CASA has issued a NOTAM warning to pilots about potential dangers plague locusts pose to flying.
High density hatchings of locusts have already occurred in the central west and far west of NSW, north-west Victoria and the Flinders Range region of South Australia.
People operating aircraft in these areas must be aware of the likelihood of encountering locusts and the risks they cause to aircraft. Pilots should also regularly check to see if new hatchings of locusts have occurred in other regions or if infestations have spread.
Locusts can fly up to 3000 feet and can be in swarms of up to 50 million, and individual swarms can range over tens or even hundreds of kilometres. The insects are also active at night, travelling up to hundreds of kilometres in the right conditions. Locust infestations can also attract large bird numbers, increasing the risk of aircraft bird strikes.
A notice issued by CASA to pilots says swarms of adult locusts can pose a direct threat to aviation. In sufficient numbers they can mask ground features and cause reduced visibility by impacting windscreens.
Ingestion of locusts into engine intakes and pitot tubes can cause damage and result in instruments providing unreliable readings.
Pilots should be aware in locust plague areas there may be more aircraft traffic than usual due to aerial spotting and spraying. CASA says care should especially be taken during take-offs and landings in these locations.
Pilots should also be aware that locusts pose risks to parked aircraft by entering intakes and pitot tubes. Covers must be fitted to prevent locust ingestion.
Pilots can find out more about the current locust situation by clicking here.
Most pilots would notice a matchstick in their pitot tube, but would you notice if a gang of locusts had made it their home?
