Mail runs / RFDS

[abfgh]

Which companies take tourists on mail runs in NSW / QLD? Which RFDS base is worth a visit for tourists? Is there a chance to go on a bank run? Pax would be a lady keen on aviation and Australian bush.

[The Strez]

abfgh

Cape York Air in Cairns, QLD, do the mail runs all over Cape York and they take passengers.
Airlines of SA do a mail run through the centre of Aus. They start out in Pt Augusta SA and head north up into QLD. Stopping off at places like Innamincka, Boulia, Birdsville and many of the cattle stations along the way. Think they still take punters along.
The RFDS base in Cairns is also worth a look if ya up that way, although the base is about 5kms from the airport. They have an old Queenair on display there. A quick drive to the airport and you will be able to see the B200's and PC12's quite easily from the car park, provided they aren't out flying. The pilots and nurses there are really approachable, provided they aren't busy with a patient and will stop for a yarn if they have time.

[abfgh]

Thanks a lot! What happened to the mail run out of Broken Hill? Is there a RFDS base in Brizz Vegas?

[Mainframe]

abfgh also Derby in nth west WA (formerly Ord Air Charter) not sure who the current operator is, For Cape York Airlines, try their web site Cape York Air (www.capeyorkair.com.au) RFDS has a base and museum in Mount Isa ( about 2,000kms nth west of Brisbane), there is also a static display three engined DH Dove, a unique RFDS conversion, pole mounted in Mt Isa.

In Brisbane, the RFDS base is at the very end of the GA area at Brisbane airport, Chief Pilot Rick Davies.

For bank run / night freight, try GAM ( aka Commander Air/Reefwatch/Stewart Aviation ). They have operating bases Adelaide, Melbourne/Essendon, Sydney/Bankstown, Brisbane, Thangool and Cairns. Chief Pilot Charles E Mogg. This is a time sensitive, intensive operation and pilot workload may prevent conversation. Head office Essendon, Melbourne.

[weasil]

The company that do mail runs in Cairns do take passengers but they charge for the privilege. Quite a lot of money might I add

Weasil

[Natit]

GAM apparantly dont take pax unless you're in the know.

Inscurance problems I've heard, due to an accident a few years back???

Talked to an ex pilot there about getting on the bank runs. Bit of a shame but that's the way it goes. As for the ASA runs, how does one get on these?

Cheers

[Desert Flower]

For anyone who might be interested, Airlines of South Australia's website is http://www.airlinesofsa.com.au/
Mail run is probably not a good idea during the hotter months unless you are used to temperatures of 45 deg. plus!