Working Groups

Flying in National Parks

Flying in National Parks is currently restricted and generally requires specific permits. The Tasmanian regional association has successfully negotiated an arrangement with the Tasmania Parks and Wildlife Service that permits paragliding at all National Park sites in Tasmania, subject to appropriate pilot qualifications and conditions.

One of the long-term goals of QSA is to pursue similar arrangements with the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service that balance recreational access, safety, and environmental stewardship. We are currently in the process of creating a working group to investigate potential opportunities, identify appropriate channels to engage with relevant stakeholders, and identify practical and environmentally responsible solutions towards achieving this outcome.

We are still looking for people to join this working group. If you would be interested, please send an expression of interest to: president@qsa.asn.au. 

Drones:

The rapid growth in drone operations presents a significant challenge for sports aviation. In particular, the emergence of BVLOS (Beyond Visual Line of Sight) drone operations has the potential to increase the risk of conflicts with hang gliders, paragliders, and other recreational aircraft.

A key challenge for our sector is that most sports aviation aircraft are not equipped with transponders or other electronic conspicuity devices. As a result, drones cannot reliably detect and avoid us using electronic means. Compounding this issue, many sports aviation aircraft are not formally registered and are therefore ineligible for CASA rebate programs that support the purchase of electronic conspicuity devices such as the SkyEcho.

To help address these challenges, QSA has established a Drone Working Group. The group’s role is to monitor developments in drone regulation and operations, respond proactively to government and CASA consultations, liaise with clubs, regulators, and drone operators, and explore practical solutions to safely integrate drone operations in shared airspace.

We are looking for people to join the drone working group! If you would be interested, please send an expression of interest to: president@qsa.asn.au.