Safety issue
| Safety issue description |
The New South Wales Rural Fire Service did not have an effective means to manage wake turbulence separation for aircraft operating in the vicinity of the large air tankers, increasing the risk of an unrecoverable loss of aircraft control. |
|---|---|
| Issue number | AO-2023-054-SI-06 |
| Issue owner | New South Wales Rural Fire Service |
| Transport function | Aviation: General aviation |
| Issue status | Closed – Adequately addressed |
| Date issue released | 12/12/2025 |
| Issue status justification |
The ATSB is satisfied that the introduction of defined wake turbulence standards, and associated training to contracted operators adequately addresses the safety concern. |
Safety action
| Action type | Proactive action |
|---|---|
| Action number | AO-2023-054-PSA-06 |
| Organisation | New South Wales Rural Fire Service |
| Action description |
The NSW RFS released a cockpit reference guide in 2025, introducing defined wake turbulence separation standards: 800m horizontal, 1,000ft vertical, or 3-minute time‑based clearance, based on recommendations from an internal review and international best practice. Training modules were delivered to all contracted operators to standardise application. Annual audits and post-season reviews continue to validate TRA compliance and turbulence management effectiveness. |
| Action status | Closed |