The major risks faced by Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Operations in the event of a tropical cyclone

The Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) Western Operations operates two bases in the most cyclone-prone region of the entire Australian coastline. In preparation for a tropical cyclone impacting either of the bases, a comprehensive risk assessment was performed and a major risk identified was the reduced operational capability of the service in the event of a tropical cyclone. The relocation of aircraft to a suitable alternate location can facilitate the operational capability of RFDS Western Operations during a period of cyclonic activity affecting a RFDS Western Operations base. The development of a Tropical Cyclone Plan incorporating the relocation of aircraft aims to address this issue in preparation for the 2009 - 2010 cyclone season.