Airstrip safety, maintenance and inspections
Safe Landings
Safer airstrips, stronger access
Safe Landings is an RFDS WA initiative working with communities, airstrip custodians and government to strengthen the safety and reliability of airstrips across Western Australia.
A gateway to health care
When a person in regional or remote WA needs urgent access to health care, a safe place for the RFDS to land can be critical.
The RFDS operates across more than 2.5 million square kilometres of WA. Our aviation directory includes more than 700 airstrips, connecting communities across the State.
Airstrip condition and local information can affect whether an aircraft can land safely, particularly at night or in changing weather conditions. Issues such as lighting, fencing, surface condition, wildlife and livestock hazards can all influence safe access.
Safe Landings recognises that reliable airstrip access is a shared community asset: it supports emergency retrievals, healthcare access and regional resilience.
Safe Landings Goals
The program is informed by the experience and local knowledge of the people who use, manage and care for airstrips across WA.
Better Safety
Make airstrips safer and more accessible for patients, crews and communities through education on maintenance and inspections.
Better Connections
Connect with local airstrip custodians and communities in a way that works for them.
Better Data
Improve processes for gathering and validating airstrip risk data and contact information.
Resources coming soon
We are currently finalising practical airstrip safety guidance and resources in consultation with relevant stakeholders.
These resources will be available online and will support airstrip custodians and communities to better understand common safety considerations and opportunities for improvement.
