Aviation Projects prepared an Aviation Impact Assessment to assess the potential risks to aviation of EnergyAustralia's proposed Open Cycle Gas Turbine (OCGT) at Tallawarra B, near Shellharbour Airport in NSW.

Due to the velocity of the exhaust plume rise, there was potential for the exhaust plume to affect aircraft operating at or in the vicinity of the aerodrome.

The primary purpose of the report was to address a condition of approval to proceed with construction of the project, which required EnergyAustralia to demonstrate that operation of an open cycle gas turbine plant would not have an adverse impact on aviation safety. The report was required to be prepared in consultation with Shellharbour City Council, and its conclusions and recommendations agreed by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

The assessment was prepared in accordance with the guidance published in Advisory Circular 139-05 Plume rise assessment, and involved the following considerations:

  • Planning context
  • Regulatory context
  • Power station operations
  • Aviation operations
  • Aviation impact statement
  • Accident data
  • Stakeholder consultation
  • Hazard marking and lighting
  • Potential mitigations
  • Risk assessment.

After reviewing the report, CASA agreed that there would be an acceptable level of safety under the proposed mitigation plan, and the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment advised that the condition had been satisfied.

To find out how Aviation Projects can assist with plume rise assessments or aviation impact assesssments, please contact us.

EnergyAustralia engaged Aviation Projects to assist with a difficult regulatory issue arising from a proposal to construct an open cycle gas turbine within the circuit area of the local Shellharbour Airport. Managing Director Keith Tonkin and his team set about understanding the situation in considerable detail and worked in partnership with EnergyAustralia to author a comprehensive Aviation Impact Assessment report, which ultimately was sufficiently persuasive to lead CASA to have no objection with the project.

Keith brought a highly professional, disciplined and fact-based approach to the issue and he leveraged his considerable experience in aviation into understanding the concerns of the local airport users and the owner of the airport. Keith’s dedication and commitment to securing a successful outcome for his client was always clear to see and it was a delight to work with him. I would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending Aviation Projects for any such engagement.

Mr Julian Turecek, Tallawarra B Project Director
Tallawarra B Power Station Aviation Impact Assessment

Aviation Projects assisted Mackay Airport Pty Ltd to resolve several strategically significant matters and provide greater certainty about the protection of Mackay Airport's future ultimate capacity through the investigation, analysis and resolution of a number of complex inter-related airport protection problems.

 

Aviation Projects' responsiveness, expert knowledge, attention to detail, rigorous technical analysis and professional approach to its work contributed to the ability of North Queensland Airports, and in particular, Mackay Airport Pty Ltd, to achieve its strategic intent. As a result, Aviation Projects has become a trusted advisor to the NQA group of companies.

Kevin Brown, CEO, North Queensland Airports