Coastwatch/Surveillance Australia

[OperationsNormal]

There has been a bit of talk lately about Surveillance Australia and their recruiting for the Coastwatch contract.

As I hear that there are some interviews coming up, I thought the following might be some use to those hopefulls.....

Surveillance Australia are a subsidiary of National Jet Systems. The coastwatch contract is a substantial part of the NJS bottom line.

NJS is owned by the Cobham group of the UK who own several special mission type flying contracts/companies.

Surveillance Australia operate 6xBN2's, 5xDHC8, 3xF406 and 1xAC50. All aircraft were new at the start of the contract (except the AC500).

All aircraft are very well fitted out, and are maintained to Class A std.

The min hours required for employment are stipulated in the contract with Customs and are rarely relaxed. The mins are:
1500hrs TT
100Hrs NGT
3 IR renewals
Some multi time

The NGT hrs are not relaxed due to the CAO requirement for min 100hrs NGT for NGT surveillance below LASLT. I havent heard of the TT being relaxed either.

The three renewals however is occasionally relaxed as when you join teh company your IR is renewed and they will sometimes count this renewal to make up the three.

The recruitment process allows people of varying experience and background to have a go. There dosent appear to be any particular formula. We have recent had people in with 1500TT and people with 3000TT, 100 Hrs multi to 1500 Hrs multi.

I found the recruiting process is very 'sensible' - That is, you are not just judged on the numbers in your logbook. You are assessed as a complete package.

The interviewing is usually done in the companys office in Adelaide and usualy involves about an hours chat. Nothing too unusual here, a bit about yourself and your background, a little bit of tech stuff (CIR theory, ME theory etc), a bit about the company and its all fairly relaxed. They will also want to get an idea of your suitability for a security clearance as a few people have had problems in the past.

Then usualy a sim ride in a basic computer type synthetic trainer. A few NDB's, Ltd panel, ILS etc.... Not unlike a CIR renewal.

If you are lucky enough to make it through chances are youll be off to Horn Island to fly one of the Bongo's. Before they let you loose on Horn, youll get about a months training in Cairns.

This training involves about a week for the acft engineering, two weeks for SOP and coastwatch type training then about 7 hrs fendorsement training then a base check which is essentially a CIR test/renewal. Incvluded is a low level component.

All training is conducted under a CAR 217 check and training organisation and is very thorough.

The company has very thorough SOP's and the ops manual runs to 15 volumes. Youll be examined on this stuff every few months.

Once youve passed the ground exams and the base check youll likely be off to HID. About 30 hours of line training with a C&T pilot and youll be let loose on the Torres.

Progression from the BN2 varies depending on requirements but at the moment, it seems to be about 12 months till you'd be an FO on the dash or a Capt on the 406. Good prospects for progression.

The flying is the most fun Ive ever had with my pants on. Lots of low level work and when youre doing a radar homing, inshore, at night below LSALT youre really glad you know your SOP's.

Base checks are every six months, with ground and an air component. The standard expected is very high and people do fail. DONT GET COMPLACENT !. A DHC8 captain with several thousand DHC8 hours from a regional airline did not pass his first sim check.

The travel is great too. After a few years in the job you will have seen nearly the whole coastline. The back-enders are mostly great and overnights are great fun.

Depending on your basing, expect to spend anything up to 15 nights away from home each month. All accomodation is to a very good standard and you are paid a healthy overnight allowance. Depending on the crew youre away with, expect to spend a significant amount of your allowance on beer!

The lifestyle is very well suited to those that are single. The roster does put a lot of pressure on families though. Due to the nature of the work, its not uncommon to only know whats going on a few days in advance. You will never be able to make plans more than a week in advance !.

The company has lost a few good people recently mainly due to rostering. Money is great - but after a while, it cannot compensate those whos families never see them.

Ive done a fair bit of different flying in my time and have now reached my initial goal of flying high cap. RPT. I love my current work however it will never compare to passing below the bridge of a ship at 200kts !.

Hope this info helps anyone whos looking at a career with Surveillance Aust.

[Captain Nomad]

Thanks for your post Ops Normal.

Sounds like a fantastic job. I put an application in but I am just a bit short in two areas so no look-in for me yet...

Very informative and helpful post - the best on the subject!

[Aileron Roll]

Ops Normal,

THANKYOU for taking the time

[Captain Nomad]

A question about the 100hrs NGT: Is that 100hrs COMMAND or just 100hrs of any night experience?

Also if there are any current S.A./Customs pilots out there happy to comunicate and answer a few more questions would you kindly PM me or email me at [email protected]

Thanks guys

;)

[OperationsNormal]

Nomad,

CAO 95.23 covers the regulatory requirements for NGT surveillance ops.

I dont have the CAO handy but I believe the requirement is for command time.

[flametree]

So when you say the money is pretty good, what sort of dollars are we talking about including shifts,living allowances?

[OperationsNormal]

Not really appropriate for me to go into full detail of the specifics but the Bongo drivers (at HID particularly) would be the best paid in the world I reckon.

Interviews in the very near future my spys tell me.

[AerocatS2A]

The 100 night is PiC but it is not a hard limit. The Islanders don't do night surveillance and an FO on the Dash is (obviously) not in command so doesn't require the night experience specifically.

Not quite having 100 hours night shouldn't be a valid reason to not apply. There is some flexibility there, whether they choose to use it is up to them I guess. You'd need to have other qualities that offset the night hours.

1500 total time is a hard limit (required by Coastwatch rather than SA) and is only relaxed if you have some previous coastwatch observer experience. I know of a couple of ex observers who ended up with flying jobs with SA.

A minor correction to Ops Normal's post, Surveillance Australia are no longer a subsidiary of National Jet. National Air Support is a sister company to National Jet (specialising in non RPT aviation contracts), SA is a subsidiary of NAS.

I'd agree that the Islander pilots are probably the best paid Bongo drivers in the universe, the Dash 8 pilots pay is not too far removed from what a Dash 8 RPT pilot gets.

The biggest gripe is the roster, it is not particularly stable, and due to the nature of the Coastwatch contract it will never be as stable as an RPT roster. But then RPT guys don't get to snot past a Cruise Liner at 200'/200kts.

[The Voice]

RPT guys don't get to snot past a Cruise Liner at 200'/200kts

had the pleasure of scooting down the side of 2 x US navy ships underway not far out of DWN hdg out to sea.. neither of them were tiny .. but by jingo's .. they made the acft seem really really small ..

also had the 'pleasure' of watching one of the aussie navy ships slip off the slip at Larrakeyah .. a few very good action photos taken on that flight ...

[AerocatS2A]

Was that in the Islander or F406? You were hanging out orbiting over town for some reason when the boat went crunch yeah? And I believe the aircraft ended up in the background on the footage for the news.

[The Voice]

actually .. we were inbound tracking COT for ldg on 036 .. we were in the 406 .. the thing slipped just as we tracked past, so, enterprising pilot (on the ball and asked for an orbit or 3) and quick thinking crew (unpacked the already packed/stowed flt bag) = lots of good photos and something not seen by many actually happening ...

and yep .. that was us in the background :E

[captain69]

Best paid Islander drivers in the world, Australia yes, the world definatly NO.

C'mon guys there is a big wide world of aviation outside Oz,
Although, this is a rumour network.

[Airspeed Ambassador]

captain69

Come on then, don't keep us all in suspense.... who then has the worlds highest paid Islander pilots? I demand to know!!

God knows that for putting up with all that bloody noise and vibration:bored: pilots and passengers alike deserve the highest financial compensation possible!

[Gravox]

OperationsNormal
This is the best thread, and most informative post I have seen on Surveillance Australia/ Coast watch. Thanks heaps. I have been interested with this organisation for a while now and not much informative information has been posted in the past.

A question-
Does everyone after training go to HID, on the BN2 or can you go to one of the other bases? Or how do you progress to other bases after HID. is it a bid type system?

Cheers!

[Airspeed Ambassador]

Any rumours out there on likely aircraft types for the next contract?

When does the first contract expire?

AA

[AerocatS2A]

A question-
Does everyone after training go to HID, on the BN2 or can you go to one of the other bases? Or how do you progress to other bases after HID. is it a bid type system?

You will get posted to whatever base needs pilots. Pilots already in the company who want to transfer to another base will get preference. Because people generally want to get off HID at some stage, they enjoy it but don't want to get stuck there, the HID guys will generally move to other bases and you would fill their positions. it often happens though, that will also be getting a promotion onto the DHC8 or F406 and so, you can sometimes go straight to a slot at one of the other bases.

Cairns is generally out of the question. Almost everyone would like to go there so a new BN2 pilot isn't likely to get in straight away. Darwin is the most likely non-HID first base for a new BN2 driver as the base population is quite transient there.

If you get based at HID there is the option of working in HID and getting time off in Cairns. I'm not sure how quickly you can get on to that. It's certainly not available straight away.

There is no bid system as such. If you want a transfer, then you let them know and they will give it consideration based on its merits. If there's more than one pilot wanting a spot then the decision will be made based entirely on performance and overall suitability for the position. There is no strict seniority system, though if you have no problems then you will generally get upgraded in turn.

Airspeed Ambassador

The contract expires over the next year or so. The different aircraft have different expirey dates. The BN2 is due to go first.

I have heard nothing from the company about the next contract. I would be surprised though, if the current contract was not extended. I would have thought that the tendering process would be more advanced than it is if they intend the current contract to expire on schedule.

The above is pure speculation on my behalf and the information should be treated with due caution.

[The Voice]

For info ..

the order of acft coming on line with the the present contract was BN2B, 406 then -8 .. the original contract had 9 +1 +1 year options for exactly this purpose .. allowing the tendering process to be adequately completed .. there would be mechanisms in place to cover any slippage ..

the only chat I have heard is the possibility of the Reims being replaced with possibly PC12 .. but there is a bit of angst ref a single engine acft over water .. and the inevitable chat about a jet of some sort for long range transit times being reduced ..

as always, cards are being kept pretty close to the chest .. for obvious reasons ..

the most likely base for Obs. is DWN having suffered a heavy loss due to the people leaving to take up other options interstate ..

it isn't always a gimmee that a BN2B driver will go to HID first .. it could be to another base most likely other than CS ..

[Airspeed Ambassador]

Interesting - a quick read of the tender documents seems to indicate that only two aircraft types are likely, both radar equipped to cover both "Offshore" and "Inshore" surveillance.

Tender Documents (http://www.customs.gov.au/site/text_only.cfm?area_id=5&nav_id=1087)

I am sure SA would tender with both the Dash 8 and alternatively a jet type to cover all bases for the "Offshore" platform. As for the "Inshore" platform I would think the Cessna Caravan with a radar looks good (PC-12 would be nicer - who cares if the wing is in the way!!)

Love the tender requirement relating to personnel -

Quote

"Tenderers shall advise their strategies for maximising personnel retention over the duration of the contract" Good luck on that front :hmm:


AA

[SeaEagle]

:confused: The Voice :confused:

also had the 'pleasure' of watching one of the aussie navy ships slip off the slip at Larrakeyah .. a few very good action photos taken on that flight ...

That's very interesting 'the voice'. Yes it was the Reims F406. But an observer who I was flying with today remembers that differently.

A beacon search in Darwin Harbour in the F406 when the controlled release of HMAS Gawler from its precarious perch on a broken lift went bad. It ended up with its stern and back deck underwater and the bow still on the lift.

Anyway there is no doubt that it’s a great job and you get to see some amazing sights. :ok:

[The Voice]

very interesting :confused: sea eagle :confused:

there were two events occuring with the navy vessels coming to grief on that particluar slip ..

perhaps we each are talking about a different event?

In any case .. Customs Cato and Navy Officer now retired to Tassie was pretty chuffed with the photos of the flight to which I was referring ..

[SmoothCriminal]

So....Did a interview happen few months ago....or is it the one that's going to happen now soon ?!

Just curious ., that's all ;)

Smoothie :ok: :ok:

[Icarus2001]

Does anyone have further information with regard to the advertisment for National Air Support pilots?

I had heard that the positions were for DN but I would have thought that they may be for Cairns or Broome also?

[rearwhelsteer888]

Just a quick question,
If you went to SA with a decent whack of 406 time do you think you would still end up on horn Island to start with of would there be the possability to get a spot on the Reims first up,Going back to the bongo to get used to the ops would be what they would want is it?
RWS888:E

[ftrplt]

Ive done a fair bit of different flying in my time and have now reached my initial goal of flying high cap. RPT. I love my current work however it will never compare to passing below the bridge of a ship at 200kts !.

600kts below the bridge is even better!

[rearwhelsteer888]

Slider! You Stink......:E

[OZTECH]

Speaking of Coastwatch contract, is it relevant that Surveillance Australia and NJS are actually 100% foreign owned by Flight Refuelling in england.
A pommy company winning a multimillion dollar government contract :\
What would Dick Smith think of that :confused:

OZTECH

[Capt Claret]

OZTECH

Your statement A pommy company winning a multimillion dollar government contract is a little misleading.

A pommy company did not win a multi million dollar contract. SA was set up as an Australian company, by Australians to tender for the Coastwatch contract which they commenced in 1995.

It was several years later that FRA purchased Surveillance Australia and NJS from the then owners.

And because I have a vested interest, I hope that FRA, the new owners, keep the contract when it is next put to tender.
:8

As to what Dick thinks, well WTF cares. He started DSE and Australian Geographic and sold out to Woolworths, so I don't think he has any moral high ground left. :*

[OZTECH]

:E
I agree with u about Dick, but 18 million Australians would rather see a contract worth as much as this one is, be awarded to an Australian owned organization.

Have a look at the Customs website and there is a list of service providers which is quite large.

http://www.customs.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=4321

It seems everybody is interested in this Contract this time around.

BTW does anyone know the timeframe for the cessation of the existing contract ?

mmmm better get to bed

OZTECH:hmm: :hmm:

[AerocatS2A]

If you went to SA with a decent whack of 406 time do you think you would still end up on horn Island to start with of would there be the possability to get a spot on the Reims first up

Yes there'd be a chance of going straight onto the F406. It all depends on what the company needs at the time. They'd prefer to promote within the company but sometimes there aren't enough pilots ready to step up.

They don't decide that they need 7 (generic) pilots and hire accordingly, they decide they need 3 Islander, 1 F406, 1 DHC-8 FO and 2 DHC-8 Capts and hire accordingly, I believe the applicants know what position they are being considered for.

What's wrong with the Horny Islander anyway? :)

Speaking of Coastwatch contract, is it relevant that Surveillance Australia and NJS are actually 100% foreign owned by Flight Refuelling in england.

Nope, not relevant.

Gee, in-flight refuelling, wouldn't that make for nice long surveillance flights!

[OZTECH]

Mr Clarey, I think you missed the point with my previous post.

Let me rephrase the statement:

"what would be the political considerations if an english owned company secured THE NEXT Coastwatch contract"

Ô¿Ô

OZTECH

:ok: :ok: :ok:

[NAMPS]

Gee, in-flight refuelling, wouldn't that make for nice long surveillance flights!

Certainly require a few empty coke bottles just in case :O :ok:

[AerocatS2A]

"what would be the political considerations if an english owned company secured THE NEXT Coastwatch contract"

Personally I don't think there'd be any. The company only supplies (Australian) aircrew, aircraft and maintenance. It's not like they are actually in charge of protecting Australia's borders, Customs do that.

What do YOU think the political considerations would be.

What about if an American company got the next contract?

[compressor stall]

Try being an American company with non US built aircraft bidding for the US coastguard contract!!! :rolleyes:

[d_concord]

CS,

In fact the US Coastguard deepwater program contract was won with Spanish Casa 235 Aircraft and tactical systems, However it was a US company that actually won the contract bidding with those aicraft. I understand all the shortlisted bidders bid those aircraft.

From what I understand there are probably 4 good consortiums pursueing this contract most with an Australian Partner as the lead bidder. One exception being Survellience Australia.

I don't think it will make much difference to the Pilots and Engineers as the winner will require crews and support anyway

[OZTECH]

Point taken Gentlemen :E
although another option might be an Australian company buying into Surveillance Australia eg 49% or 51%.
Of course we also have to consider LOCAl politics, I beleive when NJS won last contract the Senator for Customs lived in Adelaide/SA.

food for thought :confused:

OZTECH

[d_concord]

Oztech,

It is an option, however the value of a company is the measure of future earnings. With only two or so years to go guaranteed I would think it might not be worth much. ( or as much as they think at least)

When these sorts of things are normally sold they are a short way into the contract where all the development money has been spent, the operation is established and the unknowns minimal and it's easy to establish future earnings within a certian range.

With the tender process going on there is lots of uncertianty and the future beyond a couple of years very much unknown.

With the quality of the tenderers that I am aware of, I'm sure whoever wins will deserve it.

[A31J]

mate of mine just got a start in BRM on the Dash. Any other new starters following recent interviews?

[OpsNormal]

Not to be confused with the oringinator of this very informative thread..... Does anyone have much of an idea what requirement S.A/Coastwatch is likely to have in the near future for aircrew, or indeed if there is any recruitment in the pipeline soon?

OpsN.;)

[Gear in transit]

Just finished a big batch of recruiting I beleive!
Pilots and observers

[Mach.29]

Anyone know if CW/SA are interviewing yet?
Filled out one of the new applications on the web but no word as yet.

Ta

PS. how many drivers are they after?

[Chilli Tarts]

Received a call in the last couple of days, currently interviewing for Dash F/O's, Darwin base with a potential CMD upgrade in 9-18mths. Training commencing the end of Jan 06, all interview slots now filled. 12 being interviewed, potential positions well that’s anyone’s guess. Had to decline on this occasion

[Ratter]

Generally they will hire around 4 pilots per course, which is historically every 3 months. I would not hold your breath for a large number of direct entry Dash FO positions, just one or two here or there to satisfy succession planning requirements. Even then you would need some serious multi command or turbine experience to be considered.

They seem to hire primarily Bongo pilots with a relatively quick progression onto the Dash or F406, depending of course on movement within the company together with your bidding preferences.

Whilst i am no authority on the matter i would expect that there will be dribs and drabs hired for Dash and F406 but primarily Bongo drivers. Also, with the new contract in the wind there will be no Bongo or F406 as of July 2007, meaning that all of those already within the company will be offered an opportunity to upgrade onto the aircraft being used on the next contract (rumours all around about what the type would be but you would have to guess Dash 300's).

Certainly wouldn't be a bad company to be associated with in terms of progression. Heard they are great operators to work for.

Fly safe.

Ratter

[jessie13]

Recently got the word that I will be accepted as an observer (pending security clearances) for a possie hopefully in Darwin. As for a non-Australian company getting the contract (Surveillance Australia preferred tenderer), I work currently with defence and most of the contracts are held by non- Australian contractors ie Boeing, Sikorsky, British Aerospace, Raytheon just to name a few. The bid for most Government Contracts includes a fairly large Australian content but does not have to be Australian based. They look for the corperate backing of a company so the successful tenderer wont go bust if everything goes bad!

[Slipri]

Surveillance is now the preferred tenderer for the Coastwatch contract! Rumour has it that Surveillance will be using only Dash-8's, smaller aircraft phased out. 10xDash-8's (7x200's and 3x300's) with no change to bases. 4 in Cairns, 3 in Darwin and 3 in Broome, with one of the Cairns ones spending most of it's time in Horn Island.

HID will see lots more of surveillance Dash-8's in the future, with CRW deploying from Cairns and overnighting on the Rock. So make way! where will it park?

Good time for those to start with Surveillance Australia as pilots or observers as the progression will be quite rapid onto the Dash-8 as all pilots on the Islander and 406 have to be given a go at the Dash-8 before the end of the current contract. If they don't succeed then will be given a wave good bye. If you are fortunate enough to get an interview make sure you practice your IF skills, I believe that is what they use the small sim in Adelaide for and could tend to be quite qicky, I haven't heard of them using the Dash-8 sim in Sydney over the last couple of years. Oh and be well dressed, they prefer a suit but you don't have to wear the Jacket and the Cheif Pilot does not like people chewing gum in the interview. It is an interview! Oh and I hear they like asking questions on Take off performance requirements etc.

I believe they will take direct entry First Officers on the Dash 8 if they have the requirements for Command so that they can be fast tracked. 6-12 months for a Command after Check to line (which would normally take up to 6 months to achieve) so that they can see a couple of good simulator proficiency checks and get you used to the Dash 8 and Surveillance proceedures.

Observers are on between 30-50k depending on Qualifications, Islander pilots are on about 40k, F406 on about 45k, Dash FO on about the mid 40's and Capt around the mid 70's. All + Allowances. Well that's what the Rumour is!

If there are any other Questions about Surveillance Australia and it's near future I'm sure that they will be able to be answered or cleared up by Operations Normal or Aerocat or someone else! The Cobham Australia Website is http://www.cobham.com.au/ has Surviellance Australia's requirements and it looks like the hard limit for Night Command hours are 70. Or just get redirected there from the Surveillance Australia website.

I wonder what other Rumours are out there about the contract? I hear Raytheon are still emailling people, and Pearl are poaching from Surveillance for back enders.

Good Luck to all trying to get in!
Now is probably a good time if they do win, but that's your call! even if they don't, you could possibly get a free Dash 8 enorsement out of it?

I believe Surveillance Australia has gone for the Malaysian Surviellance Contract and they are the prefered tenderer for that as well?

Till next time, Giddyup!

[biton]

A question for those on Horn Is. or those that have lived there. Wondering what the rules are regarding pilot's partners living on the Island as well? Is there any flexibility regarding this? If not, are there alternatives for accomodation (other houses on Horn or Thursday Is. etc)? Have heard that for people in the right fields there are plenty of jobs in the area. Have previously lived in remote locations. Cheers.

[Ratter]

Have spoken with some ex-employees that lived on Horn. As to whether a partner can live on Horn i am led to believe there are no issues if you find your own place. Not sure what the go is if you rent in the company accommodation. Generally there is work for nurses and teachers on Thursday Is.

Have heard there will be a big pilot intake over the coming months.

Fly safe.

Ratter

[Slipri]

Shouldn't be a problem with a partner. Just be aware that it most likely would be shared accom with other employees and you would have to pay for her living there too! just ask them if/when you interview/start!

Apparently Surveillance won't know if they have actually won the contract until the end of March.

Until then though I'd still be applying!

[biton]

Thanks for the replies. Does anyone know how long the crews are currently spending on HID before transfer to base of preference? I assume this will probably change anyway if SA wins the contract. Thanks again

[Friction Nut]

Hi people...
Just wondering if anyone can shed some light on the plan for recruitment over the next few months or if anyone has heard from SA for the May bongo intake.

[Slipri]

? I have heard about people being on Horn Island for between 6 to 12 months. But no more than 2 years when or if they win the contract, they will most likely be overnighters from Cairns in a Dash.
Any one would think that they would be recruiting or conducting interviews every couple of months. I think that there is another interview in the next couple of weeks sometime.

[Bula]

Interviews early next week.... good luck to all those involved. I wish you all the best. The news is it may be a big intake in may :)

[biton]

would it be fair to assume that this round of interviews is for the May intake or will there be more interviews shortly? Anyone heard anything?

[Dashunder]

This round of interviews is for the May course.

[Slipri]

How did anyone who went for the interviews this week go? Is there still more early next week? Were they hiring for all 3 aircraft types? I have heard it takes about a week for them to call you back, and then 4 weeks before start date with heaps of paperwork for you to submit before you start! Apparently they have upgraded a couple of Dash F/O's to Captains that have worked their way up from the Islander, and a few F406 pilots moving up as F/O's onto the Dash. So there is movement and they still have the need to hire direct entry Dash pilots. :E

[Friction Nut]

Does any one have any idea how many people were interviewed, and how many places they have for next course? How much notice do people usually get for an interview? just want to know if i've missed out again!!

[funnelweb]

I believe that two or three Eastern Captains are watching closely for an announcement on the contract renewal, as they are ready to leave the masquerade and swap 120 sectors a month for 15 or so as well as see bit of different scenery.
If they do jump, they will probably be pleasantly surprised to find that management has a more humanistic approach to getting the job done, the ops man. is much thinner and doesn't grow like topsey and the flying is far more interesting than hauling SLF about the countryside.
We will have to wait and see, the end of Feb is the latest tip for the big announcement.

[Slipri]

I think people get between one to two weeks notice for an interview. With start date 4 weeks after the interview. Surveillance is the prefered tenderer, does that not mean that they are now working out the finer details and that they really have to stuff up now to lose it?
Sometimes people have to take that jump when they're not sure of the future, but how many times is the offer going to be there for you?

[AerocatS2A]

funnelweb, the grass is always greener.

Slipri, preferred tenderer is a very good sign that they want you, but it is not a done deal until the papers are signed.

[Hugh Jarse]

Gidday Funnelweb,

Last I heard, there were at least 6 having a crack....And they're only the ones I know of :E

I wonder why?

AerocatS2A, the grass is brown on both sides of the fence :}

[AerocatS2A]

True Hugh Jarse, also the grass is partly what you make it.

You can piss on your patch of grass and it'll just get browner, or you can sprinkle fertiliser and water on it and make it greener. Unfortunately, sometimes you've just got a piece of crap grass and there's nothing you can do about it other than find some different grass.

There also seem to be some people who can be placed on a nice patch of freshly mown, green grass, but it dies and turns brown as soon as they touch it. Stay away from those people :).

[Slipri]

RUMOUR OF THE DAY!

How information gets around the country so quick! Especially when your in aviation. Technology, gotta love it! a friend told me just this morning, that a relative of mine who knows a pilot, who has a friend in Surveillance told him that they have just won! that's right, not a rumour! or is it?WON and signed this morning the $1 Billion Australian Maritime Coastwatch Contract. :} goes to ??? Surveillance Australia!!!

Congratulations to them and may the best get in! :ok:

It's just rained and the grass just got bright green? It must have been good quality fertilizer this time!

I better get my appliction in before it's too late, before they get flooded by applications and mine gets lost on the Chief Pilot's desk. Gotta go, update my resume and send it in, again.

Seeya

[Dashunder]

True to the word Slirpi, contract signed at 9.00 am Sydney time, all employees received a text message from the CEO.

Technology is a wonderful thing.

[Slipri]

I guess there will be lots of drinks today, tomorrow and the next day! maybe it just won't stop for a while?

When do you think they will release more details? I've just heard that there will be 6 200's not 7 and 4 300's not 3!

[psycho joe]

Kudos to the guys and gals in Surveillance for maintaining a sterling performance. :ok:

[beerlover]

minister media release
Better protection for Australia's borders under new $1 billion Coastwatch surveillance contract - Friday, 3rd March 2006

The signing of a new $1 billion Customs Coastwatch contract will see increased and more effective aerial surveillance of Australia's maritime areas, the Minister for Justice and Customs, Senator Chris Ellison said today.

The Minister was in Sydney today to witness the signing of the new agreement between Coastwatch and Adelaide-based company, Surveillance Australia Pty Ltd (SAPL).

The new contract, taking effect in 2008, will run for 12 years to 2020 and will include provision for a contract extension of up to 2 years.

Senator Ellison said the new SAPL service would comprise a fleet of six Dash 8-202 aircraft and four Dash 8-315 longer endurance aircraft, all fitted with improved electro-optics, infrared sensors and radars.

"This will double the fleet of highly capable long-range fully electronic surveillance aircraft available under the existing contract from five to 10.

"The improved sensors carried by these aircraft will also enable crews to detect significantly smaller targets and allow detection of targets at a greater range," Senator Ellison said.

He said the aircraft would operate out of existing Coastwatch bases in Cairns, Thursday Island, Darwin and Broome, and deploy to other areas around Australia as required.

"This fleet forms a vital part of the Government's capacity to detect and deter such illegal activities as drug and people smuggling, illegal fishing and environmental offences around Australia, particularly across our northern coastline," he said.

"Along with support from the Torres Strait helicopter service and regular patrols by Customs and Navy patrol boats, these aircraft will help to ensure that our northern sea borders are closely monitored and protected."

Senator Ellison said the improved sensor equipment carried by the Coastwatch aircraft would be linked directly to a new Surveillance Information Management System (SIM).

"This command and control system actually manages the surveillance sensors and communications and transfers information back to the Coastwatch National Surveillance Centre in Canberra in near real time.

"The SIM will also make better use of surveillance data and facilitate the use of information from other sources including highly classified Defence data."

Senator Ellison said the new contract placed greater emphasis on performance management to ensure that the quality and timeliness of surveillance was maintained.

"The selection process carried out by Customs Coastwatch has been comprehensive and rigorous. It included extensive consultation with industry and thorough probity assessments.

"This new contract will complement other maritime surveillance initiatives by the Howard Government such as the Joint Offshore Protection Command (JOPC), which combines the resources and expertise of Customs and Defence to create a single joint maritime surveillance, response and interdiction system," Senator Ellison said.

The inshore/offshore surveillance service, also known as the Service A contract, was one of two tender processes conducted simultaneously by Customs Coastwatch as part of its Civil Maritime Surveillance (CMS04) contract process.

The Service B contract for a surveillance and response helicopter service for the Torres Strait was signed with Brisbane-based Australian Helicopters Pty Ltd in August 2005.

[funnelweb]

:ok:
The 300's will be extra long range with heavy crews, so they will be 'processing' a large amount of ocean, should be fun for those involved.

[AerocatS2A]

:ok:
The 300's will be extra log range with heavy crews...

So you've noticed the expansion of the average Coastwatch crew member as well huh?

[Warped Wings]

What? 7hrs endurance in the 200MPA not enough for Customs then?

How much fuel uplifted by a -300MPA? Rest bunks in the back? Hot galleys??

Most importantly - more money? (I can guess the answer to that one).

My 7 years of coastwatch were happy times - best of luck to anyone applying for jobs - the flying is hard to beat. The Dash 8 is first class - probably the nicest handling aircraft I have flown.;)

[AerocatS2A]

According to the Bombardier website the -300 with long range tanks holds the same fuel as the -200. But we've been told that our -300s will hold more fuel, maybe they will have different long range tanks from standard.

[dodgybrothers]

observers, radar and comms equipment, scotty cr@p and now fuel in the fuse. might get an extra hour so 8.5 to 9.0 hours thats about it. On tactical holding there might be 12 hours if a frugal crew is at the helm. But plenty of room in the back for attempts at the superman record!

[Slipri]

Raytheon 2022 radar system? 3 x Brand New 300's? or refurbished ones, wouldn't be surprised! 2 ex NJS Dash's, how old they are? I wonder if they will give them a good once over, clean them out properly. New facilities in Cairns, Darwin and where the hell are they going to fit 3 Dash 8's in Broome (one must have to be in Truscott all the time and have crews rotate out of there :} )

Apparently the crews are in for a substantial payrise soon! with $1 billion dollars in the bucket now! Their AWA is up for renewal again. Good Luck!

funnelweb, I think you would be a good AWA negotiator!

[Skydrol_ise]

Even though 10 DHC-8s are involved, getting rid of 3 406s and 5-6 Islanders.
Would not employee numbers stay reletively the same (especially engineering) ?
As number of aircraft is technically less.
Is the intention to accomplish a substantial increase in flying eg carry 2 crews,
with the all DHC-8 fleet ?
As I asked in another thread, this is 4 times the contract value from the l995 version.
What does the extra 750 million buy ?
When/where do I apply :cool: :cool:

[Capt Claret]

Skydrol_ise

Put cap on .... think .....

You said As I asked in another thread, this is 4 times the contract value from the l995 version.
What does the extra 750 million buy ?

and

Even though 10 DHC-8s are involved, getting rid of 3 406s and 5-6 Islanders.

Now I'm sure that Islanders and 406s aren't cheap but they're not in the same league as a DH8.

Or maybe SA has pulled the wool over the govt and its all extravagant profit. :cool:

[Ratter]

What does an extra $750 million buy?

I am not in the know but just an educated guess!

Lets start at the basics. For every 1 Islander or F406 you would basically require 2 pilots, i would imagine. With the Dash however, which i am led to believe flies more, you would need a minimum of two crews per day, if you take into account possible illnesses you would want at least 1 Captain or FO on standby, so you are looking at 2 crews per Dash 8 on any one day.

Losing 6 Islanders and 3 F406 would equate to roughly 18 pilots moving to Dash 8. Going from 5 to say 10 Dash 8's mean an increase of minimum 20 Dash pilots. Assuming all Islander and F406 pilots make the grade you will still need more pilots although the above math would suggest not many, but what if they decided to fly an aircraft more than once per day. What if indeed???? The pilot requirement would be getting up there if that was the case.

Also, i think it would be a tad more expensive to train pilots and observers on the Dash than on the Islander or F406. They are one of the few remaining sizeable companies left in this country that don't believe in making their pilots pay for an endorsement up front, just a bond.

Hope i get an interview, i can think of far worse progression than from an Islander to Dash. Congrats to all who are and will be lucky enough to get a go with them.

Safe flying

Ratter.

[Slipri]

The two year extension that surveillance are currently in was $125 million. It looks like big dollars, but I'm sure if we knew the contract requirements this sum would've been hard to beat realistically without skimping in areas like??? Aircrew Salary!!! Good on them for not requiring reduction in pay on Aircrew!

The capability for the extra capacity of fuel in the 300's would be to get 9 hrs flight time out of a standard crew of four, and on occasions when required to have an extra Captain and Mission Coordinator (6) be able to stay airborne for 12 hrs!

Getting rid of 406's and Islanders will increase the cost of maintenace markedly replacing them with Dash's. I don't think the engineering numbers will change because they all work on the Dash's now as it is.

Training costs big increase, but how else is Cobham going to pay for their required new facilities in Cairns and Darwin? They just lost the Australian Air Express contract!

"So you've noticed the expansion of the average Coastwatch crew member as well huh?" Aerocat2SA. funelweb was talking about 6 to crew the 300's not 4 for the extra long sorties! Not aircrew needing to go on weight watches, although I've noticed that too with some of my friends in Sapl! it must be all the good catering you all get fed ehh?

Those who are interested, should find they can apply somewhere on their websight!

[AerocatS2A]

Aerocat2SA. funelweb was talking about 6 to crew the 300's not 4 for the extra long sorties! Not aircrew needing to go on weight watches, although I've noticed that too with some of my friends in Sapl! it must be all the good catering you all get fed ehh?
Yeah I know. Was joking.

I wouldn't be expecting them to do much flying over 9 hours, the rest requirements become prohibitive.

[funnelweb]

Not me old chap I'm just a journeyman pilot.

[Slipri]

All BN2's and F406's to be gone by 1 Jan 08. Anyone want fast progression onto a dash 8??? Pay, looks very good as in this thread earlier and job satisfaction should be pretty good too.