By GPCAPT Edward Poot
A RNZAF B757 unloads in Malaysia
In late November 2008 CAF AVM Graham Lintott, in his capacity as the NZDF Airworthiness Authority, approved the Supplemental Type Certificate (STC) for the upgraded Boeing 757 fleet. The STC is part of the overall aircraft modification process. The STC certifies the Boeing in its new configuration, following the installation of the cargo door and avionics update.
The STC was approved after a successful period of post modification testing and evaluation. Operational Testing and Evaluation (OT&E) consisted of seven flight-test serials aimed at exercising the complete Boeing 757 System from the aircrew through to the support functions such as maintenance and air movements. In parallel, Logistics performed 600 test serials.
Initial planning for the Boeing 757 OT&E programme was based on a 10 -12 week timeline, with the actual timeframe being dependant on NZDF tasking requirements. As it transpired, OT&E was undertaken while conducting a number of important operational tasks in support of international commitments and exercises. These tasks including the movement of a P-3 detachment and its spare engine to Malaysia for Exercise Bersama Lima and 20 tonnes of ammunition to Australia to support Army artillery exercise Exercise Long Guns. All told, from the start of the first test serial to the release of the aircraft for return to routine operational tasking, OT&E took 68 days – just short of ten weeks! Despite an engine maintenance issue that threatened to delay the process, the team managed to deliver ahead of the original planned schedule, while completing all test and evaluation objectives.
Achievement of STC represents achievement of a major milestone in the RNZAF’s Annual Plan and progress towards achievement of Strategic Goal 1 – Operational Capability. It has only been achieved through a fantastic team effort led by the RNZAF, but supported by a wide cross-section from our Service and assistance from JFNZ, the other Services, the MOD Acquisition Division and our contractors MAROPS and Nova Defence. Along the way our team has continued to demonstrate our core values of professionalism, teamwork, integrity and discipline to achieve the results we have come to expect when we are the best in all we do! Many grateful thanks to all who helped in ways big and small during the journey.