Pilot's 'got some balls', court hears
JOHN EDENS IN QUEENSTOWN
Last updated 14:09 06/03/2012
An Airways manager and a Rescue Fire Service officer said "F**king hell I haven't seen this before" and "He's got some balls" as a Pacific Blue aircraft departed in poor weather and dwindling light, Queenstown District Court heard this morning.
A 54-year-old Papakura pilot, who has name suppression, has denied operating a Boeing 737 in a careless manner on June 22, 2010, a charge laid by the Civil Aviation Authority.
The Pacific Blue pilot appeared for the second day of a defended hearing before Judge Kevin Phillips, during which an audio recording of dialogue and a phone call between the air traffic control tower, the Rescue Fire Service and the flight crew was admitted as evidence.
During the recording, the Sydney-bound Pacific Blue flight crew asked to taxi on the runway in case wind abated during the takeoff window.
The aircraft departed at 5.25pm, one minute after flight crew requested a wind check.
About 30 seconds after departure, a phone conversation was recorded between Rescue Fire Service officer Nigel Henderson and Airways flight service specialist manager Daryl Palmer.
Mr Henderson asked "How big are his gonads?" and a few seconds later Mr Palmer said: "F**king hell I haven't seen this before."
Informed the aircraft was committed to the flight and would not be coming back to Queenstown, Mr Henderson added: "Anyway he's got some balls."
Queenstown-based air traffic controller Adam Sakareassen, a controller on the day of the takeoff, told the court a departure depended on a pilot's assessment of conditions.
Gusts of up to 36 knots were blowing and winds varied between southwest and southeasterly.
The aircraft was clearly visible and completed a normal departure, he said.
"At 5.24pm (the aircraft) requested takeoff clearance, we advised wind was gusty at both ends.
"I observed the aircraft take off, nothing unusual."
The authority allege the pilot should not have taken off after 5.14pm because rules stipulated departing aircraft needed at least 30 minutes before civil twilight cutoff at 5.45pm.
The defence case argues the pilot's actions were correct and any breach of requirements, if demonstrated, was below the level of carelessness.
The hearing continues.