Dr LIM - 1995-10-17
As a long-time pilot of light aircraft, I am interested in their relative performance. Given recent publicity, what proposals has the government considered to phase out Nomads?
ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am well aware of some criticism of the Nomad aircraft, mainly in relation to its military application. Whilst there are some differences between military and commercial
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operations, it is obvious that the sooner these aircraft are replaced the better. They have been in use since 1977 when they were purchased by the Commonwealth department then responsible. The Nomad has some very good operational characteristics, including the ability to operate from short airstrips. Airstrips of that kind are a feature of the Top End and that is the reason why Nomad was chosen in the first place. Nevertheless, it has been determined that it will be replaced. I hasten to add that the quality of airstrips has improved over the last 10 years.
Arrangements have been entered into with Skywest to replace the 4 Nomad aircraft with 2 King Air 200Cs and 1 Cessna 402C by the end of this calendar year, at no extra cost to the government. The replacement aircraft have been ordered on an emergency basis and are to be available as soon as possible. In the meantime, the normal operational and maintenance safeguards will be observed to ensure that the Nomads are not used beyond their limits. This is the best option available to the government. Not only will we have a contract with Skywest for the same dollar amount but, from the department's point of view, the operational costs will improve. Flying times will be reduced. That will provide a better service to patients and will reduce the time for which personnel will be involved. It is a good story all round. That initiative is being put in place as a matter of urgency.
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ANSWER
Mr Speaker, I am well aware of some criticism of the Nomad aircraft, mainly in relation to its military application. Whilst there are some differences between military and commercial
Page 884
operations, it is obvious that the sooner these aircraft are replaced the better. They have been in use since 1977 when they were purchased by the Commonwealth department then responsible. The Nomad has some very good operational characteristics, including the ability to operate from short airstrips. Airstrips of that kind are a feature of the Top End and that is the reason why Nomad was chosen in the first place. Nevertheless, it has been determined that it will be replaced. I hasten to add that the quality of airstrips has improved over the last 10 years.
Arrangements have been entered into with Skywest to replace the 4 Nomad aircraft with 2 King Air 200Cs and 1 Cessna 402C by the end of this calendar year, at no extra cost to the government. The replacement aircraft have been ordered on an emergency basis and are to be available as soon as possible. In the meantime, the normal operational and maintenance safeguards will be observed to ensure that the Nomads are not used beyond their limits. This is the best option available to the government. Not only will we have a contract with Skywest for the same dollar amount but, from the department's point of view, the operational costs will improve. Flying times will be reduced. That will provide a better service to patients and will reduce the time for which personnel will be involved. It is a good story all round. That initiative is being put in place as a matter of urgency.
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Last updated: 09 Aug 2016