04/03/2005 - The Minister
for Environment and Heritage Senator Ian Campbell
has today welcomed back Australia’s first
dedicated Antarctic aircraft.
The two CASA 212s, named Gadget and Ginger
after two dogs belonging to Australian scientist
and polar explorer Douglas Mawson, arrived
safely today after a 3400 km, 10-hour flight.
Strong tail winds assisted in the flight which
arrived three hours ahead of schedule.
Senator Campbell congratulated the pilots
Garry Studd, Barry Miller, Dan Colbourne,
Eivind Eikli and Jorn Grosnet on their skill
and expertise in handling the hazardous Antarctic
conditions.
“Contending with extreme weather is part
and parcel of flying in Antarctica and as
conditions can change with little warning
it’s important to have the right people at
the controls,” Senator Campbell said.
“This is the first time Australia has used
these specially-designed aircraft in Antarctica.
They will continue to support the Government’s
science program into the years ahead.”
The aircraft flew to Antarctica in mid-December.
They were based mainly at Australia’s Davis
station. They flew to our other two continental
stations, Casey and Mawson, taking scientists
and equipment to ‘unprepared’ snow and ice
skiways at deep field sites up to 500 kms
in from the coast. They include the French-Italian
base Dome C and the French base Dumont D'Urville
and to connect with ship visits.
The longest intra-continental flight was
from Casey to Davis, a distance of 1400 kms
taking 5 ½ hours, to transfer personnel.
Compared with aircraft previously used to
support Australia’s Antarctic program the
CASAs greater payload and range have enabled
more efficient movement of people and equipment.
Background:
The C212 aircraft is the first new large ski-equipped
aircraft to begin operations in Antarctica
in over 30 years.
Aircraft details:
CASA - a subsidiary of European Aeronautic
Defence and Space company (EADS) makers of
Ariane, Airbus and Eurocopter.
CASA 212-400:
the latest light-transport aircraft to be
produced by EADS.
twin turbo-prop featuring digital cockpit
to reduce pilot workload.
comprehensive communication and navigation
suite.
Equipped with the latest generation turbine
engines, it can move larger payloads over
longer distances with a fuel efficiency that
now allows non-stop flights between all Australian
stations.
OPERATORS - Sydney-based Skytraders Pty Ltd
will operate the aircraft for the AAD after
the signing of a 12-year contract in June
2003.
