Australia: Customs, Self-Handling, & Tasman Crossing
Thread Starter
Joined: Jun 2025
Aviation Qualifications: CPL
Posts: 6
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From: Oklahoma
Australia: Customs, Self-Handling, & Tasman Crossing
Hello all,
I got into aircraft ferry a few years ago, however my first-hand experience is limited to the Americas. After scouring the internet and documents I've got some rapid fire questions that I believe would be best answered by any friends down under.
I am planning the ferry of an N-reg Decathlon from NZ to Cambodia for a client in the next month or two. Even with a 33gal turtle pac, the range is fairly limited - about 750nm with reserve. Therefore, I'll need to stop at least once at either Norfolk Island or Lord Howe while crossing the Tasman. Has anyone done this recently in a light aircraft? Recommendations on one vs the other? Is it possible to self-handle at either of these stops? I haven't received a reply from Burnt Pine at YSNF. Lord Howe looks like a fair amount of red tape.
Additionally, I try and do my best to self-handle as much as possible to cut down on client expenses (although, not happening in SE Asia). While entering Australia, is there any scenario I would be able to self-handle my way through Customs / Border Force at an AOE without an ASIC card? I've been quoted $1500-1900 from FBOs along the east coast essentially to stop at their facility for entry.
In regards to Airports of Entry, I've seen the list both in the AIP and on the border force website. Originally looking at entering in Gold Coast as I could jump straight from Norfolk Island; Brisbane was looking to be a bit tight. Alternatively, I could refuel at Lord Howe and head to Coffs Harbor, although from what I read YCFS is good for Border Force but not biosecurity (?). And, is my understanding correct - regardless of entering at Norfolk Island, I still need to be cleared by border force on the mainland? Similarly, same question on the way out - is it possible to self-handle outbound, around Darwin or Broome?
Is it worth applying for an ASIC prior to arrival? I am considering submitting an application, squeezing in an interview during a layover enroute to Auckland, and then having it express mailed to an address/FBO at my AOE.
Is there any HF or Satcom requirement when flying VFR over the Tasman? Haven't seen one, just double checking.
Any advice on this would be well received. TIA
Cheers
I got into aircraft ferry a few years ago, however my first-hand experience is limited to the Americas. After scouring the internet and documents I've got some rapid fire questions that I believe would be best answered by any friends down under.
I am planning the ferry of an N-reg Decathlon from NZ to Cambodia for a client in the next month or two. Even with a 33gal turtle pac, the range is fairly limited - about 750nm with reserve. Therefore, I'll need to stop at least once at either Norfolk Island or Lord Howe while crossing the Tasman. Has anyone done this recently in a light aircraft? Recommendations on one vs the other? Is it possible to self-handle at either of these stops? I haven't received a reply from Burnt Pine at YSNF. Lord Howe looks like a fair amount of red tape.
Additionally, I try and do my best to self-handle as much as possible to cut down on client expenses (although, not happening in SE Asia). While entering Australia, is there any scenario I would be able to self-handle my way through Customs / Border Force at an AOE without an ASIC card? I've been quoted $1500-1900 from FBOs along the east coast essentially to stop at their facility for entry.
In regards to Airports of Entry, I've seen the list both in the AIP and on the border force website. Originally looking at entering in Gold Coast as I could jump straight from Norfolk Island; Brisbane was looking to be a bit tight. Alternatively, I could refuel at Lord Howe and head to Coffs Harbor, although from what I read YCFS is good for Border Force but not biosecurity (?). And, is my understanding correct - regardless of entering at Norfolk Island, I still need to be cleared by border force on the mainland? Similarly, same question on the way out - is it possible to self-handle outbound, around Darwin or Broome?
Is it worth applying for an ASIC prior to arrival? I am considering submitting an application, squeezing in an interview during a layover enroute to Auckland, and then having it express mailed to an address/FBO at my AOE.
Is there any HF or Satcom requirement when flying VFR over the Tasman? Haven't seen one, just double checking.
Any advice on this would be well received. TIA
Cheers
Joined: Jul 2025
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Auckland NZ
Hi. I’m about (next 3-6 weeks) to fly a Cessna 182RG from Auckland to Gold Coast Airport. I’ve done this several times before but the last time was 10 yrs ago. Things have changed dramatically since then. Bureaucracy has well and truly made things a lot more difficult, particularly at Lord Howe. With the range of your aircraft you’ll need to transit through Norfolk and Lord Howe. Norfolk has 1000 litres of fuel currently available at $7.50 Aus per litre. I’m yet to find availability at LHI. 20yrs ago Customs Clearance at Gold Coast was free. 10yrs ago it was $200. Today I believe it is $1000. I have HF but there are usually commercial aircraft who will relay for you on the chat frequency 123.45. I believe you could self clear at Darwin but from there on I suggest you use a handling service or you will have problems. Good luck.
