GA Ops to Norfolk Island

[Guptar]

The missus want to do a family trip to Norfolk using a relatives turbine twin.
There is zero information that I could find on customs requirements for GA aircraft. The ERSA, AIP, and other government websites say nothing. Except for, "travel to Norfolk Island is now considered a domestic flight".

So, has anyone been to Norfolk post amalgamation.
Can we launch from any airport we feel like and go to Norfolk? or do we have to go via YSSY or YBBN and clear customs still.

[dodo whirlygig]

I'd suggest you go back and read the AIPs properly - it's all there.

[mcoates]

I flew there from Gold Coast, needed a passport at the time but they didn't look at it.

IMPORTANT: you cant open the doors until they hand you a can of fly spray which you need to empty and wait choking for 5 minutes before you can get out. A can might work for a multi seater but in a really small 2-seater its over the top. It gives you a chance to read the can saying its AQIS approved spray which causes no harm to anyone deceased etc...

But them's the rules i guess. Good Luck.

[witwiw]

There's an abundance of pertinent information on going to Norfolk island if you bother to look properly. Examples that spring to mind are the Dept. of Regional Development (or similar), Norfolk Island Tourism Authority, IATA Travel Centre, even Wikipedia. And, of course as already mentioned, the AIPs.

Google is your friend. Make the effort and you'll find everything you need to know - including the answer to your specific question.

.

[aroa]

Easy to pick up a small can of the spray the Quarantine folk use. Have a light spray about prior to arrival or during taxi,hold up the can to show the folk that yre done and should be ok to hop out.
Providing the Q person is not feeling extremely 'liverish' and wishes to exercise his/her power muscle.

[601]

Have a light spray about prior to arrival or during taxi,hold up the can to show the folk that yre done and should be ok to hop out.

So we can then spend $millions trying to eradicate introduced pests.

[Guptar]

Thank you all for the obvious replies. The requirements into and out of Norfolk are pretty straight forwards. The AIP makes no mention of departure from a mainland international airport so I am taking it as follows. As it's a domestic sector, we can launch out of the family farm strip just south of Ballina in the B200 and go direct, then return direct. PPR and Aqis requirements observed of course.

[dhavillandpilot]

Guptar,

No such luck if you are going direct you need to depart from a customs airport.

I'd suggest if you want to go from your Ballina departure then call in at Lord Howe and clear customs there, it is quick and efficient. Also means you can pick up some extra fuel as Norfolk can be nasty at the wrong time and your alternates are Tontouta to the North and Bay of Islands or Auckland to the south.

Remember you will need the following

General Declaration
Helath Declaration
Cargo Manifest
Passenger manifet

The first three can be combined in one if you google the ICAO General Declaration. Just attach a Pax manifest to it. Also you will need three copies, one for the departing airport, one for the arrival airport and one to hold for 30 days.

Id also get copies of the approach plates for the alternates.

you should enjoy yourself but just remember Norfolk has some of the worst sea fog I've ever seen. If you get a whiff of it go to plan B

[Guptar]

It won't be me flying, I'm strictly SLF down the back with a good book and a comfy pillow.
I've just spent the morning reading every document I could find.
The info is quite specific when you land at Norfolk, Coccus, Christmas Island they are the same. Pretty standard international ops if comming from a foreign country.

But nowhere, and I mean nowhere, does it explicitly say that you have to depart the mainland for NLK from a designated international airport, or return there. In fact the regs read that from 1July 16, Norfolk become a First Point of Entry to Australia if coming from say the USA. I gather you clear customs now for Oz in Norfolk on a transpacific ferry. It does not say you have to clear Aqis on return to the mainland. Aqis formalities are only doen at Norfolk, Coccus, Christmas islands inbound.

But am open to being proved wrong if somone can provide a reference.

[machtuk]

You said you where going on a turbo prop? That's the sort of A/C the driver ought to know what he/she is doing? There's so much info on what's required it's disturbing you need to ask here?

[zanzibar]

This from the current Air New Zealand website:Domestic travel between Norfolk Island and mainland Australia

Travel between Norfolk Island and mainland Australia will be classed as domestic travel however airlines will continue to depart from the International terminals. Therefore, all travellers are required to complete customs formalities on departure and arrival into Norfolk Island and mainland Australia, where their identity will be verified against their travel documentation.

A valid passport continues to be the preferred and highly recommended method of identification, for all foreign nationals as well as Australian citizens
Other acceptable forms of photo ID are Australian Government issued IDs such as motor vehicle drivers' licenses, departmental identity cards or an official document verifying their ID
Minors (without ID) may travel accompanied by an adult who has appropriate documentation
Unaccompanied minors (without ID) will require their parent or guardians' details to be recorded on the back of the boarding pass to assist with the verification of their identity at Customs processing

Anyone travelling without a valid passport or alternative form of photo ID will experience delays at Customs processing, and may have other implications for duty free and emergencies.


These may also help:

https://archive.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/ente/norfolk-island-travellers

https://archive.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/ente/norfolk-air-arrive

https://archive.homeaffairs.gov.au/trav/ente/norfolk-air-depart


Or this from https://regional.gov.au/territories/norfolk_island/governance/domestic-travel.aspx which implies you depart from a designated international airport;What identity documents do I need to travel to Norfolk Island?

Passports and visas are not required when travelling to Norfolk Island from the Australian mainland. However, photographic identification, such as an Australian Driver's Licence, Proof of Age card or current Norfolk Island Document of Identity, must be produced for each passenger (including children) for clearance through Australian Customs and Immigration. A valid passport meets this identification requirement and is the preferred means of documentation to expedite passenger processing and provide passenger identification in the case of a flight diversion to another country.


Like's been said, plenty of information out there if you search adequately.

There's so much info on what's required it's disturbing you need to ask here?

Agree.

[LeadSled]

Guptar,

No such luck if you are going direct you need to depart from a customs airport.

I'd suggest if you want to go from your Ballina departure then call in at Lord Howe and clear customs there, it is quick and efficient. Also means you can pick up some extra fuel as Norfolk can be nasty at the wrong time and your alternates are Tontouta to the North and Bay of Islands or Auckland to the south.

Remember you will need the following

General Declaration
Helath Declaration
Cargo Manifest
Passenger manifet

The first three can be combined in one if you google the ICAO General Declaration. Just attach a Pax manifest to it. Also you will need three copies, one for the departing airport, one for the arrival airport and one to hold for 30 days.

Id also get copies of the approach plates for the alternates.

you should enjoy yourself but just remember Norfolk has some of the worst sea fog I've ever seen. If you get a whiff of it go to plan B

DHPilot,
With respect, the status of Norfolk has changed, it is now Australian DOMESTIC territory.
And quite a few of the natives are not happy!!
Tootle pip!!

[zanzibar]

Are you suggesting, LeadSled, that it's no different to a MEL-SYD or BNE-ASP flight etc. with no Customs requirements?
If so, you need to read the links I gave earlier re the NLK formalities.

One excerpt: " All arriving aircraft will be subject to customs clearance formalities, including providing a copy of the last port Certificate of Clearance (or equivalent) to ABF."

The only "domestic" aspect is as per per the Migration Act 1958 (Commonwealth) which states "This means that passenger movements between the Australian mainland and Norfolk Island will be considered domestic travel for immigration purposes."

Otherwise - "The Norfolk Island Customs Ordinance 2016 will apply a modified version of the Customs Act 1901 and associated regulations on Norfolk Island. This means that people and goods arriving in, and leaving from, Norfolk Island will remain international movements for customs purposes."

[Capt Fathom]

Quarantine rules actually apply between Australian States.

[longrass]

Lots of self important people commenting about how the OP should go back and do their own homework as the info is there. In less characters, you could have posted the link and done a good deed on the first day of this new year.

Instead, you chose to ridicule a person asking for help.

When you fill a room full of down syndrome kids, you shouldn’t be surprised when they all start hugging.

You are the aviation types that wear your wings and epaulettes to Woolworths on the way home. You are the wankers that have destroyed the industry.

Grow up child.

[mostlytossas]

Longrass,
Well said!

[Checkboard]

Longrass, I'd suggest you tell them to Google and read the definition of "time wasting w@anker" properly - it's all there.

In fewer characters, you could have posted the link. ;)

[machtuk]

Longrass, I'd suggest you tell them to Google and read the definition of "time wasting w@anker" properly - it's all there.

In fewer characters, you could have posted the link. ;)

Hahah I like that, seems the 'grass' needs to be cut down:-):-)

[LeadSled]

Are you suggesting, LeadSled, that it's no different to a MEL-SYD or BNE-ASP flight etc. with no Customs requirements?
If so, you need to read the links I gave earlier re the NLK formalities.

One excerpt: " All arriving aircraft will be subject to customs clearance formalities, including providing a copy of the last port Certificate of Clearance (or equivalent) to ABF."

The only "domestic" aspect is as per per the Migration Act 1958 (Commonwealth) which states "This means that passenger movements between the Australian mainland and Norfolk Island will be considered domestic travel for immigration purposes."

Otherwise - "The Norfolk Island Customs Ordinance 2016 will apply a modified version of the Customs Act 1901 and associated regulations on Norfolk Island. This means that people and goods arriving in, and leaving from, Norfolk Island will remain international movements for customs purposes."

Zanzibar,
I have re-read all those references, (and a few more) and I see no bar to the original question, can you operate to from a non "international" airport in Australia to Norfolk, on a private flight, being yes.
There is obvious grounds for confusion when all the explanatory material refers to airline flights, but my reading of the actual legislative amendments does not suggest that private flights from Australia must originate from a Customs and "International" airport.
That there is still ABF paperwork at Norfolk is clear, but I can see no legislative mandate that the aircraft must have departed from another ABF controlled facility.
Tootle pip!!

[dhavillandpilot]

Having read all the "experts" here, and having flown GA INternational for the last 30 years, the most logical answer to your original question is simply ring ABF on Norfolk and ask them what they require. After all it is these people who you will have so satisfy.

as for the various comments about Norfolk changing, this happened a while ago and I've been there since it has occurred and DID require appropriate paper work.

[LeadSled]

Having read all the "experts" here, and having flown GA INternational for the last 30 years, the most logical answer to your original question is simply ring ABF on Norfolk and ask them what they require. After all it is these people who you will have so satisfy.

as for the various comments about Norfolk changing, this happened a while ago and I've been there since it has occurred and DID require appropriate paper work.


DHpilot,
As have many of us, and a lot longer than 30 years.
Interestingly, two phone calls have produced two different answers, and neither was clear about a private flight versus RPT.
Despite this all happening several years ago, confusion reigns (or is that rains).
Nobody said there was no paperwork, that would be too easy.
Tootle pip!!

[zanzibar]

Leadsled, you need to consider the following. That which is emboldened are direct quotes from relevant official information and that which is italicised are my comments/queries:-

The Norfolk Island Customs Ordinance 2016 will apply a modified version of the Customs Act 1901 and associated regulations on Norfolk Island. This means that people and goods arriving in, and leaving from, Norfolk Island will remain international movements for customs purposes. Inbound from anywhere (including Australia) is an International flight as far as Norfolk customs is concerned. You require a Certificate of Clearance from the country of origin (last port) in that case. How do you achieve that from a non-customs (ABF) airport of departure?

All arriving aircraft will be subject to customs clearance formalities, including providing a copy of the last port Certificate of Clearance (or equivalent) to ABF. i.e. you get one of those from the departure aerodrome which is a customs aerodrome - see the previous comment. And, this from the AIP’s “the Certificate of Clearance gives the aircraft permission to depart the airport”. I’m unaware how you get that at a GA or private aerodrome?

The pilot or aircraft operator must obtain a Certificate of Clearance from ABF before the aircraft can depart from Norfolk Island. Try getting back into mainland Australia without heaps of drama if you don’t have one – and where do you present that upon arrival? At a customs (ABF) aerodrome – it is still an international flight for customs purposes despite it coming from Norfolk Island.

Duty-free concessions will continue to apply to passengers arriving in mainland Australia from Norfolk Island. How are these concession provisions assessed if you do not arrive at a customs (ABF) aerodrome when you return to Australia?

“when all the explanatory material refers to airline flights,” - not the case. There is some reference to airline flights operating from International terminals but plenty of occasions where the reference is “This information is for pilots, aircraft operators and freight forwarders for reporting aircraft, air cargo, passengers and crew arriving in Norfolk Island.” That’s not airline specific.

“and neither was clear about a private flight versus RPT.” – I’m assuming the phone calls were to ABF. If they can’t offer a clear distinction there it’s pretty sure there isn’t one.

" I can see no legislative mandate that the aircraft must have departed from another ABF controlled facility" - again, where do you get the Certificate of Clearance if you don't depart from such an aerodrome?

[machtuk]

Leadsled, you need to consider the following. That which is emboldened are direct quotes from relevant official information and that which is italicised are my comments/queries:-

The Norfolk Island Customs Ordinance 2016 will apply a modified version of the Customs Act 1901 and associated regulations on Norfolk Island. This means that people and goods arriving in, and leaving from, Norfolk Island will remain international movements for customs purposes. Inbound from anywhere (including Australia) is an International flight as far as Norfolk customs is concerned. You require a Certificate of Clearance from the country of origin (last port) in that case. How do you achieve that from a non-customs (ABF) airport of departure?

All arriving aircraft will be subject to customs clearance formalities, including providing a copy of the last port Certificate of Clearance (or equivalent) to ABF. i.e. you get one of those from the departure aerodrome which is a customs aerodrome - see the previous comment. And, this from the AIP’s “the Certificate of Clearance gives the aircraft permission to depart the airport”. I’m unaware how you get that at a GA or private aerodrome?

The pilot or aircraft operator must obtain a Certificate of Clearance from ABF before the aircraft can depart from Norfolk Island. Try getting back into mainland Australia without heaps of drama if you don’t have one – and where do you present that upon arrival? At a customs (ABF) aerodrome – it is still an international flight for customs purposes despite it coming from Norfolk Island.

Duty-free concessions will continue to apply to passengers arriving in mainland Australia from Norfolk Island. How are these concession provisions assessed if you do not arrive at a customs (ABF) aerodrome when you return to Australia?

“when all the explanatory material refers to airline flights,” - not the case. There is some reference to airline flights operating from International terminals but plenty of occasions where the reference is “This information is for pilots, aircraft operators and freight forwarders for reporting aircraft, air cargo, passengers and crew arriving in Norfolk Island.” That’s not airline specific.

“and neither was clear about a private flight versus RPT.” – I’m assuming the phone calls were to ABF. If they can’t offer a clear distinction there it’s pretty sure there isn’t one.

" I can see no legislative mandate that the aircraft must have departed from another ABF controlled facility" - again, where do you get the Certificate of Clearance if you don't depart from such an aerodrome?


That was well composed and hopefully will clear up the myths that exist here!
I am sometimes in the course of my duties tasked into YSNF and clearance certs, passports and bug sprays are mandatory both ways, flights are treated as an international operations.

[dhavillandpilot]

Thanks Zanzibar for confirming what I said re paper work requirements.

Having done several UK to Australia flights the one thing I've learnt over all these going thru some not so nice countries is you can never have enough paperwork.

Arriving in Australia is no different.