Aviation Projects was able to assist WAPL to enable the introduction and ongoing operation of B747-800F aircraft under an equivalent level of safety to applicable standards, by preparing a safety case for submission to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
The safety case documented a thorough and rigorous analysis of relevant aspects of the external and internal context, including the applicable regulatory framework, Boeing 747-8 Airport Compatibility Group documentation, the intended scope of operations and aerodrome physical characteristics.
As a result of the analysis and conclusions, it was recommended that:
- CASA should accept the introduction and ongoing operation of B747-800F aircraft at Brisbane West Wellcamp Airport on the basis that it has the minimum infrastructure and facilities necessary to provide an equivalent level of safety according to the BACG Common Agreement Document
- Mobile flood light towers should be made available if ground servicing of the B747-800F aircraft is required to be conducted at night
CASA advised that it had no objections under Part 139 (Aerodromes) of the Civil Aviation Regulations 1998, to the proposed operation on the basis that it was to be conducted in accordance with the procedures detailed in the Safety Case.
The first B747-800F flight occurred on 23 November 2015.