Do you have an RFDS airstrip? Make sure it's up-to-date

Do you have an RFDS airstrip? Please complete the form

Date published

25 Sep 2024

Over the past 20 years, RFDS has operated across more than 300 airstrips throughout Far West and Western NSW.

Some of these, such as our regular clinic airstrips, are part of our routine flights, whilst others are access in emergency situations.

With so many airstrips available to us, it is crucial that we maintain up-to-date information for each location. This ensures that the airstrips are being regularly maintained and that we have accurate contact details for your support team on the ground, should our crew need to land at your location.

Each time we are tasked to an airstrip, we must speak with someone who has a thorough understanding of its current condition. If your airstrip is one we utilise, or if you would like to nominate your airstrip for potential use by RFDS, please complete this form.

Airstrip Requirements

For new airstrips or upgrades to existing ones, we recommend the following specifications to ensure safe operations:

Beechcraft King Air B200: An unsealed strip of 1200m in length and 18m in width is suitable under more conditions (up to 45°C).
Beechcraft King Air B350: An unsealed strip of 1650m or a sealed strip of 1450m and 23m in width is suitable under more conditions (up to 45°C).

Airstrip

Additionally, we recommend that any new or upgraded airstrips are free of shrubbery taller than 30cm for 200m at either end of the runway.

Whilst it is ideal to have maximum clearance on both sides of the airstrip, RFDS requires a minimum clearance of 20-35m from the airstrip’s edges.

Please note that inclusion on our airstrip register allows us to quickly assess whether we can safely attend a medical event.

Factors such as weather conditions, proximity of livestock or wildlife, and the availability of on-ground support will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.

What Happens Next?

We will be in touch within the next 6 months. Our team will either request additional information or confirm whether we can use your airstrip.

Furthermore, upon completion of the form, a member of RFDS will reach out to you shortly to confirm the information provided and to answer any questions you may have.

If you have any questions regarding your airstrip, please contact airfields@rfdsse.org.au