This is one I cant get a straight answer from CASA from.....

The local yacht club in St Kilda has asked me if I can fly my S211 for a few passes for the opening of their new marina. It is an invite only event (See what an S211 is below).

So, while I have done all of the stuff in preparation for a display request, I feel I dont need one.

I plan to fly entirely over water (so no built up area), >= 500 feet, non aerobatically (i.e. 3G max, no rolls etc ), and at less than 250kias. The main thing is I plan to stay at least 300m laterally away from the gathering, and obey all of the principles of safe display activities.

I am not flying above the crowd but will be in sight of them (again > 300m). I dont see anything that says what is "ABOVE' the gathering. I assume 10 feet laterally is still above, and 10nm is not. So where do we draw a reasonable line? 200m is the usual distance for displays provided you are not pointing the plane within about 15 degrees of the gathering, so I figured 300 feet would be ok.

Does this require special CASA permission? CASA have yet to respond after a couple of weeks and a few attempts to ask.

Thanks,
Steve

Sorry, this was really meant to be under "Air Law" (which I did quite well in, in fact!)

CAR 157 (3)



Seems to imply that any object within a 600m radius of the aircraft is deemed to be underneath it. Although I have done many airshow displays where the CASA approval has said no closer than 200m from spectators. I'd guess 600m would be a safe bet - but whose got the tape measure!

Thankyou Bob,
I really appreciate the help!

So, I have two options - either amend my routine to be >600m away, or get written permission to go closer.

Easy!

Ill try for the permission, however I am not holding my breath....

I guess it all depends on whether you consider the yachts to be 'obstacles' or not.

what the min conditions to get a rating with this aircraft??i have got some turbine knowledge, but would like to get some air experience....