Open Research Studies and Consultations :
1. Alternatives to the Transponder Mandate: Tracklog Study
This study is conducted by Dr Stefanie Becker in collaboration with Mr Tim Bromhead, the owner of the puretrack.io platform. The aim of the study is to determine the accuracy of tracking devices currently used by recreational pilots (including XCtrack, Skylines, inReach, FLARM, Spot, etc.) by comparing the tracklog files from different devices to each other and to ADS-B devices (e.g., transponder, SkyEcho). Drones operated beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) are currently using ADS-B technology to avoid other traffic. The results of our study will reveal whether currently used tracking devices are precise enough to be used instead of ADS-B in drones for the purpose of collision avoidance, so that we can potentially avoid a nation-wide transponder mandate for recreational pilots.
This is an active study that is currently seeking participants. If you are flying with multiple tracking devices and would like to share your anonymised data for the purpose of this research, please read the information sheet and provide your informed consent using this link: https://uniofqueensland.syd1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_aaxOqTB1im5MSA6
2. Consultation on Proposed Restricted Military Airspace between Roma and Moree:
This proposal would establish a new restricted airspace west of the Wicked Wings flying sites, with a lower limit of 10,000 ft. While the restricted area would only be activated by NOTAM and is unlikely to affect most local flying, it has the potential to restrict long cross-country flights later in the day. Pilots from both S-QLD and NSW regularly fly through this area on long-distance flights from sites including Killarney, Wilson’s, and Manilla.
QSA has circulated information about the consultation to NSWHPA, gliding clubs in the affected area, and Manilla Paragliding. We intend to make a submission in response to the proposal and will coordinate our response with NSWHPA. We also encourage all SAFA members in the region to consider making their own submissions.
The consultation will be open until 23 July 2026 (AEST 10:00) and can be accessed here.
3. Consultation on Remote Controlled Drone Operations near Dalby:
Drone operator Carbonex has submitted plans to operate drones in a remote controlled fashion in an area close to Dalby and north-west into Taroom in the Surate Basin. The drones will have a wingspan of approximately 6 metres, a cruise speed of 55 knots, and operate from ground level to 1,700ft AGL. QSA has informed the Dalby club of this consultation. We also intend to put in a submission, as our pilots are operating in this region. We would also like to encourage all SAFA members to make their own submissions.
The consultation will be open until 28 August 2026 (AEST 17:00) and can be accessed here.
Closed Consultations and Surveys:
– Queensland University of Technology Australian Aircraft Equipage Survey 2026 on behalf of CASA (closed on 25/6/26): https://qsurvey.qut.edu.au/jfe/form/SV_3eLxpirxjJPE2B8
– QSA Response to the Department of Homeland Affairs Public Consultation on Australia’s Drone Security
Past Petitions
In other news, the Teewah Airfield is under threat!
For those who travel along the Teewah Beach to Double Island Point, we wish to highlight that the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service intend to remove the Teewah Airfield located between Lake Cootharaba and the beach. This should raise serious concerns for everyone who lives and visits the area. The airfield is a critical asset enabling emergency evacuation for urgent medical cases, or in times of bush fire, cyclone or flood. This 79 years old grass airfield has been providing life-saving support to this isolated community for many years, and recently during the 2019 bushfires served as a staging area for the emergency services. At that time 13 fire-trucks and two helicopters utilised the airfield to come to the aid of the people at Teewah and the North Shore area. At that time, the emergency services had evacuated the population of Teewah who were standing on the beach and were terrified. This airfield also serves the same life saving purpose for visitors to the area. With such a life-saving asset it would be mad to close it, but that is the ill-considered plan of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service.
!!! This petition is now closed: It collected 3,210 signatures and elicted a response from the minister, which you can view using the original link below. !!!
