Tasmanian Air Adventures

[Ejector]

I see an ad on afap, anyone know who is behind this start up?

Tasmanian Sea Plane Air Adventures (http://tasmanianairadventures.com.au)

[Going Nowhere]

Tasmanian Air Adventures (TAA) is the creation of former Qantas 747 pilot Christiaan Durrant and fellow aviator and adventurer Timothy Robertson, who plan to connect visitors with iconic wilderness sites across Tasmania.

Taken from their Press Release.

http://tasmanianairadventures.com.au/_literature_73419/Hobart_Seaplane_Flights_Commence_-_Media_Release_Dec_2011

[rocket66]

Or more importantly, has anyone been successful in getting the advertised position? I wasnt unfortunately:sad:

[ryanboxer]

couldnt work for 2 better blokes, all the best with their operation, has quite a bit of potential

[Piano Man]

A great opportunity for someone to get into floats. All the best for those who have applied!

[Ejector]

Well, good to hear some good news people around here !!!

They have a nice bit of kit to start off with. A lovely beaver which has been around a bit.

I thought the requirements was at best, well almost bizar personally.

Wish them the best of luck. :ok:

[VH-XXX]

Seems there must be a specific Tasmanian requirement for the pilot to possess a Restricted Coxwain's certificate. Either that or the pilot is required to drive a commercial vessel as part of his or her responsibilities. Good luck getting that ticket in a hurry, you'd be up for near 6 months solid on a boat !

The Coxwain's certificate is an interesting set-up. Conceivably you could fly an A380 full of passengers as F/O or almost Captain in the same amount of hours that it would take to get a Coxwain's certificate to drive a 5 meter runabout up a quiet river with paying passengers onboard! (1500 hours)

[Capt Fathom]

When I got my float endorsement, I had to get a boat license as well.

And the floatplane was also registered as a boat, with the boat rego painted on the floats.

Don't know if it's the same these days. I've been on dry land a while now!

[VH-XXX]

Seems very different in each state.

We went through this with Marine Safety Victoria a few years back.

Their opinion was as long as the pilot is appropriately trained and the aircraft was registered under a national body, then that over-rode their requirements. They suggested that a boat licence would be highly regarded however wasn't required. They were happy if we proved that there were an appropriate number of MSV questions in the float-plane rating exam.

As I understand it the Melbourne based Seaplane operator has a Coxwain's certificate from his background, but they told us it wasn't required. Puts him in a good position though in case they change their minds later on.

[Piano Man]

All depends from state to state. When I first started I had no 'water' experience so got a boat licence anyway.

Heard rumours that QLD is the only state not to require floaties to have one, but either way it has come in very useful! My advice to anyone interested in floats, have a boat licence before you start training.

[castrol]

I'd love to apply having flown and instructed on the Beaver F/P but no boat license or Coxswain Cert. Plenty of sailing experience though...counts me out!

[Watergypsy]

Ejector: not bizarre actually;
VH-XXX: you've got the right idea:

I've heard from a good source that the need for the boat ticket is not for the seaplane, but for a commercial boat which is part of their setup.

And I believe the job is still open rocket66.

Good luck to those who apply

[Warm Ballast]

In TAS I thought Coxswain's had been dropped as a requirement due to previous Floatplane operators - KP & TM - arrangements with the powers that be ... no chance of getting a ticket in a hurry ... mandatory courses run irregularly and demanding experience requirements ...

... (typing when Watergypsy posted) ...

[VH-XXX]

Maybe there is a boat involved, perhaps ferrying people from the shore to the platform or similar.

I liken that to having to have a commercial licence to ferry people in a bus from a hotel to the airport for joy flights.

[Wanderin_dave]

It's the requirement for seaplane 'husbandry' that has me worried!

Hus-band-ry - The application of scientific principles to agriculture, especially to animal breeding.

I mean I like Beavers as much as the next guy, but a man's gotta have a limit!:eek:

[WannaBeBiggles]

If you have a CPL, float endorsement and a boat licence then I can't see why you really would need that extra ticket to transfer paying pax at 5-15 knots to the plane which is technically a boat until you depart the water at somewhere in excess of 50 or 60 knots (depending on aircraft type of course), which the above mentioned licence permit you to do.

Of course, we all know that various authorities don't always subscribe to common sense. :cool:

[Capt Fathom]

Not sure what all the whinging is about?

This operator has requested certain requirements as a prerequisite of the job!

It's their train set.

[PLovett]

In Tasmania while the aircraft is on the water it is classed as a boat and for commercial operations requires a coxswain's certificate. It is not for the boat trip to the pontoon but while taxying on the water.

[Aussie Bob]

PLovett In Tasmania while the aircraft is on the water it is classed as a boat and for commercial operations requires a coxswain's certificate. It is not for the boat trip to the pontoon but while taxying on the water.


News to me PL, and I fly floats in TAS

[PLovett]

Certainly was the case for a previous operator in Tas.

[Watergypsy]

PL: see my previous comment ref boat ticket

[Aussie Bob]

Certainly was the case for a previous operator in Tas.


I have no idea where you guys come up with this stuff. Wrong again, never needed a cox ticket for the previous operator, in fact he employed plenty without a basic boat license.

There is no CASA requirement for a boat license, there is no insurance requirement for a boat license and MAST (tassies boat mob) have never been known to police the issue. MAST do verbally state a boat license is necessary but would not be capable or interested in policing the matter.

[fanning]

http://www.mast.tas.gov.au/domino/mast/mastweb.nsf/v-lu-all/Publications~Incident+Investigations~Near+Miss+-+'Marana'+and+Seaplan+-+Apr+2002+/$FILE/Investigation%20-%20Marana%20&%20Seaplane%20VH-DRI%20-%2006-04-2002.pdf?OpenElement

Hidden away, but the above document discusses licences etc as far as MAST are concerned - IF there was an incident/accident, and the pilot didn't hold every required licence , then you know damn well what would happen ... respectfully saying the issue isn't policed is an ignorant comment.

"Certificate of Competency required to be held when in charge of a seaplane while it is operating on any Tasmanian waters. (This is in addition to the necessary flying qualifications which are required by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority)

A MAST issued 'Limited Coxswain' Certificate. (This is required in order to ensure that the pilot has a basic understanding of seamanship and the Collision Regulations)"

Saying that the pilot has a pilots licence should be enough, is like saying he doesn't need a drivers licence either. :rolleyes:

[glekichi]

Suppose we need a bus licence too, to taxi after landing on regular runways. Onya Tasmania.

[Checkboard]

Suppose we need a bus licence too, to taxi after landing on regular runways. Onya Tasmania.

You notice of course that cars are kept off taxiways for that very reason (can't have only half the vehicles knowing the rules :ouch:). If you were taxiing on public roads, with public traffic and public road rules - then yes, a bus license would make sense.

It makes sense to me that while operating on the water, a pilot should know how to avoid collision with other water users, how to interpret channel markers and the like. :rolleyes:

The Limited Coxswain certificate was a qualification only recognised in Tasmania, and it ceased to be issued on the 31 December 2002. The Limited Coxswain certificate has been replaced by the Coxswain (Restricted) certificate (http://www.mast.tas.gov.au/domino/mast/mastweb.nsf/3e33564d69b4afb6ca25739300046fd1/9146de7fdd756859ca2576d40015dadd!OpenDocument).

... having said that, requiring a certificate which has a six month sea service (at a minimum) requirement to achieve is pretty onerous.

[Piano Man]

It makes sense to me that while operating on the water, a pilot should know how to avoid collision with other water users, how to interpret channel markers and the like.

Whilst I agree with the above, a standard recreational boat licence would suffice.

[Aussie Bob]

It makes sense to me that while operating on the water, a pilot should know how to avoid collision with other water users, how to interpret channel markers and the like.

Any seaplane endorsement should cover this. The problem is that it all takes more time than most candidates can afford. It is easier to simply request that a potential candidate for a seaplane endorsement hold a boat license and know this stuff before they start the seaplane endorsement.

As best I am aware, the current MAST requirement for seaplane operations in TAS is a power boat license. This license is relatively easy to get.

[Stationair8]

Maybe the experts at MAST, think that it could be away of preventing another Lake Illawara incident with the Tasman Bridge?

[beached az]

:ok:


Second seaplane ready for action in Tasmanian skies as TAA passenger numbers soar | Life and Lifestyle | Lifestyle and Living | | The Mercury (http://www.themercury.com.au/lifestyle/second-seaplane-ready-for-action-in-tasmanian-skies-as-taa-passenger-numbers-soar/story-fnj64obd-1226797092690)


Way to go TAA :D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D:D

[iPahlot]

Good ol' IMU. She had a whole lot of work done on her floats not long ago so should be a good work horse now. :ok:

Are they leasing it or did RJ get rid of her?

[Rotor Work]

Great to see TAA on the expand again, hope it works out.
Also nice to see Terry Mulholland get a mention:ok:

Seaplane plan takes off | The Examiner (http://www.examiner.com.au/story/2367339/seaplane-plan-takes-off/?cs=95)

Plans for a commuter seaplane to operate between Hobart and Launceston have been labelled a ``fantastic idea'' by Launceston's Mayor Albert Van Zetten and a city entrepreneur.
Tasmanian Air Adventures announced this week that it was looking to invest in a 12-seat float plane, aimed at providing a commuter service to regional areas in Tasmania.
It hopes to provide a service between Hobart's waterfront and Launceston's Seaport for $200 return, as well as other services to Strahan and World Heritage Areas in the South-West.
TAA director of operations Tim Robertson said the $1 million to $1.5 million project was still in its early stage, but could be operating by summer if there was enough support.
``If we get the numbers and get the appropriate amount of support, we could very well see a regular service [between Launceston and Hobart],'' Mr Robertson said.
He said a trip from Hobart to Launceston could take between 25 minutes and an hour, depending on routes.
``We're focusing on infrastructure we're building in Hobart at the moment,'' he said.
``But one of the great things about the seaplane is it doesn't need any infrastructure at the end.''
The only infrastructure it needs to land is a dock, which is already in place at Seaport's Home Point.
The dock was used regularly more than a decade ago when Terry Mulholland operated Tamar Seaplanes from 1997.
Launceston developer Errol Stewart, who is developing the $20 million silos hotel on North Bank, said the idea was fantastic.
``Whether it came into the silos or the Seaport, there'd be plenty of spots for it,'' he said.
``You're getting right into the heart of the city and the same with Hobart.
``If you go to a place like Vancouver in Canada, seaplanes come in and out like buses.
``You have to get people using it of course, but I think it's great.''
Alderman van Zetten welcomed the idea saying it would be great for business people to travel quickly between cities.
The project is an expansion on what TAA already does and is a way to open up remote areas of the state.
The company hopes to know more about costs and whether it can operate the service this summer, by September.

[lilflyboy262...2]

Caravan EX on floats with the lease program that Cessna runs?

The extra 200hp would make it a completely different machine as an Amphib/Float

[fanning]

good on them :ok:

any RPT operators on floats in AUS though?

[50 50]

Stationair8 I'm a lake illawarra local and haven't heard of this incident, but I'm always on the lookout for things to make fun of. Care to elaborate?

[fanning]

Let me google that for you (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=Lake+Illawara+incident+with+the+Tasman+Bridge)

[50 50]

Thanks Fanning, nice to see someone willing to help out. What did you come up with?

[no_one]

50 50,

Tasman Bridge disaster - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia (http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tasman_Bridge_disaster)

Check out the ships name...

[50 50]

Thanks mate, I did google aforementioned incident. Who'd have thought the "Lake Illawarra Incident" had nothing to do with a lake named Illawarra?

[PPRuNeUser0163]

for anyone in the know:

assuming it is a caravan, is $200/flight /person a reasonable price?
Surely flights would need to be near full every time for it to make a return?
avtur etc

[Piano Man]

lilflyboy262...2 Caravan EX on floats with the lease program that Cessna runs?

The extra 200hp would make it a completely different machine as an Amphib/Float


Not as much as you think. Climbs better but on the water it's hard to tell the difference.

[lilflyboy262...2]

@ Piano Man

Really?

That's a shame. I'm flying them on wheels at the moment and a totally different kettle of fish.
Would love to take them up in northern canada and see if its fixed the icing problem.

(Sorry for thread drift)

[Rotor Work]

From ABC News

Seaplane to bring tourists to Tasmania's remote wilderness - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-06-29/seaplane-flys-further-afield/5557330)

Tasmania's remote wilderness areas will become more accessible with the State Government extending a local seaplane company's licence.
The Government will now push ahead with plans to open up Tasmania's national parks and World Heritage Area to low-impact tourism development.
The move was announced during the March election campaign (http://www.abc.net.au/news/2014-02-19/liberals-to-open-national-parks-to-developers/5269554) and earlier in June the Government called for expressions of interest from investors and tourism operators.
The Hobart-based seaplane company had been in a trial for the past two years, flying to the Southwest and Freycinet national parks and Recherche Bay.
Parks Tasmania surveyed non-seaplane visitors to gauge the impact of the trial, and the Government has now extended the operator's licence.
Environment Minister Matthew Groom said the trial showed the flights did not negatively impact on the environmental.
"We feel very confident that this is environmentally responsible," he said.
"We think the operators have indicated a great respect for the natural environment, making sure they're doing it responsibly, so that's the basis on which we've extended the licence, further developing our reputation as the environmental tourism capital of the world."
Company spokesman Will Barbour was also optimistic about the expansion.
"We see the announcement as a vote of confidence by the Government in our responsible operations," he said.
The company was also given permission to trial flights between Hobart and Lake St Clair for 12 months.
Premier Will Hodgman believed allowing development in or near national parks would boost tourist numbers and the economy.
"We're serious about unlocking Tasmania's potential," Mr Hodgman said.
"Our tourism industry is one of our core competitive strengths and the Liberal Government's right behind boosting it even further and that means new attractions."
The Government said normal planning safeguards would apply, but environmentalists have expressed concern about the move.
They feared developments would not be restricted to eco-tourism ventures and will turn into an "open season" for developers.

[Fantome]

the environmental tourism capital of the world.

it is a fantastic, beautiful island state . . .. no doubt about that . . . . . but if only we were spared the hype


The Government said normal planning safeguards would apply, but environmentalists have expressed concern about the move.

They feared developments would not be restricted to eco-tourism ventures and will turn into an "open season" for developers.

If what the Queensland Government snuck through the parliament last year to amend the Conservation Act (1992) thereby leaving the way open for commercial interests (and developers) to make inroads into Queensland National Parks and Conservation Areas, is anything to go by, there's a slippery slope being greased by the Libs in Hobart.

World Heritage listings were threatened recently .. . . but ruled against
by the commission in Paris.

Lower the guard and whoosh, there goes our wildlife buffers.

But as for TAA . .. . . a bonzer little outfit . . run by true enthusiasts.

"A shower of spray and they're away...."

go Serge . . go Jethro

[LeadSled]

Folks,
I fail to see why a pilot should have any problems with the marine rule for avoidance of collisions, they are fundamentally the same as the rules of the air covering the same subject.
Tootle pip!!

[Duck Pilot]

Recall that an operator in Sydney once done a similar thing with Beavers in between SYD and NTL. If they used an amphib C208 they would be able to use the local airports as alternates, not a bad option given that HB and LT both have ILS approaches.

It will be interesting to see if the Launceston City Council approves the proposal.

[OCTA]

The operator in Sydney did use a C208 for three years. Very hard to make work with one aircraft and one route with all the extra paperwork for CASA.