CASA media release - Friday 11 April 2008
Ravensthorpe Flight Safety Checks
Special flight safety checks are being carried out at Ravensthorpe aerodrome next week.
There will be a series of low-level flights to make sure Ravensthorpe's flight paths continue to operate safely.
A twin-engine Cessna Conquest aircraft will be used to conduct the safety checks within an area up to 35 kilometres from the Ravensthorpe aerodrome on Monday 14 April.
The two pilots flying the aircraft will ensure navigation aids are operational and not suffering interference, as well as looking for any new obstacles that could be a danger to aviation safety.
They will also identify and check known obstacles that are already marked on aviation charts.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority requires these checks to be carried out every three years to maintain a high level of air safety at Ravensthorpe.
CASA spokesman Peter Gibson says low-level flying is an essential part of the safety exercise.
“At times the aircraft may be down as low as several hundred feet,” Mr Gibson says.
“Local residents may notice this uncommon flying pattern, but it is certainly nothing to worry about.
“What the pilots are doing is making sure that obstacles are accurately marked on charts and that no new obstacles exist. Obstacles can be towers, trees, masts or buildings that can be a danger to aircraft.
“It's all about making sure operations at Ravensthorpe aerodrome continue to be safe.”
If poor weather or other factors do not allow the safety checks to go ahead on the planned day they will be carried out as soon as possible.
CASA has contracted the operation of the special check flights out to Radiola Aerospace Pty Ltd – a company with wide international expertise in these specialist operations.
Media contact:
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR3408