Melaleuca flights

[Orion]

Can anyone estimate how often flights to Melaleuca are cancelled due to weather?
Thinking of doing the SCT in early January.

[stepbystep]

Can anyone estimate how often flights to Melaleuca are cancelled due to weather?
Thinking of doing the SCT in early January.

Perhaps ask Par Avion, they would have the stats. Kind of pointless though, just factor in an extra day or 2 for a delay.

[tastrax]

Regularly, but you stand a pretty good chance of getting in in January. Just keep a day up your sleeve and be prepared to maybe skip a side trip on the Southcoast. DONT have an exact schedule that cant be moved!

[tastrax]

High winds and cloud cover are probably the most likely reasons not to fly on any day. Check out the weather at Maatsuyker Island for an indication of what is happening down that way.

http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/dwo/20120 ... 1201.shtml - January 2012

[dplanet]

If I recall correctly, a left seat provides great views.

[Orion]

Thanks for the feedback.

We weren't planning anything other than a relaxed schedule with a couple of extra days built in.
I was just wondering if even more time should be allocated up front, before we started walking.

It sounds like that isn't necessary, at least not in January.

[Strider]

I was just wondering if even more time should be allocated up front, before we started walking.

Practically, you would fly in and walk out. This avoids the possibility of being stuck at Melaleuca for several days in the case of bad weather. The couple of days allowing for flight delays should therefore be factored in BEFORE the walk.

[whynotwalk]

I was just wondering if even more time should be allocated up front, before we started walking.

It sounds like that isn't necessary, at least not in January.

We flew in last January, for a trip to Southwest Cape, and we were delayed a day and a half by gale force winds. Even after the delay, we flew in strong wind and rain, and saw very little. It wouldn't have mattered which side of the plane we sat on The seat next to the pilot is always worth aiming for, but it's great wherever you sit.

If the weather is fine they will sometimes take the inland route (over Federation! Very spectacular). They'll take the coastal route if the cloud base is low (which it often is). And Phil is right - check out the Maatsuyker Island weather observations for an idea of what flying conditions will be. That's what Par Avion use. See: http://www.bom.gov.au/products/IDT60801/IDT60801.94962.shtml

cheers

Peter

[Orion]

Delayed a day and a half in January....

That makes it sound like my original thought was correct, that we should figure in a day or two up front just in case.

[wander]

the possibility of being stuck at Melaleuca for several day

Ahhh the problems that we must face now and again.

[sthughes]

When I flew out a few years back it was the first flight in several days due to bushfire smoke. Quite a busy airfield that morning, 3 planes on the ground at once and I managed to bag a co-pilot seat. Very cool flying along looking UP at Federation!

[ILUVSWTAS]

It's always better to fly in and walk out too.

[stepbystep]

Here's a tip.

If you want the co-pilot seat it's best to travel alone, couples always share seats, but also say you are a cinematographer

[Nuts]

and get the lens rrright up against the window

[stepbystep]

...but also say you are a cinematographer

Oh and if you try this it pays to have a slightly convincing looking camera

[Nuts]

hmm, i do have an ABC logo cap

[tas-man]

Can anyone estimate how often flights to Melaleuca are cancelled due to weather?
Thinking of doing the SCT in early January.

When I did the SW Cape circuit some years ago we were booked on the first morning flight, but spent the morning waiting at Cambridge Airport as weather at Melaleuca deteriorated with high winds gusting to 70 knots. We were eventually told that there would be no flights to Melaleuca that day and to come back tomorrow. We got to Melaleuca by lunch time the next day and had to cut a day off our itinerary.

[GraemeSpedding]

Can anyone estimate how often flights to Melaleuca are cancelled due to weather?
Thinking of doing the SCT in early January.

My experience of many trips on the SCT is that you'll get in most of the time..they fly in pretty marginal wx( though legal) conds along the coast if they have to. DO allow a spare day though just in case. It can be pretty bumpy so if you are not used to small planes take a sick bag or 2.