Gravel Kit OperationsJet Services at Unpaved Airfields

The most important thing we build is trust

We can take youplaces others can’t.

Gravel Kit OperationsJet Services at Unpaved Airfields

For further information please contact:

Gary Small

Client Relations Manager

T: +61 (0)8 9479 9708

gary.small@cobham.com.au

Or visit www.cobham.com.au

www.cobham.com

Comprehensive Trialling Process to Prove Capability in Australia

In proving the capability in Australia,

Cobham undertook a number of trials,

oversighted by CASA. Trials involved:

Initial Site Inspections

• Review of infrastructure and obstacles

Pre-Trial Aircraft Inspections

• Inspection of exposed surfaces and

record condition for clean baseline.

Flight Planning

• Planning to test each phase of operation

(landing and take off) under different

conditions (dry and wet)

Installation of cameras to monitor debris

• Post Trial Flight Inspections

Note any damage to the aircraft

• Post Trial report and recommendation

A Change and Risk Management Approach to Evaluating New Operations

Prior to commencement of any Gravel

Kit Jet services, Cobham would undertake

a comprehensive site review to confirm

compatibility.

Desktop Review

• Review of construction, annual inspection

and obstacle reports for early indication of

jet compatibility

Initial Visual Review

• In concert with client engineers, conduct a

review and inspection of runway/taxiway

surface and substructure.

• Apron and support infrastructure / facilities

inspection.

• Conduct runway static strength tests under

dry and damp conditions.

• Determine runway pavement strength and

associated aircraft tyre pressure limitations.

Manufacturer Designed and Approved Modifications - Key Elements of the Gravel Kit

Tested and Approved Capability for Australia

Successful flight tests have been undertaken

and operations continue into various unpaved

airfields.

Main Landing Gear

(MLG) Guards

Nose Gear Stone

Deflector

Airbrakes Protective

Paint

Protective Paint on

Lower Fuselage

MLG Aft Bulkhead

Guards

Airfield PCN PSIDimensions

(Length / Width)

Suitability

of Gravel Kit

Operations

Boolgeeda (YBGD)

8 / F / B 117 1,682m / 30m

Kambalda (YKBL)*

10 / F / A 88 1,790m / 30m

Bellevue (YBLU)

31 / F / A 117 2,000m / 30m

Lawlers (YLAW)

22 / F / A 160 2,000m / 30m

Final suitability would be determined after an audit of each

proposed airfield. *Further testing and engineering work improved

Kambalda runway strength to PCN of 20 and tyre pressure of 105 psi

700 km

1100 km

600 km

Perth

Comparison of Jet versus Turboprop Aircraft

Note: Indicative performance based on Nil Wind, Minimal Luggage Carried and No Holding. Flight time is wheels up to wheels down.

The most important thing we build is trust

Comparison over distance

600 km 700 km 1100 km

Flight Time

Pax Load

Flight Time

Pax Load

Flight Time

Pax Load

Turboprop (DHC-8 300)

67 mins

50 pax

81 mins

50 pax

135 mins

47 pax

Jet (BAe 146-100)

46 mins

72 pax

54 mins

72 pax

89 mins

72 pax

Unpaved Airfields

Cobham has opened-up hundreds of gravel air strips around Australia to commercial passenger

jet aircraft for the first time, unlocking huge benefits to mining and energy companies’ for Fly-in

Fly-out (FIFO) operations.

In an Australian-first, Cobham commenced jet FIFO services to unsealed airstrips following

modification of several BAe 146 jets with “gravel kits” that protect the undercarriage and

airframe during take-off and landing.