https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-12-...ence/106092416
I just can’t fathom how a chief pilot, apparently an exemplary pilot was a cocaine user and this was known by another employee (also a pilot) and this was okay. He only did this “irregularly” and only 3 or 4 lines at a time. The ATSB has said the cocaine is unlikely to have played a part in this incident but I always wonder if someone breaks one rule, what other rules are optional.
“On Tuesday, Ross Meadows — who was also a helicopter pilot, but worked full-time as a marketing consultant for Sea World Helicopters — was called to give evidence about Mr Jenkinson.
Mr Meadows described Mr Jenkinson as his "best mate" and told the court over their nine years of friendship, he only knew him to be a social user of cocaine.
"[It was] very irregular," he said.
A former Sea World Helicopters worker has appeared before a coronial inquest.
The court heard Mr Meadows attended Mr Jenkinson's home for a gathering on New Year's Eve and witnessed him using a white substance, which he assumed was cocaine.
He accepted he remarked to Mr Jenkinson, "nothing good comes from that s**t".
But when asked whether he should have reported his friend, Mr Meadows said, "that's not my place".
"He's his own person, I'm not responsible for him," Mr Meadows said.
He said it was only in hindsight he recognised the potential safety concerns.