Stripped back to its frame, the Bendigo Bank Aerial Patrol's beach surveillance craft is getting a thorough spring clean ahead of the busy summer period.
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The Cessna 182, along with Cessna planes nationwide, are undergoing mandatory inspections as part of Civil Aviation Safety Authority rules. Aerial Patrol general manager Harry Mitchell said the inspection, in addition to the regular check-ups after every 100 hours of flight, would keep the plane running in top condition.
"It has been given a thorough going over, checking for fatigue or corrosion, to ensure the integrity of the aircraft," Mr Mitchell said.
"It has operated over salt water at low altitude for years, so we ensure we give it a hose down after every use."
Engineers are pulling the plane apart, and will have it back in the skies towards the end of October.
"Considering what the plane does, it is in exceptionally good condition," said NSW Air chief engineer Andrew Brumby.
The Aerial Patrol's 34 volunteers staff three planes over the busy summer period, not only keeping a lookout for sharks circling or swimmers in trouble, but also assisting in search and rescue missions when necessary.
The Cessna 182, purchased in 1976, is the patrol's main craft. It flies weekend patrols which escalate to twice-daily patrols in the school holiday period.