Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Island Scenic Flights frequently asked questions page. The following topics cover basic questions about your flight. We welcome inquiries, should you have questions that are not covered below please use the Bookings & Contact page and send us an email.


How many people can go on an Island Scenic Flight?

Not including the captain (pilot), the Cessna 206 can accommodate up to 5 adult passengers or 4 adults and up to 2 children (dependent on weight).

• Any children (persons under 16 years of age) are to be accompanied by at least one adult.
  A Parent and/or Guardian are responsible for their children at all times.
  
  
• Infants under the age of 3years can be carried on the Parent/Guardian's lap or in a bassinet.
  
  
• Two Children under the age of 12 years can occupy one seat as long as the combined weight of the children does not exceed 77kgs.
  
  
• Island Scenic Flights can supply cushions for young children to sit on, for those who may have difficulty seeing out of the window.

How long are the flights?

The shortest flights are around 15 minutes. Scenic Fights generally range from 15 minutes to 1.2 hours. Ultimately flight time is limited only be your budget and/or how much fuel is on board. A one hour flight can cover 180 to 240km. Maximum realistic flight time would be in the vicinity of 3 to 4 hours, however the aircraft endurance is 5 to 7 hours depending of power settings.


What do I need to do before the flight?

Being a light aircraft there are no toilet/bathroom facilities, so make sure you go to the bathroom before takeoff. Toilet facilities are available at the Bruny Island office and elsewhere around Bruny Island depending on the time of year. Many of the Island's public toilet facilities are closed/locked during the off-season (late Autumn/Winter).


What do I need to bring on a Bruny Island Scenic Flight?

Since the aircraft is heated there are no special clothing requirements. All emergency gear is provided (life jackets). If the flight includes a half day or full day trip to a location like Melalueca, you will need to bring:

• Appropriately warm clothing, hat, gloves
• Hiking apparel if hiking, includes waterproof footwear
• Water apparel if Kayaking and/or change of clothes
• Food and (nonalcoholic) Drinks
• Hot water in a thermos flask
  (Please Note - Flammable gas cylinders for cooking are not permitted on the aircraft)

What can I bring on a Bruny Island Scenic Flight?

• Camera, Phone, Tablet device (there are no in-flight electronic device use restrictions).
• Cold and/or warm food and drinks are permitted in-flight. Due to possible turbulence, hot food and drinks are NOT permitted in-flight as they can be dangerous if spilled.
• Baggage is permitted (e.g. hiking gear and camera packs), however there is a size limitation due to available storage space and an overall weight restriction.
  For example: If passengers are to be dropped off at Melalueca to hike out, it is likely that a maximum of 2 passengers can be taken due to the amount of hiking / camping gear required for each person.

Can I design my own Island Scenic Flight?

Absolutely! Flights are limited only by fuel, available daylight and your imagination. Generally however, longer flights will require some consultation, planning and of course an advance booking.


Does weather affect Island Scenic Flights?

All Island Scenic Flights are conducted on a strict "Safety First" basis and will not takeoff during severe weather events. Should a booked flight be cancelled due to weather, Island Scenic Flights will refund the full amount or where possible reschedule the flight. To get the best possible views Island Scenic Flights are conducted at a relatively low altitude below clouds and 'weather'.


Are there any Requirements, Rules and Regulations?

All Island Scenic Flights are conducted in accordance with the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Regulations (CASR). So just as if you were taking a flight on a commercial airliner, there will be the obligatory safety talk, including "how to deploy your life jacket". Seat-belts are to be worn at all times whilst the aircraft is in motion and Life-Jacket pouches are to be worn at all times whilst the aircraft is in motion over water.

And of course, there is strictly NO Smoking anywhere on or around the aircraft. Alcohol is also forbidden. Passengers are allowed to embark at the captain’s discretion. Passengers may be refused boarding for any reason, but particularly if their presence/condition places the safety of other passengers, the pilot and/or the aircraft at risk.


You can find out more from the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) web site, including their Air Safety Rules page.