Standard alternate for Darwin?

[bubbs]

Hello all (first post :D)

Just racking my brains here :ugh: trying to work out a suitable alternate airport to use for Darwin (YPDN) for widebody freighter ops. Any suggestions? :confused:

Cheers,
Bubbs.

*edit* should have called this thread 'suggested alternate'

[skywest_xr]

what is your criteria for an alternate?

runway and fuel?

Or do you prefer an airport that you already operate to, ie. has the ground handling logistics already in place?

Plenty of alternates near DRW

indonesian altn surabaya, jakarta, bali

aust altn alice springs, cairns, townsville, brisbane, learmonth, curtin

Come to Perth......we'll look after you.

Is this a theoretical exercise or are you planning a flight?
relatively vague question

what is your etops/erops limits?

Come to Perth, we will look after you

Is this a theoretical exercise or are you planning an actual flight.

[bubbs]

Thanks for the info :)

I think we have it all covered now, after speaking to the airfield ops chap at Darwin airport we've established there's a suitable military/public (dual purpose) airport within a reasonable range that he suggested. Just in the initial planning stage at the moment. :)

The alternate we'd be using is in case of adverse WX at the intended destination, closure of airfield, enforced diversion, etc.

Ta very much for the ideas though :ok:

[Phileas Fogg]

Katherine/Tindal Airport.

[bubbs]

Yup, thats the one.

[Dehavillanddriver]

Despite what the information might have you believe, Tindal isn't a joint user airfield and you shouldn't plan on using as an alternate - talk to defence first you might get a rude shock!

[Phileas Fogg]

The Katherine Airport situated, 15kms south of the town, is wholly owned and operated by the Katherine Town Council. The Katherine Town Council took ownership of the Katherine Airport, which is located along Tarakan Road, in September, 1993.

The Council has a working agreement with the Australian Defence Authority who use the run way for the RAAF Base Tindal. The Terminal is open 24 hours a day and there are twelve (12) Regular Public Transport flights per week operated by Air North and Anindilyakwa Air.

A number of small private operators also operate from the Katherine Airport facility with office and storage space. The Runway has a capacity to cater for aircraft up to the 737-400 and equivalent.

Since 1993 the Katherine Town Council has carried out the following upgrades.

Increase in the size of the airport terminal

Fully air-conditioned the terminal

A refurbishment of the taxiway

Upgrade of the RPT apron pavement to include new line marking for pilot guidance
Just recently the Katherine Town Council has completed the upgrading of the general aviation taxiway and parking facilities for code C aircraft.

Airnorth operate RPT (Regular Public Transport) flights from Darwin - Katherine - Tennant Creek - Alice Springs on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Charter flights also operate from the Airport.

New Darwin Air Service - Aboriginal Air Services will commence a new air service commencing Monday the 4 April 2005, departs Katherine at 10:30am Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Reservations

Air North - Phone: (08) 8920 4001

Aninidilywaka Air - Phone: (08) 8945 2230
Aboriginal Air Services - Phone (08) 89535000 Fax:(08) 89534410 Email:[email protected]

Ian Clark

Assistant Works Manager

Ph: (08) 8972 5500

Fax: (08) 8971 0305

Email: [email protected]