I'm working out a flight plan in a few weeks out to Mataranka from Darwin, and it's looking likely I'll be landing at least once at Tindal (Katherine) airport. Has anybody had any experience landing there for a refuel? I'll be calling them in any case during this week to confirm procedures, but thought I'd check, the maps aren't particularly clear on where I can get a refuel.

Captain:
If you check ERSA FAC 18-23,you will get the full info on Tindal,fuel included.Be aware it is a Military Controlled airport,so there is a lot to digest.I have flown into there on a couple of occassions,and some of the procedures and tracking requirements are a bit daunting.So it pays to get a real "heads up",on all the required information.It would pay dividends to have a long phone briefing,with them before you plan to fly in.

Hi,

Obviously refer to all the current documents, but I did land there as a part of the 'There and Back' flight around Australia.

The civil apron and military aprons are on different sides of the runway, so confusion there should be minimal. There is a swipe card bowser on the civil side and it operates as per any other airfield.

From memory, I gained an approval number from the RAAF in advance, but that may have been because I also visited the RAAF side as part of the fund-raising. Either way, they were extremely good and professional to deal with. Operations in their airspace is as for any controlled airspace. A clearance is required and then comply with that clearance. Read-backs and R/T procedures as per the book.

One thing to be aware of is the presence of an arrestor cable across the runway. Even when it is retracted, it can make a bit of a noise in a 'lightie' when you roll over it if you don't know what it is. Also, check your NOTAMS as a power failure will often fail arrestor cables to the 'UP' position; for obvious reasons. It should be NOTAMed and I can't honestly recall the fail status of that one.

Environmentally, depending on the time of year and the time of day, you can strike different weather phenomena. During the winter there MAY be 'burning off' in progress and the reduced visibility can catch you on the hop. Summer can produce afternoon/evening thunderstorms and convective turbulence low down can occur at any time of the year.

In a nutshell,this is just a recollection and no replacement for proper preparation. Do your homework and confirm the current procedures and comply with them. Have fun.

Cheers,

Owen.

Thanks guys... I will do. I'm used to Darwin, so it shouldn't be too much to get used to but of course will do all as suggested. Cheers for the help.