is a prepaid card that you will need to have if to obtain weather, notams, or lodge/amend a flight plan over the phone.
You will need to decide now under what licence you plan to fly.
If you are only intending to come over for a holiday, you can obtain a "Special Pilot Licence", which is basically ability for you to fly on your UK PPL and UK medical in Australia. Have a look at this page for more details on overseas licences http://www.casa.gov.au/avreg/fcl_lic/overbr.htm.
Australia is a very big country, you could fit 4-5 UKs into Queensland alone, radar coverage is very limited (actual physical m^3 with radar coverage greater than the UK, but the % coverage of the country is much less). Try and get hold of maps etc before you come over to do some prior planning.
I would suggest you obtain the WACs, TACs, ERCs, VTC, VNC's, and ERSA that will be valid for you period of holiday. These can be obtained by visiting the Airservices Australia Pilot shop online (http://www.airservices.gov.au). I would also obtain a copy of the "VFR FLIGHT GUIDE", this is an easy to read book produced by CASA (rare event), you will find it invaluable to see the format of radio calls, rules of the air, flight planning etc.
Also suggest you obtain a copy of the Outback Flying publication from CASA.
Flying around Sydney, no special permission required, if you plan to go into CTA, you will need to lodge a flight plan, otherwise have a look at the Sydney Basin Visual pilot guide
Lodging flight plans and obtaining weather in Australia is done only via "remote means", briefing offices where you could get face to face weather briefings have not been around for some time. So I would suggest you obtain a copy of NAIPS from Airservices Australia, and a briefing "Phone Away" card.
NAIPS is a program that will connect via the internet or phone line to the Airservices Australia internet briefing service computers, connecting to these machines is free via the internet. You can download the program for free from the Airservices Australia web site, you will need to obtain a free username and password from Airservices Australia, and this can all be obtained from this page http://www.airservicesaustralia.com/brief/index.htm . The good thing is that you can do this from the UK now and start looking how to get weather and notams. You can even have a go at lodging flight plans online, if you use the aircraft callsign "NOSEND" the computer understands you are practicing and will not submit them any further.
The "Phone Away" card is a prepaid card that you will need to have if to obtain weather, notams, or lodge/amend a flight plan over the phone.
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Australia
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Definitely got to visit William Creek, it's a classic. It actually specifically mentions in the ERSA not to land on the Oddnadatta track. It used to be common practice but one day a cessna and a land cruiser got a little up close and personal (i heard), so they changed that. Now instead of walking 5m you have to walk 50m to the pub 
A few clicks south of there is Leigh Creek and the Maree man (Here) which is fun to check out.
A flight around Ayres rock and the olgas is awesome.
VFR route 1 (i think it is) is a great flight past sydney. Awesome views.
12 apostles in Victoria is impressive (if you're in the area).
I flight around fraser island is definitely worth doing (lots of sharks), even more so if you've actually been 4-wheel driving on the island. There are charter flights to fraser which land on the beach, not sure what the rules are about that.
If you're looking to see some amazing scenery you really can't go wrong sticking to the coast, but not too challenging.
I'm loving writing this...brings back all those memories. Good luck
Rob.
A few clicks south of there is Leigh Creek and the Maree man (Here) which is fun to check out.
A flight around Ayres rock and the olgas is awesome.
VFR route 1 (i think it is) is a great flight past sydney. Awesome views.
12 apostles in Victoria is impressive (if you're in the area).
I flight around fraser island is definitely worth doing (lots of sharks), even more so if you've actually been 4-wheel driving on the island. There are charter flights to fraser which land on the beach, not sure what the rules are about that.
If you're looking to see some amazing scenery you really can't go wrong sticking to the coast, but not too challenging.
I'm loving writing this...brings back all those memories. Good luck
Rob.
PPRuNe Co-Pilot
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: The Sky
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
G'day All
Many thanks for your valuable time in replying, "SWH" very much appreciated for you in-depth post, i have bought from airservices australia 2 VTC charts and a CPL Oz Air Law which has PPL revision included ( but this is for something else, but still i think it will help me ), actually im amazed i have ordered this stuff on a Friday and got the stuff on Monday morning!!! But i still have more shopping to do with them.
Compressor Stall,
Does this mean that i must have a pint of fosters before i leave?
I agree with you, unfortunately, time wont be on my side, i wish i could do a tour of Oz, but i cant maybe later on if i decide to do my comercial in Australia ( thats my plan ).
Very much appreaciated, if you dont mind i shall send ya a PM or an email, thank you once again. And the A/C that im planning to rent is a PA28 would love either a warrior or a cherokee.
ROB-x38,
Please do so if you have more stories that you could share, im sure everyone would be interested, at least i am, this is a side f aviation that i love and combining general aviation flying with Australia is a perfect match i so much love the place.
Hoo-Roo for now
Many thanks for your valuable time in replying, "SWH" very much appreciated for you in-depth post, i have bought from airservices australia 2 VTC charts and a CPL Oz Air Law which has PPL revision included ( but this is for something else, but still i think it will help me ), actually im amazed i have ordered this stuff on a Friday and got the stuff on Monday morning!!! But i still have more shopping to do with them.
Compressor Stall,
"usually you buzz the pub and they drive out to the strip to fetch you (if indeed it is not in walking distance)."
"You will have a fantstic time, but bear in mind the REAL australia is not found on the east coast."
"I have flown light aircraft in almost every corner of Aus, so can give you a good heads up if you need more info"
ROB-x38,
I'm loving writing this...brings back all those memories. Good luck
is a perfect match i so much love the place.Hoo-Roo for now
Ramasseur des pommes
Airway,
swh is right about what you need to do to fly on your UK licence in Australia. I'm going to do over to do some flying next month, although I was told by CASA that they tend not to do the "Special Pilot Licence" anymore, but rather a "Certificate of Validation". It's valid for three months. However, the lines of communication between CASA and the CAA are not completely foolproof, so I suggest that you stay in touch with both authorities and track your application almost daily.
It's also not clear from the CASA website what you need to send them in the first instance. PM me for more information.
AppleMacster
swh is right about what you need to do to fly on your UK licence in Australia. I'm going to do over to do some flying next month, although I was told by CASA that they tend not to do the "Special Pilot Licence" anymore, but rather a "Certificate of Validation". It's valid for three months. However, the lines of communication between CASA and the CAA are not completely foolproof, so I suggest that you stay in touch with both authorities and track your application almost daily.
It's also not clear from the CASA website what you need to send them in the first instance. PM me for more information.
AppleMacster
PPRuNe Co-Pilot
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: The Sky
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AppleMacster,
Thanks very much, hope you guys wont mind if i contact any of you via PM.
Another question/favour, as you know i intend to fly from Cairns all the way down to Sydney, so if any of you are aware or have any advice on flying schools ( to rent the a/c ) along the route or places to stay i would be greatful, in the mean time i bought the Lonely Planet Guide "Australia", i know i can do a search on the internet which i will do, but i would rather ask all of you first, because of first hand experience.
Nothing is definate as of yet so i might change the route, but the above is more or less what i want to do for now.
By the way does Alice Springs have an aeroclub?
Thanks very much, hope you guys wont mind if i contact any of you via PM.
Another question/favour, as you know i intend to fly from Cairns all the way down to Sydney, so if any of you are aware or have any advice on flying schools ( to rent the a/c ) along the route or places to stay i would be greatful, in the mean time i bought the Lonely Planet Guide "Australia", i know i can do a search on the internet which i will do, but i would rather ask all of you first, because of first hand experience.
Nothing is definate as of yet so i might change the route, but the above is more or less what i want to do for now.
By the way does Alice Springs have an aeroclub?
Airway,
I agree with those who say the outback is a "must see" - and there's nothing like seeing it from the air - but I didn't refer to that above because you didn't ask about it.
However, since it has been mentioned - if you or any of your compatriots feel inclined to fly there, just be aware that it's the kind of place you should not venture into without thorough preparation. But if you do go there, you'll find the whole experience very rewarding.
Feel free to PM me if you want to know more.
I agree with those who say the outback is a "must see" - and there's nothing like seeing it from the air - but I didn't refer to that above because you didn't ask about it.
However, since it has been mentioned - if you or any of your compatriots feel inclined to fly there, just be aware that it's the kind of place you should not venture into without thorough preparation. But if you do go there, you'll find the whole experience very rewarding.
Feel free to PM me if you want to know more.
PPRuNe Co-Pilot
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: The Sky
Posts: 931
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Gidday,
Thanking you all for the advice and the PMs sent to me, very much appreaciated, your all a great "bunch"
This is why i love the land downunder
Hoo-Roo for now
Thanking you all for the advice and the PMs sent to me, very much appreaciated, your all a great "bunch"
This is why i love the land downunder
Hoo-Roo for now
