The Finke Desert Race is marking its 50th anniversary this year, drawing thousands of spectators and participants to the Northern Territory’s remote outback.
With many attendees choosing to travel to the event by light plane or helicopter, the airspace around Alice Springs airport and nearby aerodromes is expected to become increasingly busy.
To help ensure safety during this period of increased aerial activity, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is reminding pilots and drone operators of the rules for flying over crowds, major events, and in busy airspace.
Fixed wing and rotary aircraft pilots
The Finke Desert Race is classified as a public gathering, with increased separation requirements in effect over the start and finish line, along the racetrack, and at the Finke end of the event area.
In the area of the Finke Desert racetrack, all pilots must remain above 1,000 feet above ground level (AGL). Fixed-wing aircraft must maintain a minimum distance of 600 metres from the event, and helicopters must maintain a minimum distance of 300 metres, unless operators have been granted prior approval from CASA.
CASA will have helpful signage displaying this information in and around Alice Springs airport, refuelling stations, and other areas where they will be visible to pilots.
Drone operators
Drones are a popular way to capture aerial footage, but they must not be flown over the Finke Desert Race under any circumstances.
The Finke Desert Race committee have declared the event a no‑drone zone. Flying drones over the event and people poses serious safety risks, including collisions with aircraft, injury to spectators and competitors, and is strictly prohibited. Penalties may apply for non-compliant operations.
Only commercial drone pilots who meet operational requirements may fly drones over the Finke Desert Race, and they must hold the appropriate CASA approvals to do so.
Helpful information is available
On Prologue Day, Saturday 6 June, CASA will host an information stall at the start/finish line, where our aviation experts will be available to provide guidance on airport safety and the rules for flying drones.
CASA provides a range of helpful resources for pilots on our website, including guidance on flying in controlled and non‑controlled airspace, along with dedicated information for drone operators on our Know Your Drone site.
Together we can keep our skies – and people on the ground – safe at this year’s Finke Desert Race.
Media contact
Mobile: 1300 773 806
Email: [email protected]
Date: 3 June 2026
