Boeing 747, ZS-SAN

A Boeing 747 (B747) was en route between Sydney and Perth, tracking via air route Q158. The crew contacted Perth air traffic control at waypoint BIDDY, and were issued with a standard terminal arrival route (STAR) to Perth. The controller and the crew entered into a discussion regarding Perth STARs. The crew were asked if the aircraft was Area Navigation (RNAV) equipped and replied that the aircraft was not so equipped. Aircraft that are not RNAV equipped are not permitted to track on air route Q158 from Sydney to Perth.

The investigation subsequently revealed that the aircraft was RNAV equipped and therefore, permitted to use Q158. There was no infringement of separation standards.