In August of 2018, the NK5 Group trading as Cockatoo Is (the island operator), received approval from the state government, Dambimangari Aboriginal corporation and Cockatoo Iron by way of a Section 91 License to use the airstrip and road ways for the purpose of transferring passengers relating to its operation.

Please review this document in conjunction with-

• Island Information II20
• Marine Information MI20
• Movement Request form MR20.

Operators and pilots are reminded of the following:

• Windshear is expected on short final when to runway 12 when the wind is from the north. Pilots can also expect windshear on runway 12 when the wind is from the east due to the valley.
• Mechanical windshear is also expected when landing on runway 30 due the large workshop 0.2 nm from the runway 30 threshold.
• The airstrip is susceptible to water contamination after heavy rain. At all times it is advisable to contact Cockatoo Is prior to departure for the latest airstrip condition report.

In respect of local procedures, the following is to be implemented by all operators:

• West Kimberley CTAF frequency of 127.20 is to be used for all operations to and from Cockatoo Island. Groundstaff will be monitoring this frequency. Normal CTAF aerodrome procedures apply.
• A discreet Cockatoo Island frequency of 128.80, callsign “Cockatoo Ground” can be contacted and pilots are requested to monitor this frequency on their number 2 VHF sets if fitted.
• Circuit height is 1400ft QNH. (runway elev 380ft)
• Right Hand circuits apply for runway 30, Left Hand circuits for runway 12 due to potential blasting in the mine area.
• Tourism flights are encouraged to approach the Cockatoo Island from Irvine island to the northwest, or Koolan Island to the east to avoid flying near the mine.
• Pilots are requested to avoid prop wash from entering the terminal building thus parking with aircraft facing towards the north east or the east. Parking towards the northwest will wash into the terminal area where passengers will be seated.
• Preferred runway sare 30 for landing and 12 for departure due to noise abatement at the resort.
• Parking on the concrete pad (as seen in picture AP1) is not permitted. This is due to the pad infringing on the runway strip width.
• The airstrip is also used as an access road to other parts of the island, so it is imperative to have prior permission prior to landing.
• During times of multiple parked aircraft, it is the responsibility of each pilot to coordinate their position on the parking apron.

Australia’s safety laws for drones or unmanned aerial vehicles (“UAV”), also known as remotely piloted aircraft (“RPA”), as defined in the Civil Aviation Safety Regulations Part 101, vary depending on whether you are flying recreationally, for sport or for commercial purposes.

7. Recreational Use

Due to safety concerns and the close proximity of our aerodrome to our resort and island infrastructure, recreational / sport use is not permitted on Cockatoo Island and waters surrounding Cockatoo Island.

8. Commercial Use

When flying for any form of economic gain, you need to have an RPA operator’s certificate (“ReOC”). A holder of a UAV operator’s certificate (“UOC”) may continue to operate as per their certificate. In addition to a valid ReOC or UOC, written approval must be obtained from Cockatoo Island management prior to operation on Cockatoo Island and surrounds.

Cockatoo Is WA Pty Ltd has adopted this policy to ensure the safety and privacy of our guests, visitors and staff. RPA use that is in breach of any regulation will be reported to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) which can impose infringement notices of up to $8,500 per offence.

For approval for commercial use of RPA’s please email our office info@cockatoois.com