are qantas pilots cat III qualified?? To operate to a cat III minimum regular training is required and additional acft checks
Yes, since the early 1980's and every sim session requires Captains and F/O's to carry out Low Vis renewals/recency. The aircraft have to have at least one autoland every 45 days otherwise Engineering have to do additional checks.
Melbournes Cat III lighting upgrade will not only be for ILS Low Vis approaches but also for GBAS assisted GPS Low Vis approaches. QF B738's (& in the future, A380's, B787's) are fitted for these approaches and have been doing trials into Sydney in conjunction with Air Services and several other parties (GBAS aerials are sited just east of the 34L threshold). GBAS installation at MEL would also allow GPS approaches to lower minimums at other airports in the area - ie well equipped business jets operating into Essendon would benefit once the approaches have the necessary approval.