Farmers in aircraft

Safety is our number one priority in any emergency operation.

Strict procedures are in place to protect the safety of the general public, operators, staff, contractors or anyone else involved in aircraft operations.

We undertake various independent audits of our own operations – and our contractors – to ensure we are continually improving our operations. Our procedures cover a range of issues, including work health and safety, incident reporting, briefing and debriefing.

All staff involved in aircraft operations are required to complete mandatory training and follow all policies and procedures.

Under our aviation policies, only people essential to the task are allowed in the aircraft for safety reasons.

To assist with hazard identification and avoidance, NSW DPI and Local Land Services personnel are required to sit in the front seat and perform the role of a trained observer. Staff form part of the crew and assist the pilot to identify aviation hazards such as power lines. Staff also identify and map impacts and areas of interest for operations.

To assist with local knowledge and respond to any stock issues, landholders are sometimes required to participate in aerial operations. Farmers are briefed before going on the aircraft about roles and responsibilities and for operational reasons are required to sit in the rear seat. Farmers are predominately involved in aircraft operations to make management decisions on the welfare of their stock.