Parking, tie-downs and return access into public airports

[inas]

After getting my PPL, I've done my first few flights with passengers around the airport, I'm now ready to park the plane a little further afield. Just for a day-trip.

 

I'm planning Cessnock and Bathurst as my first two day-trip destinations, because they are familiar routes, that I've already done solo, but I've never left the plane at a remote destination before.

 

So, what's the best advice with parking at regional, uncontrolled airports? If there are tie downs around are they always for public use? Do you ever need to seek permission in advance for a public airport?

 

At Bathurst, as long as I avoid the asphalt area where the Rex plane parks, will I be okay? Just use common sense and find another light aircraft and park next to it?

 

Since Bathurst is a security AD, will I need a code to get back into the airport after leaving? Will that be apparent, or do I need to contact any one in advance.

 

Any other tips to get me through these first couple of cross-county trips?

 

 

[mnewbery]

Call or email the contact listed in the ERSA for each airfield and discuss it with them. There is no "one size fits all" advice and certified or registered aerodromes can issue NOTAMs 24 or more hours before they come into effect. Much of the advice will be on a website or web based document also available through the website listed in the ERSA. For example Toowoomba Regoinal council has three very different municipal airports with three different requirements. Two have grass. One has (or had) security.

 

 

 

Also you'll get other info like "Fred (not his real name) in taxi 1234 has permission to drive on the airfield so ask for him" and "you'll need/not need stakes to make your own tie downs".

 

 

 

I have found if you do your research then call and explain what you want to do, the airport manager will happily fill in the blanks. Rather than meeting you with a blank stare because they didn't know you were coming or what you wanted.

 

 

[mnewbery]

Also from the ERSA, unless it says PPR, MIL or no unauthorised landings (e.g. Argyle mine YARG) you should be good to plan to land there. ERSA and NOTAMs are definitive in this regard

 

 

[Geoff_H]

Don't do Cessnock, safety is not the best and they expensive. Maitland is nearby and a much better airplane the people friendly.

 

 

[mnewbery]

The code for the gate (if there is one) is usually quite visible from the inside. It will be something like. "Gate code is CTAF frequency" Gate code is 1234. A few places change them frequently out of necessity or boredom. One airport (not saying which one) has an electric gate that opens when you transmit on a frequency such as the PAL.

 

Another tip would be to carry enough cash for a taxi ride to the nearest town (or 2 hours of petrol for the plane, whichever suits) and at least one fully paid off credit card. Preferably two.

 

 

[cscotthendry]

Definitely take a tie down kit as not all airports have cables or tie down points. A BP or Shell fuel card is almost a must as some bowsers will only take these cards, while some will take general credit cards. Check with the ERSA about fuel. Also check the NOTAMs for your destination airport, for things like runway closures etc.

 

 

[Pearo]

Best call the airport first. Take tie down gear. Gate code will depend on where you go, sometimes its the CTAF, sometimes it inside the gate, sometime you have to ring someone for the code. Some airports want ASIC and rego details before divulging the coded (Ie Longreach).

 

If you want parking and its Class C or D, ask SMC for details. If class G most places have an area for GA parking. Sometimes I have landed at airports where its not clear and just asked a local for details.

 

Last but not least, ALWAYS read ERSA and Aerodrome (DAP) charts, because some places get really shitty if you even taxi in RPT areas. Usually the aerodrome is marked to warn you, but prior knowledge is always a good thing

 

 

[djpacro]

Fuel: Shell cards generally not made available and their bowsers largely changed to CC, see

 

http://www.shell.com/content/dam/shell-new/local/country/aus/downloads/aviation/au-aviation-locationguide2012.pdf

 

BP: http://www.bp.com/content/dam/bp-country/en_au/products-services/air-bp/2015-16-Air-BP-Refuelling-Guide.pdf

 

Aero Refuellers run many bowsers: http://www.ksgroup.com.au/aero/aerocontact

 

 

[inas]

All good, helpful advice. Thanks.

 

Following much of it, successful flight into Cessnock today. Used one of the many spare tie-downs, and the gate was just open. Not a secure AD, though, so I imagine this isn't necessarily going to be the general case. I was going to check that I hadn't taken anyone's spot if there was someone around at the airport, but I didn't see another person anywhere. And there was no note on my windscreen when I got back!

 

Getting ready for the next step up!