Recently, we hosted the SA Country Fire Service & State Emergency Service SA Andamooka Unit at the Andamooka Airfield for a practical training and familiarisation session.
The visit formed part of ongoing efforts to strengthen local emergency preparedness and coordination in one of South Australia’s most remote communities. SES volunteers undertook on-the-ground familiarisation with the airfield layout, access points, and operational considerations.
With the airfield now fully operational and in use by the Royal Flying Doctor Service, the session highlighted how aviation access, emergency services, and community volunteers work together to keep Andamooka safe. Understanding how the airstrip functions during activations, day or night, routine or urgent, helps ensure faster, safer, and more coordinated responses when they matter most.
Andamooka Airfield (YAMK) Key features:
• ERSA page published with Runway 06/24 and CTAF Frequency 126.6
• A 1,210-metre unsealed runway with 100-metre clearways.
• Permanent solar-powered night lighting (sunset–sunrise operation) enabling safe 24 hour access.
• A remote weather station and live camera system accessible by the RFDS for real time monitoring.
• Locally trained AOFTA volunteers, including certified AROC radio operators and an Aerodrome Reporting Officer, who assist with inspections, communications, and
ground operations.
• Capability to accommodate Pilatus PC-12 aircraft, supporting RFDS, SAPOL, and charter operations directly at Andamooka without reliance on Olympic Dam Airport.
• The upgraded facility also includes over 4 kilometres of perimeter fencing, enhancing safety, wildlife control, and security across the entire airfield boundary
• Toilets, water, AED, First Aid Kits and H3R Aviation Fire Extinguishers.
Beyond the technical aspects, the training also provided an opportunity to share local context: Andamooka’s unique landscape, weather conditions, and logistical challenges that shape emergency response in the Far North. These shared learnings build trust, confidence, and capability across agencies and volunteers alike.
We’d like to sincerely thank the SES Andamooka Unit for their time, professionalism, and continued commitment to the community.
Training days like this reinforce the importance of local knowledge, strong partnerships, and hands-on preparation in Outback South Australia.
We look forward to hosting further joint training and familiarisation sessions as the Andamooka Airfield continues to play a growing role in regional emergency response, aviation access, and community resilience.
