Antarctic Flights

[Ikara]

The new Hobart to Antarctica flights began today. As they are (supposedly) "Commercial", does anyone know if it is possible to book a flight down and back on the same day? Or do you need to be travelling on Govmunt business? Would beat the hell out of the Qantas flyovers, being able to get out and walk around (near to) the South Pole for an hour or so.

JB

[kpc]

The new Hobart to Antarctica flights began today. As they are (supposedly) "Commercial", does anyone know if it is possible to book a flight down and back on the same day? Or do you need to be travelling on Govmunt business? Would beat the hell out of the Qantas flyovers, being able to get out and walk around (near to) the South Pole for an hour or so.

JB

I was wondering the same as I watched the item on the news tonite

[Dave Noble]

My understanding iircm is that they are commercial flights but are not available to the general public and that you need to have a genuine reason for going to the outpost

Dave

[Petch]

... you need to have a genuine reason for going to the outpost

So, that rules out AFF style (turn-around) mileage runs :-(

[Ikara]

Oh Bugga! Oh Bugga! Two "Oh, Bugga's" 'cos one was too short.

[Mal]

Yep, one article I saw said that the landing strip was definately not for tourist planes, and I also understand that you won't get on the flights without a good reason or three!

[Mwenenzi]

If you want a trip down south get a job there. They have a shortage of employees this summer thanks to the WA mining boom. Here is what the place looks like from the Mawson web cam.

The USA & NZ have been flying down there for decades. Over the New Year a Canadian owned DC3 was lost on a failed takeoff. The DC3 may never fly again but the crew & pax were OK. Several years ago the US dug a C130 out of the snow, after it was buried for many years, and flew it out.

[Ikara]

Mwenenzi,

Nah - gotta job. Like "kpc" I was watching the news tonight and saw our venerable Minister for the Environment swanning down to Antartica and thought to myself, "Bugga, if he of the plastic bags can do it why can't I?" I now know why.

Twas just an idle thought.

JB

[Mwenenzi]

venerable Minister for the Environment swanning down to Antartica and thought to myself, "Bugga, if he of the plastic bags can do it why can't I?" I now know why.

Hey he was there at MIDNIGHT just checking on the plastic bags (made from OIL) in the local supermarket. Someone got to do it.

[kpc]

If you want a trip down south get a job there. They have a shortage of employees this summer thanks to the WA mining boom. Here is what the place looks like from the Mawson web cam.

I did find a job there I could do Mwenenzi but the job description is a bit off putting

Persons participating in the Australian Antarctic Program (AAP) may engage in physical activity at altitudes up to 2000 metres, may experience temperatures as low as -40˚C, and may make flights in unpressurised aircraft to 3000 metres. All must be sufficiently agile and physically fit to enable them to climb ladders and nets on the sides of ships and climb into and out of ship's boats and inflatable craft which move considerably in heavy swells. Personnel may be in the field (off station) for periods up to 3 months, isolated on stations for up to 9 months, or on Marine Science cruises of long duration. The stress of isolation, environmental conditions and extreme remoteness from major medical facilities are important considerations and it is therefore mandatory that applicants be in good physical condition and free from any disability which could adversely affect their health, restrict their activities or create a burden for others in Antarctica. Those applicants whose continued good health is dependent on any medication are generally not acceptable.