BAe 146 operating in Karratha

[Looking]

Recently, a BAe146 has been operating into Karratha. I remember a few years ago a 146 was operated by Qantaslink but these were all replaced later by 737s.

Callsign I think is NJ* (didn't catch the last character) but am guessing it is on hire from National Jet.

Does anyone know what is going on with the 146? It's good to see a variety of aircraft up here.

[ditzyboy]

Barrow Island(?) contract. It does shuttles ex-KTA.

[Ferrett]

The aircraft is a BAe 146 - 100 (VH - NJC).

The BAE 146 is contracted to Chevron through Cobham (National Jet) and operates shuttle flights from Karratha to Barrow Island and return carrying workers building the accommodation camps at Barrow Island in readiness for the Gorgon Project.

[The Green Goblin]

Be careful flying VFR coastal down that way as the 146 seems to climb to about 6000 for the entire route sector.

[SimonBl]

I think you'll find that the 146's were largely replaced by 717's, at least on the inland route.

[The Green Goblin]

I think you will find there is a 146 based in Karratha

[topend3]

Yes the aircraft is based in Karratha and Ferret is correct. The 146-300 has also been dropping in on a daily basis recently on the way back to Perth as apparently they are out of fuel on BWX.

[Icarus2001]

Be careful flying VFR coastal down that way as the 146 seems to climb to about 6000 for the entire route sector.

What does that mean? Be careful because there is an aircraft at 6000 feet flying Karratha to Barrow? Be careful because you normally are not? Fly at a VFR level not at 6000'? Are you implying that the 146 should fly higher for the 77nm (18 minute flight)?

Priceless.

I think you will find there is a 146 based in Karratha

I think that you will find that SimonB was referring to the Qantaslink contract changing from 146 to 717. Which is correct. In fact it used to be called Airlink then became Qantaslink. The 146 was NOT replaced by 737 aircraft but by B717 aircraft, the 737 are mainline.

[dodgybrothers]

geez icarus, bit touchy on it arent you? I think the dude was explaining that there was low level jet in an area that has a lot of light aircraft traffic and for everyone to keep an eye out.

For the benefit of all I would have thought.

[The Green Goblin]

You'd have to have been on acid for the past 4 or so years if you had not copped on to 717s replacing the 146's on the regional RPT routes.

And yes, I was letting the good folk on pprune to watch out for the 146 barrow island service crossing the coast. There are a lot of recreational fliers transiting that airspace VFR from Perth to Broome and regardless of speed restrictions below 10,000 feet a 146 can fill up the windscreen mighty quick if you're admiring the coastline scenic flying. Even if they are flying VFR cruising levels there is only 500 feet between that an IFR traffic. Factor in thermal turbulence and inexperience with inattention and well, do the maths.

Back in my box

[Gobetter]

... some of the most beautiful coastline is between Karratha and Barrow Island...

I wish I was back up that way sometimes.

(but only sometimes!)


Now, I think it's time for Opera Bar!