Sunshine Express

[The Counter]

I'm thinking of appling to Sunshine Express bases on the Sunshine Coast and was wondering if anyone has any experience with them, What is the Management like, Chief Pilot Etc.

Is there any truth to the rumor they may be replacing the Shorts / Metro with a Dash8?

I've heard the Shorts may be taken off the Coffs run and replaced by the Metro going BNE,CH,TW,ARM return,because the Shorts isn't getting the loads to CH.

Can anyone shed some light.

[FL CH]

Don't know anything about Sunshine's management or Chief Pilot, but I've heard strong rumours that a fleet replacement study is under way. Option 1 is to replace both the Shorts 360 and Metro 3 with the Brasilia. Option 2 is replacing the Metro 3 with another 19 seat aircraft (ie J32 or B1900D) and the Shorts 360 with a Dash 8.

There are also rumours the airline will add a few more NSW destinations very soon, watch this space.

[tightcannon]

Dear Cruze Power

I have said it before and will say it again.

Me too, Tighcannon. Inappropriate comments. :mad: by Woomera

[Target]

Tightcannon

I have followed some of the responses and comments you have posted on this site, and it appears to me you profess to know a lot about other peoples conduct. Unfortunatly, for your reputation, it is quite clear to people involved in your gossip that you know very little, or eat up the B******t dished up to you.

Get a life!

[tightcannon]

Ok all I apologise if I appear too passionate in my replies on this subject but in my limited experience it seams that there are aviators in this country who seam hell bent on ruining the careers of others in less than positive ways. If you aren’t getting fed properly on flights, or you think that the radar is u/s or there has been a mix up with water meth or that you are not being treated fairly then you need to be proactive. Join the AFAP, Then see the Chief pilot in an official meeting, if that doesn’t work then go over his head, if that wont work ring the feds, if they wont help you then get together with your fellow pilots and do something positive. Being hell bent on getting an airline grounded for no reason is not right. We all know that management is not the best in any airline but they pay our wages. I don’t know about you but packing shelves is not the way to get food on the table. So if I have offended anyone I am truly sorry but this industry is hard enough to survive in without infighting and lack of communication.
You know if SExp do move on to Braz's, Dash or similar then it will be great for everyone concerned. you don’t have to ever break rules but there are times when you have to play the game and help, if it means that we have to work smarter and apply an MEL or fly VFR home or even organise alternative pax travel then we should do it with a smile. Look how much the metro crews are now appreciated on the southern run. They are making a profit, running on time and the pax love them for it. if that is what can happen with every bodies effort then in a few years you could be doing every Dash 8 100 route in the region. Then you will get loss of lic insurance, crew rooms, auto met, real training, allowances and the like. If you belong to the AFAP the wages will go up and you will have a professional career.
Once again I apologise to Target and Cruze Power but heck man we need to work smarter proactively not reactively.

[Tail_Wheel]

Tightcannon. Are you suggesting it’s OK to “bend the rules”, possibly in contravention of legislation and potentially jeopardising the safety of the aircraft, passengers and crew, in order to preserve your job, especially if you are a member of the AFAP?

You don’t see a possible systemic safety issue both in the alleged contamination and possibly a “cover up”?

And you think that is acceptable in any aviation operation and particularly an RPT operation?

Are you suggestion those who do not share your view are simply trying to bring the company down and should “move on”?

[Target]

Tightcannon,

The AFAP will not help you with problems such as MELs and defects, it is not their role, its the PICs.

Your comment sugesting it is possible to get an airline 'grounded for no reason' is absurd. CASA do not ground airlines because they have nothing else to do! a company that meets its obligations to its employees, customers and legislators has nothing to fear from a CASA audit. Those that do not meet their obligations but are trying do not get grounded, they get direction in how they may improve to remain holders of an AOC, those that refuse to improve get grounded.

Safety is the first priority in aviation, we have all seen what happens to companies that have had major accidents, and who is left responsible, thats right, the PIC, not management. And where are the careers for future aviators in these companies after they collapse, there isnt one.

And lastly, I take offense with your suggestion that to have a 'professional career' you must disregard safety and award conditions when it suits, a professional aviator would not compromise themselves this way and a professional company would not allow it.

further to my last,

The conditions you speak of that will be provided when all is rosey have already been covered in the award negotiated by the AFAP, shoudnt they already have them!

[MCY Flyer]

How is this for form,

The personal specifics you posted are inappropriate in this forum.

Woomera

This early is only 5 years old and during the last 12 months it has experienced considerable growth and they really didn't have the resources in place for that growth. That has been recognised and procedures and staff have been put in place. Recently they have employed a Compliance Manager, who in the past was a qantas sim insturctor/flight safety instructor/accident investigator/safety manager. Their previous Chief Pilot has also returned after a stint with one of the majors. The problems that have occured to this company have occured to all the regional airlines in Australia when they grow. Go and talk to any pilot who has been with Sunstate, Eastern, Hazelton and Kendell (REX) for more than 20 years and they will tell you the same occured there. With Eastern and Sunstate it wasn't until Australian/Qantas had full ownership that most of their problems were fixed. I can remember back in the early-mid 90's the Hazelton pilots were still called bush pilots and cowboys by Eastern pilots, due to the way they operated.
Yes there is an award, but this award was put together way back when the airline business was stable. The last 3 years have been the most turmoil in rescent history. Look at the pay and conditions of one of our majors and look at want the pay and conditions will be like at pornstar. If these large airlines are lowering their conditions what do you thing will happen to the smaller regionals? Times have changed move with the times. In the past the pilots at this company had it easy, with duty time not exceeding 6 hours. With the growth they have to work harder with dome duties approaching 10 hours (remember the legal limit is 11). Work together has a "team", I'm sure you can find a medium that suits both the pilots and the mangement. If you can't and you are not happy "leave"!

[MAXX]

how come everytime someone asks a question on safety,fatigue,some regulation or about a specific company it becomes open slather on an argument.

heres a thought if you dont have anything constructive to say or add to the actual content of the thread "DONT REPLY TO IT!!!"

:D

[High Altitude]

There is only one UM.... F*ck um...

There will always be those that knock you for success...

[bush mechanics]

Tightcannon,You say it all in the first sentence of your reply"LIMITED EXPERIENCE"
It realy does show

[Cruise Control]

Just to get back to the subject of the posters request...

Sunshine express is gradually expanding & will obviously need new aircraft to cope with that expansion. What they get we'll have to wait & see but the old shed isn't a bad bus to drive in the meantime.

There are big changes in place with management at present, with the GM moving up & new CRM practices being brought in.

Despite what some overly zealous individuals may have said in the past, CQ is a great little airline to work for & in my experience have always tried to do the right thing.

They aren't presently recruiting for flight crew but you never know when that may change. The CP is a good bloke & tries to do his best with any applicants.

Best of luck...
CC

[OZ Junglejet]

If Sunshine Express are looking at an aircraft that will allow them greater flexibility than you can't go past the Jungleprop. The aircraft is well suited for both short and long routes. They are very efficient aircraft with a high dispatch rate due the redundancy built into it. They have one of the lowest fuel burns of any 30-36 seat aircraft, combined with a 240- 290 TAS.

SkyWest Airlines in the USA have a fleet of 80 Jungleprops operating on routes along the west coast ranging from 36 miles up to 462 miles. Typical flights are
LAX - SBA 89 miles
LAX - SNA 36 miles
LAX - OXR 48 miles
LAX - PSP 110 miles
LAX - SBP 155 miles
SFO - SMF 86 miles
SFO - CEC 304 miles
SFO - RDM 462 miles
PDX - RDM 116 miles

It is a proven fact that passenger acceptance and therefore load factors have increased when pressurised aircraft have replaced non-pressurised aircraft. The Jungleprop maybe a bit large to replace the Metro but it would be the ideal aircraft to replace the Shorts.

[bitter balance]

Brisbane - Lord Howe in s/n 008 :ooh: Volunteers anyone?

[OZ Junglejet]

Forgot to mention it last time, but Atlantic Southeast Airlines late last year parked 29 Brasilia's at Hot Springs Airport. All 29 are for sale with prices starting at $600,000 USD. Average price is $1 million USD.
You would be hard pressed to find B1900D for less than $1.6 million USD. For $1 million you might pick up a 1900C.

[whogivesa????]

Counter,

The good news is they intend to add a few more destinations by mid year, which means more jobs. On the other hand I've also heard there have been a few reliability problems with current fleet which need to be addressed before adding any new destinations.

[F111]

4553 views, seems like there are a lot of people out in prune land who are interested in this little airline.

Cruise Control, watch what you post about, if you put 2 and 2 together the answer may give you away.

Oh and before I go, I did hear a rumour that SEA were in discussion with Qantas about the takeover of the whole Qantaslink operation:p

Remember it is only a rumour network:ok:

[Cruise Control]

Hi F111,

Doesn't worry me about someone figuring out who I am because I don't bag people on here nor pass on any information that isn't already public knowledge.

But as you say it's a rumour network so guessing games are fun!!

You're right though, it isn't that hard to work out who someone is if you go back through their previous posts. Why would you bother though??

All the best,
CC

[Dog One]

One of the nicer things about the E120 is the APU. Plenty of air con on the ground during those hot sticky days!

[questil]

from a reliable source (cp) they need 5 m23 endorsed drivers by the end of june and the shorts is staying

[Going Nowhere]

I didn't hear about the drivers, but heard about a lot of interest being shown in the M23.

[Dehavillanddriver]

Bentandtwisted

Hate to tell you but NJS had no end of problems with the J41

Its only redeeming feature was it was cheap - reeeeeaaaalllllly cheap.

It was a servicability nightmare.

[Black_Ballsdeep]

G,day all,

Does anybody no if they need any Shorts 360 crews????Any info would be choice!

BBD:cool:

[OZ Junglejet]

From the Aeromil Web page:

Aeromil - Product Support

Embraer: emb110 Bandierante: emb120 Brasilia

Fairchild: Metro

Sunshine is 100% owned by Aeromil, Aeromil provides product support for the Brasilia, yet the airline they own operates a Shorts. Wouldn't it be easier to operate an aircraft where you have instant access to product support?:hmm:

[Gravox]

I saw in the Friday (28/05) Australian that Aeromil have a Metro for sale, states it is flying for a "large regional airline".

If Aeromil own SEA could this be one of their machines? Could they be upgrading to something bigger and better, or just to a Metro 23.

Time will tell I'm sure

[Arkad]

288 tas and 670 from a M23! Tell him he’s dreamin. More like 255 and 710! And that’s if you can get the thing dispatched! :yuk:

[Cruise Control]

Don't get too excited about fleet upgrades just yet. The Metro 23 is looking more probable with each passing day which means no real changes on the way at this point.

Any major change in the fleet will need to have considerable lead time just as when other airlines made the step up in the past. If there is any major change before the end of 2004 I'd be more than a little surprised. Then again what do I know....

As F111 said earlier, it's great to see so much interest being shown in what is still a relatively small operation. Is it the appeal of the Sunshine Coast or something else???

[Ramrod]

The J41 would make a great replacement for the Metro, it's dispatch rate is no worse than any other aircraft in it's class. Its is the cheapest out of it's class to operate with operating caost not much more than a Beech 1900D.

In ISA+15 temps and HSC the aircraft will do 270-280 kts TAS buring 435-450 kg per hour. Pull it LRC and the bird will still do 240-250 kts TAS with an econmical burn of 355 kg per hour. This a far less than what a Bras will do. It has better field performance than the Bras, the J41 at MTOW and ISA requires 1400m for take off while the Bras needs 1560m At ISA +20 the J41 still only requires 1550 m and the Bras 1720m.

The standard TBO on the -14 Garrett is now 9000 hours with hot section inspections at 4500 hours. The overhaul costs of Garrett's is almost half that of any Pratt engine.

People tend to knock the cabin, due to the fact it doesn't have overhead lockers, big deal, do Metro's, J31's all 1900's have them? Many early Saab's don't have them either. Without the lockers the cabin is brighter and feels much larger. There is stowage space at the front of the cabin plus the underfloor area behind the wings. The cabin of the J41 is the same as the J31, minus the wing passing through it (wing is now mounted below the fuselarge).

A lack of APU is another thing that people tend to knock about the J41. Well the Saab's don't have one and there are many Dash's that don't either. The lack of APU can be a bonus, it's one less thing that requires maintenance. The Honeywell avionic's do like to have GPU's available, however if they don't no big problem, just a longer turn-around time (up to 20 minutes).

SA Airlink operate all the J41's that have been operated here in Australia, they have similar operating conditions to us and have had no major problems and are only now looking at replacing them. So in summary they are not a bad aircraft (to fly or operate) and would give an improved level of service compared to the Metro and the Shorts.

[Whats the goss]

Hey there all you Sun Ex lovers!!

I find it amazing the amount of interset at is generated towards this company with regards to its fleet its "fleet replacment porgram" which infact does not exist. As far as anyone knows the company will stick with the good ole Shed 'n' Sewer Pipe combo. Obviously for their economical value.

[Whats the goss]

Latly I have been hearing their new call sign flight numbers. Prefixed with "C" or is it "SEA". I can only assume that it is "SEA". What do you pruners think about this call sign?......:yuk:

[megle2]

The call signs are a shocker. They need changing.

[Cruise Control]

The flight number call sign is "SEA" which is obviously the abbreviation for Sunshine Express Airlines.

Don't blame the company...that was the best of the lousy choices offered to them from ASA or CASA or whoever it is that controls these things.

The preferred one I guess would have been "Sunshine" but it was considered to be too similar to "Sunstate". Express is also being used elsewhere so no joy there either!!

Depending on competition in the future, SEA might just have to be dragged kicking & screaming into new aircraft or simply get hammered by the opposition. There's a lot of rumours doing the traps as to what Rex is thinking of doing...

And if the new chief pilot has had the time to do many interviews in the last 2 weeks than he's a legend... thought that he was busy enough without adding that to his plate...

regards, CC

[questions66]

It is interesting the amount of interest generated by this little airline. Had heard the DCP had moved into the CP position...so have they appointed someone from within in the DCP role? Or are they looking outside the company?

[Full Noise]

Someone told me that they will not necessarily be looking inside the company, would be a pretty cruisy job.

[Whats the goss]

CC...
"Dont blam the company"... ?? The company was forced into that decision was it? And while I have got you, you seem to be the man with all the anwers about the company, when is that M23 going to be on line?

[Cruise Control]

WTG,

No they weren't "forced into it". Gee, that was an intelligent question...:yuk:

Guess that they just wanted to annoy all the controllers & Sunnies drivers by using similar call numbers & getting everybody tongue-tied. :ok:

And to (anwer) your question about the metro 23, well I think that it's fairly soon. And contrary to my last post, the CP obviously IS a legend, because he managed to fit in those interviews after all.

Congrats to those that scored a start & wish you all the best.

Regards,
CC

[Whats the goss]

Cruise Control, there is no need to get up on your high horse I was just simply asking a question. :cool:
How many were lucky enough to get a start? Were there any direct entry Captains? (Shorts or Metro)
And just remember CC don't take life to Seriously, its ment to be fun. :ok:

[F111]

Regarding FNC's, from what I've been told the TAAATS was designed for and works best with FNC's. Although most pilots and ATC prefer Rego's for callsigns, FNC's are here to stay. ASA would not allow Express, Coast, Sunshine or SEX and offered Shine or Shinex. The company C & T pilots nominated "SEA" and ASA accepted this.

With regard to the recent interviews and the how many got a start, well I'm sure you already have know the answer to that one WTG:D But for those outside of SEA the answer is 4, 3 on the Metro and 1 on the Shorts. There were no direct entry commands and there won't be any in the future. The new company policy is to upgrade from within first. For those who have or intend to apply to SEA, the best way to send your details and to keep in contact is via email (see Web page). In the past phone calls from pilot's were they way to go, but with recent growth (therefore increased workload) phone calls can no longer be accepted.

Regarding the CP and DCP positions. Yes the DCP is now the CP and the company currently does not have a DCP. The DCP position will be filled in time and once again company will look internally first, before looking outside (if at all).

[Poto]

What's the selection process with SEA? Interview? Sim? IFR knowledge? Does it help to know someone? Do you have to pay for the endorsement?:confused:

[Whats the goss]

It is my understanding the current interview process is a "panel" style interview with 2 - 3 on the panel. IFR questions are a part of it, company knowledge as well. SEA does not yet have a SIM. You do not need to pay for an endorsement a 2 year bond is the norm. .... Sounds like a good deal to me.....:cool:

[Poto]

Does sound like a good deal! I assume the endorsement is a Command one on either the Meat Tray or the Shed.:ooh:

[whogivesa????]

I here they have have just purchased at Metro 23 from REX and are about to add new destination.

[Going Nowhere]

whogivesa,
KDT should be heading to YBAF next week for the new paintjob.

[F111]

Expect an announcement tomorrow about the new destination:D

[F111]

SEA will start flights to PMQ and add and extra CFS flight at the end of September.:ok:

New Air Link - Port Macquarie to Brisbane

16 August 2004

Sunshine Express Airlines is pleased to announce the introduction of new air services connecting Port Macquarie to Brisbane commencing Monday, 27 September 2004. The daily service will depart Port Macquarie at 6:45am, arriving in Brisbane at 8:40am. The evening return service will depart Brisbane at 5:50pm and arrive in Port Macquarie in time for dinner at 7:40pm.

Chief Executive, Philip Laffer said, “We are delighted to announce new services to Port Macquarie. Our announcement has been the result of an extensive review of demand for services to Brisbane in the Hastings region and our decision has been strengthened by the generous support and assistance from Hastings Council. We look forward to the commencement of services on 27 September and developing our partnership with the Hastings region.”

Since the withdrawal of air services in May, Port Macquarie has been without the benefit of services to Queensland, impacting on the local community, tourism and general industry. With the re-establishment of services, Sunshine Express aims to cement a long-term sustainable link between Port Macquarie and Brisbane.

Hastings Council Mayor, Rob Drew said, "We welcome Sunshine Express and their daily Brisbane flights. Port Macquarie and the Hastings enjoyed this service for many years and it has only been recently that we have lacked this crucial air service. Local business will welcome the Brisbane flights as well as the wider community."

The new services will provide excellent connections to Queensland destinations, as well as providing a valuable link to international services departing Brisbane. Brisbane is increasing in popularity as an international gateway and with growing demand the Airline’s New South Wales customers are taking advantage of this.

The schedule also caters for day trips to Brisbane allowing meetings to be conducted in one day rather than the expense of having to overnight.

The Airline will provide services with a Metro III, a pressurised, air-conditioned 19 seat aircraft, crewed with two pilots.

To celebrate the launch of new services to Brisbane, the Airline is offering a special price from $154 one-way for bookings made until 30 November 2004. As a low cost Airline, airfares will remain competitive in the future. Booking is easy – simply book online www.sunshineexpress.com.au, contact your local travel agent, or alternatively contact Qantas reservations on 13 13 13.

Sunshine Express Airlines are proud to be a partner of the Qantas Frequent Flyer program, which allows passengers to accrue and redeem points on all Sunshine Express Airlines flights. Sunshine Express Airlines check-in staff have the ability to check through luggage to its final destination on connecting Qantas domestic services from Brisbane.

The new schedule between Port Macquarie and Brisbane, effective Monday, 27 September 2004 is as follows:


Schedule
PQQ-BNE
CQ7047 Mon-Fri 0645 0840
CQ7047 Sat 0815 1010

BNE-PQQ
CQ7050 Mon-Fri, Sun 1750 1940

All flights are via CFS.

Also...

More Brisbane Flights for the Coffs Coast

16 August 2004

Expansion of Airline Services for Coffs Harbour

Sunshine Express Airlines is pleased to announce an expansion of services between Coffs Harbour and Brisbane by introducing a second daily flight commencing Monday, 27 September 2004.

The new flights, a total of 26 services per week, will provide greater frequency and at times more suitable to the travelling public’s needs. As well as the usual midday service, we will be introducing a new morning flight to Brisbane (depart 7:40am) and returning to Coffs Harbour in the evening (arrive 6:50pm). This new schedule caters for day trips to Brisbane, allowing businesses to conduct meetings in one day without the expense of having to overnight.

Sunshine Express Airlines’ Chief Executive Philip Laffer said, “The Coffs Harbour residents, businesses and tourism operators have been asking for a morning and evening service for some time. Since taking over in August last year, this service has been under constant review. We have listened to our customers and we are happy to be able to provide them with an improved service to Brisbane. The Airline will continue to work with the community and key industry partners to promote access to the Coffs Coast and promote the destination within our network.”

The Airline is also pleased to announce new services to Port Macquarie. The Port Macquarie service will run in conjunction with Coffs Harbour on the morning and evening flight. By combining the two ports, the Airline is able to offer a convenient schedule to benefit both communities and provide excellent connections to Brisbane to meet other domestic and international services.

To celebrate the launch of additional services to Brisbane, the Airline is offering a special airfare to travellers from just $146 one-way.

The special fare starting from $146 one-way is now available for sale on the Sunshine Express Airlines website (www.sunshineexpress.com.au), your local travel agent, or Qantas reservations on 13 13 13. The special fare will be available until 30 November 2004.

[Poto]

Isn't their a Caravan doing the same thing or has that operation gone.
Must be a nice part of the world to fly around! :ok:

[Full Noise]

There was a Caravan on that run, operated by BIll Redpath, leased from J.D Drilling Services in Chinchilla.. I guess the loads were not good enough and threw the towl in. Time will tell if S.E.A does a better job (I don't think that will be hard)....:cool:

[juliets*jet]

I know i'm probebly way out of my league but I've just come across these few pages and i'm intersted in all the attention such a little airline is drumming up..
I know for one that this is a wonderful airline to work for and being a regular on the Shed it's safe to say that this aircraft is totally Fab!
I don't know why everyone seems in such a hurry to replace them.. I understand that it's out with the old in with the new for expantion purposes but my idea on the whole thing is if it aint broke don't fix it.. So.. let's get behind them staying with CQ for a while yet.. It's nice to be different and i quite like pulling up next to all the Dash's in BNE and sticking out like a sore thumb.. So.. For everyone who thinks CQ is the Airline to work with i think "it is" I have had the time of my life with these wonderful people and encourage anyone to do the same thing.. These are honestly the nicest pilots ever!

Just for those at sunshine " Probebly giving myself away Big time here" but I will miss every Single one of you.. even though I still havn't worked out who you are on these pages Viper and Matty i know your both on here! ( but those of you who know me won't be suprised) But anyway take care of yourselfs!

And everyone in prune land.. Give the shed and the call sign a break (why CQ is dumb i have no idea) but you havn't experienced life till you've flown on the Sheds.. They are both very retro and very fantastic! ;)

[Full Noise]

Hello Juliets*jet,
You too will be missed by all. Have fun and I hope the pastures are greener on the other side.. :cool:

[F111]

"Charlie" aka juliets*jet,

Over 10000 views for one small airline, I guess there are many out there who want to be in the "top 1%" and fly the Shed:D

You won't miss "Viper", he is a mean bugger who wouldn't give you more work:cool:

But I'm sure you will miss "Iceman", he is always nice to the ladies ;)

Enjoy the "smooth" flights at the Flight Levels.

All the Best

F111 aka Viper
The worst pilot you ever had to fly with:p