Winter 2026 FNA Newsletter
06th July 2026
Winter 2026 FNA Newsletter
As winter settles across Australia, we are proud to bring you the latest edition of the Flight Nurses Australia newsletter. This issue celebrates the dedication, resilience, and professionalism of our members who continue to deliver exceptional care in some of the country's most challenging environments. Inside, you'll find, clinical updates, education opportunities, industry news, and highlights from across the aeromedical community. We also recognise the invaluable contributions of our volunteers, partners, and supporters who help strengthen our profession. Whether you're flying missions, mentoring colleagues, or advancing your practice, thank you for the vital role you play in keeping Australians safe. We hope this winter edition informs, inspires, and keeps you connected with the Flight Nurses Australia community.
Vice President update
Welcome all members, new and existing. I would like to formally introduce myself as the new FNA Vice President and previous committee member. I am located with in Western Australia currently working as a retrieval nurse for RFDS-WO and Lead MTS Leader within the organisation. Below will give you an insight on how we reached compliance regarding MTS with CASA and the program we created in accordance. This was presented by me last year at the aeromedical conference in Hobart. I will endeavour to do my best as vice president for FNA and look forward to alongside Hayden and learn from the best 😊 In the meantime happy flying,
Regards
Jessica Tillett
Tax Time is looming upon us see below for some handy tips
With tax time on the way, tax tips are everywhere. While some advice is helpful, other claims don’t quite add up. With information spreading quickly though AI tools, social media, and group chats, it can be difficult to tell what’s accurate and what’s not.
This year’s message from the ATO: pause and check the facts. Taking a moment to consider where the information comes from can save you time, reduce mistakes and avoid the need for amendments later.
Here are some practical ways to stay on track this tax time:
· Use trusted sources like ato.gov.au, the ATO app or a registered tax professional.
· Make sure claims are supported by records. No records mean no claim.
· Check ATO Community to see answers to common questions and check what others are asking.
· Be cautious of advice promising big deductions or ‘secret’ tax tricks.
· Look out for common mistakes like over claiming, missing income or lodging before your pre-fill is ready.
For reliable information, tailored for your occupation, the Australian Taxation Office’s (ATO’s) occupation guides are a great place to start. They explain:
· What income you must declare
· Which deductions you may be able to claim
· What records you need to keep.
Before you lodge, check the facts at ato.gov.au/nurse
After you’ve lodged your return, the quickest and easiest way to check the progress of your tax return is with the ATO app or by logging into ATO online services through MyGov. Remember, most tax returns lodged online take about 12 business days to be processed.
Car expenses – know what you can and can’t claim
If you use a car for work, it’s important to understand what travel you can and can’t claim at tax time. Most errors in car expense claims happen when people include trips that aren’t genuinely work related.
In most situations, travel between home and your regular place of work is private and not deductible. This applies regardless of:
· Distance travelled
· Work hours
· Whether you work from home some of the time.
Working from home doesn’t automatically make your home a regular place of work for tax purposes, and it doesn’t mean trips between home and work become claimable. You also can’t claim commuting costs such as fuel, tolls or parking.
You may be able to claim car expenses for genuine work‑related travel, such as travelling between separate work locations during the day or from your workplace to meet a client, provided the trip is directly related to earning your income and you weren’t reimbursed.
If you do claim car expenses:
· Only claim the work‑related portion
· Your claim should reflect your actual work‑related travel, which may be less than the maximum amount allowable
· You must be able to explain how you calculated your claim.
The type of records you keep depends on the method you use to claim. Under the logbook method, you must keep a logbook and written evidence for your car expenses. Under the cents per kilometre method, you don’t need receipts, but you must be able to show how you calculated your work‑related kilometres. This can include diary notes, calendar entries or trips tracked using my Deductions in the ATO app.
Before lodging your return, check what you can and can’t claim at ato.gov.au/claimingcartrips
After you’ve lodged your return, the quickest and easiest way to check the progress of your tax return is with the ATO app or by logging into ATO online services through MyGov. Remember, most tax returns lodged online take about 12 business days to be processed.
Claiming gifts and donations – check before you claim
Donating to a cause you care about is meaningful, but not all donations are automatically tax deductible. You can only claim a tax deduction for gifts or donations made to organisations that have deductible gift recipient (DGR) status.
Many common donations aren’t deductible. This includes money or gifts given to family or friends, donations to some churches or religious organisations that don’t have DGR status, and crowdfunding pages that aren’t run by a DGR.
The simplest way to check the DGR status is by searching for the organisation in the ABN Lookup tool.
- Search for the organisation
- Select the correct organisation from the list
- Review of the Deductible gift recipient status
You should also check that the organisation had DGR status at the date you made the donation.
If the organisation shows ‘not entitled’, the donation can’t be claimed. If it shows ‘endorsed’ or ‘listed’, the donation may be claimed. You must have a record to support any donation you claim. Receipts should include the organization’s name, the donation amount and the date.
For more information, visit ato.gov.au/giftsdonations
RFDS-WO rolls out compliance with MTS training with CASA regulations.
See below pertaining details. Any further enquiries/questions please contact Lead MTS Assessor for WA operations Jessica Tillett- Jessica.tillett@rfdswa.com.au
Hello, Welcome,
I am a Retrieval Nurse for the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Western Australia alongside most recently over the last 2 years granted the roll of the Lead Assessor for Medical Transport specialist within the organisation. During this time with the assistance of my small Team; Rachel Ward as the Aviation Coordinator and Kelly Macdonald our General Emergency Trainer, have successfully created and rolled out our current MTS training program adhering to the compliance under the CASA legislations within the aviation sector.
We have;
- x14 Pilatus PC-12 turboprop aircraft and are considered the workhorses of our fleet, they are reliable and can land almost anywhere. One of these most recently introducing x1 PC-12 Pro- yet to introduce differences training.
- x3 Pilatus PC-24 Jets, which were introduced into our fleet in 2018. The Royal Flying Doctor Service in Western Australia was the first organisation in the world to use the Pilatus PC-24 for aeromedical purposes. Rio Tinto LifeFlight jets have been one of the most impactful innovations for the RFDS in this generation, more than halving the flight times for many patients in the Northwest.
- x2 airbus EC-145 aeromedical helicopters which joined our fleet in May 2022. They are the first RFDS Helicopters in Australia, thanks to partnership with Fortescue. Our EC-145 is mostly used to transfer acutely unwell patients within 250km of Perth directly to the helipads of major hospitals.
Medical crew members involved in medical transport operations, specifically in aeromedical retrieval were reclassified as Medical Transport Specialists (MTS) in 2021 under CASR Part 133 (Rotorcraft) and Part 135 (Fixed Wing), in compliance with the Manual of Standards (MOS).
- According to CASA legislation and the manual of standards, MTS are required to complete an aircraft specific training program prior to conducting unsupervised MTS duties on that type of aircraft. The conversion training is complete once the MTS under training passes an initial MTS proficiency check (MPC).
- The aim of the MTS training program that we at RFDS WA have rolled out is to ensure that the MTS is competent in operating the relevant aircraft and emergency equipment while conducting aeromedical retrievals during normal, abnormal and emergency scenarios.
- Clinical training and assessing activities may be conducted simultaneously with the aviation MTS training and assessment activities. These activities will not interfere with normal operation of the aircraft or have a negative effect on patient care.
WHAT THE PROGRAM CONSISTS OF
AVIATION INDUCTION
New and returning MTS staff are required to be inducted into the aviation department and tailored to the person’s role and responsibilities within the company and are coordinated by our aviation coordinator Rachel. The induction includes the maintenance and compliance of holding a current aviation security identification card (ASIC) and the completion of Dangerous goods and drug and alcohol management plan (DAMP) training courses.
Operational Training
This provides MTS personnel with the necessary knowledge to safely and effectively integrate with the aviation operations within RFDS. Operational training includes;
- Safety Management system that is developed for MTS personnel is to give an overview of the roles and responsibilities they have in creating and promoting a safe workplace.
- Fatigue Risk Management System is developed to ensure MTS can operate safely. Both modules are conducted online via our e-learning program.
- Human Factors & Non-Technical Skills developed to improve knowledge and awareness of the role of human performance and its limitations in our operations. This is Delivered Face to face by our qualified Training pilots within the organisation.
During this phase, we also conduct
- Life Raft Training and wet drills that hold a 3 yearly competency and
- Helicopter Underwater Escape Training (HUET) that holds a 2-year competency. Both are acquired through an external training provider called ERGT.
Aircraft Conversion Training
Is specific to each aircraft type- PC-12/Pro, PC-24 and the EC-145. Before an MTS can carry out unsupervised duties on each specific aircraft type, this includes;
- General Emergency Training gaining knowledge and skills to use the emergency equipment on board and follow the correct emergency procedures in the event of an aircraft emergency. This is delivered by our qualified general emergency trainer- Kelly MacDonald. MTS will complete an online exam for completion.
Ground School
Involves classroom face to face theory of both general emergency training and cabin aircraft systems during normal, abnormal and emergency operations. This was delivered by me as the lead MTS assessor.
Ground School will conclude with a practical component on the specific aircraft on the ground in simulation.
The MTS proficiency check is an assessment of MTS’s ability to perform normal, abnormal and emergency procedures and will include information and procedures taught during GET. MPC’s must be conducted on the ground to ensure the MPC does not interfere with the safe operation of the aircraft. The MPC is applicable for all new and recurrent MTS staff members and will provide a recency for 12 months eligibility to provide unsupervised MTS duties on that aircraft type.
Base Specific Courses
Applies to MTS based at Broome, Port Hedland and Jandakot. It is required that they are to complete the bariatric and Newborn Emergency Transport Service (NETS) neonatal cot training. MTS in Broome and Jandakot will require NETS cot training additionally on the PC-24 and EC-145.
The bariatric transfer system and neonatal cot training is provided through practical and hands-on demonstrated and assessed by our check and training pilots so that MTS must be proficient in retrieving a patient using the bariatric transfer system adhering to the recency requirements.
The Bariatric system was introduced to RFDS Western Operations to provide service for the aeromedical transport of bariatric patients. The system provides a max safe working load of 280kg unassisted lift and a 300kg Assisted lift. It allows for the retrieval of a patient from the source via the St Johns Ambulance dedicated bariatric ambulances across the state. Jandakot, Port Hedland and Broome MTS are required to complete the training. Meets and transfers will be done with qualified crews from the destination base when required.
Pilots are required to configure the aircraft by removing the normal stretchers, loading platform and removable seats, then install the bariatric equivalent and then re-configure the aircraft upon completion of the task. Competency in the use of bariatric system will be established via satisfactory completion of associated hands-on practical training session with our qualified check and training pilots.
RFDS has partnered with the Newborn Emergency Transport Service Western Australia (NETS WA), which operates as a mobile intensive care unit for transporting premature or critically ill neonates from anywhere within Western Australia and most commonly to the Perth Children's Hospital (PCH) where the NETS team are based. Some neonate transfers are required to Darwin and the East Coast where we utilise the PC-24. The infant retrieval system also referred to as the “Cot” has an environmentally controlled incubator fit for a neonate and installed onto a lifeport aero sled frame. It has 2 aluminum feet at the base that function as supports and is used to slide the cot on and off stretchers. 4 retractable locking pins are integrated into the feet to lock the cot into place when on a stretcher. The PC-12 and EC145 can carry one cot while the PC24 can accommodate 2 cots which are occasionally required for twins needing medical support. The cots include a nitric oxide delivery system which is required during some transfers.
Our MTS nurses will include 2-day paid orientation with the NETS team and conduct retrievals based out of PCH as part of their initial training to the service- The Nets team require additional medical equipment for neonatal transfers, which must be considered during pre-flight planning. Nets will provide a pediatrician and or pediatric nurse for all transfers. However, a NETS qualified and current RFDS MTS nurse must also be in attendance during neonatal transfers due to MTS recency requirements and NETS team members not being qualified. NETS will primarily operate from PCH, but cots and associated role and medical equipment are positioned in Port Hedland and Broome. Pediatricians working at local hospitals in and around Broome and Port Hedland will be in attendance during NETS transfers from those regional bases. Pilots and MTS nurses based in Jandakot, Broome and Port Hedland are required to be NETS qualified and current for each aircraft type at the relevant locations.
MTS who has entered the checking and training program on the successful completion of their initial MPC will then be required to complete annual recurrent training and check to maintain currency of their qualifications. There will be situations where a requirement exists to align the due dates of recurrent training and checking. We work hard to schedule all MTS staff concurrently over the year to keep their recencies up to date and ensure that their expires are aligned. The principle behind the importance of alignment is that more training and checking activities can be conducted earlier but it cannot be delayed beyond the renewal window. Any delays beyond the renewal window means that MTS cannot legally perform duties in the aircraft setting. All MTS will undergo a repeat general emergency training and their annual MTS proficiency check on each airframe they work on. This training is scheduled for over 3 days in conjunction with their annual training education day in the clinical area to update their clinical competencies and assessments. All regional staff are provided with travel days, airfare, and accommodation to undergo training at our metropolitan Jandakot base.
New orientation training is when we employ 5 cohorts per year which become our busiest in the months of January, February, May, August, and October. These cohorts consist of flight nurses and medical officers. The groups consist of anywhere between three to six new MTS employees that will be distributed over the 5 bases in WA. All orientation training is conducted at our metropolitan base in Jandakot. Orientation has a duration of 3 intensive weeks.
Week 1 consists of MTS clinical orientation where they familiarize themselves with the RFDS clinical guidelines and equipment we use to conduct a retrieval in the aviation setting. During this period, they will undergo their clinical competencies and assessments, that they will maintain each year.
Week 2, they are welcomed to aviation. General Emergency training, MTS ground school in cabin systems and their MPC, HUET/Life raft, HFNTS and bariatric/NETS training will be conducted.
Week 3 consists of the flying phase. The flying phase consists of 2 supervised line training flights, managing the MTS systems in a real-life retrieval setting and reviewing the MTS's ability to recognize and respond to normal, abnormal, and emergency operations. These systems include, Aircraft passenger and cargo door operation, seating, Electrical power systems, medical oxygen systems, suction systems, Communication systems, stretchers and stretchers loading device procedures, medical equipment locations and securing the aircraft, passenger briefing, personal electronic devices and refueling while patients are on board.
We discuss aircraft emergency equipment such as emergency exits, emergency oxygen supply, life jackets, fire extinguishers, fire blankets, lipo battery bags, first aid kits, crash axes, and personal breathing equipment. MTS do have responsibilities regarding rejected and aborted take-off, electrical failures, cabin fire and smoke, depressurization, hypoxia, incapacitated pilot, code black, emergency landing and evacuation, ditching, survival and rescue.
Social Media Spotlight of the Month
Check out Nurse Gwenny’s socials on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok and You tube!
About Nurse Gwenny
Gwenny Winkler is an EMS Educator who sprouted her roots in the ER and HEMS. She believes learning should be fun and lives for those aha! moments when her students come alive with curiosity and a hunger for growth.
Frequently called “intense,” for her fast-paced and loud persona, Gwenny's ability to slow it down to connect with patients and treat their humanity along with their pathology is her superpower.
When she’s not in the ED, a helicopter, or the classroom, she enjoys destroying her opponents at pickleball and cooking exorbitant amounts of food. Her husband and five children are the light of her life, but those kids exhaust her to no end. Gwenny is a connoisseur of Diet Coke (can, fountain, bottle) and her blood type is Torchy’s queso.
In 2026, she and her husband released an education platform, The Nurse Gwenny Library, with over 100 hours of fun and engaging continuing education designed for today’s learner.
Podcast of the Month
Emergency Trauma Management (ETM) held an excellent Prehospital Trauma seminar recently - you can review the recording here.
Infectious Diseases Alerts
Diphtheria Outbreak update
Australia is currently experiencing the biggest diphtheria outbreak since records began. Public health authorities in impacted states and territories, primarily the Northern Territory, Western Australia and South Australia, are working hard to manage and contain the outbreak.
Click on the below link to learn more about the Diphtheria Outbreak.
Diphtheria outbreak update | Australian Centre for Disease Control
Member photos
At the 2025 Aero med Conference in Hobart, FNA members from around Australia were able to attend the Flight Nurses Australia Annual General Meeting and enjoy a light breakfast whilst networking.
RFDS-WO visits Central ops and Queensland sector during an interstate transfer to Brisbane with a baby needing a heart transplant.
Education Pearls
From our colleagues at Life in the Fast Lane: Securing the endotracheal tube for neuroprotection: The airway does not end once the tube passes the cords!
Click on the below link to have a read of the article
Above the Ears • LITFL • Emergency Procedures
Aeromedicine around the world
Air Med & Rescue
Cabin control: who belongs on the aircraft?
The long-running debate over who should crew medical aircraft reflects deeper disagreements over system design, clinical responsibility, regional capabilities, and operational risk, reports Siân Yates
A recent social media exchange between air medical professionals has reignited a long-running and often polarized debate: do physicians materially improve outcomes in helicopter and fixed-wing retrieval missions, or can trained flight paramedics and nurses safely and effectively manage most cases without them?
The debate was sparked by a LinkedIn post from Dr Saeed Assiri, Aerospace Critical Care Fellow at McGill University, who argued that reducing physician involvement to a question of cost or staffing risked overlooking the clinical realities of high-acuity transport medicine.
In the original post, Dr Assiri challenged what he described as a persistent misconception in air medical transport – that physicians add little value to these missions and are merely a “nice-to-have”.
Some systems are doubling down on advanced, interprofessional crews, while others are quietly de-medicalizing their services
That post has since sparked a wider professional exchange spanning paramedic-led systems, critical care transport models, and systems-based aviation safety thinking across the global air medical community. At its core is a question that continues to surface across the sector: who actually needs to be on the aircraft when the patient is most clinically vulnerable?
Click the below link to continue reading the article
Cabin control: who belongs on the aircraft? | AirMed&Rescue
Upcoming Conferences
Conference registration
Registration
Registration and accommodation bookings will open on Monday, 16 March 2026.
Early Registration Closes
An early registration discounted fee will be offered and will be available until Friday, 14 August.
2026 Aeromed - Registration - Individual
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The National Nursing Forum 2026 – Australian College of Nursing
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Registration here - HOME | ACM 2026
Upcoming Courses/CPD
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This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND |
Upcoming Advanced Life Support courses Australia wide
ALS Course Dates - Australian Resuscitation Council
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