Well we can probably consider this thread done and dusted I think and it has served its purpose in getting everyone to think about it. As a matter of interest for aimpoint and anyone else who might have been thinking "who is this rotorhead goose and why doesn't he just call CASA, etc....."
The thread was about the "legality" of the situation vis a vis the AIP and forecast smoke, not what I might personally do or have done. As a matter of fact I am an ATO and have been for a loooong time as well as a former CP also for a looong time and have significant IFR time day and night and significant NVFR time also. I am a very pragmatic person and subscribe to the same kind of "pragmatism" (if that's a word) as espoused by Aimpoint. Let's just all get on with it and be safe out there. As for asking CASA; tried that; been there done that etc and as expected, a variety of "opinions" were forthcoming, just like here on Pprune.
Good luck all, safe flying especially at night and thanks for contributing!
Cheers, ORH
Last edited by oldrotorhead; 23rd Sep 2012 at 03:05.