Merged: Qantas Engineers Set to Strike
Join Date: May 2008
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There's words going around in KL at present that someone is trying to poach a few more LAME as standby for the strike. Have anyone been approached by them? Obviously those were made redundant ~2 year ago.
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Captain, a lot of these guys will have transit authorities only, so these guys can sign up to a check 2 with limited ability for signing defects. These guys cannot delegate tasks to others and then certify for them, they must carry out the job themselves. So if you do see one signature only for a whole check and it is a ring in ask questions. Qantas has lost their transit/maintenance authoritie approvals before, it would kill them now.
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Warning - Technical Content for Pilot's / Flight Engineers.
For example, one of the Managementous elitous (cryptic clue) is in possession of only a Rolls Royce D4 Mechanical licence. (For those unfamiliar, this is the engine fitted to the 'Classic 747-300'). Having an engine licence allows the individual to sign for all maintenance on that engine in the mechanical category.
When it comes to certifying for other tasks on that engine or to the airframe that that particular engine is fitted to, under the power invested in him by Civil Aviation Order 100.90, his priveleges are extended into other trades in the following manner:-
( Jump down to summary now if what's below is too much )
3.3 Engine Category Privileges: With respect to maintenance of aircraft, certification of maintenance within the engine category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s) with the following limitations:
(f) maintenance of electrical and instrument components which form part of an engine system limited to:
(i) on all aircraft:
(A) external mechanical adjustment to facilitate correct operation of engine systems; and
(B) replacement of components connected by electrical plugs, terminal connections (other than soldered connections) or pipelines — but excluding those functional tests and adjustments requiring the use of external specialised test equipment; and
(ii) on aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations;
(A) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and
(B) condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing and components; and
3.4 Engine Category — Electrical Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the electrical category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s) as follows:
(b) electrical systems classified as Electrical Group I in aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations or electrical systems classified as Electrical Group 2 or Group 20 limited to:
(i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and
(ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring and components.
3.5 Engine Category — Instrument Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the instrument category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s), as follows:
(a) on all aircraft — compensation of direct reading magnetic compasses;
(ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing and components.
3.6 Engine Category — Radio Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance, excluding operational checks, within the radio category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s), as follows:
(ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring and components.
3.7 Engine Category — Airframe Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the airframe category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s), as follows:
(a) daily inspection or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection;
(b) inspection, removal and fitting of engine mountings, cowlings and firewalls;
(c) independent inspections.
Summary,
Basically, this individual is limited to signing for what he's licenced on and for carrying out a 'daily inspection'. Management would have dreams of utilising him either in PER, MEL or SYD domestic as he can legally carry out transits.............providing there are no 'defects' with the aircraft.
Would be a shame if during each sector, the log consisted of ;
-1 off warning light globe blown. (mmmm, electrical Lame required)
-1st obs/2nd obs headset 'crackly' (mmmm, radio Lame required)
-Capt's/ F/O's seatbelt frayed (mmmm, airframe Lame required)
There are many more examples of other management goons and the (alternative workforce) who have partial / licences and/or transit authorities.
"They can't fix defects or apply MEL's"
Not asking for any 'phantom' defects, just treat every flight like a 'Check Ride'. If you were on a check ride and didn't correctly record defects with your ship in the log, i'm sure you'd be in hot water quick smart.
As a matter of interest, what exactly will this interim scab workforce NOT be able to do? Will they only have 'Transit Authority', or will they be able to do all that you can presently do
For example, one of the Managementous elitous (cryptic clue) is in possession of only a Rolls Royce D4 Mechanical licence. (For those unfamiliar, this is the engine fitted to the 'Classic 747-300'). Having an engine licence allows the individual to sign for all maintenance on that engine in the mechanical category.
When it comes to certifying for other tasks on that engine or to the airframe that that particular engine is fitted to, under the power invested in him by Civil Aviation Order 100.90, his priveleges are extended into other trades in the following manner:-
( Jump down to summary now if what's below is too much )
3.3 Engine Category Privileges: With respect to maintenance of aircraft, certification of maintenance within the engine category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s) with the following limitations:
(f) maintenance of electrical and instrument components which form part of an engine system limited to:
(i) on all aircraft:
(A) external mechanical adjustment to facilitate correct operation of engine systems; and
(B) replacement of components connected by electrical plugs, terminal connections (other than soldered connections) or pipelines — but excluding those functional tests and adjustments requiring the use of external specialised test equipment; and
(ii) on aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations;
(A) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and
(B) condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing and components; and
3.4 Engine Category — Electrical Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the electrical category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s) as follows:
(b) electrical systems classified as Electrical Group I in aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations or electrical systems classified as Electrical Group 2 or Group 20 limited to:
(i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and
(ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring and components.
3.5 Engine Category — Instrument Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the instrument category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s), as follows:
(a) on all aircraft — compensation of direct reading magnetic compasses;
(d) on aircraft classified as Instrument Group 20, limited to:
(i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and (ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring, plumbing and components.
3.6 Engine Category — Radio Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance, excluding operational checks, within the radio category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s), as follows:
(b) on aircraft approved for I.F.R. operations, limited to:
(i) daily or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection; and (ii) condition and security of attachment of wiring and components.
3.7 Engine Category — Airframe Category Privileges: Certification of maintenance within the airframe category may be made by persons holding the appropriate engine rating(s), as follows:
(a) daily inspection or manufacturers’ equivalent inspection;
(b) inspection, removal and fitting of engine mountings, cowlings and firewalls;
(c) independent inspections.
Summary,
Basically, this individual is limited to signing for what he's licenced on and for carrying out a 'daily inspection'. Management would have dreams of utilising him either in PER, MEL or SYD domestic as he can legally carry out transits.............providing there are no 'defects' with the aircraft.
Would be a shame if during each sector, the log consisted of ;
-1 off warning light globe blown. (mmmm, electrical Lame required)
-1st obs/2nd obs headset 'crackly' (mmmm, radio Lame required)
-Capt's/ F/O's seatbelt frayed (mmmm, airframe Lame required)
There are many more examples of other management goons and the (alternative workforce) who have partial / licences and/or transit authorities.
"They can't fix defects or apply MEL's"
Not asking for any 'phantom' defects, just treat every flight like a 'Check Ride'. If you were on a check ride and didn't correctly record defects with your ship in the log, i'm sure you'd be in hot water quick smart.
Join Date: Sep 2007
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Annoying items requiring LAME & MEL
Cabin lights
Annunciator lts, especially IGD PRESS
Oxygen pressure
Background lights
RADAR returns & tilt problems
HF VHF glitches
Chillers, cart lifts, seat belts, seat recline, ash trays
Emergency Egress Lights (EEL) lifting
no smoking fasten seat belt signs (amasing how many blow every flight)
air noisy doors
fuzzy screens
printer paper
.
.
.
.
need I say more?
Cabin lights
Annunciator lts, especially IGD PRESS
Oxygen pressure
Background lights
RADAR returns & tilt problems
HF VHF glitches
Chillers, cart lifts, seat belts, seat recline, ash trays
Emergency Egress Lights (EEL) lifting
no smoking fasten seat belt signs (amasing how many blow every flight)
air noisy doors
fuzzy screens
printer paper
.
.
.
.
need I say more?
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Melbourne
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Sock it to 'em guys/gals, love the strength that is being shown here lets hope it filters thru to where it counts, the actual grounding of planes due maint issues.
I think pilots & spanner manipulators are one & the same, it takes BOTH to keep a plane aloft. Pilots & engineeres alike have kept planes flying because of the passion we share but when the greed filters down to where it hurts the 'drone' workers then time to do a little "shop floor management"
They (Management) can't hurt us, where bleedin' but they can't hurt us!
CW
I think pilots & spanner manipulators are one & the same, it takes BOTH to keep a plane aloft. Pilots & engineeres alike have kept planes flying because of the passion we share but when the greed filters down to where it hurts the 'drone' workers then time to do a little "shop floor management"
They (Management) can't hurt us, where bleedin' but they can't hurt us!
CW
Good work guys, all the best. You only have to fly out of LHR on a regular basis to see the difference between great engineers (you guys) and very average ones (though I admit some are OK).
Will be doing my best to find every snag I can!
Cheers
Will be doing my best to find every snag I can!
Cheers
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Sydney, Australia
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Well I hope this goes somewhere this time. A couple of months ago, when you were going to take protected industrial action, I was getting all fired up and started logging stuff and was trying to encourage other cabin crew to do the same to support you, then all of a sudden it appeared as though you guys had rolled over and given in to the company for less than what you were asking. I was disappointed. You are the one group who really has a chance to take this greedy company on and possibly win.
I noticed last time, when I spoke to some (many?) Australian LAMEs doing transit checks, that they didn't seem that interested in us logging cabin defects at all; some even found it annoying! I really hope you guys are going to be united and all on the same page this time. Maybe your union should contact some other unions for some support - all legal, above-board stuff, of course. I am quite aware of what we legally can and can't do.
Good luck guys. I really hope you have some success this time. I am sick of seeing this company go to ****, especially Engineering - the heart and soul of this once great company.
I noticed last time, when I spoke to some (many?) Australian LAMEs doing transit checks, that they didn't seem that interested in us logging cabin defects at all; some even found it annoying! I really hope you guys are going to be united and all on the same page this time. Maybe your union should contact some other unions for some support - all legal, above-board stuff, of course. I am quite aware of what we legally can and can't do.
Good luck guys. I really hope you have some success this time. I am sick of seeing this company go to ****, especially Engineering - the heart and soul of this once great company.
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GEE Is that a nic I see in the leading edge of that pitot probe ???
I think that might disturb the natural airflow over the probe,I'd better report that to a lame whose decisions are governed by stringent criteria laid down in the manufacturers maintenance manual.
I think that might disturb the natural airflow over the probe,I'd better report that to a lame whose decisions are governed by stringent criteria laid down in the manufacturers maintenance manual.
Join Date: Nov 2007
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and for you pilots.....
dont be coerced into doing any engine runs after maintenance to save time or for convienience sake.
Drag the LAME into the flight deck and throw him into the left seat....
And if you see anything that resembles a hydraulic leak, of any size, put in the book first then tell the engineer (else you will be talked out of it). Looking at the state of the fleet, you wont have to look very hard.
my 2 bob worth....
cheers
dont be coerced into doing any engine runs after maintenance to save time or for convienience sake.
Drag the LAME into the flight deck and throw him into the left seat....
And if you see anything that resembles a hydraulic leak, of any size, put in the book first then tell the engineer (else you will be talked out of it). Looking at the state of the fleet, you wont have to look very hard.
my 2 bob worth....
cheers
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Dixon's plea will fall on deaf ears.
The management of Qantas disengaged itself from the employees a long time ago through their disgraceful grab for cash when the rest of the employees took a pay freeze because "times were tough".
What Dixon and his cronies do not understand is the employees of Qantas are cheering the LAME's on and will be doing everything in their power to assist their cause.
Why?
The employees so dislike and disregard the management of Qantas that they now work to look after themselves as a group and the liars at the top can basically go and get stuffed.
I just picked up a new pen. I will be checking the qualifications of every LAME that tries to sign out an aircraft as required under CAR 233.
Take Five!
The management of Qantas disengaged itself from the employees a long time ago through their disgraceful grab for cash when the rest of the employees took a pay freeze because "times were tough".
What Dixon and his cronies do not understand is the employees of Qantas are cheering the LAME's on and will be doing everything in their power to assist their cause.
Why?
The employees so dislike and disregard the management of Qantas that they now work to look after themselves as a group and the liars at the top can basically go and get stuffed.
I just picked up a new pen. I will be checking the qualifications of every LAME that tries to sign out an aircraft as required under CAR 233.
Take Five!
Last edited by jakethemuss; 13th May 2008 at 12:59.
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Mr Flugbegleiter, great post and thanks for your support. I can understand your frustrations at those that do not welcome tech snags in the books. We have to deal with these individuals as well. As per the company procedures manual, it is the responsibility of Flt crew and Lame to snag any defect observed. Both inside of industrial action, and out of. The majority of us welcome any defect written, as it helps to maintain our fleet to the safety standards that our crew and passengers deserve. So do not baulk at writing any defect observed, or any suspision that something seems amiss with an aircraft system.
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Defect Write Off
All Flight Crew and Cabin Crew Be aware that for all work done, defects fixed/ written off it is a QANTAS and CASA requirement that approved data is used and referenced.
eg1. "Replaced seat cushion in accordance with Component Maintenance Manual 25-25-00".
A quick "Replaced as requested". IS NOT as per company and CASA Regs.
eg2. Wear on #1 main wheel within Boeing Maintenace Manual Limits 32-45-00. Tyre pressure checked at 210 psi using tyre pressure Gauge TP0100001132.
All calibrated equipment used must be referenced and any pressures, torques, values, temperatures,etc should be provided.
Strike breakers MAY try the quick write off.IT IS NOT as per company and CASA Regs.
Also release, part numbers, serial numbers must be provided, for traceability.
Strike breakers MAY no do this.
Thank for the support!
eg1. "Replaced seat cushion in accordance with Component Maintenance Manual 25-25-00".
A quick "Replaced as requested". IS NOT as per company and CASA Regs.
eg2. Wear on #1 main wheel within Boeing Maintenace Manual Limits 32-45-00. Tyre pressure checked at 210 psi using tyre pressure Gauge TP0100001132.
All calibrated equipment used must be referenced and any pressures, torques, values, temperatures,etc should be provided.
Strike breakers MAY try the quick write off.IT IS NOT as per company and CASA Regs.
Also release, part numbers, serial numbers must be provided, for traceability.
Strike breakers MAY no do this.
Thank for the support!
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What are M/R's & tech logs for anyway? Other than the obvious for the safe recording/reporting & rectification of found damage/problems that must be fixed. Why do we need to do this more & more from now on when we should have been doing this anyway for safety? why? Because you (as in all pilots) 'where' too damn nice that's why, Not any more, like I said before, time for some 'shop floor management' before the goons at the top bleed you all dry!
Again good luck to those with the 'tools' to do the job
CW
Again good luck to those with the 'tools' to do the job
CW
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Flugbegleiter and CC comrades
Hi guys
Thanks for the support. Never mind the grumpy old engineers. Some LAMEs are ALWAYS acting like work is an inconvenience to their coffee break.
The majority of LAMEs will thank you in their heart of hearts for keeping them in a job and helping us all to stick it to those who deserve it.
Please, in all the heated passion and noise of this dispute, remember the comfort and safety of the travelling public. Despite what the Big Swinging GDick says, it's the bums on seats that keep us all in a job. Not the shareholders! We only have jobs because the customers keep flying with us. So please ensure that the cabin is safe and comfortable for them.
Please report:
Call lights, no smoking/fasten seat belt/return to seat lights - even if there is still one bulb operating in the light
Ovens slow to heat
Coffee brewers (any number of potential defects)
PA defects, real or perceived (may take two LAMEs to work that one out!)
Video defects, especially during pushback & power transfer, interrupting your safety briefing (B734's especially - it's been happening alot!)
"Missing" safety and/or demo equipment
Soiled seat cushion covers and especially seat backs (they take alot longer than cushion covers to replace) - even if it's only water. It may be a body fluid or toxic chemical - who's to know?
Dodgy magazine rack springs (could inhibit a pax safe egress during an emergency)
Rattles in the ceiling
Air noise around the doors
Liquid dripping from aircon ducts ("maybe it's just condensation, but I'm not a LAME so I'll report it anyway")
Lifting carpet (trip hazards)
Missing seat trim (might cut someone)
Missing or loose floor track trim
"Is that crazing or cracking on that pax window? Is it the inner, middle or outer pane?"
In the interest of supplying the service they have paid for and have a right to expect from a supposedly premium airline, especially our F/C & B/C customers, PLEASE ask your passengers to report any real or perceived safety, IFE or passenger comfort defects!!!
Thank you and Good luck!
Thanks for the support. Never mind the grumpy old engineers. Some LAMEs are ALWAYS acting like work is an inconvenience to their coffee break.
The majority of LAMEs will thank you in their heart of hearts for keeping them in a job and helping us all to stick it to those who deserve it.
Please, in all the heated passion and noise of this dispute, remember the comfort and safety of the travelling public. Despite what the Big Swinging GDick says, it's the bums on seats that keep us all in a job. Not the shareholders! We only have jobs because the customers keep flying with us. So please ensure that the cabin is safe and comfortable for them.
Please report:
Call lights, no smoking/fasten seat belt/return to seat lights - even if there is still one bulb operating in the light
Ovens slow to heat
Coffee brewers (any number of potential defects)
PA defects, real or perceived (may take two LAMEs to work that one out!)
Video defects, especially during pushback & power transfer, interrupting your safety briefing (B734's especially - it's been happening alot!)
"Missing" safety and/or demo equipment
Soiled seat cushion covers and especially seat backs (they take alot longer than cushion covers to replace) - even if it's only water. It may be a body fluid or toxic chemical - who's to know?
Dodgy magazine rack springs (could inhibit a pax safe egress during an emergency)
Rattles in the ceiling
Air noise around the doors
Liquid dripping from aircon ducts ("maybe it's just condensation, but I'm not a LAME so I'll report it anyway")
Lifting carpet (trip hazards)
Missing seat trim (might cut someone)
Missing or loose floor track trim
"Is that crazing or cracking on that pax window? Is it the inner, middle or outer pane?"
In the interest of supplying the service they have paid for and have a right to expect from a supposedly premium airline, especially our F/C & B/C customers, PLEASE ask your passengers to report any real or perceived safety, IFE or passenger comfort defects!!!
Thank you and Good luck!
Personally, as SLF, I totally applaud and support the efforts of ALL QF maintenance, CC, and technical crew to ensure that you provide us with serviceable and safe aircraft to travel in! 