Australia

[Glenh]

I am up to Townsville for a couple of weeks. (from Sydney) More military bases that art galleries about there. Is it worthwhile to bring up my mini 2 for a fly around? Battery transport is an issue. A beautiful country, so looking forward to the adventure.

 

[Harro]

If there are military bases there then I wouldn't be surprised if there are many no-fly zones there also. Check before you fly would be my suggestion.

 

[4006448]

Battery transport isn’t an issue for airlines. I guess it depends on where in the TSV area you are planning to go as to military bases.

 

[Asho]

I am up to Townsville for a couple of weeks. (from Sydney) More military bases that art galleries about there. Is it worthwhile to bring up my mini 2 for a fly around? Battery transport is an issue. A beautiful country, so looking forward to the adventure.

I live in Tsv. never had a problem but then I know some of the areas. i.e. The boat ramp at South Townsville. At the end of the road by the Entertainment centre & casino. Magnetic Island. Paluma water falls north of Tsv. Go to the "I" center to find out the places of interest would be my suggestion.

 

[Glenh]

I live in Tsv. never had a problem but then I know some of the areas. i.e. The boat ramp at South Townsville. At the end of the road by the Entertainment centre & casino. Magnetic Island. Paluma water falls north of Tsv. Go to the "I" center to find out the places of interest would be my suggestion.

Thanks for the info. I like the idea of some images of the Palmetum, Following the Ross River to the sea. South Townsville might be good. Friends might like some aerials of The Strand. Maybe down south where the sea meets the land? Maggie and Paluma might be a bridge too far. Must check on the battery regime. @4006448 what is the battery deal with Jetstar?

 

[Asho]

Thanks for the info. I like the idea of some images of the Palmetum, Following the Ross River to the sea. South Townsville might be good. Friends might like some aerials of The Strand. Maybe down south where the sea meets the land? Maggie and Paluma might be a bridge too far. Must check on the battery regime. @4006448 what is the battery deal with Jetstar?

Batteries should be about 50% charged & carry on as hand/cabin luggage, on all the airlines, I believe.
If you want to fly on the strand you will need a CASA clearance as you'll be within 5 km of the airport.

 

[4006448]

Thanks for the info. I like the idea of some images of the Palmetum, Following the Ross River to the sea. South Townsville might be good. Friends might like some aerials of The Strand. Maybe down south where the sea meets the land? Maggie and Paluma might be a bridge too far. Must check on the battery regime. @4006448 what is the battery deal with Jetstar?

Got to admit I don’t fly Jetstar, but no issues with QANTAS and Virgin. Sounds like you don’t have transport to get around. Your radius around the main TSV airport will mean the Strand and Magnetic Island likely won’t be allowed.

 

[Glenh]

Will check out the Airline regs. Do you use Opensky or Ok2fky apps? South Tvl looks ok.

 

[4006448]

I have used B4UFLY when travelling and also the DJI Geo site maps for local airports for planning. Within Oz I also have Skydio 2+

 

[Asho]

I use "Flysafe DJI". Get an authorized notification almost immediately. Only 1/2 klm from airport but not in flight path.

 

[Glenh]

Weather Apps for the wind speed at about 40m above takeoff? This would be useful.

 

[Fishman Dan]

I use "Flysafe DJI". Get an authorized notification almost immediately. Only 1/2 klm from airport but not in flight path.

If you are that close to an operating airport then you will need to fly an Excluded category drone (Mini) that is 249g or under, making sure you are not flying in landing/takeoff corridors.

Ok2Fly.com.au is the best at this. Always good to cross-reference, but for the most up to date advice including reference points, I find Ok2Fly the best of the lot.

 

[Meta4]

Battery transport is an issue.

I'm a bit late to notice this, but wonder what you meant by this?

 

[Fishman Dan]

I'm a bit late to notice this, but wonder what you meant by this?

You can only transport batteries rated under 160Wh onto a flight, otherwise they must travel as Dangerous Goods.

DJI drone batteries are well under this, but the precise specification of the battery will be in the User Manual.

https://www.casa.gov.au/operations-safety-and-travel/consumer-and-passenger-advice/onboard-passenger-safety-and-behaviour/travelling-batteries-and-power-packs#Batteriesformobilephones,laptopsandcameras

 

[Meta4]

You can only transport batteries rated under 160Wh onto a flight, otherwise they must travel as Dangerous Goods.
DJI drone batteries are well under this, but the precise specification of the battery will be in the User Manual.

Thanks Dan .. I'm well of this (and plenty more).
I was wondering what Glenh meant when he said "Battery transport is an issue".
That seemed very strange as there is no real issue with battery transport where he was commenting on or anywhere else.

btw .. you can see the capacity of your drone battery printed on the battery itself.

 

[Fishman Dan]

Thanks Dan .. I'm well of this (and plenty more).
I was wondering what Glenh meant when he said "Battery transport is an issue".
That seemed very strange as there is no real issue with battery transport where he was commenting on or anywhere else.

btw .. you can see the capacity of your drone battery printed on the battery itself.

Yes very good point. Sometimes wear and tear might render these numbers hard to read.

Sorry ... given the above I was assuming air travel was intended but you never know.

 

[Glenh]

Yes I was referring to travelling with batteries on an airline. There seems to be general regulations and advice, and then different regulations for the various airlines. I guess that the CASA rules cover all requirements. Thanks for your comments

 

[Meta4]

Yes I was referring to travelling with batteries on an airline. There seems to be general regulations and advice, and then different regulations for the various airlines. I guess that the CASA rules cover all requirements. Thanks for your comments

The airlines all have the same rules and all are based on the same IATA recommendations.
In the end, the only thing that drone flyers need to know is that they must have the batteries in their carry-on luggage.
So battery transport isn't really an issue at all.

 

[Glenh]

Thanks for that.