The Outback Air Race began in 1996 as a concept created by the fund raising division of the Royal Flying Doctor Service (WA Section). Essentially it is not a race, rather a time trial, which provides a considerable flying challenge, but is conducted in a safe and efficient manner. The aim of the Air Race is to raise funds for the RFDS and to provide an exciting and unique flying holiday for pilots from throughout Australia, New Zealand and overseas.

Our Flight and Safety Controller manages all aspects of the race to ensure the race is conducted in a manner which conforms to any relevant CASA regulations. Whilst on the race, briefings are conducted each morning to inform pilots of the time trail to be conducted each day.

Experienced pilots, the RFDS and a dedicated team of organisers are organizing the race; it is fully endorsed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

 

Timing will commence at flag fall / arm fall / radio call or any other method decided upon on the departure runway or from a pre-designated feature away from the departure aerodrome.

Timing will cease on crossing the nominated checkpoint.

Each team will provide a flight plan and race note at the beginning of each leg, complete in all details including estimated time interval for that leg. All flight plans and race notes must be handed to the race director or his delegate 30 minutes prior to the scheduled departure time of the first aircraft.

The position of the checkpoint will be notified at or prior to the daily briefing.

Deviation from the route will be allowed to enable teams to enjoy scenic opportunities, visit relatives, or whatever they fancy. As the race committee will be holding flight notes for search and rescue purposes, the intended route must be detailed in the flight plan of the day and Air Services Australia notified as per the A.I.P. of any diversion from the route.

All aircraft must cross the checkpoint in cruise configuration and approach the checkpoint no more than 10 degrees either side of the direct track.

Good airmanship must be in evidence at all times and rules and procedures must be adhered to.

All navigation aids are permitted including GPS.

 

The Outback Air Race is all about:

FLYING SAFELY - FUN - FRIVOLITY & FUNDRAISING

Rule 1 The race committee is always right.

Rule 2 If you think you are right refer above.

Rule 3 If you think the race committee has made a mistake, refer rule 1.

Rule 4 The winner of the race is the team that wins the Grand Final between the two teams leading the premiership table/s after each team match races another team on each leg.

For each match race both teams will nominate an elapsed time interval . One point will be lost for every second early or late over the check point. Each leg has an equal value of 1800 points related to the time trial and if both teams have an error of greater than 30 minutes the match race is a draw.

In addition to the leg match races there will be a leg prize for the team winning each leg.

There will also be daily prizes. Points for the daily prizes are awarded for many things including:
Preparation
Airmanship
Cheerfulness
And anything which takes the fancy of the race committee on the day

These points have no bearing on the time trial.

There is no handicapping system, if you have an opinion on this subject we are happy to listen to it once, but reserve the right to make our own decision.. All teams will be treated equally.

Rule 5 The race committee reserves the right to withdraw the privilege of any team to continue the race at any time for not entering into the spirit of the race or for breaking the rules.

Rule 6 Each pilot in command and team must adhere to all orders and regulations of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority and takes responsibility for such.

Rule 7 The race committee retains the right to alter the route as required.

Rule 8 The race committee retains the right to alter these rules, any alteration will be notified to teams prior to the commencement of the race or during the race at the daily briefing.