Ask The Pilot

[Brissy1]

Thanks, that was easy. And lots of other interesting info, like this notam -
...FROM 2200-0600 LOCAL RWY01L ARRIVALS AND RWY19R DEPARTURES ONLY AVAILABLE IN EMERGENCY, LOSS OF INFRASTRUCTURE OR EXTREME WEATHER...
didn't know that.

 

[Hvr]

Would be interested to from our pilots about the proposed changes to training.

Qantas’ jumbo stoush with pilots over who gets to fly the big jets

The national carrier claims its push to train new officers for A380s is being unreasonably blocked from within.

www.smh.com.au

Qantas and the pilots’ union are tussling over who gets to fly the biggest jets in the fleet as the national carrier claims its push to train new officers for A380s is being unreasonably blocked from within.

 

[jb747]

Would be interested to from our pilots about the proposed changes to training.

This particular battle has a long history. Let's start with the fact that the contract, quite specifically, says that the slots (on the 380) should go to people who have bid for them first. Nothing precludes the company allocating remaining slots to new hires after any bids have been fulfilled. New hires, don't have bidding rights (at least not until they qualify on a type).

Yes it has a training cost. But the company agreed to that, and this is nothing new. As an ex 380 Captain, I would prefer to have some experience sitting next to me. Or, more exactly, sitting next to the FO when I'm trying to have a sleep.

But the issue really is that the pay differs quite dramatically between the types, as does the lifestyle. As a generalisation, a 380 SO gets paid a lot more, and gets a lot more time off, than a 330 SO. It's quite literally a kick in the guts from the company to pass the benefits on to new hires, whilst denying them to existing staff. It is, on the other hand, normal QF treatment.

The company can get around this, and it is in the contract, by paying what is called bypass, to any SOs who would otherwise have gained one of these slots. That means they have to pay the bypassed SO on the 380 pay scale, instead of the scale for whatever he is on. The extra time off is sadly just lost.

Basically though, there is a long standing contract, and the company just pays lip service to it when it doesn't suit them

 

[Major]

AV. Is there a firm date for the arrival of the 737 MAX yet and what is the selection criteria for pilots on the Cairns-Tokyo route ?

 

[mjt57]

Basically though, there is a long standing contract, and the company just pays lip service to it when it doesn't suit them

By "contract" do you mean EA? If so, surely there are mechanisms in place for when either side breaches it?

 

[AviatorInsight]

AV. Is there a firm date for the arrival of the 737 MAX yet and what is the selection criteria for pilots on the Cairns-Tokyo route ?

No firm date yet. There is no selection criteria. It’s not like ZQN where there are additional sims etc. Having said that, at the end of our cyclic check on Day 2 we are doing a HND famil, with a look around the area and performing some of the SIDs and STARs.

Basically it’s open to everyone. However, it will be a 5 day trip, which on the domestic agreement is an opt in only. So pilots will need to put their hand up if they want the trips.

 

[docjames]

Basically it’s open to everyone. However, it will be a 5 day trip, which on the domestic agreement is an opt in only. So pilots will need to put their hand up if they want the trips.

Will they get enough hands? Especially at less desirable times (Holidays, easter, Xmas etc)?

 

[jb747]

By "contract" do you mean EA? If so, surely there are mechanisms in place for when either side breaches it?

Time consuming, costly, and mostly ineffective.

 

[AviatorInsight]

Will they get enough hands? Especially at less desirable times (Holidays, easter, Xmas etc)?

So far we’ve been told it’s an even split. 75/75. There will always be pilots willing to do flights. During busy peak periods, there may be more incentive for it if they don’t get enough volunteers, however I don’t know how stringent the Japanese would be on the slot if they started cancelling flights.

 

[Saab34]

Do you get paid more for operating these Japan flights?

 

[AviatorInsight]

Do you get paid more for operating these Japan flights?

I wish.

 

[747sp]

Will the Virgin flights to Tokyo only need two pilots or will there be a third? If a third is needed how would that be arranged as virgin does not have 2nd officers.

 

[AviatorInsight]

Will the Virgin flights to Tokyo only need two pilots or will there be a third? If a third is needed how would that be arranged as virgin does not have 2nd officers.

At this stage it’ll only be 2 pilots. It currently fits inside our flight and duty limits. If they were to carry 3, it would be 1 Capt and 2 FO’s.

 

[torks]

At this stage it’ll only be 2 pilots. It currently fits inside our flight and duty limits. If they were to carry 3, it would be 1 Capt and 2 FO’s.

How much leeway do you have time wise? If they do need to carry a 2nd first officer will they need to be trained to sit in both seats?

 

[mjt57]

At this stage it’ll only be 2 pilots. It currently fits inside our flight and duty limits. If they were to carry 3, it would be 1 Capt and 2 FO’s.

I guess that you should count yourself lucky that any pilots are going, let alone 2 of them...

The proposed "demanning" of the flight deck by airlines is pure madness.

 

[AviatorInsight]

I guess that you should count yourself lucky that any pilots are going, let alone 2 of them...

The proposed "demanning" of the flight deck by airlines is pure madness.

Why should I count myself as lucky at all? I haven't bid for HND and will not do so until we have the right aircraft for the job. Simple.

 

[AviatorInsight]

How much leeway do you have time wise? If they do need to carry a 2nd first officer will they need to be trained to sit in both seats?

We have about 2 hours up our sleeve. And can extend an extra hour after that if needed. They won't need to be trained in both seats as they literally just for in flight rest requirements. Even if the captain goes incapacitated throughout the flight the operating FO who is in the right seat at the time would perform the landing.

 

[mjt57]

Why should I count myself as lucky at all? I haven't bid for HND and will not do so until we have the right aircraft for the job. Simple.

Sorry, I was commenting on the idea of reducing coughpit numbers not your situation.

 

[AviatorInsight]

Sorry, I was commenting on the idea of reducing coughpit numbers not your situation.

Oh. My mistake. I really hope that idea of going down to one pilot gets crushed by the industry before it has a chance to become a reality. What a stupid idea.

 

[jb747]

Oh. My mistake. I really hope that idea of going down to one pilot gets crushed by the industry before it has a chance to become a reality. What a stupid idea.

Yes, but people who are not pilots, and who have no idea what they do, think it would be a great way of saving beans. And they won't be on board when things go wrong.