Aviation
Powerlines are hard to see from the air, which makes them a serious hazard during low-level flying operations. Before you take off, practice safe work habits by identifying all powerlines and taking steps to reduce your risk of contact. You should also know what actions to take if you do make contact with powerlines.
Check out our Aviation industry safety pack (PDF 2.9 mb). Quantities of these can be ordered via our Brochure and sticker order form.
How to work safe when flying near powerlines
Any accidental contact between your plane and powerlines could cause injury or death. If you’re flying near powerlines, use the following safe work habits every time you fly.
Before you take off:
- Know the location of powerlines on and around the property and immediate surroundings
- Use our Look up and Live map to identify powerline locations along your route
- Ensure all new members of the crew are inducted and understand potential electrical hazards
- Conduct a pre-flight briefing and reconnaissance
- Consider weather conditions, which can affect visibility or cause the powerlines to move or sag
- Provide ground barriers to warn crew of the presence of powerlines and electrical infrastructure, where appropriate.
During your flight:
- Apply appropriate flying techniques
- Maintain situational awareness for co-pilot and crew
- If flying with others, read the physical structure indicators, e.g. poles and insulators and identify verbally all structures
- Avoid deviating from low-flying routes or leaving areas that have been previously checked for powerlines
- Cross over powerlines above poles or structures rather than mid–span, where possible
- Be aware of reduced powerline heights resulting from damage, often indicated by uneven cables, excessive sag or slack
- Stay well clear of damaged powerlines and report them immediately by calling Triple zero (000).
How to request powerline markers
To improve visibility from the air, ask the property owner to install rotamarkers on overhead powerlines. Powerline warning markers should be installed anywhere regular low-level flying operations take place. The responsibilities for powerline markers are covered under Australian Standard 3891.2.
- The person who requests planned low-level flying operations (e.g. the landowner) is responsible for requesting installation of markers
- The pilot or pilot’s delegate should be satisfied as to the need for and effectiveness of markers before commencing low-level operations
- Aerial markers should only be installed, maintained or removed by us.
If you identify an area of concern on your property, please complete our Safety Advice Form.
To improve visibility of power poles and other electrical structures, you can also request permission from us to paint them. Once permission is granted, you can paint the lower section of the pole (up to 2.4 metres above ground) with white and red alternating bands.
Read more about Marking overhead powerlines and electrical assets (PDF 1.8 mb).
Rotamarker incentive program
To assist the agriculture and aviation industries, we are currently offering to install up to 10 rotamarkers per property at a reduced cost of $100 each (more than ten markers per property may incur extra installation costs).
To arrange for markers to be installed, complete our Safety Advice Form.
What to do in an accident
If your plane brings down powerlines, follow your pilot’s training.
To keep yourself and your crew safe, take the following steps:
- Assume that powerlines or cables are ‘live’, even if they are not sparking
- Don’t touch or attempt to move powerline cables
- Call Triple zero (000) immediately
- Be aware that electricity could cause fuel to ignite, causing a fire.
If it is safe to stay inside the cabin:
- Don’t leave the aircraft until an authorised electricity distribution employee has confirmed that the power is switched off and you are given the all clear
- Instruct bystanders to stay at least 10 metres away from the aircraft or anything else in contact with the powerlines.
If you need to evacuate:
- Access your escape route and check for fallen powerlines
- Jump well clear and land with your feet together. Be careful not to stumble or fall and don’t touch the aircraft and the ground at the same time
- Jump or shuffle away with your feet together until you are at least 10 metres clear of the aircraft, powerlines or anything else in contact with them
- Once clear, do not return to the aircraft for any reason.
IMPORTANT: Never approach, attempt to rescue or allow others to approach an aircraft in contact with powerlines. Call Triple zero (000) immediately to report the incident.
Want more information?
FAQs
If you have more questions, you might find answers in our Frequently Asked Questions.
Safety fact sheets
Download our fact sheets for information about flying safely near powerlines:
- Fire and high voltage powerline safety (PDF 1.4 mb)
- Look Up and Live – Exclusion zones (PDF 624.9 kb)
- Low-level flying (PDF 1.4 mb)
- Marking overhead powerlines and electrical assets (PDF 1.8 mb)
To order factsheets in industry packs, use our Brochure & sticker order form.
Other forms and guidelines
Links to some popular request forms and information.