Operational non-compliance involving a The Boeing Company 747-200, ZK-NZW, Melbourne Airport, VIC on 18 May 1993

The departure was from runway 27. Prior to take off the crew were told to "maintain heading 260." After take off the crew initiated a right turn. This was observed by the Melbourne Departures controller and the turn was stopped on a heading of 310. There was no loss of separation. Significant Factor The following factor was considered relevant to the development of the incident: 1. Aircraft flight crew error over implementation of after take off heading instruction.