jul-aug2012

62
FEATURE
Fly neighbourly
WATCH OUT WHALES ABOUT!
The majestic
spectacle of
seeing some of
the world’s largest
mammals from the
air is one of the
moments when all
the hassles and
expense of owning
an aircraft seem
a small price to
pay for a moment
of magic. But
there are simple
commonsense
rules for aerial
whale watchers
to obey.
From May to November whales migrate along the
Australian coastline, often with new calves, and
your aircraft’s speed, noise, shadow or downdraft can
cause them considerable distress.
For the safety of the mammals and the public, laws
for approaching whales (and dolphins) from above are
enforceable over both state and commonwealth waters.
During the 2012 whale migration season, Operation
Cetus will again be active across Australia and New
Zealand. It will conduct joint federal, state and national
ocean patrols to protect whales, monitor flights over
them and educate the public about whale approach
laws. In 2011, Operation Cetus patrols detected
over 45 alleged offences involving over-enthusiastic
whale watchers or operators, with 33 requiring
further investigation.
As a pilot, it is your job to spot and navigate around a
whale’s position and movements, and to ensure that
your aircraft maintains the minimum whale approach
distances throughout the flight.
Whale approach laws vary between coastal areas and
you are responsible for checking the regulations and
guidelines specific to the waters you are flying over.
Some of these include:
aircraft (including gliders, airships and balloons,
but not helicopters) must not fly lower than 1000ft
within a 300m radius of a whale
helicopters (including gyrocopters) must not fly
lower than 1650ft within a 500m radius of a whale
helicopters must not hover over the no-fly zone
no aircraft of any type is permitted to approach
a whale head-on
no aircraft of any type is permitted to land on
water to watch whales
if a whale shows any sign of disturbance you
must cease your approach and alter your flight
path immediately.
These regulations also apply to dolphins.
Signs of disturbance
The following reactions may indicate that a whale or
dolphin is disturbed:
attempts to leave the area, or avoid the vessel
(quickly or slowly)
regular changes in direction or speed of swimming
hasty dives
changes in breathing patterns
increased time spent diving, compared to time
spent at the surface
changes in acoustic behaviour
aggressive behaviours, such as tail slapping and
trumpet blows.
It is very important to be able to recognise some general
behaviours of cetaceans that may be related to distress,
fear, or disturbance. In such cases cetaceans should
be left alone, and it is vital to immediately move out of
the area:
Blowing air underwater should be taken as a
warning sign
Lobtailing (tail slapping) and tail sweeping
Anomalous dive sequences and unusually prolonged
dives with substantial horizontal movements.
Remember that you should never chase cetaceans.
It is always better to have an expert on board because
distress signs are not always easy to recognise.
For a complete list of whale approach laws visit
environment.gov.au/whales To report an incident
email compliance@environment.gov.au or call
1800 110 395