General aviation and drone pilots could constitute a risk to firefighting operations this Summer if they don't observe the regulations and stay away from bushfires.
That is the crux of a warning the Civil Aviation Safety Authority issued this week as the fire season approaches in Australia.
Those rules demand any crewed aircraft not involved in aerial firefighting must remain at least 5 nm from the fire boundary, and drones cannot be flown near bushfires under any circumstances.
"If you’re in the air, firefighting aircraft can’t do their job," said CASA Director of Aviation Safety and CEO Pip Spence. "By steering clear of bushfires, we can let aerial firefighters get on with the job of containing the fire and keeping communities safe.
"For drone operators, this includes keeping your drone on the ground. Drones are small and hard to see and pose a risk to aircraft and helicopters.
"Always remember to check the rules before you fly, and tune into your local fire authority for the latest updates on active bushfires in your area."
The Australia and New Zealand Council for Fire and Emergency Services (AFAC) is predicting increased fire danger in several regions in Australia including the Pilbara, Derby Coast and south-eastern Australia from Murraylands in SA to Wilsons Promontory in Victoria. This is despite significant rain in some areas of the country.
"The higher risk of fire in WA follows increased fuel growth following seasonal rains, coupled with the predicted warmer than normal temperatures and higher likelihood of below average rainfall through spring," AFAC said in August this year.
"Towards the south-east of Australia, surface moisture hides deeper drying that has resulted from long term rainfall deficiencies that have built over the last 12-18 months.
"Some places have reported their lowest ever rainfall during this period. If spring rainfall doesn’t eventuate, the conditions will rapidly switch to an increased risk of fire."
The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is predicting a good chance that Spring rainfall will exceed the seasonal averages, but some parts of the country are still at risk of bushfires this Summer.
BOM data shows long-term rainfall deficiencies in southern SA, Victoria and Tasmania, as well as western WA, leading to an increase in ground fuel, which in turn increases the chances of bushfire outbreaks.
"When fires ignite, they can spread quickly and disrupt flight paths that pilots would normally use," CASA says. "Aerial firefighting operations rely on this airspace.
"These aircraft often fly at low altitudes and may change direction suddenly, posing risks to other airspace users nearby.
"Pilots must heed the warnings of local fire and police authorities about any active bushfires along their intended flight path. Pilots are reminded to always consult NOTAMs before embarking on a flight."
CASA estimates that aircraft including single-engined aerial tankers (SEAT) can fly up to 30,000 hours each year on firefighting operations across the country.