Inside chartering info

We welcome your suggestions and comments. 

Yellow Pages and the Net - Impressive sites giving the impression of significant aircraft choice. Not so, availability is limited.

Single engine aircraft  -  All but gone in charter except the Cessna Caravan 208. Ideal for short flights with up to 12 passengers.  Popular for those rural airstrips that don't allow the larger twins to land.  Ideal for travelling film crews. 

Twin engine piston aircraft  -  Vary from the 3 passenger Duchess, 4 seat Partenavia, 5 seat Baron / Cessna 310 and 8 passenger Piper Chieftain. All ceased production by the early eighties and these need careful consideration to source the best option. 

Jets / Turbo props  -  Also available, jets such as the Hawker, Citation Bravo, Cessna CJ and turbo props, 2004 / 5 Beechcraft King Air 200/350, Conquest 2,  even the Convair ( 1958 ) taking 40 odd passengers.

Aircraft age  -  You will find that almost all general aviation aircraft were manufactured between 1971 and 1981. Since the Australian dollar was floated and the investment allowance for new aircraft cancelled there has been very few new aircraft imported. Whilst this makes for an average age of 30+ years it has become very difficult to source well presented, low time piston engined aircraft. Don't judge the aircraft by its external paint. A sparkling paint scheme may mask a 35 year old aircraft veteran. 

Available charter aircraft  -  The Brisbane region charter fleet has markedly declined. Why - the Aus dollar, ownership costs, airline schedules, drought, fuel costs, changed travel requirements, regional staffing policies, improved highways, airways / landing / parking fees / digital cameras / lap tops / www, all = demand reduction. Thirty years ago over 100 aircraft available, today less than 20!

Dangerous Goods  -  If you are taking equipment ( solvents, batteries, gas bottles, tool box ect ) please check that these goods are safe for flight before arriving at the aerodrome. Most charter operators are not able nor approved to carry dangerous goods.

Loading  -  Expect a request for passenger / baggage weights. These are required for flight planning, aircraft weight / centre of balance calculations / performance requirements. Do not arrive with extra passengers / baggage / freight for your flight as they may be declined if the aircraft is already at its maximum limits. 

Airstrip requirements  -  When visiting remote airstrips we check that it meets the requirements for safe use. Generally we require a minimum of 1,000m x 15m wide ( King Air 350 1250m x 18m minimum ) but this will vary with elevation, temperature, load, strip conditions ect. The Owners permission is required and a airstrip report is completed before and after use. For minimum airstrip guidance try the RFDS web site here http://www.flyingdoctorqueensland.net/index.cfm?TopMenuID=28&MenuID=42&tSearch=airstrips .

Safety Management  -  ACC has developed a risk / safety program ( MARCO Safety System ) which is available to all who are involved in our operation. This includes pilots, admin staff, passengers, engineers, refuellers ect.

Guidance  -  Use our knowledge gained since 1974 to help with your travel planning. We are happy to assist you and point you in the right direction. Chartering is one industry where you don't chase low prices. Try to schedule your flights to avoid the heat and bad weather.

Air Operators Certificate - We also provide licence coverage for LMS Crusader Pty Ltd.