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Power line safety clearances for pilots

Power lines pose a significant risk to low flying aircraft, flying below 60m/200ft, as they can be difficult to see, regardless of the weather conditions and can quite easily blend into the surroundings and horizon. 

Survey and plan before take-off

Power lines come in many configurations - from high voltage mains carried by large, highly visible towers and poles to far spanning Single Wire Earth Return (SWER) networks with low profile poles.

Flying below 60 metres (200ft) is fraught with danger so it is critical every flight is surveyed before take-off and your pre-flight plan includes the location of power lines.  

Irregular terrain patterns and high trees can obstruct the view of power lines and electrical infrastructure. Power lines often cross waterways such as rivers, reservoirs and lakes. Vegetation and other obstacles may also obscure the view of power lines and poles.  

This means that pilots should never simply rely on the sighting of poles as a sole method for detecting power lines. 

Identifying power lines

There are several indicators pilots may use to identify the location of power lines.
Assume that power lines are present in populated areas, rural and semi rural areas and in suburbia
Power poles are a clear indicator of power lines
Look out for fire breaks or cleared areas of vegetation. They usually indicate the presence of power lines
Be aware some poles and towers have a single wire located above the mains for lightning protection. The wire is extremely difficult to see and is near invisible in low visibility conditions
Familiarise yourself with the location of power lines by studying maps of the area, carry current charts and always check En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA), NOTAMs (Notice to Airman) and the weather before flying
Assume that power lines are present in populated areas, rural and semi rural areas and in suburbia
Power poles are a clear indicator of power lines
Look out for fire breaks or cleared areas of vegetation. They usually indicate the presence of power lines
Be aware some poles and towers have a single wire located above the mains for lightning protection. The wire is extremely difficult to see and is near invisible in low visibility conditions
Familiarise yourself with the location of power lines by studying maps of the area, carry current charts and always check En Route Supplement Australia (ERSA), NOTAMs (Notice to Airman) and the weather before flying

Points to remember

Before flying low an agricultural level 2 rating or low flying endorsement must be approved by CASA
Do not fly low unless it is absolutely necessary to complete the job
Always plan ahead so you are aware of the location of all hazards including the location of power lines and poles
Keep in mind that power lines also exist in remote areas where you least expect them
Exercise extreme caution when flying low
Before flying low an agricultural level 2 rating or low flying endorsement must be approved by CASA
Do not fly low unless it is absolutely necessary to complete the job
Always plan ahead so you are aware of the location of all hazards including the location of power lines and poles
Keep in mind that power lines also exist in remote areas where you least expect them
Exercise extreme caution when flying low

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