In response to Pools request a quick summary of todays MB1 meeting .
Approximately 12 line captains attended ( 1 no show to my knowledge ). DSVP/ SVP training / SVP Fleet / Chief training Capt A330/340 / Chief Pilot 777 all in attendance.
Attendance register taken .
DSVP opened the proceedings in an informal manner setting the tone for what was actually after a period of time a refreshingly open and frank two way exchange of information and views. The first hr or so was basically a lecture to the pilots of why the management now feels the need to meet all Captains on a personal level over the next 6 weeks. The senior management have cleared their diaries to achieve this goal. They make it clear from the outset that the meeting is NOT as a result of the MEL incident but as a result of numerous incidents over the past few months both operationally and downroute. Four of five examples were provided with many more apparently available . ( Mel tailscrape / recent 777 go around in MAN / Crew behaviour in KUL/ BKK Alcohol test failure ) were used. A short video clip of the MEL tailscape is shown clearly showing the aircraft tail striking the ground 3 times before leaving the paved surface. DSVP was also in receipt of the first draft of the ATSB report and is flying to MEL on saturday to attend a news conference ! It would appear the general view of the senior management is that there needs to be an immediate change in attitude and performance of a very small minority of line pilots who are letting down the rest of the pilots. The only way to help identify this minority of guys is to ' Carpet bomb ' the entire pilot workforce with a zero tolerance approach to most aspects of our day to day working life from our appearance infront of pax to the following and adhearance of sop's in an attempt to help identify the guys who aren't coming up to scratch. SVP training identified some changes which will soon be coming in . On the spot unrostered line checks up to 2 months before your datum is up and a once year one hr MANUAL sim session flown without any automatics to improve general flying skills . He also emphasized the reasoning behind changing the format of the current PPC and changes to Peleysis. SVP fleet talked about the conduct of crew downroute and levels of behaviour which are expected. Chief pilot 777 touched on 'personal skills' required to be a good Capt.
In the second hr the floor was opened up to the guys to offer their views and possible suggestions on what had just been talked about. Frank views and opinions were exchanged on many issues including the perceived lack of management support with regard to Housing and personal issues / rostering issues / general lack of moral on the line and training standards of new F/O's . The management listened to the views of the guys and although they offered a difference of opinion regarding some issues I honestly think some things were taken on board and will be followed up.
The final 10 minutes or so was used by DSVP to summerise what the company is doing in response to the MEL incident ( setting up working parties to look into Augmented Ops / SOP changes for example) which they openly admit has been a big wake up call for them and to basically to tell the guys to get our acts together,act professionally at all times and follow SOP's !
In summary it is obvious to me that the Senior Flight Ops management are feeling the heat and are under intense pressure to explain a string of recent incidents which the President is not happy about. These meetings are designed to address many issues which the Flight Ops management feel can no longer be tolerated. The first hr of the meeting is a lecture from the Managenent, the second hr was definately an opportunity to air some current frustrations and discuss them in an honest and frank mannor. We were the first group of guys to be addressed and definately the "guinea pigs". Expect a slicker presentation as time goes by from the Management but at least they did present a small window of opportunity to address current issues which we are unhappy with .
Thats it folks - I've tried to keep it fairly neutral . Make your own minds up . Off to the pub to watch the footy !
Last edited by dofus; 19th Apr 2009 at 15:24.