Antarctica
 

Does anybody have experience in operating to Antarctica in the (Southern Hemisphere's) summer months?

Information about arfields, runway conditions, where to seek for approval, useful tips and warnings etc. are highly welcome.

Thank you in advance. Your input is highly appreciated! :ok:

There are only 3 "runways" available to fixed wing wheeled aircraft in the whole of the Antarctic, (plus a small number of ice runways).

Marambio Base (SAWB) on Seymour Island off the North-East tip of the Antarctic Peninsula is run by the Argentinian Air Force. It is a very muddy stony strip, about 1300 metres. Has occasionally had private civilian aircraft visit, but surface conditions are often very poor.

Teniente Rodolfo Marsh (SCRM), on King George Island, off the North-West tip of the peninsula, is run by the Chilean Air Force. It has a good surface gravel runway, about 1300 metres, and also occasionally has private visitors.

Rothera Base (EGAR), on Adelaide Island, west side of the peninsula at 67deg S, has a 900 metre good quality gravel runway and is operated by British Antarctic Survey. As far as I am aware, since it opened in 1994, only one private aircraft has ever got permission to land there, plus one other who turned up unexpectedly without permission.

I have operated to all 3 of the above, in Twin Otter and Dash 7.

For a direct flight to any of the ice strips in regular use, you would need unrefuelled range in the order of 1500-2000 miles or more, plus your own pre-positioned fuel for the return leg. As far as I know, you would also need a permit from your own country to enter the Antarctic.

Dear Ant T,

that's indeed useful. I can already see that probably none of the landing fields are suitable for our aircraft, both in terms of surface and field length.

Thank you for your help!


jetopa