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Detectors are only effective if they’re used properly
Winter is here again which makes now a great time to check that your carbon monoxide detector is working properly before heading out to fly this season
Beyond the broadcast: avoiding conflict at non-controlled aerodromes
Non-controlled operations remain a safety challenge in aviation. Despite growing awareness and improvements to technology, near misses and collisions continue to occur.
Recent Australian Transport...
Ignite the passion – Hudson Dagge
From the dusty expanses of remote Australian cattle stations to the cockpit of a plane and now working in hangars, CASA aircraft maintenance engineer...
Drone flyer diary: Graham Doig
Drones allow new aviation technologies and ideas to be tested faster and cheaper than ever before.
Flying high? Be cautious with common medications this winter
Did you know that common cold and flu medications can impair your ability to fly or work safely in aviation—and even cause you to...
Drone flyer diary: Matt Germs
Matt Germs works at Hydrobiology, an independent environmental consultancy based in Perth that specialises in Earth and Ocean sciences.
Navigating the margins with Special VFR
Special VFR is not a workaround for poor planning or an excuse to press on.
From combat zones to cockpits
Disarming mines and bombs in the army is not your typical pathway into a career in aviation but for aircraft maintenance engineer Kurt Kinlyside it was all part of the journey
The boy who watched planes through the window
Hugh McBain's safety journey
When you speak to 29-year-old Hugh McBain about aviation, the word that instantly comes to mind is passion. Passion for people,...
Entering a trap
A recent incident highlights the hazards visual pilots face in inadvertently entering IMC
Safety management systems at work in the regions
An industry veteran emphasises the central concepts of safety management systems
Flying safely over a revived Outback
As floodwaters transform the Outback into a spectacular inland sea, pilots are reminded to stay alert to increased air traffic, wildlife activity and specific broadcast requirements in the region.
Celebrate ‘May-tenance’ month
CASA is shining a spotlight on the essential role of aircraft maintenance engineers in keeping our skies safe.
On the same frequency: phraseology and readback
In high-workload environments, a single miscommunication can quickly escalate into a serious incident.
Dial in before you drop in -what to consider when flying into private airstrips
Many pilots dream of owning an aeroplane and having it in a hangar at home.
Drone flyer diary: Martin Bass
Martin Bass has spent decades working in aviation and with drone technology.
Maintenance quiz – Autumn 2025
What is the approximate fuel flow of a large airliner such as an Airbus A350 cruising at 35,000 feet at mach 0.85?
a. 2.4...
Drone flyer diary: Josh Orr
From a young Nipper to a qualified surf life saver operating drones for Surf Life Saving NSW, Josh found a way to merge his love for the ocean with drone technology..
Avalon 2025 takes off today
It is that time again. Preparations are now finalised for one of the biggest industry and operational events on the aviation calendar, the Avalon Airshow.
Congratulations to the winners of our flight planning gear giveaway
Congratulations to the winners of our flight planning gear giveaway
Finding your niche: Clark Tidman
Clark Tidman's career in aviation isn't your typical story.
Unlock the door to open up the world
AME scholarship winner Mitchell Johnson has aviation in his blood
Drone flyer diary: Sam Nuttall
Sam Nuttall is thrilled to be working at the cutting edge of drone light show technology.
Stay OnTrack: Flying the Townsville & Cairns regions
We have developed Stay OnTrack about flying the Townsville and Cairns regions to help pilots safely navigate these busy areas.
Sharing the air
Flying into a busy non-controlled airport that shares airspace with Air Transport and commercial operators can be an intimidating experience.
However, with careful preparation and an understanding of traffic management, pilots can navigate these environments safely.
The absent-minded professor who made a safer world
James Reason, the originator of the Swiss cheese theory of accident causation died on 5 February.
Ensure you’re practising bushfire safety this summer
With the Bureau of Meteorology predicting a hot and dry summer, it’s time for all recreational and general aviation pilots to brush up on...
Your own set of wings
Like a pet, your own aircraft can be the highlight of your life and, like a pet, it is a commitment for many years....
Drone flyer diary – Jeff Gaunt
Jeff Gaunt, Operations Manager at Heliguy, is making waves in the film industry with his unique blend of drone tech and creative insight. Jeff’s...
Wings Award winner profile — Lachlan Hyde
For someone so young, Lachlan Hyde has packed more into his 23 years than most people twice his age, combining experience in the not-for-profit...
New phase for the ADS-B rebate
Now even more pilots and operators can take advantage of the Australian Government’s rebate for automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) which has been expanded for...
Lost tool crossed oceans before discovery
The 294 hours a Qantas A380 spent with a plastic tool left in its left outboard engine are a sobering reminder of the importance...
Drone flyer diary – Damien Boyer
For Damien Boyer, drones are far more than an emerging technology. They are essential tools transforming coastal safety and rescue operations. As Head of Uncrewed...
Cold fronts: preparation and awareness
Cold fronts pose unique challenges for pilots – here’s what you need to know to navigate them safely.
Cold fronts are a year-round reality for...
Think about what you’re doing: the basics of SMS
Safety is not something that just happens. It is something we do.
Drones taking agriculture sky high
In Australia, drones are increasingly being used to carry out agricultural operations such as crop monitoring and spraying, livestock management and land surveying.
We’ve compiled...
Announcing our photo competition winners
We’re excited to announce the top photos in our 2024 Shoot for the Sky photo competition. Thank you to everyone who submitted a photo...
Drone flyer diary – Ben Macht
Flying a drone near a bushfire can ground firefighting aircraft, delaying efforts and risking property damage or lives.
Ben Macht, an Air Operations Officer with the...
From retail racks to runways
Jaime Taylor’s path to aviation safety
It’s often said that aviation safety managers wear many hats, and Jaime Taylor is no exception. A recipient of...
Safety reporting is everyone’s responsibility
Have you ever noticed a hazard in your work environment that you thought might need addressing, but weren’t quite sure whether you should say...
The hack that failed
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s investigation into the destruction of a light aircraft and the deaths of its pilot and passenger revealed a variation...
Psychosocial safety in the aviation sector
It’s Airport Safety Week and the theme is ‘the hearts and minds of safety leadership’. It’s also an opportunity to shine a light on...
Leadership in focus for Airport Safety Week
Airport Safety Week starts today. The Australian Airports Association’s (AAA) annual promotion aims to highlight and support the safety of airport staff and the...
Apply for CASA’s safety manager scholarship
Are you an aviation safety manager or do you know someone who is?
If so, why not apply for one of this year’s CASA safety...
Bathurst race restrictions soon
Several temporary restricted areas (TRAs) will be in place within the Bathurst area between Tuesday 8 October and Sunday 13 October for the Bathurst...
Get fitted to protect against 5G
Ensure your radio altimeters are upgraded by 31 March 2026
Operators who fly certain instrument approach procedures must upgrade their radio altimeter (radalt) equipment...
Continuing airworthiness: it’s all about people
When you become an aircraft owner you enter a relationship, not with the aircraft - all romanticism aside it is no more than an...
Drone Flyer Diary – Elisha Chandra
In a quiet cafe on a warm day in Kuala Lumpur, Elisha Chandra sits cross-legged, sipping coffee with her travel companions. Her recent travels have...
Procedure drifted, aircraft flipped
An established but unorthodox procedure enabled a simple human error to contribute to the destruction of a training aircraft.
Instead of powering up and climbing...
Shoot for the sky photo competition now open
Do you have a winning aviation-themed photo that you think others would enjoy?
Our Shoot for the sky photo competition is now open.
We’re calling on...
Drone flyer diary – Rebecca Ludgate
Rebecca Ludgate's aviation journey was inspired by her father, a Qantas pilot.
Body of knowledge: why your aircraft’s condition is your responsibility
While aircraft maintenance management might sound daunting it’s really not that much different to what you do as an operator of a body, vehicle or home. You monitor how everything’s going and call for expert help or repairs as required.
Which check? Ensuring a safe landing
When was the last time you consciously considered why you’re performing your pre-landing checks, rather than just carrying them out because they’re on the...
Drone flyer diary – Chris Warrior
In the Yankunytjatjara language of the Yankunytjatjara people, napartji napartji means to be reciprocal.
Leave it to the professionals
Most pilots know that low flying particularly below 500 feet is not only dangerous but is in most cases prohibited.
Carbon monoxide: a winter hazard
winter flying can also present challenges. One is the increased risk of carbon monoxide (CO) exposure from internal cabin heating
Plan for the plume
New power station near Shellharbour airport
If you’re flying in the Wollongong and Shellharbour areas, be aware that the new Tallawarra B power station...
Drone flyer diary – Peter Jose
With a passion for aviation, photography and technology, Peter ‘Pete’ Jose transformed his love for the skies into a thriving aerial photography business. As...
Don’t go cold
For pilots and aircrew there is no such thing as ‘just a cold’. A viral infection affecting breathing, concentration and energy levels is a...
Navigating the airport: Understanding movement area guidance signs
To make things easier and safer for aircraft ground movements, visual aids called movement area guidance signs (MAGS) are installed at controlled (and even...
Staying safe in Class D airspace
To stay safe in Class D, it’s just as important to ‘fly according to the rules’ as it is in Class C at a...
Where are they now?
Career updates from the AME scholarship class of 2021
A lot has changed since 2021. We’ve battled bushfires, floods and a global pandemic, seen a...
Tackling a toolbox talk with maintenance engineers – carbon monoxide
Maintenance personnel play an important role in ensuring the structural integrity of aircraft. This toolbox talk dives into the topic of carbon monoxide and...
Drone flyer diary – Melanie Olsen
When Melanie Olsen was just a kid growing up on a farm, she couldn’t have dreamt she’d go on to work with drones in...
In-flight break-up of Robinson R22
A Robinson helicopter broke apart inflight in Western Australia, according to a report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau.
The bureau says the accident highlights...
Near collision at Mildura
Two aircraft taking off from intersecting runways at the same time from Mildura Airport in Victoria almost collided, an ATSB report says.
During the 6...
Maintenance Month takes flight
Aircraft maintenance engineers play a vital role in ensuring safety across the aviation industry. Millions of passengers rely on aircraft to take them on...
Wings Award winner profile — Trent Robinson
Trent Robinson's life has been soaring among the clouds since he was a child. Growing up with a father who was an airline pilot...
Drone flyer diary: Dean West
Meet Dean West, a Darwin-bred dad-of-four and veteran, whose day job involves supporting emergency services and averting disasters with the aid of cutting-edge drone...
Confused landing led to sting in the tail
A chain of misunderstandings and miscalculations brought a student and instructor terrifyingly close to a hangar during a go-around after a tail strike.
The comfort of control
The benefit of flying in controlled airspace is you are no longer alone in the sky but have a team working to keep you...
Stay OnTrack: Flying the Adelaide region
We’ve developed another booklet in the popular Stay OnTrack series to help pilots operate in and around metropolitan areas.
That can be intimidating and nerve...
Notice a fault with your radalt?
CASA wants to hear from you
CASA is monitoring the introduction of 5G across Australia following international concern about the interaction between 5G and...
Eric Moody, master of airmanship and understatement
Captain Eric Moody, the pilot-in-command of British Airways flight 9, which encountered the previously unknown hazard of volcanic ash over Indonesia on 24 June...
Mechanic’s skyward shift to aircraft engineer
Scholarship recipient Josh Kilgour reflects on his AME achievements
Embarking on a new career journey is a leap of faith that many are familiar with....
Drone flyer diary: Roberto Lujan Rocha
Meet Roberto Lujan Rocha: an environmental scientist by trade, and a passionate drone enthusiast by heart.
From chance encounter to career success
Scholarship recipient Spencer Holmes on his maintenance industry trajectory
A serendipitous stroll through his current workplace marked the beginning of Spencer Holmes's journey into engineering.
Spencer,...
Cargo and baggage – a lack of restraint
Cargo must be restrained using approved equipment or securely stowed in a place designed and approved for that purpose.
Outback AME finds her niche
Scholarship recipient Ella Watson reflects on her win
If you've ever been lucky enough to visit Fitzroy Crossing, the small town located in the Kimberley...
Flying high: a century of excellence at the Royal Victorian Aero Club
Few aero clubs can claim such a storied history as the Royal Victorian Aero Club (RVAC), dating back to 1914 — just a few...
Recognising excellence in aviation safety management
Aviation safety managers are ‘the glue of an aviation organisation’ according to aviation safety advisor Terry Horsam. They keep the organisation from coming unstuck...
Drone flyer diary: Matt Sturdy
Australia has emerged as a global hub for drone innovation, with beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) operations taking center stage. Leading this revolution is Matt...
Elevate your career with our AME scholarship program
There are 3 scholarships worth $5000 on offer for up-and-coming engineers.
Have your say in poison gas survey
CASA is launching a survey to determine the current level of knowledge within industry about the effects of carbon monoxide, and the frequency at which active detectors are used during flight.
Ace your flight review: 7 secrets to success
Flight reviews come around fast and can be a nerve-racking experience – particularly if you’re not maintaining your currency as a pilot. These 7 tips can help you ace the experience.
Beware of bushfire clouds
In September last year, the Bureau of Meteorology declared 2023/2024 to be an El Nino year, with higher-than-average temperatures and drier air, and less...
After the deluge: the challenge of flood damaged aircraft
It wasn’t just houses and businesses that fell foul of the recent flooding and torrential rain that inundated the towns of Lismore and Cairns...
Drone flyer diary: Oliver Heys
Never work a day in your life.
For many of us, Oliver Heys has scored the job of a lifetime.
Picture this: soaring a Mavic 3...
Decoding the maintenance release
Reading a maintenance release (MR) is a crucial skill for pilots. Ensuring you understand the status of an aircraft's maintenance and overall airworthiness is...
Introduction of military operating areas
To enhance the safety of airspace users during military training or exercise activities, we are phasing in a new type of special use airspace...
Bowties make safety risk analysis manageable
Are you a Part 121, 133 or 135 operator and undertaking a risk assessment of your business?
Are you finding developing a scalable and fit-for-purpose...
Drone flyer diary: Ronnie Fahy
A modern-day entrepreneur exploring the future of aerial intelligence.
The 1985 film, Back to the Future, promised us flying cars and hoverboards by the turn...
Changes to Williamtown airspace
Transitioning to Class C airspace from 30 November
To improve the efficiency and flexibility of the airspace for all users, Airservices Australia has redesigned the...
Changes to airspace at Ballina
Airspace around Ballina Airport will be controlled by air traffic controllers from 2025.
Newcastle airspace restrictions
Planning on flying in the Newcastle Williamtown airspace this month?
The Royal Australia Air Force is hosting an exciting weekend for aviation enthusiasts at...
Drone flyer diary: Andrew Crowe
State-of-the-art drone safety
Andrew Crowe’s career began more than 20 years ago as a drone operator in the Australian Army. After 7 years working in...
Probability and flight planning
Forecasts that include the probability of adverse weather conditions (PROB) trigger certain rules and regulations. It’s important to understand what’s required before you fly.
As...
Safety contact cards for visiting pilots
Rolled aircraft, fuel leaks and a bee nest in the undercarriage. These are some of the issues reported by airport staff about unattended aircraft...
Bathurst 1000 airspace restrictions
Several temporary restricted areas will be in place within the Bathurst area between Tuesday 3 October and Sunday 8 October for the Bathurst 1000...
Reap the safety benefits of installing ADS-B
Ensure a safe landing on your next journey, knowing that you can see and be seen by those around you.
Automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) is...
Drone flyer diary: Renee Bartolo
Sitting in a shipping container during a Tasmanian winter is Dr Renee Bartolo, who is prepping remote pilots for a voyage down to Antarctica...
Stay away from bushfires
El Niño adds weight and urgency to our annual bushfire warning.
Summer 2023–24 has started early, it seems, with scorching September temperatures on Australia’s east...
Helicopter operator and electric flight pioneer connect
In the latest incremental step towards electric aviation, one of the world’s largest civil helicopter operators has teamed up with a pioneer of electric...
Safety scholarships on offer
Are you an aviation safety manager or do you know someone who is?
If so, why not apply for one of this year’s CASA safety...
Bearing failure doomed Leicester stadium crash helicopter
The crash which killed a Premier League football club owner and 4 others was due to a catastrophic failure of the tail rotor pitch...
Recognising a lifetime in the skies
Chris Sievers receives his award
We’re continuing our support of Australian Flying’s CASA Wings Awards through our Safety promotion sponsorship program. The program aims to...
Helicopter quiz: Winter 2023
For each item, choose the most appropriate response.
A teetering rotor system is characterised by:
two blades joined to a hub which has a...
Flying instructor lands a Wings Award
Peter Townsend receives his award
We’re continuing our support of Australian Flying’s CASA Wings Awards through our Safety promotion sponsorship program. The program aims to...
Flying high at the 2022 Wings Awards
UPRT Australia and Lauren Jones receive their awards
CASA is continuing our support of Australian Flying’s CASA Wings Awards through our Safety promotion sponsorship...
Drone flyer diary: Philip Sargeson
Drone education – future proofing the industry
Located in southeast Queensland, approximately 130 km from Brisbane, lies a charming town called Warwick.
At Warwick Christian College,...
So wrong but then so right
A Qantas crew demonstrates a textbook reaction to a serious in-flight emergency.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) has published its report into the failure...
Gold Coast airspace closures
Planning on flying in Gold Coast airspace this month?
If so, be aware there will be airspace closures between Thursday 17 August and Sunday...
CASA sponsorship shake-up
Something a little different is happening with CASA’s Safety Promotion sponsorship program. From today, sponsorship opportunities are now available throughout the year, rather than the previous twice yearly offering.
Stay OnTrack: Flying the Darwin region
We have developed Stay OnTrack: Flying the Darwin region to help pilots safely navigate this busy area.
It adds to the other guides – for...
Drone flyer diary: Rudi and Ben
Drone racing to Hollywood aerial photography
Captivated by the world of aviation at a young age, Rudi and Ben began their drone flying careers with...
Top class aviation safety in the Top End
It’s quite the transition going from the meticulous world of banking as an agribusiness bank manager to running an aviation business alongside your brother.
The...
Drone flyer diary: Melissa Hele
Managing weeds from great heights
A decade of working in the environmental conservation industry has shown Melissa Hele, Sunshine Coast Council’s current Invasive Weeds Project...
Nose gear collapse video makes strong case for upgrade
There have been a number of notable nose-over accidents on Van's aircraft but an occurrence captured on video makes strong case for owners to...
New student guides now available
After a successful preview at the Australian International Airshow 2023 earlier this year, 2 new guides designed to help students get started in the...
Flying from the pilot’s seat to soaring in safety management
The crystal waters of the Whitsundays are a siren call to many young pilots working on accruing their all-important flight hours. And it was no different for Arlie Beach-based Jai Bradford, one of our inaugural safety manager scholarship recipients.
Stay OnTrack: Flying the Melbourne region
If you’re a VFR pilot flying into Melbourne for the first time, we have good news for you.
We know flying into metropolitan areas can...
Don Bateman : engineer and lifesaver
When Don Bateman was a schoolboy in Canada he sneaked out of class to see the result of a collision between two military training...
Drone flyer diary – Andrew Tridgell
The future of managing bushfires with drones
The 21st century has proved that drones are highly versatile in serving a multitude of purposes.
From thrilling drone...
Subsidy scheme for ADS-B extended
The Australian Government is extending the scheme which reduces the cost of installing safety-enhancing automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) equipment on aircraft.
Cancelled: Significant airspace restrictions – Sydney and Canberra
Airspace restrictions planned for Canberra and Sydney for 22 to 25 May have been cancelled.
Safety first for SMS manager
It was a humble start as a baggage handler with some of Australia’s biggest commercial airlines that led to Sean Innes becoming one of our inaugural safety manager scholarship recipients.
Flying ops quiz
You are operating a twin-engine aeroplane and plan to overfly a populous area on your departure. What is the minimum height at...
IKEA principles guide AME awardee
AME scholarship recipient Jack Callow says if you can put together IKEA furniture, you have probably got a great head start in aircraft engineering.
Drone flyer diary – Dominic Papasergio
Dominic Papasergio's love for all things aviation spans over 40 years, stemming from when his brother was a pilot in the United States throughout the 1970s and 1980s.
Sponsorship program now open
Here’s some help for your organisation to promote safety
Does your organisation or flying club promote aviation safety? If so, then you’re invited to apply...
Engineering career ‘in the blood’ for AME recipient
When originally pursuing a career in the health industry, it wasn’t too long before aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) Sam Philpot realised he’d made a...
What could you write about safety?
A $2,000 prize is being offered for the best essay about improving aviation safety.
The scholarship is sponsored by CASA and the Australian Society of...
Safety study award honours Mac Job
Aviation safety pioneer and former Flight Safety Australia contributor Macarthur Job is being remembered in a way he would surely have approved of: The...
‘Passion is priceless’ for AME scholarship winner
A ‘can-do’ work ethic and a positive outlook has allowed James Gaha to excel in his career. He has worked hard to establish a...
Making it easier to follow the rules
We’ve updated 2 of our popular guides for pilots.
The new version of the Plain English guide for the general operating and flight rules makes...
Hard work pays off for engineer
If there was one thing that stood out for Hayden McDonald during his engineering apprenticeship, it was the friendships he made.
‘Strangers stuck in the...
Survey of aviation services
It's time to have your say on aviation met services
The Bureau of Meteorology provides meteorological services for the aviation industry. This includes international, domestic...
Drone flyer diary – Ru Maka
Combating climate change with drone technology
Ru Maka has had a keen interest in drone technology since 2016.
After working in a variety of drone-related roles,...
Avalon returns to southern skies
After 4 years of folded wings, Australia’s biggest aviation event – the Avalon Airshow – is finally ready for take-off. And Flight Safety Australia...
Metal failure sent wooden prop spinning
A suspected bird strike turned out to be something more worrying for aircraft operators.
A Jabiru aircraft’s wooden propeller separated in flight due to extensive...
New scholarships for engineers
Do you know anyone aspiring to become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer (LAME)?
CASA is again offering 3 aircraft maintenance engineers (AME) scholarships worth $5,000.
The...
An unwelcome twist
A serious in-flight incident highlights the hazard posed by maintenance error, and the importance of knowledge and procedure in minimising it.
A report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) into an incident in 2021 found oil lines on an aircraft had been mistakenly transposed.
Scholarships aim for safer skies
CASA is excited to announce the winners of the inaugural safety manager scholarship program.
Three scholarships - worth up to $5,000 each - were awarded.
Carburettor icing led to fatal crash
This cautionary tale has lost none of its power since it was first published in 2016
The pilot and passenger died when their amateur-built Van's Aircraft RV-6 suffered engine failure on final approach to Mudgee Airport.
Tangle of assumptions led to separation anxiety
An unnerving incident at Ballina Airport is a stern reminder of the importance of never making assumptions about airspace, or other aircraft - and of the trap posed by assumptions you don't know you have made.
Drone flyer diary – Jackie Carpenter
Using drones to help students thrive through STEM
Jackie Carpenter is Founding Director of the One Giant Leap Australia Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation that advances...
Balloon collision highlights decision skills
Slow motion nightmare as the 2 balloons come together. Video courtesy ATSB.
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) reported today on a collision between 2...
New way to subscribe to online news and alerts
We’ve made it easier for you to get the Flight Safety Australia news and information most of interest to you.
Bonza cleared for take-off
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority today issued an Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC) to new Australian airline Bonza after the carrier submitted final documents and...
Drone flyer diary – Roger Fairest
Roger Fairest is the chief remote pilot and finance manager for 'Drone That', a Brisbane-based organisation that specialises in using drones to manage vegetation across southern Queensland.
AME scholarship winner: Luke Dufficy
Aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) scholarship recipient Luke Dufficy has some sage advice for anyone contemplating a career in aircraft engineering.
The scholarship provides $5,000 financial support to encourage and assist promising AMEs in their training and help them achieve a Part 66 CASR licence.
Crash highlights need for terrain warning
A terrain avoidance and warning system (TAWS) would have warned the pilot of a Cessna 404 that crashed into dunes near Lockhart River Airport in Queensland, killing 5 people on 11 March 2020, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) said yesterday.
Change of mind led to deadly flight
VFR pilots have again been urged not to ‘push on’ in poor meteorological conditions after a fatal helicopter accident in the NSW Snowy Mountains...
Drone flyer diary – John Coulombe
John Coulombe is a California-born environmental scientist with broad experience in many industries, including being a professional firefighter in the United States and a bike mechanic in Switzerland.
Call for global focus on mental health
COVID-19 and an unsettled world have left many of us experiencing some form of mental distress in our recent lives. Despite a good awareness of the issues and a willingness to help our friends and colleagues, however, we find it hard to acknowledge our own issues and seek help. It’s Australian stoicism at its best.
Sky’s the limit photo competition winners
Thank you to all the photographers who entered our Sky's the limit photo competition. We've had a fantastic response in the number of amazing photos submitted. Making the final selection wasn't easy. The winners will appear in the Flight Safety Australia 2023 calendar.
Helicopter ops
1. Static rollover is when:
one part of the undercarriage is stuck on the ground during lift-off
the helicopter tips up on one undercarriage...
Smashing the mental illness stereotype
Military veteran and pilot Kevin Humphreys emerged from the shadow of mental illness by accepting his condition and dealing with it. Now he’s helping...
Drone flyer diary – Anthony Banks
The passionate teacher creating a pathway for the pilots of the future.
We first came across Anthony Banks and the great work he does at...
Flight Safety Australia survey results
We recently asked you for your feedback on Flight Safety Australia.
We would like to thank the 792 people who took the time to complete...
New scholarship launched for aviation safety managers
Anybody with a passion for aviation knows that safety is as important to the industry as oxygen is to breathing.
So, superlatives aside, CASA is...
Drone flyer diary – Kane Leussink
A young recreational drone flyer finds enjoyment and fun spending time outdoors and having a new perspective from the sky
Kane Leussink is a 17-year-old...
Organisational factors combined with heat and winds in tanker crash
A lack of complete situational information and defined procedures contributed to the crash of a Lockheed C-130 Hercules during the catastrophic bushfires of January...
World champion loops over backwards for flying club
There will be aviation entertainment for a good cause when Red Bull Air Race World Champion pilot Matt Hall gives an aerobatic display at...
Drone flyer diary – Michael Pacchini
A passionate drone pilot creating opportunities in the aviation industry for students
Michael Pacchini is the chief remote pilot for UAVAir, a training provider that...
Peter Lloyd, AC OBE MiD
Pilot, administrator and innovator of Australian aviation George Alfred ‘Peter’ Lloyd has died, aged 101. He passed away on Tuesday at his home at...
Stay OnTrack: Flying the Perth region
Flying into metropolitan areas can be intimidating and nerve racking, as you share the airspace with a diverse mix of traffic.
CASA recently developed Stay...
Crashed helicopter had landed but took off again under cloud
A privately operated helicopter that crashed in Kosciuszko National Park, NSW, killing the two people on board had landed earlier in the day as...
Over $3500 in prizes as photo contest takes off
Budding aviation photographers could take home a gift card worth up to $500 and get their work published in our Flight Safety Australia calendar...
Safety promotion sponsorship
Program now open for applications
CASA’s safety promotion sponsorship program for this year is now open.
It’s an opportunity to support aviation organisations or individuals who...
Stay OnTrack: Flying the Brisbane region
Stay OnTrack: Flying the Brisbane region is the latest in a series of guides being developed by CASA to help pilots navigate busy metropolitan...
Drone flyer diary – Isaac Mannion
Drones successfully engaging STEM students in the classroom
Isaac Mannion is a dedicated science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) teacher at Riverina Anglican College, Wagga...
New regulatory roadmap for drones and advanced air mobility in Australia
We’re paving the way for remotely piloted aircraft (drones) and advanced air mobility (AAM) in Australia with our new regulatory roadmap.
With the rapidly growing...
Tackling one wetland at a time
Mitigating the mosquito issue with drones – reducing risk and cost and improving efficiency
The City of Bayswater Council is working closely with drone specialist...
Ballina airspace review
CASA is seeking comments on the draft airspace review of Ballina, New South Wales.
The review was conducted to assess current risks and propose solutions....
Drone flyer diary – John Fardoulis
For John Fardoulis, it was discontent with his career in business and publishing that led him to his dream job as an international specialist...
Pilots urged to be aware of Ballina radio changes
Flying in and around Ballina, Lismore, Casino and Evans Head?
New radio frequencies are being introduced to ease congestion and improve safety around these aerodromes.
The...
Frank fixes so others can fly
Frank Watkins recently received his CASA 2021 scholarship certificate from CASA Board Chair Mark Binskin.
The opportunity to present Frank with his certificate in person...
Five tips when hiring a drone professional
More and more industries are now using drones to improve their business.
From farming and mining to wedding photographers and search and rescue, they are...
Drone technology – the next step forward for safer beaches
A shark is spotted. The alarm echoes. You run out of the water. You’re safe!
Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes...
Scarlett’s choice: a life in ATC
Playing three-dimensional chess with real aircraft for pieces isn’t for everyone, but Scarlett McNab excelled, despite no background in aviation.
Most people who become...
Flight Safety Australia winter edition out soon
This winter we explore electric vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft, plan an air safari, revisit a de Havilland Mosquito crash from 1944 and learn lessons...
Preparing for tomorrow’s skies, today
Are you working on something new for aviation? If so, we’d love to hear from you.
We’re calling on designers, manufacturers, inventors and other people...
Drone flyer diary – Jaiden Maclean
A new perspective on drone fishing catches on
It all started with a blog – Sea Ulcer – that captured the ocean adventures of 4...
Cut-price ADS-B to boost safety
Owners of general aviation and recreational aircraft don’t have to wait until June to take advantage of a federal government rebate slashing by up...
‘I just want to fly’
Many high flyers descended on Hobart last week for the Australian Women Pilots’ Association conference. The theme for 2022 was ‘Bass Strait and beyond’.
The...
The challenge of flood-damaged aircraft
It isn’t just houses and businesses that fell foul of the recent flooding and torrential rain plaguing Australia’s East Coast – aircraft also were...
Applying for a medical certificate? Avoid the CASA queue
It’s a common misconception that all medical certificate applications and renewals must be reviewed and approved by CASA.
For class 1 applicants and people with...
Don’t go if you don’t know
As Australia continues to be battered by bouts of extreme weather, visual flight rules (VFR) pilots are being exhorted to avoid ‘get-there-itis’
The eternal question...
Maddy ‘humbled’ by scholarship success
Jetstar Airways aircraft maintenance engineer Maddy Candy couldn’t recommend a better career if she tried.
Maddy is one of our 6 CASA 2021 scholarship holders...
Pitot covers left on made for tense BUSS ride
The pilots of an airliner that took off from Brisbane Airport were confronted by a complete lack of airspeed information after covers were left...
The flight deck is female
Debbie Slade began her flying career by shooing sheep off a grassy paddock to do circuit training
Closing the gate on the sheep was long...
Drone safety to be taught in schools
School students across Australia can build their skills as next-generation pilots through an innovative safety campaign being launched by CASA
Children represent a growing proportion...
An engineer’s journey: Yvette Payne
On this International Women's day, I bet you can count on one hand how many women in your sphere have a textbook on engines...
Captain Moody’s wisdom: ‘the aeroplane might break any minute’
Airmanship may sound old school but former British Airways captain Eric Moody argues it is just as important now as it was when he...
Drone flyer diary – Dean Casciato
Drones reduce safety risks across a range of industries
After working in commercial TV as a camera assistant for 15 years, Dean Casciato decided to...
Heavy metal and the light brigade
The best in general aviation and airline flying have important operational lessons for each other.
General aviation (GA) and airline transport represent opposite ends of...
AME Scholarship winner: Deborah Dewar
Working hard and letting your work speak for itself is the advice from AME Scholarship recipient Deborah Dewar.
Deborah, a B2 licensed engineer at Premiair...
Whittling down the crash rate
Rob Whittle is stepping into some big shoes when he conducts the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s AvSafety seminars in Murwillumbah in northern New South...
Preparing for the future in simulation
Flight safety training with only a fraction of the cost and risk
With the world still in the grip of a global pandemic, aviation continues...
The lessons of history: how resilience distilled from experience saved QF32
Pilot development
An unlikely connection between Apollo 13 and a Qantas A380 crippled by a catastrophic engine failure underscores the value of learning from the...
Drone flyer diary – Sue Osborn
By Sarah Guttler
Imagine coordinating the largest drone light display in the southern hemisphere
In early January, this became a reality for Sue Osborn from Mirragin...
Remember to speak up for safety
ROY G. BIV has long been one of the world’s most colourful characters, while astronomers were once happy to declare that many volcanoes erupt...
Android RePL now available
Android users are now able to store a digital copy of their remote pilot licence (RePL) on their devices, using Google Pay.
Previously, a digital...
Supporting the next generation – Preelan Naidoo
Aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) Preelan Naidoo says receiving one of CASA’s highly sought after scholarships at RotorTech 2021 earlier this year was an experience...
Drone flyer diary – Debbie Saunders
As she searches from the skies, Dr Debbie Saunders can be on the lookout for animals as diverse as missing koalas, endangered Vietnamese pangolins...
Patty Wagstaff: The sky’s not the limit – it’s your attitude
In this interview, American aviator Patty Wagstaff gives her tips for staying safe in the skies
Patty Wagstaff might be one of the world’s most...
Now available – guides to help pilots comply with new flight ops rules
Guides designed to help pilots and operators understand the rules of the air have been updated and refreshed to reflect the new operating rules...
Review the changes in the AIP
With the new flight operations regulations coming into effect tomorrow, you’ll see some changes in the 2 December 2021 Aeronautical Information Publication.
The majority...
Give the gift of safety this Christmas!
Looking for the perfect gift for the aviator in your life? Or perhaps like to treat yourself this festive season? Then grab this Flight...
New drone safety apps
Five new CASA-verified drone safety apps are now available for recreational and commercial drone operators to download and use.
The apps give users location-based information...
Chilling warning for Summer flyers
Icing is a year-round hazard, as a recent Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) report makes unsettlingly clear.
On 19 December 2019, a turbine powered Cessna...
Drone Flyer Diary – Phil De Glanville
Accelerating from designer to award-winning drone photographer
Phil De Glanville’s reputation as a leading photographer took flight when he was named a category winner...
Stay away from bushfires
With the bushfire season already upon us, it’s time to remind all pilots – commercial, recreational and drone – to stay away from bushfires...
When one door closes, another opens
Flying a plane can be intense at the best of times – you’re hyper aware of your surroundings, intently monitoring your systems and listening...
Drone Flyer Diary – Corey Roberts
Architect’s career takes off with drones
For many commercial drone operators, flying drones was once a hobby that merged into something more.
For Corey Roberts, flying...
Safety is always our destination
Airport safety week, which begins today, is tailored specifically to engage with people working on an aerodrome.
It is a collaboration between the Australian Airports...
Sponsorship grants are now available
CASA’s general sponsorship program is now open.
It’s an opportunity to support aviation organisations or individuals that want to advance and promote aviation safety.
Sponsorship usually...
RAAus promotion month puts safety front and centre
October is Recreational Aviation Australia’s (RAAus) National Safety Month, a serendipitous bit of timing, given that lockdowns are easing in eastern Australia. The theme...
Drone Flyer Diary – Adam Grant
Drone operation offers ‘next level’ skillset
In this edition of Drone Flyer Diary, we talk to Canberra cinematographer Adam Grant about how drones are fast...
Rolls-Royce flies in electric style
The future of aviation will be at least partially electric. For many this conjures up grim visions of autonomous insect-like drones and urban air...
Stay OnTrack: Flying the Gold Coast region
Flying into the Gold Coast is a unique experience – pilots with a range of flying skills share the airspace with a diverse mix...
Flying straight
Pilots who are fighting an addiction can seek confidential help to save their careers
Hylton Ward, a charter operator based in Winton in north-west Queensland,...
Drone Flyer Diary – Craig Garth
Flying high for local government
In this edition of Drone Flyer Diaries, we talk to Tasmanian drone pilot Craig Garth about finding his professional wings...
Staying true: bulletin covers compass maintenance
It vies with the wind-indicating tuft of wool for the title of simplest aircraft instrument, requires no power source and is always on standby....
Investigator seeks help from helicopter industry
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is asking for help from pilots, operators and engineers with knowledge of aft tail cone bulkhead or tail rotor...
Forgotten tool led to rejected take-off
The Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s latest aviation report deals with one of aviation’s oldest human factors hazards.
On 23 October 2020, a Jetstar Airways Airbus...
Sights set up to the sky
While most people think of pilots flying passengers around the world on commercial airlines, there are many more diverse career paths in aviation.
To celebrate National...
TAF review: what’s happening with the weather
In Australia, aerodrome forecasts (terminal area forecasts, TAFs) are funded by a meteorological service charge (MSC) levied on the aviation industry. To ensure this...
Drone Flyer Diary – Victorian Drone Flyers
‘We were just two guys flying drones in an empty paddock,’ says Chris Robert Perry, describing the humble beginnings of the Victorian Drone Flyers...
Celebrated pilot killed in warbird crash
The US Navy pilot whose skill and flamboyance were the inspiration for the film Top Gun has been killed in the crash of a...
Pilot career guide out now
Fast forward to the near future (post COVID-19) when the aviation industry is back in full flight: it’s estimated nearly 265,000 pilots will be...
The lessons of a nervous afternoon
A recent report from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is a reminder that diligent weather planning is important for every flight in a...
Nominations open for CASA Wings Awards
We’re continuing our support of Australian Flying’s CASA Wings Awards through our sponsorship program.
The program aims to improve and raise awareness of the importance of aviation safety for the benefit of...
Drone Flyer Diary – Adam Smith
Drone photographer Adam Smith’s Instagram feed is an influencer’s dream: curated scenes of stunning sunsets, swarming sharks and wonderous whales.
Adam travels extensively along the...
Vintage Canberra back in the air
The RAAF’s English Electric Canberra has returned to the air, making its first flight in 11 years this week.
On Monday 28 June the Cold...
Left unspoken
When National Transportation Safety Board investigators investigated a crash that killed 10 people, they were confronted by a terrible silence.
About 11 minutes after 9...
CASA lifts Bristell restrictions
CASA has lifted restrictions preventing Bristell Light Sport Aircraft self-certified by BRM Aero Ltd from being used in stall training.
This advice was provided to...
Helicopter pilot lost control in darkness over water
The pilot of a helicopter that crashed, killing 5 people, was not qualified to fly at night, and lost control after encountering the combination...
Winners of engineers’ scholarships
We’re excited to announce the recipients of our first-ever aircraft maintenance engineer (AME) scholarships.
Preelan Naidoo, Madison Candy, Daniel Catterall, Deborah Dewar, James Doyle and Frank Watkins will each receive a...
Drone Flyer Diary – Andrew Reitsma
While Qantas' A380s continue to hibernate in the Mojave Desert in the USA, the staff who flew these magnificent birds are not sitting idle.
Pilot...
Close ‘Call us’
We know the aviation community loves to learn from others’ mistakes – that’s why we publish Close calls.
If you’ve got a story to tell,...
myCASA slashes admin time
Douglas Heath, the Managing Director of Aircraft Australia, says the ease of accessing CASA services while on the road has proven invaluable.
Based in Queensland,...
Drone Flyer Diary – Grant Cameron
Using 'tech for good' is a mantra drone operator Grant Cameron likes to live by.
Kamilaroi man Grant is manager of the Indigenous Digital Excellence...
Don’t get caught out by codeine
Two people in safety-sensitive aviation roles have recently tested positive to codeine.
With the cold and flu season upon us, this is a timely reminder...
Drone Flyer Diary – Thomas and Paul Bitmatta
Back in the day, typical father-son bonding activities probably brought to mind fishing, camping and working on cars. The hands-on hobbies involving building and technical skills still prevail,...
Women pilots gather for outback conference
Broken Hill airport will be crowded this weekend as women pilots converge on the historic mining city to learn more about flying safely in...
Mars helicopter carries Wright stuff on first flight
A small piece of the first heavier than atmosphere aircraft to make a powered controlled flight on Earth will be on board the first...
CASA employee in RAAF centenary fly-past
By Sarah Guttler
When a swarm of aircraft flew over Canberra recently to celebrate the RAAF’s centenary, CASA employee Mick Poole was privileged to participate.
He...
Electric freighters on order
International logistics company UPS will buy up to 150 piloted electric aircraft for short-range deliveries, with the first expected to fly in 2024.
UPS’s Flight...
RAAF fills sky for centenary fly-past
CASA and Flight Safety Australia are about civil aviation but the Royal Australian Air Force, while obviously military, has had a profound influence on...
CASA sponsors drone safety signs
A new round of sponsorship to promote drone safety is now open.
CASA is accepting applications from individuals, organisations, local government councils and airports to...
Tell us what equipment you have on board
We want to better understand pilots who fly VFR so we know how potential airspace changes may affect you.
Therefore, we would like to know...
Drones – beyond visual line of sight ops
CASA is developing guidance to help drone pilots conduct operations beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
Currently, we assess these applications from holders of a...
Reporting – why it’s important
Most aviators know why it’s important to report the big things, but what about those smaller issues?
These are the ones that could lead to...
A familiar sad story
Like countless others, a private pilot with decades of experience died when he flew into cloud and became spatially disorientated.
It was no good. The...
Drone Flyer Diaries – Henry Corbell
It was a YouTube video captured in a French forest that first caught the eye of Henry Corbell, a young tech enthusiast from Canberra.
The...
Drone Flyer Diaries – Jade King
If you found yourself watching MasterChef last year (both the adults and kids’ versions), you may have noticed Australian native foods were at the forefront of some amazing...
Seaplane report prompts exhaust gas warning
Carbon monoxide poisoned the pilot of the tourist seaplane that crashed in Jerusalem Bay, north of Sydney, on New Year’s Eve 2017, the Australian...
Engineers scholarship now open
Do you know of any aspiring licensed aircraft maintenance engineers (LAMEs) currently working on their CASA Part 66 aircraft maintenance engineers (AME) licence?
We’re offering a fantastic opportunity – three scholarships...
Drone registration and operator accreditation – it’s the law
If you fly a drone or remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) for business or as part of your job, it must be registered and its...
Forked runway, split attention
A Virgin Australia ATR 72 crew’s attempt to take off from the wrong runway at Canberra Airport exposed several procedural and human factors issues,...
Drone Flyer Diaries – Amanda Meys
With CASA’s commercial drone registration deadline just around the corner, Amanda Meys, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s (CSIRO) chief remote pilot, was...
Flying ops quiz
Carburettor heat is provided to combat icing within the carburettor and induction system and directs heated air into the carburettor inlet. The alternate...
Don’t bust it – avoiding controlled and restricted airspace
Controlled airspace is always changing, whether it’s new runways and airports or changes to instrument flight procedures. Operational needs or an increase in traffic...
Top tips for radio calls
Over the summer months, more people are in the skies enjoying the great weather and sharing the airwaves with a variety of traffic –...
Look out, listen in and speak up at Ballina
It’s important for everyone who uses this airport to be on their best game
If you want to see the variety of aviation in Australia,...
Snake – but not quite on a plane
A brown snake slithers across the floor inside the Atherton Aero Club during its first CASA-sponsored community aviation safety seminar, scattering its socially distanced...
Happy 100th birthday to Peter Lloyd, AC OBE MiD
A familiar and seemingly eternal presence in Australian aviation safety has notched up a remarkable milestone. G. A. ‘Peter’ Lloyd celebrates his 100th birthday...
Chuck Yeager 1923–2020
Chuck Yeager, the first pilot to fly faster than the speed of sound, died today. He was 97. His death severs the last living...
Cabin safety quiz
As a passenger, do you know what to do in an emergency? We introduce some of the safety features and procedures that cabin crew...
Yet again: out of a clear blue sky
It’s one of the saddest stories in aviation, and the most enduring. Since the first publication of an aircraft crash investigation in 1912 countless...
Aircraft were metres from disaster
What would in all probability have been Australia’s worst aviation disaster was narrowly avoided at Albury in NSW in October 2019. A training aircraft...
Drone Flyer Diaries – Andrew Dunstan
Back in July, the world’s media was captivated by mesmerising drone footage of thousands upon thousands of white-striped turtles swimming through the Great Barrier...
The secrets behind the flying radar ‘roo
As our national airline celebrates 100 years, here’s a special gift to avgeeks everywhere–the inside story of the famous ‘roo in the sky
Many years...
Managing safety at aerodromes
New regulations mean some aerodromes will need to develop their first safety management system (SMS) and many aerodromes will need to review their existing...
Watch out for debris at airports
Today’s theme for Airport safety week is foreign object debris (FOD)—the potential for damage to aircraft and what aerodromes can do to prevent it.
FOD...
We are in this together, for Airport Safety Week
Airport Safety Week kicks off today and, for the first time, we’re joining forces with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) and Airservices Australia.
The...
Shark spotter drone warns surfer
Summer is officially nearly two months away, but drones are already proving their worth in detecting sharks near Australian beaches.
Drone footage emerged last week...
RAAus National Safety Month
Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) is conducting a campaign this month that will interest people from all streams of aviation.
There's $10,000 worth of giveaways up...
Coming up in Summer in Flight Safety Australia
The theme of the Summer edition of Flight Safety Australia is how to have a safe and enjoyable return to GA flying as pandemic...
Preparing for the bushfire season
In the wake of the devastating 2019–20 bushfire season, fire crews and emergency services across the country have been busily preparing as summer approaches.
In...
The dangers of a brief debrief
Learning to fly may be one of the steepest learning curves you embrace in your lifetime. An instructor can make the difference between a...
Turbulence on day of tanker crash
Winds and turbulence on the day a Lockheed C-130 Hercules crashed in the Snowy Mountains were strong enough to provoke a 45-degree uncommanded roll...
Maker offers rides in urban air vehicle
Want a quick ride in the (possible) future of aviation? Got 300 euro ($A489.42) to spare? Then you too can enjoy 15 minutes of...
Safety management and COVID-19
Aircraft do not get sick from viruses but nonetheless COVID-19 is an aviation hazard.
The virus has brought many challenges for aviation organisations, each of...
Have your say on the 2020 TAF review
An aerodrome forecast (TAF) is a statement of meteorological conditions expected in the airspace within a radius of five nautical miles of the aerodrome...
AvSafety seminars are returning
CASA is slowly recommencing the schedule for the popular AvSafety seminars, with the advertised dates remaining tentative until the event is open for registration.
The...
When the tug overpowers the glider
The author warns about gliders spearing off to one side at launch and, on a couple of occasions, being written off.
By James Cooper
I once...
IFR operations
Refer to the YSWG ILS-Y 23 approach chart.
1 You are currently tracking inbound on the 080°R WG VOR. Your GPS shows a distance...
Low-cost ADS-B
See. Be Seen. Avoid. It’s a simple principle that CASA is encouraging all visual flight rules (VFR) pilots should adopt.
To assist in being ‘seen’, there is now an easy and relatively cheaper option using automatic dependent surveillance...
Queen of the sky makes graceful exit
A piece of Australian aviation history leaves our shores today, on its way to a Californian aircraft boneyard. It is the last flight of...
Frequency congestion
The key to safety when using the radio in your aircraft is to pause before speaking. The discipline of a moment’s silence between keying...
Small cameras in aircraft: take care of your selfie
In the 20th century the notion of putting high-resolution movie cameras capable of shooting at 60 frames per second and recording stereo sound into...
The mental health and wellbeing of the aviation industry
By Capt. Laurie Shaw
The dichotomy of the present global situation is that the aviation industry is designed to connect people while, at the same...
