Care & Maintenance
Your failure to do this could result in a tragedy.
There are in excess of 2,000 landing strips in the RFDS network, many of which are used on a regular basis and many others that exist purely for medical visits.
RFDS pilots are continually checked for their proficiency in operating within all kinds of airfields, both day and night, in good and bad weather and as such, are highly regarded for their abilities within the aviation industry.
Our pilots always put safety first and have a CAN DO, BUT CAN DO SAFELY mindset, which means they will NEVER jeopardise the safety of the aircraft and crew by flying into unknown or poorly maintained airfields.
Therefore, it is important that your airstrip is kept well maintained on a regular basis, especially after heavy rain periods. Please do not wait for a medical emergency to occur before you maintain your airstrip.
RFDS aircraft have tricycle undercarriages and touch down speeds at nearly 200 kph which calls for a much smoother landing surface than that required for other aircraft, to effectively maintain full steerage control and avoid any possibility of aircraft damage.
Our pilots are happy to advise you on airstrip standards and we look forward to your full co-operation in this regard. As a guide the following information should assist you in identifying how you can maintain your airstrip so that the RFDS can always attend in an emergency situation.
Strip Length
The distance required for landing and take off varies considerably with the strip surface type, wind, temperature, elevation above sea level and the weight of the aircraft at the time.
For reliable service, strips should be at least 1,000 metres long adding an additional 90 metres for every 1,000 feet above sea-level. Whilst landing on shorter strips is possible, it cannot be guaranteed at all times.
Strip Surface
As mentioned above, the surface of the strip affects the length required for take off and landing. The best surface is sealed bitumen and the worst surface long wet grass. Sealing a strip with bitumen is expensive and unless your airstrip is used for regular community access, we would not expect you to go to that expense.
You can help us by following these guidelines:
Grass surfaces should have the strip width slashed on a regular basis and cleared of any saplings, fallen logs or ant and termite mounds. Remember to trim around strip edge cone markers or white painted tyres used as strip markers so they are clearly visible to the pilot.
Gravel/clay surfaces should be clear of ruts, undulations, large rocks, ant and termite mounds and where possible regularly graded to remove livestock hoof prints and tyre ruts, especially after heavy rain.
The immediate 15 metres either side of the strip surface should be cleared of any obstacles including ant hills, tree stumps, large rocks or stones and fencing wire, to ensure minimal damage to the aircraft should it run off the strip during landing or take off.
The presence of holes, cracks and ruts will degrade the aircraft's performance and handling and will increase the possibility of structural damage. The smoothness of the surface can be tested by driving a fullen laden 3 tonne vehicle along the runway at a speed of 80 kph. If this is accomplished without discomfort to the occupants, the surface can be considered satisfactory.
Approach and take off areas
At either end of the landing site, the approach and take off areas should include of an area of 900 metres which is clear of objects including fences, trees, saplings and windmills above a slope of 3.3%. This means that a tree 100 metres from the strip end must not be any higher than 3.3 metres. Any obstacle in the approach of take off areas reduces the length available for landing and take off.
Strip width and obstacle clear approach areas are to comply with the diagram under Airstrip construction.
Strip Marker
Strip markers assist the pilot in identifying where it is safe to land. Specially made fiberglass cone markers are the best however tractor or truck tyres painted white are sufficient. Cone markers or tyres should be placed at 90 metre intervals along the edges of the landing strip which is 45 metres wide.
If white painted tyres are used, ensure they are clearly visible because collision with them will damage the aircraft
Cone markers can be purchased from:
Fabri Glass Moulding
18 Lawson Street
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Phone/Fax: 02 6652 5325
Email: fgmcoffs@hotmail.com
Website: www.fgmcoffs.com.au
Wind Indicators
Pilots must be able to identify the wind direction and a wind sock is the best method. In emergencies when no wind sock is available, other means such as a specially prepared and contained smoke fire can be used.
Wind socks are available from:
Fabri Glass Moulding
18 Lawson Street
Coffs Harbour NSW 2450
Phone/Fax: 02 6652 5325
Email: mcoffs@hotmail.com
Website: www.fgmcoffs.com.au
Rocklea Canvas
PO Box 114
Archerfield QLD 4108
Phone: 07 3277 2845 Fax: 07 3277 0296
Email: haulmark@ozemail.com.au
Aero Associates
PO Box 239
Cooma NSW 2630
Freecall: 1800 022277 Fax: 02 6452 6464
Email: aero@snowy.net.au
Fencing
Livestock and wild animals are extremely dangerous to aircraft, especially at night where it is difficult for the pilot to see them. They cause considerable damage to the strip surface particularly during heavy rain where their hoofs leave large indents and ruts. It is preferable that your strip is completely fenced to prevent livestock from wandering onto the surface during landing or take off.
If the airstrip is not fenced, clearing of the strip and surrounding area is essential, as is communication with the pilot on UHF Channel 5 or a prearranged discrete frequency to alert them to the possibility of any danger with livestock or wild life.