Frequently Asked Questions

The following is a list of commonly asked questions.

Q. Why are weights so important on an aircraft?
A. Weights play an important role in aircraft. We need to ensure that our aircraft on all flights are not over loaded under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority regulations. For this reason we need you to provide accurate weights when booking. There is no need to be concerned as your weights are kept strictly confidential and you will also be weighed on arrival, including your luggage.

Q. Do you provide transfers from accommodation?
A. All of our flights include courtesy transfers to and from your accommodation on your day of travel. If required, we can also provide transfers to and from the Domestic Terminal of the Townsville Airport. Our pickups and drop off cover the Townsville metropolitan area.

Q. Are you able to provide private charters?
A. Yes, we are available for all your charter requirements and can quote on any style of private charter you have in mind. We also do resort transfers.

A. What do I need to bring with me?
Q. Your sense of adventure and your camera are number 1 priorities! Comfortable clothing is all that is required.

Q. Can I buy a gift Certificate?
A. Yes. Our Flight Vouchers are valid for 6 months from the date of purchase and can be left open dated or booked for a specific date. All flight and price information is available here.

Q. Can I get a video of my flight?
A. Yes for all Tiger Moth flights. We have multi-camera video systems on our Tiger Moth. We burn your footage to DVD together with a soundtrack.

Q. How can I learn to fly like Fly Scenic Townsville?
A. Fly Scenic Townsville sister company Bluewater Flight Training conducts a full range of flight training courses from ab-initio to instrument flight.

Q. Is this the best job in the world?
A. Our pilot’s certainly think so!

Q. Can I take a camera on the Tiger Moth Flights?
A. Yes. You can take a camera on Tiger Moth Flights however it must have a wrist strap. We will ask you to leave the case behind. Compact cameras are preferred. For all flights, particularly the aerobatic flights, we recommend our souvenir DVD.

Q. How many passengers can the aircraft take?
A. Our DeHavilland Tiger Moth Bi-Plane takes one (1) passenger and one (1) pilot. We have a range of aircraft that we use on our aerial tours with capacities between three (3) and nine (9) passengers.

Q. Is there a minimum number for each flight?
A. Tiger Moth flights operate with one (1) passenger only. Aerial Tours require a minimum of 2 adult fares.

Q. Are children permitted on the aerial tours?
A. We welcome family members of all ages, including children and toddlers! We offer special rates for children 12 years or younger, while most toddlers who can comfortably sit on an adults lap can fly for free!

Q. Is the Tiger Moth a suitable activity for children?
A. No. This activity is not suitable for children under 13 years of age. Fly Scenic Townsville has a group aerial tours in a closed cabin aircraft that are suitable for all ages.

Q. Is the Tiger Moth an activity suitable for older people?
A. Fly Scenic Townsville has taken many older passengers flying. As long as the passenger does not suffer significant health problems they can fly with us. Please call us to discuss you specific need and if you have concerns about whether this is a suitable activity please seek appropriate medical advice.

Q. Is aerobatics safe?
A. Any flying has inherent risk. At Fly Scenic Townsville we maintain high standards of maintenance and pilot training to ensure passenger safety. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) regulates all charter activity in Australia. Fly Scenic Townsville is fully compliant with all CASA charter regulations.

Q. Do I have to sign a waiver?
A. No. Fly Scenic Townsville is a commercial charter flight company. We comply with all mandated safety regulations under state and commonwealth law.

Q. Do a lot of people get sick doing aerobatics?
A. A very small number of people are prone to motion sickness. We estimate less than 5% of our passengers experience discomfort during our flights. We discourage people from drinking fizzy drinks prior to a flight and suggest they have a light breakfast. There are motion sickness bags in the aircraft for every flight.

Q. Where do we do the aerobatics?
A. The Tiger Moth aerobatics is conducted over water between the Townsville Strand and Magnetic Island subject to Air Traffic Approval. If this area is not available due to weather of traffic restrictions we usually conduct our aerobatics over the town common.

Q. Can my friends watch me doing aerobatics?
A. Yes and No. Unfortunately due to operational and air traffic control circumstances there is no way to guarantee the aerobatics will be done over the Strand. Some guests friends and family have found the top a Castle Hill to be a good vantage point. Family and friends are welcome to come along and watch as the passenger boards the aircraft and takes off. We have a comfortable reception area where they can await their return.

Q. How do I make a booking?
A. You will need to contact our reservation team via our Contact Us page or by using the Request a Booking page. We will contact you within 24 hours to advise of availability.

Q. How can I amend or cancel my flight booking?
A. Should you wish to amend or cancel your existing booking you will need to advise us as soon as possible to avoid cancellations fees. Simply go to the Contact Us page which provides many options for contacting us. Cancellations and amendments within the last 48 hours must be made by telephone.

Q. What happens if the weather is bad?
A. If at the time of departure, the pilot deems that the flight cannot go ahead due to bad weather conditions and thus raising safety concerns, the flight will be cancelled. If this occurs we will make every endeavour to place you on an alternate flight that will meet your requirements. If this is not possible a full refund will be offered.

Q. What happens if I don’t use my voucher before the expiry date?
A. Our vouchers are valid for 6 months. There is a 3months grace period after this time in which we ask you to pay the difference in purchase price and current price of a flight if we have had a price increase. Between 3 and 6 months after expiry we charge a $30.00 reactivation fee plus the difference; for 6 months beyond the expiry date we charge a $50.00 reactivation fee plus the difference.

Q. Can I get a refund for my voucher if I can’t use it?
A. No. Fly Scenic Townsville does not issue refunds. You are welcome to transfer your voucher to someone else.

If you have any other queries, please call us - we'd love to hear from you.