Night Operations
A night evacuation of a seriously ill or injured patient can result in chaos by having to organise many things at short notice.
The RFDS strongly urges people to keep prepared flares in readiness and that an RFDS Evacuation Plan is made with all participants aware of their responsibilities.
The types of lighting suitable for normal use by RFDS are:
- Fixed electric runway lights connected to a mains supply (or generator), or portable solar charged battery powered electric runway lights, both of a type approved by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA), plus an illuminated wind direction indicator (wind sock)
- Dry cell or rechargeable battery powered runway lights of an approved type
- Liquid (diesel or kerosene) fuelled wick fed flares, used in conjunction with dry cell or rechargeable battery powered runway end lights
Professional advice should be sought for design and installation of mains powered lighting and is advised for solar charged battery powered airstrip lighting systems. These two types of airstrip lighting can be fitted with a pilot activated lighting (PAL) system.
Emergency Operations
In an emergency, types of lighting that may be used are:
- Battery powered white lights or liquid fuelled flares
- Cans, such as large powdered milk cans, part filled with sand and fuelled with diesel or kerosene and ignited with the help of a small charge of petrol
- In special cases, reflectors used in combination with runway lights
- Car headlights
Note: Not all RFDS operating Sections are approved for all types of emergency landing operations. The above is provided for your information only. The RFDS operation appropriate to your location must be contacted for further advice.