Operational non-compliance involving a Beech Aircraft Corp 1900D, VH-MML, Brisbane Aerodrome, Queensland, on 1 September 1997

The aircraft ahead of VH-MML had departed from runway 01 and was being vectored in a right turn over the aerodrome to intercept a departure track of 257 degrees. MML had been issued a departure instruction to maintain 015 degrees (the runway heading) and took off two minutes behind the other aircraft. MML called approach airborne, turning right onto heading 150 degrees. This could have led to a conflict with other aircraft, so instructions were issued to maintain vertical separation.

The operator advised that the company procedure was for the non-flying pilot to set the departure heading with the heading selector knob, and for both crew members to check the selection, before the departure instruction was acknowledged.