REX

[Bend alot]

Unhappy employee/s (ex)?

17 page bomb shell - Interesting Monday!

[hiwaytohell]

Union fingerprints???

https://www.9news.com.au/national/national-news-rex-regional-express-airline-civil-aviation-safety-authority-safety-concern/06da56eb-e02e-4446-9554-fda81a067a59

[Bend alot]

Union fingerprints???

https://www.9news.com.au/national/national-news-rex-regional-express-airline-civil-aviation-safety-authority-safety-concern/06da56eb-e02e-4446-9554-fda81a067a59
I think I did see a report that the ALAEA submitted it to CAsA, but I doubt it was Sunday morning. A bit of a media leak?

One would hope the ALAEA first approached REX about the concerns.

[KRUSTY 34]

Grounding REX is certainly not the answer.

Holding those responsible for creating the culture that has led to this, is.

[Shipwreck00]

Union fingerprints???

https://www.9news.com.au/national/national-news-rex-regional-express-airline-civil-aviation-safety-authority-safety-concern/06da56eb-e02e-4446-9554-fda81a067a59

Not the union at all, you clearly dont work at this company, sometimes enough is enough. Perhaps rather than make assumptions think about the Boeing issues, many spoke up, no one listened, including the FAA. Same here, would you be happier to see a SAAB in a smoking heap in the ground. Those who were meant to listen and care wouldnt, including CASA, what are LAMEs meant to do, let people die??

[Bend alot]

Behind a paywall.

A 17-page document filed by the Australian Licenced Aircraft Engineers Association to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority alleges a “culture of fear” within Regional Express (REX), claiming management is intimidating maintenance crews out of reporting defects.

https://thewest.com.au/news/nsw/calls-to-ground-rex-fleet-amid-claims-staff-are-too-scared-to-raise-safety-concerns-ng-640fb99cafb7fc7d5dd6f907c45e9efb

[gordonfvckingramsay]

Holding those responsible for creating the culture that has led to this, is.

That’s the rub isn’t it. At best CASA are at best ignorant and at worst incompetent.

There are a few other maintenance operations that need a good look at for exactly the same culture, but will CASA take any reports seriously?? I doubt it.

[LeadSled]

EBA time, or just now the Federal elections are over??
Aeroplanes that old, if you can't find some corrosion, all that proves is you haven't looked hard enough.
Tootle pip!!

PS: If something is serious, as opposed to just bitching, CASA prefer you don't put it in writing, written evidence is so inconvenient.

[Horatio Leafblower]

Does everyone forget that REX Group donates hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Nationals every year... and their Chairman is ex Nationals Deputy PM John Sharpe?

Has everyone forgotten that the only "fallout" within the REX Group management from the PelAir Westwind debacle (with similar whiff of managerial/cultural pressure) was that Wicko walked into a job at CASA?

The allegations made of management pressure are entirely consistent with everything we have seen before in the REX Group. Has anyone here ever been in a Management meeting with Lim Kim Hai?

[Vref+5]

Nothing will come of it. Sharpe will simply tell Carmody to bury it , just like he did with the PELAIR incident, when SC was deputy director of CASA. Where Sharpe agreed to give CASA a scapegoat in the form of a pilot, this time it will be an engineer

[KRUSTY 34]

Nothing will come of it. Sharpe will simply tell Carmody to bury it , just like he did with the PELAIR incident, when SC was deputy director of CASA. Where Sharpe agreed to give CASA a scapegoat in the form of a pilot, this time it will be an engineer

I wouldn’t count on the scapegoat being one of the rank and file this time. Too many moving parts.

[PoppaJo]

Friends in high places usually means avoiding the Tiger treatment.

[Saintly]

So worst case scenario what will happen..will the entire REX fleet of Saab's be grounded?

I have family who live in Carnarvon (CVQ) and I was looking at the facebook page called "Carnarvon Notice Board" and someone posted the article about REX (REX flies to CVQ) and now Carnarvon residents will be or are already in a panic with some (I read the comments) people wanting to cancel their airfares.

[KRUSTY 34]

EBA time, or just now the Federal elections are over??
Aeroplanes that old, if you can't find some corrosion, all that proves is you haven't looked hard enough.
Tootle pip!!

PS: If something is serious, as opposed to just bitching, CASA prefer you don't put it in writing, written evidence is so inconvenient.

I don’t think the issue is that someone didn’t look hard enough. I think the serious problem is what happened afterwards?

[KRUSTY 34]

It seems that a few feathers have been ruffled!

[Ladloy]

It seems that a few feathers have been ruffled!
Speaking to engineers yesterday. Although there's always a worry about management (which I believe is in every company), in this case it's an employee who lost their privileges due to negligence and is wanting revenge. In terms of prop corrosion the engineering department as a whole has much more restrictive parameters than that set by GE post prop loss incident.

[Slippery_Pete]

Wow, now the accusations are being slung at CASA.

Where’s my popcorn?

[gordonfvckingramsay]

Can you elaborate on that Pete? Are you suggesting that CASA have no knowledge of certain maintenance practices?

[Slippery_Pete]

Huh?

Read the Rex press release Gordon. From what I can tell, they appear to be blaming CASA for the leak to the media.

[gordonfvckingramsay]

Didn’t read that Pete, I thought you were referring to my post (#7). I do blame CASA for the rapidly declining maintenance standards though, they are aware of it and they fail to act.

[KRUSTY 34]

The vexing question is, was the corrosion that was found on the propeller (as referenced in the article) reported? If it was, then CASA must have known about it.

If not, then the reasons for it not being written up must be the focus here.

[Ladloy]

The vexing question is, was the corrosion that was found on the propeller (as referenced in the article) reported? If it was, then CASA must have known about it.

If not, then the reasons for it not being written up must be the focus here.


It was and it was inspected

[zanthrus]

Krusty’s link in post #15 doesn’t work?

[Shipwreck00]

Speaking to engineers yesterday. Although there's always a worry about management (which I believe is in every company), in this case it's an employee who lost their privileges due to negligence and is wanting revenge. In terms of prop corrosion the engineering department as a whole has much more restrictive parameters than that set by GE post prop loss incident.
Intrigued who you got that from, those i know there personally, who i have spoken to tell me its far more than props and corrosion, and that lots of reports to casa nothing acted on.

[KRUSTY 34]

It was and it was inspected

Good.

Then there shouldn’t be a problem?

[Shipwreck00]

The vexing question is, was the corrosion that was found on the propeller (as referenced in the article) reported? If it was, then CASA must have known about it.

If not, then the reasons for it not being written up must be the focus here.


Now you are getting warmer

[Left 270]

Pretty disappointed to see Ben Morgan being interviewed on tv over this. I’m not sure what roll AOPA has in possible maintenance issues with a regional airline, but Ild assume its nothing. Whichever way it falls the last thing anyone needs is running commentary from uninvolved people.

[bankrunner]

Pretty disappointed to see Ben Morgan being interviewed on tv over this. I’m not sure what roll AOPA has in possible maintenance issues with a regional airline, but Ild assume its nothing. Whichever way it falls the last thing anyone needs is running commentary from uninvolved people.

Be thankful they didn't interview GT.

[Saintly]

I see REX have released a media statement;

MediaReleases - Rex Mobile IBE (http://mobile.rex.com.au/Home/MediaReleases)

[KRUSTY 34]

Krusty’s link in post #15 doesn’t work?

Sorry zanthrus, saintly has posted a more user friendly link in post #29.

[bankrunner]

I see REX have released a media statement;

MediaReleases - Rex Mobile IBE (http://mobile.rex.com.au/Home/MediaReleases)

They named the person in the press release, first time round. Seems they have since (wisely) removed it.

Still, it seems REX management have made angry and vindictive press releases a core part of their brand.

[KRUSTY 34]

They named the person in the press release, first time round. Seems they have since (wisely) removed it.

Still, it seems REX management have made angry and vindictive press releases a core part of their brand.

Plenty of emotive hyperbole that’s for sure!

[TBM-Legend]

Whichever way it falls the last thing anyone needs is running commentary from uninvolved people.

Mate, the communities served by REX are involved as are pax and all other suppliers to REX. If you want to run a public campaign against REX then expect comments from all quarters. Many AOPA members are REX users.

[LeadSled]

Folks,
I note, from the REX press release, the statement that the leaks were coming from within CASA ---- despite the formal letter from CASA to REX.
Where have I (we) seen this before --- how to generate a CASA intervention?
I watch with interest.
Tootle pip!!
PS: Good on you, Ben.

[V1 rotated]

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/casa-inspectors-due-at-rex-depot-amid-safety-concerns/news-story/63208d49998fd38c917c1d6f1343ab41

[KRUSTY 34]

https://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/aviation/casa-inspectors-due-at-rex-depot-amid-safety-concerns/news-story/63208d49998fd38c917c1d6f1343ab41

Behind a pay wall. Is there any depth to the article?

[Arthur D]

V1 - not sure if you’re intention is to spruik for Rupert, but that’s where your post landed.

Given that many, including myself, would never knowingly give his biased, toxic empire a single cent, in future please consider paywalls

[PoppaJo]

The company largely appears to be on the defence here.

Tiger did the same. The regulator was tipped off, the pommy management said you have all lost the plot, nothing to see here. I’ll never forget when they then threatened CASA with court action over the temporary cancellation of the AOC. They claimed exactly as REX has above, we are high standard law abiding citizens. There was so many problems inside I think I nearly fell over when I heard this....as CASA saw when they opened the books.

[Blitzkrieger]

How eerily similar this is to our friends at the worlds safest airline poppa jo.

[Saintly]

So do people think that there really is a problem in terms of safety with their fleet?

I know people who are in a panic and are not keen to fly REX anymore.

[Engineeringthrowaway]

So do people think that there really is a problem in terms of safety with their fleet?

I know people who are in a panic and are not keen to fly REX anymore.

No issues at all with safety of their fleet, I was working as an engineer at their Wagga heavy maintenance base recently, and as a whole the place is well run, they do spent money to keep their aircraft in bloody good nick despite their age, and the SAAB 340 is a good solid airframe with a decent safety record from the get go, this is an employment dispute where the one single engineer involved has hit the nuclear button.

[KRUSTY 34]

I don’t have a good track record with posting links, so can someone who is a little more tech savvy help out?

Despite stating in the previous press release that there would be no further comment, there is now a 2nd, two page release up on the REX website.

According to the release, there is absolutely “Nothing to see here”.

Happy days!

[Captain Nomad]

http://www.rex.com.au/MediaRelease/Files/584_MR20190703-RexRespondstoAOPAsRecklessandIrresponsibleRemarks.pdf

[Chris2303]

A very logical press release from a management that is desperately trying to save their airline.

[Horatio Leafblower]

A very logical press release from a management that is desperately trying to save their airline.

AOPA's comments were about CASA's handling of the issue, not about REX's guilt or otherwise. Nowhere did AOPA call for REX to be grounded or hold out that the substance of the report is fact. AOPA just pointed out that in the same circumstances CASA would treat a small business very differently.

Their treatment of Glen Buckley's APTA is possibly the best example in the public sphere at the moment. AOPA knows of several other operators who have similarly received show cause notices from CASA for operating their business in a manner that was formulated with the direct involvement and approval of CASA staff.
Rex really can't blame AOPA for this ****fight.

[TBM-Legend]

HL correct "shoot the messenger methinks" and deflect blame. If you read many other REX outbursts on their press release site you'll see fight after fight where everyone else is wrong..

[KRUSTY 34]

http://www.rex.com.au/MediaRelease/Files/584_MR20190703-RexRespondstoAOPAsRecklessandIrresponsibleRemarks.pdf

Thanks Cap’

[1/2 bank]

AOPA knows of several other operators who have similarly received show cause notices from CASA

Given these very serious allegations, and likely significant public interest, can we assume that AOPA will be publicly outlining these allegations AOPA are aware of, whether they be AOPA members or otherwise?

[KRUSTY 34]

No issues at all with safety of their fleet, I was working as an engineer at their Wagga heavy maintenance base recently, and as a whole the place is well run, they do spent money to keep their aircraft in bloody good nick despite their age, and the SAAB 340 is a good solid airframe with a decent safety record from the get go, this is an employment dispute where the one single engineer involved has hit the nuclear button.

I agree with you to a point.

The REX engineering and Safety Management systems are mature and well organised. Your assertion of “the one single engineer” however, either tells me you are a company mole, or you really don’t understand the current problem. Firstly this is not a case of an isolated “disgruntled employee”. This isn’t even a case of rust on propellor shafts. It is about the integrity of the system as a whole.

I know of at least two incidents where Pilots, not Engineers were “councilled” for discovering rust on a propeller shaft. In one case a Senior REX manager demanded to know from a Captain, where in the Flight Crew Operating Manual does it tell you to look there! Additionally the press are reporting the ALAEA have detailed 8 instances of unreported defects. Doesn’t sound like an act of a single disgruntled engineer to me.

The real elephant in the room is just how many defects were not reported, and why? Just one case of non reporting is serious. Multiple cases suggest some sort of systemic problem. This has the potential to undermine the entire Safety Management System. If found to be true, the root cause must be identified, and those responsible held to account.

[Rudder]

I agree with you to a point.

The REX engineering and Safety Management systems are mature and well organised. Your assertion of “the one single engineer” however, either tells me you are a company mole, or you really don’t understand the current problem. Firstly this is not a case of an isolated “disgruntled employee”. This isn’t even a case of rust on propellor shafts. It is about the integrity of the system as a whole.

I know of at least two incidents where Pilots, not Engineers were “councilled” for discovering rust on a propeller shaft. In one case a Senior REX manager demanded to know from a Captain, where in the Flight Crew Operating Manual does it tell you to look there! Additionally the press are reporting the ALAEA have detailed 8 instances of unreported defects. Doesn’t sound like an act of a single disgruntled engineer to me.

The real elephant in the room is just how many defects were not reported, and why? Just one case of non reporting is serious. Multiple cases suggest some sort of systemic problem. This has the potential to undermine the entire Safety Management System. If found to be true, the root cause must be identified, and those responsible held to account.



Irrespective, If these accusations are false and the use of them by an individual (and their union) for HR reasons then CASA equally should be able to apply sanctions to the engineer. The idea that you use the SMS and CASA as a weapon in a personal dispute breaks down the whole purpose of an SMS. By all means if there are issues then it can be reported to CASA for investigation. To then put it in the press to further put pressure on the company and the CASA's investigation is appalling.

The Engineer has a licence he doesn't deserve if this is found to be just what it starting to appear. As for AOPA buying in! Don't get me started. The damage this does to the company and the other staff members including the other engineers and pilots of that company can be significant.

[ALAEA Fed Sec]

No issues at all with safety of their fleet, I was working as an engineer at their Wagga heavy maintenance base recently, and as a whole the place is well run, they do spent money to keep their aircraft in bloody good nick despite their age, and the SAAB 340 is a good solid airframe with a decent safety record from the get go, this is an employment dispute where the one single engineer involved has hit the nuclear button.

It's not just about one Engineer. There are several involved. It is just that one Engineer has raised matters relating to him to a point that the FWC is considering issuing anti-bullying orders.

Guys the ALAEA did not release this info. It was someone internal to CASA. Tactically and legally we have no reason to release anything as the matters are before the courts. We just started receiving phone calls last week from journos who stated they had been tipped off by a CASA insider.

[KRUSTY 34]

Originality posted by Rudder:

“The idea that you use the SMS...as a weapon in a personal dispute breaks down the whole purpose of an SMS.”

Mate, you have no idea how ironic that statement is!

[On eyre]

It's not just about one Engineer. There are several involved. It is just that one Engineer has raised matters relating to him to a point that the FWC is considering issuing anti-bullying orders.

Guys the ALAEA did not release this info. It was someone internal to CASA. Tactically and legally we have no reason to release anything as the matters are before the courts. We just started receiving phone calls last week from journos who stated they had been tipped off by a CASA insider.

If the last para is true then time to get the AFP involved ASAP.

[wheels_down]

AFP are about as useful as your local council. Get serious.

[Shipwreck00]

Where there is smoke there is usually fire. The link to an article i put below a bit raises a few questions but first there is word out of Wagga that casa did a vist to rex late last year and found a lot of problems and gave rex a number of non compliances but rex complained about them and casa withdrew them all. Anyone know if thats true.

Read this
https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/news/79552-australias-rex-rejects-report-criticising-safety-culture

So in this news story John Sparp is saying casa did 5 extensive audits on rex since early last year. He also says casa on 22 May sent rex a letter saying casa has no safety issues with rex. There has to be more going on here, since when does casa do 5 audits in a year or so and why would casa take the step to send a letter to rex like that. There must have been something going on for a while here.

5 audits, yes thats 5 and then a letter telling rex casa has no problem with them. Back to the rumour of casa issuing notices and then withdrawing them. This just doesn't add up. Something doesn't smell right here.

​​Now the ALAEA accuses casa of leaking the story to the media. This isn't making sense.

Theres another post here about casa inspections of foreign AMO which sounds more like issues inside casa. Smells like there is a lot more going on here than just accusations of shoddy maintenance at rex.

Anyone else confused.

[Arnold E]

It's not just about one Engineer. There are several involved. It is just that one Engineer has raised matters relating to him to a point that the FWC is considering issuing anti-bullying orders.

Guys the ALAEA did not release this info. It was someone internal to CASA. Tactically and legally we have no reason to release anything as the matters are before the courts. We just started receiving phone calls last week from journos who stated they had been tipped off by a CASA insider.

How many is several? There is an article in the SMH that says that the ALAEA is calling for the grounding of the fleet. if this is true then Fed Sec must resign immediately since the purpose of a union is to protect its members not put the entire bussiness at risk. If its not true then the Fed Sec must vigorously deny that article and let the travelling public know there is not a problem with the aircraft. The very damaging video released of "rust" on a propshaft was not rust.

[Bend alot]

5 audits in around 18 months is very strange!

Never had an audit exit meeting that was followed up with a findings report, that did not have some non compliance findings and recommendations.

Why would there be a leak from CAsA?

[KRUSTY 34]

If not rust Arnold, what is it? C’mon, don’t be shy.

[Arnold E]

Apparently just grim wiped off using solvent, you cant remove rust with solvent, unless ofcourse you have some miracle solvent

[KRUSTY 34]

Apparently just grim wiped off using solvent, you cant remove rust with solvent, unless ofcourse you have some miracle solvent

Well if that’s the case, this whole “rust” thing on the shaft must be just a furphy. Makes you you wonder about the allegations of staff being pressured not to write it up?

Which if true of course, is the real issue.

[Ladloy]

Well if that’s the case, this whole “rust” thing on the shaft must be just a furphy. Makes you you wonder about the allegations of staff being pressured not to write it up?

Which if true of course, is the real issue.
The 'disgruntled engineer' taxiied an aircraft into a skip bin. That's the real issue.

[KRUSTY 34]

The 'disgruntled engineer' taxiied an aircraft into a skip bin. That's the real issue.

So let’s get this straight Ladloy, this whole thing is about nothing more than a single disgruntled engineer sanctioned for taxiing an aircraft into a skip bin?

Better let CASA, the ALAEA, and the travelling public know. It would seem a whole stack of people are on the wrong track!

[aviation_enthus]

First off can I just say everyone loves to pile on Rex when the opportunity presents itself! Pprune, newspapers, Facebook etc I am yet to come across many (if any) comments supporting Rex. Each to their own, but tell me a company in Australia that doesn’t have similar issues from time to time!

I’ll be the first to admit I never initially applied to Rex because of their reputation for playing hard ball during eba’s and plenty of rumours of crew being thrown under a bus for minor issues. So I wasn’t happy when I ended up working there when my previous employer went bankrupt.

BUT!

I’ll admit I never encountered any pressure from management, if I didn’t like it I told them where to go (as a captain). Any incidents I reported were treated well and as you’d expect from a mature safety system. The CP and HOFO were good guys and I found them to be very reasonable to deal with. Management above this was the problem. CEO and of course the well known views of certain owners are an issue. However you have to admit they know how to run an airline and make money. We might not all agree on their methods but they have been profitable, the staff are paid a reasonable wage, the aircraft are well looked after and they are successful.

The recent media reports and the he said she said rubbish between CASA, Rex and the union is all a bit messy. I find it very hard to believe the ‘ground the entire Rex fleet’ claim WASN’T made to grab a headline. If that was written in the union document to CASA as well, it can only be to grab attention. But when taken to the media, they combine it with the propeller falling off and the age of the Saab’s and you have an instant really bad story about the company. Of course management released an aggressive media release in response! This could have a significant effect on the company and as of yet, none of the allegations are proven!!! Once a statement like ‘ground the company’ is out in the open, it’s very hard to get it back if eventually unproven.

Now I’m not saying Rex is perfect and free of blame, I’m not saying the union is right either. But how about we all just sit back and have a bit of sympathy for the guys and girls that work there while the investigation takes place. They are the ones all this is going to affect in the medium term.

[kmaviation1]

First off can I just say everyone loves to pile on Rex when the opportunity presents itself! Pprune, newspapers, Facebook etc I am yet to come across many (if any) comments supporting Rex. Each to their own, but tell me a company in Australia that doesn’t have similar issues from time to time!

I’ll be the first to admit I never initially applied to Rex because of their reputation for playing hard ball during eba’s and plenty of rumours of crew being thrown under a bus for minor issues. So I wasn’t happy when I ended up working there when my previous employer went bankrupt.

BUT!

I’ll admit I never encountered any pressure from management, if I didn’t like it I told them where to go (as a captain). Any incidents I reported were treated well and as you’d expect from a mature safety system. The CP and HOFO were good guys and I found them to be very reasonable to deal with. Management above this was the problem. CEO and of course the well known views of certain owners are an issue. However you have to admit they know how to run an airline and make money. We might not all agree on their methods but they have been profitable, the staff are paid a reasonable wage, the aircraft are well looked after and they are successful.

The recent media reports and the he said she said rubbish between CASA, Rex and the union is all a bit messy. I find it very hard to believe the ‘ground the entire Rex fleet’ claim WASN’T made to grab a headline. If that was written in the union document to CASA as well, it can only be to grab attention. But when taken to the media, they combine it with the propeller falling off and the age of the Saab’s and you have an instant really bad story about the company. Of course management released an aggressive media release in response! This could have a significant effect on the company and as of yet, none of the allegations are proven!!! Once a statement like ‘ground the company’ is out in the open, it’s very hard to get it back if eventually unproven.

Now I’m not saying Rex is perfect and free of blame, I’m not saying the union is right either. But how about we all just sit back and have a bit of sympathy for the guys and girls that work there while the investigation takes place. They are the ones all this is going to affect in the medium term.

Thats for sure, lets hold the horses, peoples jobs are involved, families income, business that rely on the airline, if there are defects, issues another casa audit should deal with it, yes word is they were there again this week is that number 6. Calling for grounding the fleet is crazy, if the issues are proven we would all hope the system deals with it. Who knows where the paper got it, my bet is the ALAEA, even though they deny it, of course they would. Really sounds like casa has more problems than rex, 5 audits, now six, letter to rex telling them they are good, come on has to be more to it.

[73qanda]

It added that the regulator had conducted "five extensive audits" of Rex since February 2018, examining all aspects of its safety management system and aircraft maintenance. In addition, Rex had met with CASA on at least nine occasions since then to provide safety briefings and updates, the statement said.
An extensive audit every three and a half months? Does CASA even have the resources to achieve that? If they do why were the resources being diverted from other audit tasks?

Now the ALAEA accuses casa of leaking the story to the media. This isn't making sense.

The only way I can see someone at CASA becoming motivated enough to leak info is if they had audited the company and been concerned with what they had found and then had to stand by while a letter that said

"the Board and management of CASA have no current safety concerns with Rex. Through the normal oversight processes and interactions undertaken, CASA is satisfied that Rex is currently meeting all its obligations.”
was issued.

[kmaviation1]

It's not just about one Engineer. There are several involved. It is just that one Engineer has raised matters relating to him to a point that the FWC is considering issuing anti-bullying orders.

Guys the ALAEA did not release this info. It was someone internal to CASA. Tactically and legally we have no reason to release anything as the matters are before the courts. We just started receiving phone calls last week from journos who stated they had been tipped off by a CASA insider.

How many is several? There is an article in the SMH that says that the ALAEA is calling for the grounding of the fleet. if this is true then Fed Sec must resign immediately since the purpose of a union is to protect its members not put the entire bussiness at risk. If its not true then the Fed Sec must vigorously deny that article and let the travelling public know there is not a problem with the aircraft. The very damaging video released of "rust" on a propshaft was not rust.

Of couse it was the ALAEA who leaked this. Nice move, create all this hype about Rex being unsafe to boost your argument then blame the Authority for it. If you are going to play games take ownership dont go blaming the rest of us.

[Bend alot]

Now I’m not saying Rex is perfect and free of blame, I’m not saying the union is right either. But how about we all just sit back and have a bit of sympathy for the guys and girls that work there while the investigation takes place. They are the ones all this is going to affect in the medium term.

I am sure Ethiopian and Lion Air victims families agree.

The guys and girls that work at both of those companies now have real pain - as do the families of the dead.

Is the regulator regulating?
Are they in a cozzie relationship with the airline?
Should customers see past audit reports from CAsA?
Should skips be air-side and if they are, are you allowed to look at it, if not listed on the Task Card?

I have no skin in this game but have heard the "main" LAME of allegations is a bit of a tool, but some others have a few issues of some merit worth looking at.

Also many reports say the owner needs a good talking to about Australian employment LAW.

[Shipwreck00]

An extensive audit every three and a half months? Does CASA even have the resources to achieve that? If they do why were the resources being diverted from other audit tasks?



The only way I can see someone at CASA becoming motivated enough to leak info is if they had audited the company and been concerned with what they had found and then had to stand by while a letter that said


was issued.

Well all pretty interesting. If the word of casa had issued non compliances and then withdrawn them without the things raised getting dealt with and then casa management and board sent that letter, then the public should be worried as i wont say the obvious but questions need to be asked. They never withdraw mine. Perhaps i dont know the right people

[B772]

And the engineer is still employed by Rex !.

[aviation_enthus]

I am sure Ethiopian and Lion Air victims families agree.

The guys and girls that work at both of those companies now have real pain - as do the families of the dead.

Really?! Poor comparison I’d argue. You want to compare an Australian airline to an incident relating to a manufacturer fault plus Lion Air of all companies?! Lion Air have regular well documented safety issues clearly visible to the public, to put Rex in the same boat is a long bow to draw....

I never said they were perfect, but the fact is most of us on here (Pprune) have NO IDEA if the allegations are true. I was merely commenting on the ‘pile on’ about Rex and your post proves my point. No ‘skin in the game’ but that’s the comparison you choose to make.

We are talking about the same CASA that most people on here complain about aren’t we? That issues 100’s of NCN’s and drives businesses to the wall with ridiculous requirements. That goes after pilot medicals. Maybe there is something to the allegations and Rex maintenance practices deserve to be improved. But the original union document submitted to CASA was designed to be explosive and grab attention if anyone in the media got their hands on it. To deny that is just ignorant, the union and this engineer also have an agenda.

There’s probably four sides to this story and I’ll go out on a limb and say none of us on here have the full story...

[Bend alot]

Really?! Poor comparison I’d argue. You want to compare an Australian airline to an incident relating to a manufacturer fault plus Lion Air of all companies?! Lion Air have regular well documented safety issues clearly visible to the public, to put Rex in the same boat is a long bow to draw....

I never said they were perfect, but the fact is most of us on here (Pprune) have NO IDEA if the allegations are true. I was merely commenting on the ‘pile on’ about Rex and your post proves my point. No ‘skin in the game’ but that’s the comparison you choose to make.

We are talking about the same CASA that most people on here complain about aren’t we? That issues 100’s of NCN’s and drives businesses to the wall with ridiculous requirements. That goes after pilot medicals. Maybe there is something to the allegations and Rex maintenance practices deserve to be improved. But the original union document submitted to CASA was designed to be explosive and grab attention if anyone in the media got their hands on it. To deny that is just ignorant, the union and this engineer also have an agenda.

There’s probably four sides to this story and I’ll go out on a limb and say none of us on here have the full story...
Nomad N22- N24 - You seem anti union?

The post they made was very clear (ALAEA) - I expect you will supply extra probable information or links of a valid source

[73qanda]

They never withdraw mine. Perhaps i dont know the right people
Relationships are very important. Do the people at the top of Rex have long established relationships with individuals at the top of CASA?

[Vref+5]

You mean a previous Minister for Transport JS, pulling strings inside the department to get his way? With a career bureaucrat who proudly tells everyone he has no aviation experience, in charge of the regulator? Who’s looking for his next step up in the department? Nah, nothing there

[Nohiddenagenda]

Relationships are very important. Do the people at the top of Rex have long established relationships with individuals at the top of CASA?

Watching, reading, taking it all in. You ask an interesting question i dont think it is rocket science

[Cloudee]

It’s all okay. Nothing found move along.

https://www.portlincolntimes.com.au/story/6262648/airline-cleared-of-safety-claims/

Claims of unsafe practices by Regional Express (REX) were at the centre of an intensive two-day audit conducted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).


Even though a final report has not been finished, CASA has confirmed it had no current issues with the safety of REX aircraft.

The investigation came after a report by the Australian Licenced Aircraft Engineers' Association was lodged with CASA in May in which there were a number of claims of a poor safety culture within the company.

Last week CASA spokesperson Peter Gibson said a 17-page document was lodged by a former engineer with the company and his union at the end of May, and the authority had been analysing the claims.



"If there are any safety issues identified, we will make sure that's addressed properly, but we haven't identified any to date," he said.


On Saturday, July 6, CASA release a statement that it had confirmed it had no issues with the airline's safety after conducting an audit at the REX Wagga maintenance facility as part of the safety assurance review.

The audit focussed on the airlines safety management system and the processes of reporting concerns.


In the statement CASA reported that REX staff and management were interviewed and found to be cooperative and confident in the airline's safety reporting systems.

In a media release, a REX spokesperson said the organisation was grateful the investigation had been conducted responsibly.

"CASA conducted their investigations in a prompt, comprehensive and responsible manner that should leave no doubt with regard to the safety of Rex flights in the minds of regional passengers, many of whom depend exclusively on Rex for their medical, educational and professional travelling needs," they stated.


"Rex has nothing but contempt for the efforts of some media outlets to generate more sales through malicious attacks on its airline safety record based on biased and anecdotal accusations by anonymous disgruntled staff.


"Not only could such disgraceful acts be capable of seriously damaging Rex but it could also result in, if Rex had been forced to cease flying, many remote and rural regional communities permanently losing air services that are critical for their socio-economic needs.

A final CASA report usually takes up to 21 days to complete but the REX findings will be expedited so the matter can be finalised quickly.

[PPRuNeUser0198]

Media release from CASA a few days ago on their findings at REX @ https://www.casa.gov.au/media-release/rex-maintenance-review-update

[Saintly]

https://australianaviation.com.au/2019/07/casa-gives-rex-the-all-clear-after-safety-review/

[Bend alot]

REX must be the only airline that maintenance staff are confident in reporting errors - most engineering staff are scared sh**tless of reporting anything that upsets management.

[KRUSTY 34]

REX must be the only airline that maintenance staff are confident in reporting errors - most engineering staff are scared sh**tless of reporting anything that upsets management.

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing.”

Edmund Burke.

[Vref+5]

Who set the scope and who did they send?
https://images.app.goo.gl/FEc7am6TEnjyUMNK6

[catseye]

Who set the scope and who did they send?
https://images.app.goo.gl/FEc7am6TEnjyUMNK6




Oi, Dont insult the muppets !!!!

[Shipwreck00]

Oi, Dont insult the muppets !!!!
What about the word going about of the findings from last year's audit that casa management withdrew because Rex didnt like them, obviously the inspectors who raised those were found to be incompetent by their own organisation, or was that simply politics.

[Vref+5]

Heard that exit meeting was conducted in the Charmain’s Lounge at Mascot.

Why should CASA expect industry to report matters and act on them? When it’s easier just to hide them? Like CASA does. CASA FTE ground loops an aircraft and writes it off, not reported to the ATSB - last time I looked at the TSR that would be an IRM. nil AOD, Report and investigation? Too hard, just send him up flying immediately.

https://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/story/6256481/no-one-injured-in-runway-incident-involving-casa-pilot/

[ALAEA Fed Sec]

REX interviewed 5 "random" REX Engineers and they all felt comfortable reporting defects. I'm wondering why they didn't interview any of the Engineers who reported via the ALAEA that they are being disciplined (or sacked) for reporting defects.

CASA has a vested interest in this matter. If they find that there is a problem at REX, it means that their oversight has been ineffective. Having seen all the documents, in think ineffective is an understatement.

[wheels_down]

But they found problems galore at Tiger? Action swift. Who’s covering who here

[Bend alot]

REX interviewed 5 "random" REX Engineers and they all felt comfortable reporting defects. I'm wondering why they didn't interview any of the Engineers who reported via the ALAEA that they are being disciplined (or sacked) for reporting defects.

CASA has a vested interest in this matter. If they find that there is a problem at REX, it means that their oversight has been ineffective. Having seen all the documents, in think ineffective is an understatement.
If Union members are being sacked for reporting defects - one would expect the ALAEA have released large resources in this matter, and in a timely manner.

[Terminalfrost]

REX Media Release dated 4 July 2019 Media Release Archive (http://rex.com.au/MediaAndPressClippings/MediaReleaseList.aspx?site=MC&y=19_20)

"If the claims were true, then one would expect to find a decline in the defect reporting rate over time. The reality is the complete opposite and over the last two years the reporting rate per 1000 hours has actually increased by over 10 percent. Also, if the workplace environment is as bad as the disgruntled engineer portrayed, the turnover of engineers at his base would be correspondingly very high. In fact, we have an average of only one resignation a year over the last two years (out of 18 licensed engineers), at a time when licensed aircraft engineers are at critical shortage Australia-wide. This speaks volumes about the absurd claims of the disgruntled engineer."

If this is true how come there have been at least 4 resignations of engineers in the last 18 months and multiple movements from QA?

Me think Sharp speaks with forked tongue

[Bend alot]

REX Media Release dated 4 July 2019 Media Release Archive (http://rex.com.au/MediaAndPressClippings/MediaReleaseList.aspx?site=MC&y=19_20)

"If the claims were true, then one would expect to find a decline in the defect reporting rate over time. The reality is the complete opposite and over the last two years the reporting rate per 1000 hours has actually increased by over 10 percent. Also, if the workplace environment is as bad as the disgruntled engineer portrayed, the turnover of engineers at his base would be correspondingly very high. In fact, we have an average of only one resignation a year over the last two years (out of 18 licensed engineers), at a time when licensed aircraft engineers are at critical shortage Australia-wide. This speaks volumes about the absurd claims of the disgruntled engineer."

If this is true how come there have been at least 4 resignations of engineers in the last 18 months and multiple movements from QA?

Me think Sharp speaks with forked tongue
The industry has changed, not so much the numbers and the shortfall is 457 preference than any conditions or pay increases.

Maintenance in general is in dire straits and LAME's have no place to turn - the standards are a shadow of 30 years ago.

But when the crashes happen we will be blamed or the pilots, but never the companies or regulators for the change that has happened. The ALAEA also has sat back for much of this change, they simply have no power and need to rectify that - LAME numbers are dropping that means so are the number of members possible to them.