AussieAviator From Australia, joined Jul 2006, 78 posts, RR: 0 Posted (2 years 5 months 2 weeks 6 days 9 hours ago) and read 2856 times:
My enquiry is of a legal nature; pertaining to photography around the perimeter area of civilian aerodromes in Australia.
Like many other enthusiast photographers with an interest in aviation; I can often be found 'snapping away' around the perimeter of both regional/rural aerodromes and major airports alike. On a number of occasions, I have been approached by 'concerned' resident members' of the airport community, demanding to know what I am doing and why ? I've even had demands put on me to produce identification. In one instance, a company operator even took photo's of me taking photo's !!
If I am close to airport operators', I will always wear my ASIC and am happy to answer enquiries if need be. To this end, I will usually make efforts to proactively advise these operators of my intentions. However, in recent years; I have found most people who approach me, with the view of investigating my 'activities' - are aggressive, accusation-al and demanding in demeanour. Attempts to pacify these people by explaining that I am simply an enthusiast photographer, generally meet with threats of being reported to the 'authorities'. By this stage, I usually give up and ignore them - particularly when suggestions about my motives extend to terrorist activities !
Don't get me wrong: I am all for vigilance - however, I feel some people take things way too far !
I have been at a point for some time now, where I am too reticent to even consider taking photographs around civilian aerodromes. Even if I am in full view of all and sundry & make no covert attempts to sneak in a 'sly' photo of a 40 year old clapped out Cessna 310 taxiing to the fuel bowser !!
Can anybody tell me what the legislation is relating to private citizens' taking photographs of civilian registered aircraft, from outside the boundary fence/s of a civilian operated aerodrome in Australia please ? And whilst I'm at it - can a licensed pilot (and ASIC holder) photograph aircraft from within the boundary fence - if access to the airside area of the airfield, by that person, is lawful ?
I would really like to know what the 'rights' and 'responsibilities' are for aviation photographers in Australia ?
My enquiry relates to civilian aerodromes/airports only - not Defence Establishments.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Particularly direct references to relevant legislation.
cpd From Australia, joined Jun 2008, 4879 posts, RR: 44 Reply 2, posted (2 years 5 months 2 weeks 4 days 21 hours ago) and read 2670 times:
Quoting AussieAviator (Thread starter): I can often be found 'snapping away' around the perimeter of both regional/rural aerodromes and major airports alike. On a number of occasions, I have been approached by 'concerned' resident members' of the airport community, demanding to know what I am doing and why ? I've even had demands put on me to produce identification. In one instance, a company operator even took photo's of me taking photo's !!
I don't think you should have any problem on civilian side, because it's not a defensive fortification.
The problem is concerned people - they will complain, police will have to investigate, and that's where it gets messy. I'd guess some will ask you to go - not because you may or may not be doing something illegal, but as a way of keeping the peace.
You appear to be looking for the definitive legal answer, and to be honest, not many people here are qualified to give you that. Hence the lack of replies.
flightkid9 From Canada, joined Jul 2010, 65 posts, RR: 0 Reply 3, posted (2 years 5 months 2 weeks 4 days 20 hours ago) and read 2655 times:
the only advice I can say is, if you have a step-stool, ladder or anything else to elevate you than make sure it's at least 3m away from the perimeter fence. Other than that you shouldn't have any legal issues.
Can we make this quick? my Boeing's double-parked.
A350France From Australia, joined Jan 2010, 14 posts, RR: 0 Reply 4, posted (2 years 5 months 2 weeks 2 days 10 hours ago) and read 2470 times:
Although I have no clue as to what's allowed and what's not. I do know that on Brisbane Airport's website it states that any video recording needs to be organised with airport authorities, however lots of people still seem to casually video/photograph aircraft at BNE.
Gliders, sailplanes, they are wonderful flying machines. It's the closest you can come to being a bird — Neil Armstrong
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