There are rules in place for scenic flights to keep you safe.
Scenic flight operators carrying passengers must seek approval from us and meet certain safety standards.
What a scenic flight is
Adventure or tourism companies often use the phrase 'scenic flight' to describe a flight over interesting sights and landmarks or near a popular tourism area.
You may also see them called:
- joy flights
- aerial tours or excursions
- sightseeing tours.
Rules for scenic flights
If operators advertise and sell a flight as a scenic flight, we consider it an air transport operation. These flights must meet strict safety rules.
Only a commercial pilot, or the holder of a higher grade of pilot licence, can pilot an aircraft to conduct these types of scenic flights. Operators who want their pilots to conduct these types of scenic flights must also have an air operators’ certificate (AOC) issued by us.
Learn more about how we approve and inspect Australian airlines.
We strictly monitor commercial aviation operations through ongoing:
- oversight
- surveillance
- audits.
Private flights
A private flight does not require an AOC or other CASA issued certificate.
These are usually flights organised between friends or family and the pilot directly without exchanging any:
- money
- gifts
- rewards.
Find out the special rules in place for cost sharing flights. Refer to AMC/GM 119.010 for more information:
Private flights do not have the same level of oversight from us as a commercial flight. However, they must still follow aviation safety rules. This includes:
- holding a relevant valid aviation medical
- holding a current licence
- having the required level of competency and recency to carry out the flight.
Safety briefings
Before your flight, the operator must fully brief you on safety procedures. Your safety briefing is an important part of any flight. On a small plane or helicopter, the pilot may conduct the briefing.
Make sure you pay attention during the briefing. For information on what operators should include in the briefing, refer to:
If you are in a control seat, you will also be given information to ensure you do not touch any controls or equipment by mistake.
Follow all instructions from the ground crew and pilot when approaching, entering or leaving the aircraft.
Helicopter safety
If you are flying in a helicopter, read our flyer:
This contains specific information on approaching a helicopter and important topics like downwash created by the rotor blades on the helicopter.
Always follow the instructions of the company you are flying with and keep a safe distance away. If unsure, ask.
Flight changes during a flight
The pilot is responsible for the safety of the flight. This means they might sometimes need to change:
- where you fly
- how long you fly for
- where you land.
Pilots always make these decisions with your safety in mind.
The pilot will let you know what is happening, but safety must always be their priority.
If you have concerns about the pilot or operator, we encourage you to report unsafe behaviour to us.
Flying altitude
There are rules about how low and high aircraft can fly.
Helicopters and aeroplanes normally must not fly lower than 1,000 ft (approximately 300 m) above obstacles when flying over populous areas.
A populous area can include:
- a city or a town where people live or work
- residential areas or industrial areas where there are buildings
- any area where this is a public gathering of people, such as audience attending a concert.
Pilots can fly aircraft below these heights when landing or taking off.
In other areas, such as unpopulated land or water, pilots normally cannot fly lower than 500 ft. Pilots with special qualifications can fly below 500 ft, in some cases.
Under strict risk assessed criteria, the following aircraft can fly lower than these heights, if necessary:
- police
- rescue
- firefighting
- military.
Airspace
Scenic flights will often be flying in non-controlled airspace. This means air traffic controllers don’t manage this airspace.
The pilot must monitor the relevant radio frequency, make certain radio calls and keep a look out for other aircraft operating in the area.
They will do this visually, by looking outside of the aircraft, and with the help of certain equipment.
However, regardless of the airspace (controlled or non-controlled) the pilot must always keep a good lookout for other aircraft that may be nearby.
Before the flight, you can ask the pilot if you should report any other aircraft you see. They’ll tell you the safest and easiest way to do this.