2. Project Description · 2.1. Project Justification The ability to conduct air combat is a...

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2. Project Description This chapter describes the purpose and background of the Super Hornet Project and provides information about the proposed flying activities of the Super Hornet at RAAF Base Amberley.

2.1. Project Justification

The ability to conduct air combat is a fundamental requirement of Australia’s Defence capability. The F-111 aircraft, operating from RAAF Base Amberley in Queensland, has provided the backbone of the strike and reconnaissance element of RAAF air combat forces since 1973.

The F-111 is approaching the end of its life. In order to reduce the risk of transition from the F-111 to the future air combat capability, the Australian Government decided in March 2007 to purchase 24 F/A-18F Super Hornets. The Super Hornet (refer to Figure 2-1) provides a considerably enhanced capability for both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. The Super Hornet Project replaces an aging F-111 fleet which is subject to increasing maintenance requirements with a highly reliable and combat-proven fleet of modern aircraft.

The decision to acquire the ASH aircraft was announced by the previous Government on 6 March, 2007. The then Minister for Defence advised Australians that the F/A-18F Super Hornet would replace the F-111 at RAAF Base Amberley by the end of 2010.

The current Government, in 2007, reviewed this decision. In March 2008 it reaffirmed its commitment to the Super Hornet.

Figure 2-1 F/A-18F Australian Super Hornet

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2.2. Project Background

2.2.1. RAAF Base Amberley

RAAF Base Amberley is located approximately five kilometres west of Ipswich and 50 km south-west of Brisbane, Queensland (refer to Figure 2-2 and Figure 2-3). The Base is one of Australia’s largest and most important Air Force Bases and supports a range of aircraft including the F-111 and the C-17 Globemaster. RAAF Base Amberley is visited by a range of other military aircraft including the F/A-18A Hornet, C-130 Hercules and foreign aircraft and is planned to be the future home for the KC-30A Multi Role Tanker Transport and the Super Hornet.

RAAF Base Amberley is one of the Air Force’s longest-serving bases. It became operational in 1940 and received its first bomber aircraft before the end of that year. The F-111 has operated from RAAF Base Amberley for over three decades.

In addition to flying units, RAAF Base Amberley hosts Headquarters Combat Support Group, support services and related maintenance, logistics and training units. Recently, the Australian Army’s 9 Force Support Battalion (9FSB) moved to Amberley, bringing the total number of people employed at the Base to approximately 3,500.

RAAF Base Amberley is undergoing extensive redevelopment and expansion over the next 5 to 10 years to meet future demands. By 2015, RAAF Base Amberley will be operating as a 'superbase' for a range of aircraft fleets. The completion of currently approved development will increase personnel to approximately 4,300 persons. Total capacity for RAAF Base Amberley, subject to project approvals, is projected to reach 6,000 personnel by 2015.

The economic contribution of RAAF Base Amberley to Ipswich and surrounds was estimated in 2007 to be worth approximately $1.05bn (SGS, 2008). The Super Hornet Project demonstrates Air Force’s long term commitment to the Base and the community. RAAF Base Amberley will remain a vital component of Australia’s national security infrastructure and the major contributor to the local economy for decades.

There are two runways at RAAF Base Amberley (refer to Figure 2-4):

Runway 15/33 runs in an south-easterly to north-westerly direction; and Runway 04/22 runs in a west to east direction.

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2.2.2. General Dynamics F-111

The RAAF’s current strike and reconnaissance capability is provided by the F-111 fleet located at RAAF Base Amberley. The F-111 (refer to Figure 2-5) has operated from Amberley since 1973, with up to 30 aircraft operating at the fleet’s peak in the 1990s.

The RAAF is extremely proud of the close relationship between the F-111 and the Ipswich and wider South-East Queensland (SEQ) communities. This relationship has been built up over several decades and reflects the integral place RAAF Base Amberley has in the region. The local rugby league club, the Ipswich Jets, has the silhouette of the F-111 in its logo. This embracing of the aircraft is similarly reflected in numerous other community organisations. Many Ipswich locals have seen the F-111 perform at air shows at Amberley or carry out its signature ‘dump and burn’ at the Brisbane Riverfire (refer to Figure 2-6 and Figure 1-1).

Unfortunately, the F-111 is approaching the end of its useful life. Its technology is becoming less relevant and its components are ageing. In response to increasing operational and safety-of-flight risk, the RAAF is progressively retiring the F-111 fleet. The F-111 will be removed from service by the end of 2010.

The F-111 will be replaced by the F/A-18F Super Hornet.

Figure 2-5 General Dynamics F-111 Aircraft

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Figure 2-6 F-111 Brisbane Riverfire

2.2.3. F/A-18F Super Hornet

The Super Hornet is a next generation, multi-role fighter aircraft that is in operation with the United States Navy and has proven itself in combat. The Super Hornet is capable of fighting other aircraft in the air as well as destroying targets on the land or sea.

The Super Hornet has several advanced capabilities, including one of the most modern Active Electronically Scanned Array radars and an infra-red targeting pod. These sensors allow the crew of two—a Pilot and an Air Combat Officer—to be extremely effective at night and in all weather.

The Super Hornet has an enhanced ability to survive in modern battlefields by virtue of electronic protection systems and measures to make the aircraft less visible to enemy radar. Additional technologies include advanced data links and radios which enable the crew to operate with other RAAF aircraft and with Royal Australian Navy and Australian Army units.

Aircraft vital statistics are summarised in Table 2-1.

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Table 2-1 F/A-18F Super Hornet Vital Statistics

Manufacturer Boeing Role Multi-role fighter Crew Two Engine Two low-bypass F414-GE-400 turbofans

9,800 kg thrust each Airframe Length: 18.3 m

Height: 4.9 m Wingspan: 13.6 m

Weight 13,387 kg basic 29,900 kg maximum take-off weight

Maximum Speed Mach 1.6 (1,960 km/hr) Range 2,700 km ferrying (without refuelling)

740 km combat radius Ceiling Above 50,000ft (15.2 km)

The Super Hornet is powered by two General Electric F414 turbofan jet engines. Each engine is capable of producing up to 9,800 kg of thrust through the use of afterburner. An afterburner injects additional fuel directly into the jet pipe after the turbine and is used for short periods when maximum thrust is required, such as on take-off.

The Super Hornet provides Australia with a significant increase in air combat capability. It will build upon the proudest traditions of the strike and reconnaissance capability provided by the F-111, but will be capable of doing much more than the aircraft it replaces.

2.2.4. Project Timing

The Super Hornet will start arriving at RAAF Base Amberley in early 2010. Twelve aircraft will be operating at the Base by the end of 2010, with the remaining twelve arriving in 2011. The Super Hornet fleet is planned to be fully operational by the end of 2012.

For a short period of time in 2010, both the F-111 and Super Hornet will be operational at RAAF Base Amberley. Combined flying operations of the two aircraft during this transition phase are anticipated to be lower than the full 2012 ASH operations.

The timing of the Super Hornet Project is linked to the retirement of the F-111. The removal of the F-111 from Australian service has begun and will be complete by the end of 2010. The RAAF is working closely with the Defence Materiel Organisation to ensure the Super Hornet is operational before the F-111 is retired. Any delay in the Project would have significant consequences for the RAAF’s air combat capability.

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2.2.5. Project Alternatives

The Australian Government decided in March 2007 to retire the F-111 fleet by the end of 2010 and replace it at RAAF Base Amberley with 24 Super Hornets. The RAAF developed the Super Hornet Project in order to implement this Government direction.

The Super Hornet is being acquired to reduce the risk of a capability gap between the retirement of the F-111 and the introduction of the New Air Combat Capability, proposed to be based on a fleet of F-35 Joint Strike Fighter aircraft.

The Government decided the alternative of extending the life of the F-111 beyond 2010 presented unacceptable risk to Australia’s national security.

The Government additionally decided to base the Super Hornet at RAAF Base Amberley, as a direct replacement for the capability already based there. No other alternative location was available within the timeframe required to replace the ageing F-111. The Super Hornet will utilise facilities and personnel currently employed on the F-111 fleet and will rely on commercial support services already established at the Base.

2.3. Super Hornet Operations at RAAF Base Amberley

The RAAF will conduct Super Hornet flying operations at RAAF Base Amberley to achieve the following two objectives:

To provide initial conversion training to aircrew learning to operate the aircraft; and To conduct operational practice for qualified aircrew, so they are ready to take part in air combat

operations if and when required by Government.

Roughly 60% of Super Hornet flights will be conducted at RAAF Base Amberley, its Main Operating Base (MOB). Operations will also occur at other RAAF Bases around Australia for transits or exercises.

This PER is focussed on Super Hornet flying operations at RAAF Base Amberley.

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2.4. Flying Operations

2.4.1. Overview

The RAAF will operate the Super Hornet differently to the way it currently flies the F-111. Significant differences include:

The Super Hornet will fly more frequent, shorter missions than the F-111; The Super Hornet will fly in formations of two or four aircraft where F-111s often fly as single aircraft; The Super Hornet will practice more modern tactics which involve less flight at low level; and The Super Hornet, as a newer aircraft with more modern design, will have increased reliability, leading to

more flights than the F-111 fleet.

F-111 aircraft frequently conduct low level flights across southern Queensland and northern New South Wales. The majority of Super Hornet flights from RAAF Base Amberley, however, will be to Flying Training Areas (FTA) over water to the east of Brisbane and over land to the west of Toowoomba. In general, people around the Base will see formations of two or four Super Hornets either taking off and departing to these areas or returning to land after training in these areas.

On some flights, Super Hornets will fly repeated circuits around the Base. These circuits are particularly important for teaching new pilots how to safely take-off and land the aircraft.

The Super Hornet is effective in all weather, day or night, and practice at night is an essential requirement for maintaining Australia’s air combat edge. While the RAAF plans to conduct most Super Hornet night practice while deployed to other locations, approximately 20% of ASH flights at RAAF Base Amberley will occur at night.

In general, Super Hornet operations will occur on weekdays only and night flying, when scheduled, will typically occur on Monday to Thursday nights. Weekend flying, day or night, may occur in exceptional circumstances, such as preparation for operational deployment, but is not planned.

The RAAF plans to fly Super Hornets at RAAF Base Amberley for 46 weeks of the year, with scheduled breaks from flying of two to three weeks in the middle of the year and three to four weeks over Christmas.

2.4.2. Flight Paths

Take off and landing operations of Super Hornets at RAAF Base Amberley will be restricted to the north-south runway (15/33). The Super Hornet will not use the east-west runway (04/22) except in emergencies or other exceptional circumstances. Due to prevailing wind conditions, Runway 15 is currently used approximately 80% of the time. This means that most take-offs will be to the south-east, with landings coming in from the north-west.

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2.4.2.1. Departure Flight Paths

The departure flight paths for normal Super Hornet operations at RAAF Base Amberley are depicted in Figure 2-7. Aircraft headed for the over-water airspace will generally turn to the west after take-off, climbing prior to returning back over the Base and Ipswich at an altitude of 17,000 ft (5,150 m) en route to Brisbane. Other flight paths take aircraft to the over-land airspace to the west or south to Evans Head. On these paths the aircraft climb as quickly as possible to above 15,000 ft (4,550 m).

The approximate proportional use of each departure flight path is:

45% will be to the north-east, over Brisbane; 40% will be to the west; and 15% will be to the south.

2.4.2.2. Arrival Flight Paths

Figure 2-8 illustrates the arrival flight paths the Super Hornet aircraft will use in good weather, when the pilots are ‘visual’ with the ground and the airfield. Approximately 80% of arrivals will be via an Initial and Pitch procedure, where the aircraft fly a path slightly to the east of the airfield prior to turning into a circuit to the west of the Base, slowing down and lowering undercarriage for landing. An Initial and Pitch arrival is the most efficient way for fighter aircraft to return to an airfield, saving fuel and time when compared to a straight-in approach. Figure 2-9 illustrates an Initial and Pitch arrival.

All Super Hornet landing circuits are planned to be flown to the west of Runway 15/33. Circuits will only be flown over Ipswich in exceptional circumstances.

Approximately 5% of arrivals in good weather will be via straight-in approaches. These arrivals involve aircraft lining up with the runway from 4-5 km away and directly descending to land, rather than flying a circuit around the Base.

In poor weather, when the pilot is unable to see the ground or the airfield, Super Hornet aircraft will use the instrument arrival flight paths illustrated in Figure 2-10. These flight paths are only anticipated to be used for 15% of arrivals.

2.4.2.3. Circuit Flight Paths

Figure 2-11 illustrates the path flown for Super Hornet circuit practices. On training flights involving take-off and landing practice, generally around six circuits will be flown. The practice circuits are the same as the circuits flown from Initial and Pitch arrivals, with the aircraft touching down briefly on the runway before taking off again for a further circuit.

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2.4.3. Flight Path Alternatives and Changes from F-111 Operations

Using current F-111 operations as a starting point, the RAAF considered several alterative flight paths for the Super Hornet.

Figure 2-12, Figure 2-13 and Figure 2-14 illustrate the existing F-111 flight paths. The RAAF has made changes to reduce the potential impact of Super Hornet flight paths on local communities.

2.4.3.1. Departure Alternatives

Super Hornet departure flight paths are considerably simplified over the F-111. This is a result of the change in training practice, where Super Hornet flights will be concentrated in several FTAs rather than on routes across the state.

Two significant changes were made to departure flight paths:

The Super Hornet will not use the current F-111 flight path which involves a left-hand turn after take-off from Runway 15 before climbing towards Brisbane. The Super Hornet will instead turn right and climb to the west of the Base before passing over Ipswich at higher altitude. The RAAF decided on this alternative to reduce the potential noise impact on the southern suburbs of Ipswich and to protect the future development area of Ripley Valley.

The Super Hornet will delay turning to the west after take-off on Runway 33, to avoid overflying Walloon and Thagoona.

2.4.3.2. Arrival Alternatives

Super Hornet arrival flight paths are broadly similar to those of the F-111. The RAAF has, however, made two significant changes:

Super Hornet arrivals will come from higher altitude and will not be via low level routes previously flown by the F-111.

All Super Hornet circuits will be flown to the west of Runway 15/33. Circuits are not planned to be flown over Ipswich.

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BUNYA

GOOLMAN

CHUWAR

CASHMERE

CALVERT

GLENEAGLE

RIPLEY

MILORA

ROADVALE

BROOKFIELD

FRAZERVIEW

BORALLON

CEDAR GROVE

WHITE ROCK

WARNER


INALA

PALLARA

CAMIRA

SPRINGFIELD LAKES

CEDAR VALE

FERNY HILLS

SAMSONVALE

EATONS HILL

ST LUCIA

WEST RD

NORTHBROOK PWY

CUSACK L

μAUSTRALIAN

SUPER HORNETPER

F111 Departure Flight Paths

FIGURE 2-12

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1,500 (450 m)

7,000 (2,150 m)

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UNDULLAH

DUNDAS

GREENBANKPURGA

LYONS

WYARALONG

LAKE WIVENHOE

PEAK CROSSING

KHOLO

LAKE MANCHESTER

ROSEVALE

SOUTH RIPLEY

BANKS CREEK

JIMBOOMBA

ALLENVIEW

MUTDAPILLY

ENGLAND CREEK

KAGARU

COLEYVILLE

NEW BEITH

SILVERDALE

KALBAR

EBENEZER

LOWOOD

HAIGSLEAMINDEN

FERNVALE

MILBONG

MOUNT FORBES

PINE MOUNTAIN

MARBURG

HARRISVILLE

WACOL

AMBERLEY

WARRILL VIEW

HIGHVALE

COOMINYA

TALLEGALLA

CEDAR CREEK

BUNYA

GOOLMAN

CHUWAR

CASHMERE

UPPER BROOKFIELD

CALVERT

GLENEAGLE

RIPLEY

MILORA

WASHPOOL

KARALEE

ENOGGERA RESERVOIR

ROADVALE

BROOKFIELD

GLAMORGAN VALE

FRAZERVIEW

IRONBARK

THE GAP

PULLENVALE

ANTHONY

TARAMPA

WOOLOOMAN

SPLIT YARD CREEK

BORALLON

CEDAR GROVE

WHITE ROCK

WARNER


KARRABIN

VERNOR

INALA

PALLARA

CAMIRA

CAMP MOUNTAIN

SPRINGFIELD LAKES

BUNDAMBA

SWANBANK

CEDAR VALE

OBUM OBUM

MOUNT COOT THA

FERNY HILLS

ASHWELL

MUIRLEA

THE BLUFF

ENOGGERA

SAMSONVALE

EATONS HILL

COULSON

RACEVIEW

ST LUCIA

CUNN

ING

HA

M H

WY

WEST RD

NORTHBROOK PWY

CUSACK L

BEAUDESERT BOONAH RD

μAUSTRALIAN

SUPER HORNETPER

F111 Approach and Instrument Arrival Flight Paths

FIGURE 2-13

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PURGA

AMBERLEY

CHUWAR

WALLOON

HAIGSLEA

PINE MOUNTAIN

GOOLMAN

RIPLEY

WILLOWBANK

IRONBARK

MUTDAPILLY

KARRABIN

KHOLO

EBENEZER

JEEBROPILLY

SOUTH RIPLEY

BRASSALL

YAMANTO

MUIRLEA

THAGOONA

DEEBING HEIGHTS

RACEVIEW

TIVOLI

MOUNT FORBES

IPSWICH

FLINDERS VIEW

WULKURAKA

LEICHHARDT

ONE MILE

MOUNT CROSBY

NORTH BOOVAL

BOOVAL

MOUNT MARROW

SILKSTONE

BLACKSOIL

WANORA

PEAK CROSSING

NORTH TIVOLI

EAST IPSWICH

WARREGO HWY

CUNNINGHAM HWY

KHOLO

RD

IPSWICH ROSEWOOD RD

WARWICK RD

BRISBANE VALLEY H

WY

KARRABIN ROSEWOOD RDTOONGARRA RD

WARREGO HWY

CUNNINGHAM HWY

μAUSTRALIAN

SUPER HORNETPER

F111 Touch and Go / Circuit Flight Paths

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Projection: WGS 84

Scale 1:100,000 on A4


Altitude (ft)

12,000 (3,650 m)10,000 (3,050 m)

1,500 (450 m)

7,000 (2,150 m)

0

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53

2.4.3.3. Circuit Alternatives

All Super Hornet circuits, both those for normal arrivals and those for practices, will be flown to Runway 15/33 and to the west of the Base. Circuits will be flown at 1,500 ft (450 m), where the F-111 currently flies both at this height and at low altitude (500-750 ft; 150-230 m). Additionally, the design of the Super Hornet allows circuits to be flown closer to the Base than the F-111. The RAAF currently uses Runway 04/22 for F-111 circuits but does not plan to use this runway for Super Hornet circuits. This runway points towards Willowbank to the west and towards Leichhardt and One Mile to the east. Not using this runway from Super Hornet operations reduces potential impacts on these local communities.

2.4.3.4. Technological Advances and Potential Changes to Flight Paths

There are currently several changes occurring in the aviation industry and in aircraft technology, particularly through greater use of the benefits of the Global Positioning System. These changes may affect operational standards and procedures for runway and airspace utilisation across Australia.

The RAAF does not expect these changes to have an impact on the proposed Super Hornet flight paths. The changes will influence en route flight paths between airfields and use of FTAs. They will not substantially change the way Super Hornet depart from and arrive at RAAF Base Amberley.

2.4.4. Movement Numbers

A ‘movement’ is a single take-off or landing by a single aircraft at an airfield. Generally, each aircraft flight involves two movements, although this number may increase for missions which include practice circuits. The RAAF has planned for a total of 4,648 Super Hornet movements per year at RAAF Base Amberley. For example, a take-off of four aircraft together is four movements. Four practice circuits by a single aircraft involve eight movements (four take-off and four landings).

Table 2-2 details the planned annual Super Hornet movements at RAAF Base Amberley. Table 2-2: Annual Super Hornet RAAF Base Amberley Movements

Basic Super Hornet movements 3,448 plus practice circuit movements 1,200 Total RAAF Base Amberley movements 4,648

Day/night movements per year

7.00 am – 7.00 p 3,718 7.00 pm – 8.00 p 93 8.00 pm – 11.00 p 698 11.00 pm – 7.00 a 139 Total RAAF Base Amberley movements 4,648

54

A: Includes 600 take‐offs for practice circuits.

As the Super Hornet is planned to fly week-days only for 46 weeks of the year, an average Super Hornet flying day will involve 20 movements. This is an average, though, and actual movement numbers will vary depending on training requirements, weather and other factors.

2.4.4.1. Comparison with F-111 Movement Numbers

F-111 movements at RAAF Base Amberley have been progressively falling in recent years, as maintenance becomes more demanding and the aircraft approaches retirement. The F-111 fleet flew approximately 4,000 hours in the 2003/04 financial year. This has declined to approximately 3,000 hours in 2007/08.

Over the past few years, a typical flying day for the F-111 at RAAF Base Amberley has involved four flights, equating to 8-10 movements. The maximum number of flights flown in a day by F-111s at RAAF Base Amberley recently has been 12, equating to 24-30 movements.

An ‘average’ Super Hornet flying day will involve 20 movements. This number may increase to 50 movements or more on a maximum flying day.

The difference in number of movements is due to: Greater reliability of the Super Hornet aircraft; Gradual decline in F-111 availability for flying; and Shorter mission length for the Super Hornet.

While the Super Hornet will fly a greater number of movements, a large proportion of missions will be flown by several aircraft in formation. F-111 missions are typically single aircraft. The result is that the difference in number of flying ‘events’ may be small, but each event for the Super Hornet will involve more aircraft and hence more movements.

Departures per year

Single aircraft in full afterburner 345 Single aircraft without afterburner 686A

Two aircraft together in full afterburner 1,293 Two aircraft together without afterburner 0 Total departures per year 2,324

Arrivals per year

Initial and Pitch 1,379 Visual straight-in approach 86 Instrument arrival 258 Practice circuit landings 600 Total arrivals per year 2,324

55

For example, an average F-111 flying day has recently involved four separate events of a single aircraft each. This is contrasted with a typical Super Hornet flying day which might involve four events, each involving a formation of four aircraft flying close together (and resulting in 32 movements).

2.4.5. Seasonal Variation in Aircraft Movements, Flight Paths and Runway Use

Super Hornet movements are unlikely to vary greatly through the year due to seasonal changes. In poor weather (low cloud, rain, fog/mist), aircraft will fly fewer Initial and Pitch arrivals and more instrument arrivals. This is most likely during the rainy season in summer. In extremely poor weather, such as during thunderstorms, there may be no Super Hornets flying at all. This would only be expected on a few days a year.

Weather, particularly heavy showers and thunderstorms, may cause Super Hornets to diverge from planned flight paths. These occurrences are unpredictable but infrequent.

The Super Hornet is planned to use only Runway 15/33 and the prevailing wind direction (south-easterly) is already factored into the predicted relative use of the 15 and 33 directions. Other weather conditions or seasons are unlikely to have an effect on which runway direction is used.

2.4.6. Ground Activities Associated with Flying Operations

There are two ground activities associated with flying operations for Super Hornet which may create noticeable noise on-Base and to locations near to the Base:

Engine running on the flight line1 associated with maintenance activities; and High-power in-aircraft engine running at the Engine Test Cell 3 (ETC 3) associated with maintenance

activities (see Figure 2-15). These activities are associated with maintenance and often take place before or after periods of flying.

2.4.6.1. Flight Line Engine Running

Occasionally, Super Hornet engines will be required to be started in order to support trouble-shooting and maintenance checks. Using United States Navy (USN) data and experience with the F/A-18A Hornet, the RAAF estimates this engine running will involve:

An average of 80% power for 30 minutes; 95 events per year; 80% of events between 7.00 am and 11.00 pm; and 20% of events between 11.00 pm and 7.00 am.

1 The flight line is where aircraft start from, return to and are parked between flights.

%%,

%%,

Taxiway N

orth to Runw

ay Threshold 15

Taxiway South to R

unway Threshold 33

μAUSTRALIAN

SUPER HORNETPER

Location of Engine Test Cell 3 and the Flight Line

FIGURE 2-15

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LEGEND

%%, Flight Line

%%, Engine Test Cell 3

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EngineTest Cell 3

Flight Line

57

2.4.6.2. High Power Engine Running

Sometimes, trouble-shooting of engine problems will require high power engine runs, up to full afterburner. These runs are conducted at RAAF Base Amberley at ETC 3. Fortunately, the engines of the F/A-18F Super Hornet have proven to be highly reliable. USN experience indicates an engine run at ETC 3 will only be required on average once a month. RAAF projections for high power engine running include:

An average of 95% power for 30 minutes; 12 events per year; and No events past 11.00 pm.

2.5. Reliability of Forecasts

The RAAF has a high level of confidence in the forecasts presented above, because:

Australia has over twenty years experience flying the Hornet, a very similar aircraft; The USN has over ten years experience operating the Super Hornet; and The RAAF has been operating F-111 aircraft at RAAF Base Amberley for over thirty years and is familiar

with the area. Assumptions may change though, as changes occur in airspace, air routes, operational requirements, etc. As discussed in Chapter 5, Defence has recently installed a Noise and Flight Path Monitoring System (NFPMS) at the Base and this will allow Defence to monitor adherence to the forecasts underlying the environmental impact assessment.

2.6. Project Assumptions

Assumptions have been used to undertake the assessments within the PER. Assumptions underlying the PER analysis are listed in Appendix F.

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