WE WISH EVERYONE A SAFE EASTER! ISSUE 13 March 2013 Plane & Simple Northern Territory Airports Operations Newsletter OPEN FOR BUSINESS – ASIA PACIFIC’S FIRST AIRCRAFT STORAGE RUNWAY SAFETY NT Airports is proud to announce that Stage One of the first Asia Pacific aircraft storage facility has been constructed at Alice Springs Airport. With a current capacity for 18 wide body aircraft, the 100 hectares site allows for significant future expansion. The dry, arid and low humidity climate of Central Australia ensures optimum storage conditions for aircraft that are out of service. Owners, Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage are negotiating for aircraft to be stored at the site. Without that long black strip of asphalt for aeroplanes to take off and land on we don’t have an airport. Runway Safety is paramount and DIA and RAAF Base Darwin have recently set up a Runway Safety Team. Regular meetings will discuss and action prevention of runway incursions, airport works, signage, markings, Foreign Object Debris (FOD) management, bird and wildlife hazard management, ATC communications, phraseology and publications. DIA Groundstaff have commenced painting the ICAO specification runway markings on Runway 11/29, required to be in place at International aerodromes by 30 May 2013. The large white rectangles, previously known as ‘fixed distance markings’ and commencing 300 metres from the threshold, are now ‘aiming points’ and commence in line with the PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator), 332 metres from the 29 threshold and 342 metres from the 11 threshold. Pairs of touchdown zone markings have increased from two to five, at 150, 450, 600, 750 and 900 metres from the thresholds. The ICAO markings were completed on Alice Springs Airport’s main runway 12/30 in March this year. Stage One of the aircraft storage facility Alice Springs grounds staff Mark Kerr is under the watchful eye of Troy Tilmouth as they carry out linemarking of ICAO touchdown zone markings on Runway 12/30 western end. WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION OF ‘PLANE & SIMPLE’ FOR 2013. What a kick start we have had for the year. In the aviation industry there is a lot of the ’behind the scenes’ work going on that most people outside of the business are unaware of and more often than not only a select few get the accolades that a whole team contribute to. In this edition of ‘Plane and Simple’ we highlight a few of the people, the operations and projects that sit behind the gloss and the glamour that the general public often associate with aviation.
OPEN FOR BUSINESS – ASIA PACIFIC’S FIRST AIRCRAFT STORAGE
RUNWAY SAFETY
NT Airports is proud to announce that
Stage One of the first Asia Pacific aircraft
storage facility has been constructed at
Alice Springs Airport.
With a current capacity for 18 wide body
aircraft, the 100 hectares site allows
for significant future expansion. The dry,
arid and low humidity climate of Central
Australia ensures optimum storage
conditions for aircraft that are out of
service.
Owners, Asia Pacific Aircraft Storage are
negotiating for aircraft to be stored
at the site.
Without that long black strip of asphalt
for aeroplanes to take off and land on we
don’t have an airport.
Runway Safety is paramount and DIA and
RAAF Base Darwin have recently set up
a Runway Safety Team. Regular meetings
will discuss and action prevention of
runway incursions, airport works, signage,
markings, Foreign Object Debris (FOD)
management, bird and wildlife hazard
management, ATC communications,
phraseology and publications.
DIA Groundstaff have commenced painting
the ICAO specification runway markings on
Runway 11/29, required to be in place at
International aerodromes by 30 May 2013.
The large white rectangles, previously known
as ‘fixed distance markings’ and commencing
300 metres from the threshold, are now
‘aiming points’ and commence in line with
the PAPI (Precision Approach Path Indicator),
332 metres from the 29 threshold and
342 metres from the 11 threshold. Pairs of
touchdown zone markings have increased
from two to five, at 150, 450, 600, 750 and
900 metres from the thresholds.
The ICAO markings were completed on Alice
Springs Airport’s main runway 12/30 in
March this year.
Stage One of the aircraft storage facility
Alice Springs grounds staff Mark Kerr is under the watchful eye of Troy Tilmouth as they carry out linemarking of ICAO touchdown zone markings on Runway 12/30 western end.
WELCOME TO THE FIRST EDITION OF ‘PLANE & SIMPLE’ FOR 2013. What a kick start we have had for the
year. In the aviation industry there is
a lot of the ’behind the scenes’ work
going on that most people outside
of the business are unaware of and
more often than not only a select few
get the accolades that a whole team
contribute to. In this edition of ‘Plane
and Simple’ we highlight a few of the
people, the operations and projects
that sit behind the gloss and the
glamour that the general public often
associate with aviation.
2 Plane & Simple ISSUE 13 March 2013
There has been a turnover of executive
roles this year with SQNLDR Karen
Titmuss taking over as Flight Commander,
and SQNLDR Patricia Atkinson soon
to take over the role of Operations
Commander from FLTLT Robert Jackson.
FLTLT Michael Skinner has taken on a
new role as the Training Commander with
FLTLT Marcus Lisle posted into the Senior
Training Officer position.
The New Year brings new faces and fresh
challenges; however we will continue to
provide you with a highly professional level
of service throughout 2013.
From the operations desk, a refresh on
Darwin Pushback Procedures:
A pushback is a procedure which all jet
aircraft are required to undertake when
departing from the civil terminal at Darwin
International Airport (unless an exemption
has been given by DIA operators). The
pushback procedure is simple; however,
where safety is concerned it is always
important to refresh the basics.
When an aircraft calls for a pushback
Air Traffic Control will provide pushback
directions. These instructions shall include
pushback approval and the duty runway
number, or an expectation of the delay for
pushback.
For example:
QFA827: “Darwin Ground, QFA827
request pushback”
ATC: “QFA827, pushback approved runway
29” or “QFA827, expect 2 minute delay
due traffic.’
When an aircraft is pushing back for
Runway 11, from Bays 1-12, aircraft will
push-back tail east and from Bays 1 East,
1 West, 21 & 22 (and E170 or A320 from
Bay 1) aircraft will pushback to the west
into the taxi-lane behind Bays 1 West,
21 and 22. When an aircraft is pushing
back for Runway 29 it will pushback tail
west. Heavy aircraft pushbacks for Runway
29 from Bay 1 will be south towards
Taxiway B2 (E170 and A320 west into the
taxilane). A380 and AN124 aircraft will
pushback to the East when departing from
B2. If a pushback tail south is required
for departure via E2, DIA Operations must
be advised prior to pushback to ensure
appropriate clearance is available from
the centreline of the taxiway to any parked
aircraft.
To ensure the safety of the pushback
aircraft’s ground crew, there are a number
of procedures which must be followed
for the duration the pushback. Firstly, no
vehicle or aircraft is permitted to drive or
taxi around an aircraft pushing back. The
bay from which the aircraft has pushed
back from is not considered to be clear
until the aircraft has taxied away and
the pushback engineer and tug have
returned to the bay of departure. Secondly,
simultaneous pushbacks are not permitted
unless there is a minimum of two bays
separation between narrow bodied
aircraft (e.g., B737, E170), or three bays
separation between wide bodied aircraft
(e.g B767, A330).
Located in the heart of the Australian
Outback, Alice Springs Airport is home
to a variety of aviation operations, from
the Royal Flying Doctor Service to charter
operations, flight training and daily
Regular Public Transport jet services from
nearly every capital city in Australia.
The control tower, operated by a staff of
four Airservices controllers, operates daily
from 8am to 6pm, providing a non-radar
approach and aerodrome control service
from a single position.
Recent works have seen the opening of
an additional taxiway (taxiway November)
servicing the General Aviation Apron,
allowing greater flexibility for both
controllers & pilots in ensuring efficient
movement of traffic on the ground during
busy periods.
In early February, Australia’s only
Prohibited Airspace, P229, which
surrounds the Joint Defence Facility Pine
Gap, was replaced with Restricted Area
R215. The dimensions are unchanged
and the transition went smoothly.
During Tower hours, controllers will
issue clearances that ensure aircraft
are separated from the restricted area.
Outside Tower hours, pilots can track via
the Alice VOR 287 radial to the north of
R215, or the 235 VOR radial to the south
until 15 nautical miles outbound or from
15 nautical miles inbound.
ON THE AIRWAYS WITH 452 SQN DARWIN FLIGHT
ON THE AIR IN ALICE
FLTLT KERYN RUMBELL, 452 SQN DAR FLT
ANDREW CARR, AIRSERVICES AUSTRALIA AIR TRAFFIC CONTROLLER, ALICE TOWER
3
WEATHER DATA AT TENNANT CREEK
AERODROME EMERGENCY PLAN FAMILIARISATION
Darwin International Airport (DIA)
conducts Aerodrome Emergency Plan
(AEP) familiarisation sessions for airport
emergency response personnel at least
twice a year and the first for 2013 was
held on 12 March. These sessions allow
agencies and airlines whose roles are
required later in the scheme to gain an
appreciation of the first response.
The group, escorted by the Aerodrome
Safety and Standards Manager and
comprising airlines, Australian Red Cross,
St John Ambulance and DIA personnel
initially travelled by bus to the Airport
Fire Station. Representatives from Royal
Australian Air Force Air Traffic Control,
Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting, DIA and
Australian Federal Police explained their
roles in emergency management and
incident control.
The Fire Station Commander pointed out
the features of the Rosenbauer Mk 8 Ultra
Large Fire Vehicle before the group moved
upstairs to see the Fire Control Centre.
Next stop was the Terminal where the
Airport Co-ordination Centre (ACC) in the
Connellan Room had been set up with
the 16 agency telephones. ACC role and
operations were discussed.
Last stop was upstairs to the Passenger
Reception Area (PRA) in the International
Departures Lounge. A new feature of
the lounge is the addition of electrically
operated blinds to the glass wall dividing
the lounge from the domestic lounge. This
will provide for passenger privacy.
A passenger registration exercise is
planned for later in 2013.
The Bureau of Meteorology Radar,
located on Tennant Creek Airport that
had been decommissioned on the
1 December 2012, was put back into
action in late March 2013.
This was as a result of a petition and
protest by local residents and pastoral
station people to the elected Federal
Member Warren Snowdon who managed to
get a good outcome – not only for residents
of the area but for aircraft operators flying
in this region.
The WF100 radar provides weather watch
capability providing detailed imagery
showing the location, intensity and
movement of rainfall and is updated every
10 minutes. The radar previously had a
second duty of tracking weather balloons
however this ceased when the radar was
decommissioned in December 2012.
Weather balloons have been replaced at
Tennant Creek with a Stratospheric Profiler
which consists of a large multi antenna
array. The stratospheric profiler provides
real-time vertical profiles of horizontal
wind speed and direction of up to 20km
above ground level.
FLTLT Marcus Lisle from 452 SQN explains the ATC role in AEP activation to representatives from RAAF, Vincent Aviation, Qantas and DIA.
‘The pot of the end at the end of the rainbow’ - the radar structure seen in the centre of the photo – the photo was taken on the day the radar was switched on again.
4 Plane & Simple ISSUE 13 March 2013
A new visitor who looks to be a regular
on the aviation scene in the Northern
Territory has graced Tennant Creek and
Darwin International Airport aprons
recently.
Looking very much like a DC-3, the
aircraft is known as a Basler Turbo BT-67
– originally manufactured by Douglas as
a DC-3 in 1943 and then converted by
Basler in Oshkosh, Wisconsin to become
an aeroplane that is a lot faster, has a
higher Maximum Take Off Weight (MTOW),
has more cubic capacity due to a 4 foot
extension plug in front of the wing and is
exceptionally quiet.
Operated by Bell Geospace (www.bellgeo.
com) from Houston, Texas who are one
of three, (although most experienced)
companies that acquire gravity gradiometry
data – both marine and airborne. Gravity
gradiometry is used by oil and mineral
prospectors to measure the density of the
subsurface, effectively the rate of change in
rock properties to target oil, gas and mineral
deposits. The BT-67 is currently being used
in survey work in the Northern Territory and
operates at a survey (flight) height of around
80-100m (270 ft) for the duration of the
survey project.
The aircraft was ferried to Australia from
Canada, Azores, Spain, Malta, India,
Malaysia, Indonesia and then Darwin before
being shortly based at Tennant Creek for a
survey project. The aircraft recently returned
to Darwin for a week where it underwent
technical upgrades to the survey equipment
on board and where it will be a regular
visitor for maintenance whilst it is being
operated in the Asia/Australia region.
Special arrangements are made for the
aircraft once it is on the ground as constant
power is required to support the on board
survey equipment. Two 60 Kva generators
(one as a backup), using 230 volts and 110
volts, are used to provide the on-ground
power source.
The BT-67, Canada registered C-FTGX
is crewed by a multi-national team - two
Canadian pilots, a Canadian Aircraft
Engineer, one Scottish and one English
technician. A Canadian technician
oversees the whole operation. The
logistics for this survey project started
back in August 2012 and was overseen
by another Scot – aptly named Scotty
Morrison-Smith, who recently left the
Royal Air Force, making three visits to
Tennant Creek thus far.
Travelling the world maybe a bonus but
these lads have their work cut out for
them. Survey work requires concentration
- the aircraft must remain within a 15
metre box, vertically and laterally, if it
goes out of the box it must be brought in
within one kilometre or the whole line has
to be abandoned and flown again. One
pilot flies with reference to a bulls eye
and on instruments, the other pilot looks
outside for obstructions; towers, birds and
other aircraft. The pilots take these tasks
in turn and return to an airfield wrung out
after about five hours, or less if turbulence
becomes a problem.
Operating all over the world in many
countries locals would enjoy a tale of two
from the crew over a meal at the Tennant
Creek Memorial Club!
The Bell Geospace Basler Turbo BT-67 parked at Tennant Creek Airport
The Basler Turbo BT-67 and one of its 60 KVa generators adjacent to Hardy Aviation’s DC-3 at DIA
BASLER TURBO BT-67 GRACING THE TERRITORY SKIES
QANTAS hosted another FOD walk on
the RPT Apron on 14 March. For the first
time a group of Darwin based Jetstar
flight attendants participated along with
QANTAS and DIA staff.
FOD awareness and regular apron
sweeping appear to have reduced the
amount of FOD being picked up. Items
collected included baggage parts,
paper, tags and stones and QANTAS are
analysing the quantity and amount of FOD
as part of a national initiative.
Thanks to QANTAS Engineering for the
cold drinks and sausage sandwiches
provided at their store after the event,
possibly the last in that facility as it is to
be relocated for the Terminal Expansion.
REMEMBER – SECURITY IS EVERYBODY’S RESPONSIBILITY. THE SECURITY POSTURE OF THE AIRPORT IS RELIANT UPON EVERY STAFF MEMBER TO BE AWARE OF THEIR ENVIRONMENT, AWARE OF THE SECURITY REQUIREMENTS, AWARE OF SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY OR ITEMS, AND BE DILIGENT IN REPORTING SUCH MATTERS TO THE AIRPORT OPERATOR AND OR LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES IMMEDIATELY.
5
FOD WALK MARCH 2013
FODAirport Security refers to techniques
and methods used to create a layered
approach of physical and procedural
protection for aircraft, staff, passengers
and other airport users from the potential
of accidental and malicious harm, crime
and other threats against aviation
Darwin International Airport continues
to constantly review its security posture.
Further techniques that NT Airports are
currently employing to further protect the
airport include:
■ Rolling out an electronic key system
at Darwin International Airport. This
key system will replace our previous
manual master key system. The security
team will be in contact with relevant
stakeholders to discuss the roll out of
the project.
■ Enhanced Inspection Points that will
see ISS staff checking vehicles, persons
and goods entering into the Security
Restricted Area (RPT apron). The first of
these inspection points, located at the
eastern end of the RPT Apron, will now
be operational in April 2013. Another,
to the western end of the apron will be
installed in coming months.
■ The airside walkway gates for the
elevated walkways airside of the
terminal were completed assisting in the
facilitation of passengers
SECURITY UPDATE
WALK14 MARCH
Qantas, Jetstar and DIA staff assembled for the FOD walk
An Uninterruptable Power Supply (UPS)
installation at the eastern end of the
Terminal is supplied from Substation
17 and is located in the east end
switch room.
The output from the UPS system feeds
a three phase distribution centre which
in turn will feed UPS Distribution boards
throughout the terminal supplying
infrastructure determined to be critical.
In scoping the project, loads determined
to be critical fit into the following areas;
security, server rooms, communications,
Building Management System equipment,
access control and doors that respond to
fire protection requests, fire protection
panels, security cameras and Smart TV
inside the terminal, Aerobridge controls,
and check in desks.
The system has been designed to allow
one unit to be taken out of service
allowing for maintenance and failures
to have no impact on the determined
capacity. The UPS at full load is designed
to run for 20 minutes. This time is to
cover a generator start and if this fails,
supply an orderly shutdown request to the
Terminal server computers.
For load management of the UPS system
a ‘permit to connect’ new loads will be
mandatory and need to be justified as
fitting the ‘critical to the terminal’ load
definition.
UNINTERRUPTABLE POWER SUPPLY FOR THE TERMINAL
6 Plane & Simple ISSUE 13 March 2013
WE SALUTE YOU!40 years of service and still going strong!
This month NT Airports celebrates the
contribution of Phil Drew, Technical Facilities
Supervisor at Alice Springs Airport. Phil has
contributed 40 years of service, not only to
NT Airports but to the aviation industry in
the SA / NT region.
Phil began his career in 1973 as a trainee
Electrical Technical Officer in Adelaide with
the Department of Civil Aviation, which
became the Department of Transport - Air
Transport Group ten months later.
Phil completed all requirements for the
position of Electrical Tech Officer and
was awarded the Advanced Certificate in
Electrical Technology after 4 years of study.
In addition he completed extra studies to
become an A class Electrical Fitter. In 1977
Phil was posted to the Alice Springs Airport.
Home was the government hostel, Melanka,
where he met his wife, Shelley.
He took a keen interest in motor sport
and won several Central Australian rally
championships.
In 1984 the department changed its
name to the Department of Aviation and
Phil was promoted to Tech Officer grade
2. In 1987, another promotion to Senior
Tech Officer as the department changed
again to Department of Transport and
Communication. 1989 saw another name
change to FAC and Phil moved to Tech
Officer grade 5.
Following privatisation of the airport in
1998, Phil secured a position with Alice
Springs Airport Pty. Ltd. and has continued
providing ongoing commitment and expertise
that has been of great value to both Alice
Springs and Tennant Creek Airports.
In 2002, after 8 years of part time study,
Phil was awarded a Bachelor of Business
degree from Charles Darwin University,
majoring in Accountancy.
Phil’s love of aviation has filtered down to
his 3 children. His elder son Ben is now
a pilot flying for Qantas, having previously
been senior pilot for CSG. His daughter Bre
did a stint of administration work for the
airport during her gap year. His son Jake,
currently in Saudi Arabia, enjoys many
interesting flights as a mining engineer.
Each day of working in the industry presents
an enjoyable range of diverse tasks from
street light maintenance to CCTV repair,
FIDS communication switch replacement
to repair of complex Aeronautical Ground
Lighting control faults and TVasis repair and
installation.
Phil Drew working on the airfield lighting system
Terminal UPS
Call signs Car 9, Car 12 and Car 61 at
Darwin International Airport (DIA) and
call sign Car 7 at Alice Springs Airport
(ASA) are familiar voices on the radio for
most airside personnel.
The voices belong to our ‘Technical
Services Officers’ otherwise known as
Airfield Electricians or ‘Techs’ who play
an integral part of keeping the airfield
operational – and during the night and
in low visibility operations are critical
to keeping the airfield open. The multi-
tasked electricians do much more than just
the airfield lighting, they also undertake
electrical maintenance for buildings owned
by the airport including the terminal and its
components such as the aerobridges and
even join the FOD walks (and whip arse in
the Urban Challenge!).
The DIA Technical Team consists of Ian
Pask (Supervisor), Mark Hickey, Ben
McAdam and Aaron Slarks whist at ASA
Phil Drew is the Technical Facilities
Supervisor and works with Neil Gurney
who also started with and was trained by
the Department of Civil Aviation. Neil and
Phil work together for one day a week. Neil
has a contracting business in town but
also manages to be on call when required.
Mercedes Vito Vans are used at both
airports, and along with a Hilux Ute at DIA
have been kitted out with equipment that
the Techs need to do their job on location.
On a day shift of 0730 to 1600, covering
every day of the year, on call 24/7 – these
gentlemen are like the Bear Grylls of
the airport world. Working in constant
potentially dangerous situations is part
of everyday life – working with electricity
and electrical equipment that are often
exposed to weather; encountering all types
of spiders and snakes; working at heights;
and dealing with the extreme climates in
the Northern Territory.
The airfield lighting system alone at Darwin
airport consists of approximately 1000
light fittings and over 150 kilometres
of cabling. Darwin’s wet season brings
many challenges to ensure airfield lighting
serviceability. Constant testing of the
airfield lighting cabling is required to
monitor for any signs of water ingress and
repairs are made accordingly. Lightning
damage is also frequent on the airfield and
immediately after severe thunderstorms the
Tech team are a common sight out in the
airfield making emergency repairs.
What gets these gents blood pumping is
the time limited works on a runway when
you have a A330 or numerous F-16s about
to roar down the runway and you have to
get the job done safely in a short amount
of time.
It has its bonuses though – DIA and ASA
enjoy a range of aircraft frequenting our
airfields due to the Joint User situation at
Darwin, with military exercises running
throughout the year and both airfields
being diversion airfields it is sometimes like
an Air Show without the crowds!
Mark Hickey, DIA Technical Services
Officer, also stated a benefit that a lot
of office people take for granted – ‘you
know the location of where you are going
to work’. Outside the airport, electrical
tradesmen travel to various locations and
only often find out where they will be going
at the start of each day. For Phil Drew,
ASA’s Airfield Electrician, knowing where
he is going to work for the day may mean a
12 hour return trip to Tennant Creek as he
also services the baby sister airport.
The camaraderie of the tight knit team
ensures further enjoyment of the job...so
much we are celebrating Phil’s 40 years
of service.
AIRFIELD ELECTRICIANS – A SPARK OF A JOB
7
Darwin International Airport Techs – From the left – Mark Hickey, Aaron Slarks, Ben McAdam and Ian Pask
Alice Springs Airport Techs - Phil Drew (on the left) and Neil Gurney
The Darwin International Airport (DIA)
Northern General Aviation Apron is a lively
part of the airport – being the central
hub for the aviation services for Top End
Communities.
For most part of the day aircraft are
moving around; aircraft go through start-
up procedures, maintenance is occurring
and passengers and cargo are being
loaded and unloaded. This can be a
noisy environment and to monitor the
noise levels DIA commissioned Arafura
Acoustics to undertake an annual noise
assessment. In February 2013 the second
annual survey was undertaken. Although
the results of the recent survey have not
been received we are expecting similar
results to last year – which is the worksite
poses no auditory risk over the course of a
working day to the hearing of individuals
nearby. Planning consideration for noise
management is occurring along with
monitoring of the changes to the operators
and aircraft mix in this area.
Most people take for granted the good quality of the water
from their kitchen taps at the airport...and this is how we
would like to keep it!
Although fed from PowerWater Corporations potable
(drinking) water supply the airport maintains the water
mains and distribution on airport land. Potable water is
sampled at various locations to monitor the performance
the airport’s water distribution infrastructure and give early
warning of any maintenance requirements. So far monitoring
has indicated a high quality of water.
NOISE SURVEY AT THE NORTHERN GENERAL AVIATION APRON
8 Plane & Simple ISSUE 13 March 2013
Emma Smith and Jyoti Choudhary, EcOz Environment Services who are contracted by DIA
to undertake the potable water sampling program
MONITORING RAPID CREEKDarwin International Airport lies at the top of the Rapid Creek
catchment. Rapid Creek is the largest freshwater system in the
Darwin City area.
It originates at Marrara Swamp at the eastern end of the airport
in Defence land, travelling through a portion of the DIA property
and eventually discharging into Beagle Gulf at the Nightcliff
foreshore. Potentially the operations at the airport can impact
the aquatic ecosystems in the creek and therefore the airport
monitors the creek closely as a means to not only monitor our
potential impact but also the effectiveness of the management
measures that are on airport to protect our waterways.
Our Environment Manager works with a team of water
specialists from EcOz Environmental Services to undertake
surface water and groundwater monitoring, and a team of
scientists from Sinclair Knight Merz for macroinvertebrate
sampling of Rapid Creek. Essentially the monitoring
supplements each other – one is to assess the chemistry of the
water and the other is to describe the ecological condition of
waterway. Macroinvertebrates are organisms that lack a spine
and are large enough to be seen with the naked eye (for example
flatworms and dragonflies), are easy to collect and are either
sensitive or tolerant to stream conditions and environmental
stressors – making them the perfect candidate to use as an
indicators of how an aquatic system is functioning.
The Northern Territory Government Department of Land
Resource Management recently released the Darwin Harbour
Region Report Card 2012 in which Rapid Creek was given a ‘B’
or ‘Very Good’ water quality grade.
AIRPORT DRINKING WATER QUALITY SAMPLING
NEW ARRIVALS AND DEPARTURES
9
ArrivalsRONAE “RONNIE” JENNINGS
PAUL VAATSTRA
DARREN MCCARTNEY
Qantas Alice Springs has a new Duty Manager – Ronae “Ronnie” Jennings, joined the Alice crew in
January 2013. Ronnie has spent over 11.5 years with Qantas Holidays, from Reservations to Product to
Recruiting and Induction to Sales with her most previous role as National Account Manager in Sydney.
Ronnie says” this is my first Airport role and I’m learning the operational side of the role at a very frantic
pace…but loving every minute of it. Thanks to the staff here, I have a vast knowledge base to call on with
everyone very competent and efficient in their own right. I have had an absolute baptism of fire with my
first diversion only a week and a half into the role. I finally feel that I can contribute to the operational side of things while my
learning is ongoing and I love the interaction with our customers and colleagues. And to top it all off I’m loving Alice Springs!”
Paul Vaatstra is DIA’s new Grounds Department Supervisor, having been in the Grounds team for the last
two years he is stepping into a role he is accustomed to.
Previously the Ground Supervisor for Serco Sodexo Defence Services for the five years before joining the
Darwin International Airport Team, Paul was responsible for the grounds at all the Defence Bases at Darwin
– no small task when there is four of them.
Originally hailing from Adelaide where he was one of the Work Group Leaders at Charles Sturt Council Paul
was attracted to Darwin for its ‘Top End’ lifestyle. Paul heads a small team of groundsmen and has a multitude of contractors
to manage. The Grounds team perform more than just keeping the grounds in great shape– they also are our ‘go to’ men for
day to day operations – in any given day they could be grass cutting, painting the runway markings, escorting environmental
scientists, choosing plants with a landscape architect to managing machinery.
In January 2013, DIA welcomed Darren McCartney to the ISS Facility Services team as the ISS Security Manager,
NT Airports. ISS Security provide the security services at both Darwin International (DIA) and Alice Springs
Airports (ASA); Darren’s role is the lynch pin in the partnership between Airport Management and ISS Security.
Darren is a familiar face at DIA and there would not be a section of the airport he doesn’t know – having
worked originally in the Australian Protective Service and then in the Australian Federal Police from 2002 until
2011. Darren then turned his hand to retail working at JR Duty Free. Darren brings a customer care focus, an
understanding of terminal operations as well as experience in airport security.
The McCartney name is a familiar one at the airport as Vlasta, Darren’s wife, is DIA’s Terminal Retail Manager – having worked for
DIA for over 7 years and in the Terminal at the foreign exchange outlet for 9 years.
10 Plane & Simple ISSUE 13 March 2013
Departures
TANIA YOUNG
DOMINIC FERGUSON
BERND KOBLITZ
In May 2013 Tania Young, Qantas Darwin Airport SAFE Coordinator will celebrate her 17 years service to the airline in a new position with the Company as the ‘Health and Injury Management Coordinator for Cabin Crew’ in Sydney. Tania’s understanding of the essence of good customer service- by forming relationships with customers, stakeholders and staff alike – was originally developed in her front desk Customer Service days when she started with Qantas in 1996. This customer service focus in her ten years as the SAFE Coordinator has ensured that Qantas was well represented in emergency response and other safety forums at the airport.
“Tania’s role included injury management, emergency response and managing our staff recognition programs. I wish Tania all the very best for her future role with Qantas in Sydney”, Aaron Skinner, Manager NT Airports, Qantas Airways
When asked about what her favourite part of her role whilst at Darwin, Tania’s response was typical of her customer focus – she enjoyed seeing injured staff return to work and the close relationships with Darwin International Airport, Australian Federal Police, Air Traffic Control and the Aviation Rescue Fire Fighting Service personnel. When an emergency occurs, or even during everyday operations these relationships are an integral part of a smooth operation. Always willing to learn Tania also enjoyed learning the ramp side of the business and is now keen to see the cabin crew part of the Qantas business. Emergency response is one of Tania’s fortes and during her tenure as the SAFE Coordinator Tania she represented Qantas or even coordinated a multitude of emergency response exercises.
Well liked and respected in the Darwin Airport community Tania will be an asset to the Sydney team.
Dominic “Dom” Ferguson spent six years with Darwin International Airport – heading up the Grounds Department. He has returned to the company he previously co-owned in Karratha. Originally picked up by the airport because of his reputation of ‘getting the job done and on time’ from his previous employment at Serco Sedexo Defence Services, Dom’s professional approach to his work continued at the airport.
Dom, with his horticultural and landscaping skills was instrumental in getting the airport gardens in shape particularly the Matboerrma Gardens where the garden was expanded and additional signage and planting occurred during Dom’s tenure with the airport. A quiet achiever he worked closely with landscape architects and DIA Projects Managers to ensure that the landscaping was consistent with the Airport Landscaping Master Plan and met the requirement for on-going maintenance.
Passionate about his work Dom worked closely with the Environment Manager and was instrumental in environmental management at the airport – from managing weeds, erosion control, spill response, waste management and providing resources for the numerous environmental monitoring undertaken at the airport. Operationally Dom and his team undertook line marking and work airside and ensured that safety was always paramount. A gentleman to work with and with his easy going manner Dom’s work ethic is a credit to him.
March 2013 sees the end of a long association of Customs and Border Protection Officer Bernd Koblitz with Airport Operations Darwin.
Bernd’s affair with Darwin Airport has taken many forms over the years and prior to joining Customs included starting work straight out of Uni as a cleaner at the Airport (which lasted one day) and jumped ship to start work in the old Downtown Duty Free Shop. It was during this time that Bernd started his association with Darwin Customs. After seeing how the other half lived Bernd again changed career paths and joined Customs 17 years ago.
Since that time Bernd has worked at Darwin Airport in a number of capacities with Customs. This included doing his time in most duties such as Baggage Officer, Passport Processing and Aircraft Search and worked his way up to Shift Supervisor and then Duty Manager.
Bernd has seen huge changes to not only Customs but also Darwin Airport over the years, even commenting that the only area of the airport that had not changed in his time was the toilets in the Inwards Immigration and Customs area.
He has also been involved in some pivotal issues for the Airport and the NT including evacuations from East Timor, the Bali Bombings and Tsunami. He has also coordinated numerous joint military exercises such as Pitch Black and Talisman Sabre as well numerous dignitary visits such as the President Obama visit.
Bernd’s role as the Customs Planner for the last 6 years has meant that he has direct involvement with Darwin International Airport and the airlines and has successfully planned and assigned Customs resources to enable the efficient processing and facilitation of International travellers.
Thanks Bernd for all you efforts and good luck in your role in town in Border Enforcement.
