While ‘run-of-the-mill’ for Mr Wettenhall, who has helped commission many new runways over the past few decades, the team behind the new airport could not help but celebrate with official photos and social media post.
“I was engaged by Western Sydney Airport to do checks on the lighting systems, which would then commission the runway,” Mr Wettenhall said.
“There were 3000 to 4000 lights which all have a different purpose, so I had to make a number of passes to make sure they all comply.
“I was able to sign off on that part of the runway, and I’m sure I’ll be back there before too long to do some more checks.”
A surveyor by trade and with extensive flying experience, Mr Wettenhall is one of only four people in Australia able to complete these checks for new runways.
He said it takes him all over Australia, and even occasionally to New Guinea.
“I would do about one of two of these types of jobs a month, and will be Darwin for something similar next week,” he said.
“Whenever the lighting system is changed they all need to be re-checked.”
Construction of the Western Sydney International airport is expected to be completed next year.
It is designed as a world-class smart airport and built to service 10 million passengers each year.
