Mackay Airport
News

Safety initiatives discussed

The Mackay Port Authority has received an informal briefing on an investigation into an incident involving a passenger jet that came within 200 metres of touching down on Broadsound Road in May last year.

Deputy director of air safety investigation with the ATSB Alan Stray discusses the new safety initiatives with Mackay Airport general manager Trevor Heard (centre) and ATSB safety investigator Brett Leyshon.

Mackay Airport general manager Trevor Heard and communications manager Colin Wilson met with Alan Stray from the Australian Transport Safety Bureau in Mackay today.

Mr Stray, who is the bureau’s deputy director of air safety investigation, said systems data from the Qantaslink 717 was currently being analysed in the United States.

He said the aircraft manufacturer Boeing was also assisting in the investigation.

Mr Stray received an update from the MPA on initiatives to improve safety at the airport.

These initiatives included the introduction of a $35 000 threshold lighting system at the approach to Runway 14 and the inclusion of a cautionary note in all Jeppesen Aviation Charts. The flashing strobe lights can be detected up to 27 kilometres from the airport.

The note warns pilots of the possibility of mistaking lights on the Bruce Highway and Broadsound Road for runway lights at Mackay Airport.

Mr Stray said the initiatives highlighted the MPA’s professionalism and positive approach to safety.