Farming Operations

FARM FLYING OPERATIONS KNOW THE DANGERS!

Throughout the past few years RAAus members have had a number of serious and fatal accidents whilst carrying out low level or utility flying. Utility operations do not necessarily involve low flying and can include mustering operations, farm flying, including water trough and fence line inspections and stock spotting operations. All of these activities may be carried out above 500’ Above Ground Level (AGL) yet still require pilots to be trained in specialised skills for safe operations. RAAus continues to focus on working with industry as well as local communities to educate pastoralists and farmers of the risks involved in these operations, and urge any member carrying out these types of flights to research additional training and skills to complete these operations safely. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and if you know of someone else conducting these operations then a friendly reminder that additional training is available may also improve their safety – These operations are often very unforgiving due to the altitude, micrometeorology, low airspeeds and distractions present whilst conducting these operations. Why are farm flying, mustering or spotting (Utility) operations dangerous? Utility operations require specialised skills and additional training in order to be completed safely. The very nature of these operations often involves flying an aircraft at slow speeds, focused on a location on the ground, at a height of 1500’ AGL or less and often in a turn. These factors, or small changes in local weather conditions, make it easy for the pilot to become distracted. This may result in changes in aircraft pitch or roll which may go unnoticed, leaving the aircraft potentially slow and/ or unbalanced. Combine this situation with an increased stall speed from operating the aircraft in a turn, and pilots can often be caught out, resulting in a stall/spin event with insufficient altitude to recover. What additional training is available to keep me and others safe? RAAus has a number of training elements available to members to improve safety when operating within a pastoral, farming or low level environment. The Utility endorsement has been developed to equip pilots with the necessary skills for farm operations, including trough or stock inspections, stock spotting and mustering, even if the flights are to be conducted above 500’ AGL. Additional training available includes stall recovery, slow flight, and constant radius turns, all which may be essential when carrying out farm flying operations. This training is commenced at a safe altitude to prove to the instructor you can manage the aircraft safely, then move progressively lower. The lower you go, the less time you have to identify a potentially dangerous condition, and then recover!

If you intend on carrying out any type of farm flying operation or low level flying, please talk to a local instructor about some additional training to understand the risks involved - It may just save your life!

Can I legally conduct mustering or farm work in an RAAus aircraft? An RAAus aircraft may only be permitted to be used for non-hire or reward operations and may only be operated below 500’ AGL if the pilot holds the appropriate endorsements (Low Level & Utility) and has land owner permission. RAAus strongly recommends that all pilots conducting any form of farm flying carry out additional training with an instructor, even if the flights are to be carried out more than 500’ AGL. The most common accident in farm flying are stall/spin accidents which may require more than 1500’ AGL in altitude for recovery. An RAAus aircraft must not be used for hire or reward in any circumstances, including by farm workers utilising an aircraft within their farming role. Essentially, if payment or reward of any form is taking place then an RAAus aircraft must not be used in completion of the job.

10 steps to conducting safe Utility operations After carrying out additional training with your local instructor, there are a number of additional steps that can be taken to improve the safety of yourself, and others. Some of these include:

1. Avoid all distractions: Including devices such as mobile phones which may distract pilot attention.

2. Never carry a passenger while operating at Low Level: Utility operations pose additional risk to your passenger and they may also increase distraction or inadvertently interfere with controls.

3. Understand your aircraft: Know your aircraft including the stall symptoms and characteristics, important operating speeds, flap configurations and emergency procedures. Make sure the aircraft is maintained carefully, working in a rural environment includes increased dust levels, which is very hard on equipment. Control systems also have to work much harder, wearing out parts quicker, including pulleys and cables.

4. Always fly the aircraft first: Remember: Aviate, Navigate, then Communicate.

5. Carry out a thorough pre-flight briefing: Know the terrain where you will be operating, including trees, wires and other obstacles and what you are looking for, as well as understanding the weather and effects on performance based on local conditions.

6. Ensure you and your aircraft are equipped with additional safety tools: These may include a stall warning system, water and food, PLB, emergency kit, 4 point seat belt, and pilot helmet.

7. Manage dehydration and fatigue: Take regular breaks, avoid operating during the hottest part of the day, do not skip meals and stay well hydrated.

8. Monitor your fuel contents: Know when you need to stop and refuel. Be aware that in some aircraft, operating out of balance may result in fuel “unporting” from the pick-up point, or cross-flowing from one tank to another, resulting in fuel starvation or less fuel in one tank than expected.

9. Secure the cockpit: Ensure the cockpit is secure from loose objects and the passenger seat seatbelt is tightened to prevent it from becoming tangled in the controls. Ensure all tools, equipment and loose items in the baggage compartment or on the seat next to you are secured.

10. Maintain discipline and avoid complacency until the aircraft is back on the ground: Just because the work is over, never operate lower or slower than necessary, and avoid the temptation of a “beat-up” over the ground crew or homestead. Maintain a low angle of bank in turns and constantly monitor airspeed, particularly when turning or climbing. Know your personal limitations!