Frequently Asked Questions
Our Aircraft
No, there are steps with hand holds so you don’t have to scramble in. We also carry a small step to help some people who may have trouble reaching the first stair.
The Piper Chieftain, Navajo and Beechcraft King Air are low wing. Our Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a high wing aircraft. In all aircraft we encourage clients not to sit in the same seat. We rotate the seating after each sector so everyone gets a different view throughout the tour.
No, except for the KingAir. However there are always toilets immediately before takeoff and straight after landing. The longest sector across all of our tours is 2.5 hours.
Depending on weather we fly between 3,000 and 10,000 feet on the Chieftain, Navajo and Grand Caravan EX. The King Air will fly generally at higher levels of around 25,000 feet although it can come lower for short “flightseeing” experiences.
Single rows of seats with a centre aisle, every seat is the window seat.
Varies from 6 passenger to 10 passenger but typically the maximum is 8-9 passengers due to weight capacity.
We have a Beechcraft King Air, Cessna Grand Caravan EX, Piper Chieftain and Navajo in our fleet. These have rear stair entry, club seating and an aisle in the centre. They have big windows and great performance capabilities on short airstrips. The King Air is a multi engine turbine aircraft that is pressurised so it can climb to higher altitudes. The Cessna Grand Caravan EX is a single engine turbine aircraft and cruises at a maximum of 10,000ft. The Navajo and Chieftains are multi engine piston aircraft that are unpressurised and cruises at a maximum of 10,000 feet.
Tour Features
Yes, the co-pilot seat is rotated between passengers and your pilot will give you an overview of the cockpit and flying if you are interested. There is a spare headset so you can listen in on the radio calls.
Flinders Island is 1.0hr; Port Lincoln is 2.25hrs depending on the aircraft.
Across all of our itineraries there are a number of walks available. None are compulsory and you only do what you feel up to. For those who are more active, we cater for you also.
Yes.
Accommodation
Yes, this depends on the number of days but is of the order of $105/head/day on most trips. Lord Howe is more and Bespoke trips are negotiable.
Yes, we can arrange for twin-share with separate beds. Generally this will be one queen/double and one single.
Typically we quote twin share, however special requests will be considered should you prefer a single.
We always choose the best available accommodation at each stop. Due to the remoteness of the destinations we access this can range from clean, comfortable shearers quarters to 5 star exclusive lodges. There are generally en suites unless clearly stated in the itinerary. We choose accommodation that is true to the region with comfy beds, air conditioning and good tucker.
Booking
You can book online using our online booking form, direct with our office Tel. 1300 20 61 30 Fax +61 (0) 3 9882-4236 or Mobile: +61 (0) 418 379-263 (Tony) or +61 (0) 408 535-438 (Keith) 7 days a week. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff are ready to assist you with your queries.
Yes, this depends on the number of days but is of the order of $105/head/day on most trips. Lord Howe is more and Bespoke trips are negotiable.
Yes, we can arrange for twin-share with separate beds. Generally this will be one queen/double and one single.
Normally most things can be catered for as long as we are advised.
We can cater for most specific dietary requirements (coeliac, vegetarian etc.). On your “booking confirmation form” you can add any dietary requirements. This gives us a chance to notify all operators providing food.
As we only cater for small groups, seats are limited and tours can fill quite quickly. We advise booking as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. We are more than happy to hold seats for you for a period of 5 days without deposit. If demand is great over that period, we will contact you to offer first right of refusal.
Pricing
10% discount is available for anyone who books a full plane load for one of our trips. A full plane load is considered 7 passengers in the Chieftain. The discount applies to the 7 passengers on the one booking form. Single supplements are $105pp per night. TheLord Howe Island tour single supplement is $175
Weather
Generally the flying is silky smooth due to the time of year and time of day we fly. If there are going to be bumps, your pilot will notify you.
What to bring
Fishing gear is supplied however, small items may be considered. Luggage is restricted to 10kg depending on the group size.
This may vary depending on the charter or tour. The holiday air tours are generally limited to about 1 kg per person per day. So for a 3 day trip we suggest 3 – 4 kgs….for a 10 day trip we try for a maximum of 8 – 9 kgs per person . Hint: the heaviest clothing you are likely to need will be what you are wearing on the morning of departure. You don’t need to include this in your weight allowance as long as you have given us your correct “clothed weight ” on the booking confirmation form.
You will receive an itinerary which will detail what you need to bring and suggested clothing. Also don’t forget your camera, a collapsible hiking stick can be handy for some people, air sick tablets if necessary, and any charging equipment
Smart, comfortable casual is the theme for all tours. Please see our suggested clothing list on your itinerary for further information. A good, versatile pair of walking shoes is essential.
A soft sided sports bag. A soft sided case preferably without wheels and frames as this makes them hard to pack away. Definitely no hard sided suit-case (these do not fit in the nose or wing lockers).
What's included
Drinks are included at meal times.
Normally most things can be catered for as long as we are advised.
In a word, everything! We don’t like to see you putting your hand in and out of your pocket so anything written into the itinerary is included in the price. All air travel in private aircraft, all accommodation, all meals, guided trips/ tours/ excursions, entries and transfers. We do not include , laundry and any personal items like souvenirs.
Kirkhope Aviation provides water all the way around (limited quantity). We recommend that you also carry your own drink bottle to refill. The more you drink, the more energy you will have and the more you will enjoy each day.