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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
Flight Safety Australia Issue 87 July–August 2012 63 500m/1650ft 300m/1000ft photo: Shutterstock
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CONTENTS Issue 87 | July-August 201
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‘They’re being used now,’ she
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jul-aug2012

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