Problems at Brindabella?
Here we go again.
Ok moving right along...
Although not directly relevant to Brindabella but perhaps a link/final straw for a lot of smaller NSW regional towns (and sorry if this has already been mentioned)
:
Although not directly relevant to Brindabella but perhaps a link/final straw for a lot of smaller NSW regional towns (and sorry if this has already been mentioned)
:
ToR released for regional aviation inquiry
By Catherine Clifford
Updated Mon 9 Dec 2013, 6:44am AEDT
Photo: Nationals' MLC, Rick Colless, Chair of the Standing Committee on State Development, who's chairing the Regional Aviation Inquiry. (Photo: Courtesy www.parliament.nsw.gov.au)
Map: Tamworth 2340
Terms of Reference for an inquiry into regional air services in New South Wales have been released.
Nationals' MLC, Rick Colless, will chair the investigation, which is being conducted by the Standing Committee on State Development.
He says the aim of the inquiry is to secure more reliable and comprehensive passenger services to and from regional centres.
Rick Colless says too many towns have lost their air services and that situation has got to change.
"The model that we're working on at the moment is failing and if we continue to apply that same model then things are going to continue to get tougher for those airlines," he said.
"So, if we can put in place a better model for service delivery and then encourage the air industry to participate in that, hopefully, we'll come to some positive outcomes."
Rick Colless says the Committee will look at the financial viability of regional carriers, their access to Sydney Airport, landing fees, impacts on towns that lose an airline, as well as the potential to develop better air services in the Bush.
He says the inquiry is not a 'witch hunt' to find poor-performing carriers, but to find long-term solutions.
"What we want to get out of this inquiry is a more reliable and a more comprehensive regular passenger transport service to and from regional centres in NSW and, while the Tamworths, Waggas and Dubbos will always have a regular passenger service, it's the smaller centres that are doing it tough."
Rick Colless says he'll convene the first meeting of the Inquiry committee this week.
By Catherine Clifford
Updated Mon 9 Dec 2013, 6:44am AEDT
Photo: Nationals' MLC, Rick Colless, Chair of the Standing Committee on State Development, who's chairing the Regional Aviation Inquiry. (Photo: Courtesy www.parliament.nsw.gov.au) Map: Tamworth 2340
Terms of Reference for an inquiry into regional air services in New South Wales have been released.
Nationals' MLC, Rick Colless, will chair the investigation, which is being conducted by the Standing Committee on State Development.
He says the aim of the inquiry is to secure more reliable and comprehensive passenger services to and from regional centres.
Rick Colless says too many towns have lost their air services and that situation has got to change.
"The model that we're working on at the moment is failing and if we continue to apply that same model then things are going to continue to get tougher for those airlines," he said.
"So, if we can put in place a better model for service delivery and then encourage the air industry to participate in that, hopefully, we'll come to some positive outcomes."
Rick Colless says the Committee will look at the financial viability of regional carriers, their access to Sydney Airport, landing fees, impacts on towns that lose an airline, as well as the potential to develop better air services in the Bush.
He says the inquiry is not a 'witch hunt' to find poor-performing carriers, but to find long-term solutions.
"What we want to get out of this inquiry is a more reliable and a more comprehensive regular passenger transport service to and from regional centres in NSW and, while the Tamworths, Waggas and Dubbos will always have a regular passenger service, it's the smaller centres that are doing it tough."
Rick Colless says he'll convene the first meeting of the Inquiry committee this week.
SCN set for the 24th...hang on they've already got one??
CAsA standard MO for this time of the year!!
It is all in the timing...
News.com:
Maximum impact for maximum intimidation...hmm however this time around it would appear that the State Gov boys'n'gals have already trumped them...
:
I know..I know they can still do charter but their gravy train had officially ended, so pretty much a wet lettuce approach from the 'Untouchables'!
Addendum: From Ben - NSW regional Brindabella’s Jetstreams grounded by CASA
It is all in the timing...News.com:
AVIATION authorities have grounded the fleet of a regional NSW airline after discovering it didn't follow correct maintenance procedures.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) grounded four of Brindabella Airline's Jetstream aircraft in November and on Thursday ordered the company's remaining six planes pulled from service so they could be assessed.
Brindabella last month reported to CASA several planes had been "over run" for about a year, meaning they hadn't been checked or had parts replaced according to strict schedules set by manufacturers.
"That schedule of maintenance is designed to make sure that important maintenance is done at the right time, parts are replaced before they wear out and inspections are done on components and areas of the aircraft," CASA spokesman Peter Gibson told AAP.
Two of the aircraft initially taken for maintenance review have since been assessed by CASA and cleared to fly.
After the first series of inspections, CASA took a closer look at the fleet.
"That has led us to find there have been over runs in other maintenance requirements on other aircraft," Mr Gibson said.
A review of all maintenance during the past year will now be conducted by Brindabella, who must then demonstrate to CASA that their planes have been serviced according to schedule before being allowed in the air again.
"(We want) to make sure that everything in terms of maintenance that should have been done to those aircraft over the past 12 months has been done," Mr Gibson said.
Brindabella Airlines operates out of several regional areas including Moree, Narrabri, Tamworth and Newcastle, CASA said.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) grounded four of Brindabella Airline's Jetstream aircraft in November and on Thursday ordered the company's remaining six planes pulled from service so they could be assessed.
Brindabella last month reported to CASA several planes had been "over run" for about a year, meaning they hadn't been checked or had parts replaced according to strict schedules set by manufacturers.
"That schedule of maintenance is designed to make sure that important maintenance is done at the right time, parts are replaced before they wear out and inspections are done on components and areas of the aircraft," CASA spokesman Peter Gibson told AAP.
Two of the aircraft initially taken for maintenance review have since been assessed by CASA and cleared to fly.
After the first series of inspections, CASA took a closer look at the fleet.
"That has led us to find there have been over runs in other maintenance requirements on other aircraft," Mr Gibson said.
A review of all maintenance during the past year will now be conducted by Brindabella, who must then demonstrate to CASA that their planes have been serviced according to schedule before being allowed in the air again.
"(We want) to make sure that everything in terms of maintenance that should have been done to those aircraft over the past 12 months has been done," Mr Gibson said.
Brindabella Airlines operates out of several regional areas including Moree, Narrabri, Tamworth and Newcastle, CASA said.
:
Brindabella issued a 'Show cause' notification
By Kelly Fuller
The service hasn't been acceptable, on the other side of it, there is probably not a lot of people lining up to come and fill the space.
The Nationals MP for Barwon, Kevin Humphries has revealed the NSW Government has issued a 'Show cause' notification for the troubled regional airline Brindabella.
For the last fortnight, delayed and cancelled flights have caused angst and anxiety for commuters in and out of Moree, Narrabri and Tamworth.
Commuters in Moree have created a facebook page to keep each other informed about changes to flights.
Mr Humphries said the airlines performance hasn't been acceptable.
"Clearly hasn't been good enough,
"Initially it did a good job, but it was clear two months ago they were over committing after taking on additional routes .... like the Tamworth to Brisbane .... and charter routes for mining companies into Narrabri."
He said the Department of Transport and the Minister has issued a 'Show Cause' notification to the airline.
" ... to explain why it should maintain its licenses and a second notification on a remediation program. This week the airlines task is the have the operation into Moree back to normal."
He said the contract could be revoked if the airline fails to meet the requirements of the 'Show Cause' notification, but he said the carrier could pull out with only a couple of weeks notice.
"I've probably been the most affected of anybody in terms of accessing regular service"
He also expressed disappointment in the tender process and a failure by the Department to consult further with the community before the contract was provided.
"The Minister is very well aware of my concerns over that process and I can guarantee it wouldn't happen again to me or anyone else"
Mr Humphries says initial due diligence was done on Brindabella's finances, but he is aware some of the airlines bills have not been paid in the region in relation to landing fees and fuel.
"This week is an operative point."
He said Nationals MLC, Rick Colless would be heading up a Regional Airline Inquiry.
You can listen to the Morning Shows interview with Kevin Humphires on SoundCloud.
By Kelly Fuller
The service hasn't been acceptable, on the other side of it, there is probably not a lot of people lining up to come and fill the space.
The Nationals MP for Barwon, Kevin Humphries has revealed the NSW Government has issued a 'Show cause' notification for the troubled regional airline Brindabella.
For the last fortnight, delayed and cancelled flights have caused angst and anxiety for commuters in and out of Moree, Narrabri and Tamworth.
Commuters in Moree have created a facebook page to keep each other informed about changes to flights.
Mr Humphries said the airlines performance hasn't been acceptable.
"Clearly hasn't been good enough,
"Initially it did a good job, but it was clear two months ago they were over committing after taking on additional routes .... like the Tamworth to Brisbane .... and charter routes for mining companies into Narrabri."
He said the Department of Transport and the Minister has issued a 'Show Cause' notification to the airline.
" ... to explain why it should maintain its licenses and a second notification on a remediation program. This week the airlines task is the have the operation into Moree back to normal."
He said the contract could be revoked if the airline fails to meet the requirements of the 'Show Cause' notification, but he said the carrier could pull out with only a couple of weeks notice.
"I've probably been the most affected of anybody in terms of accessing regular service"
He also expressed disappointment in the tender process and a failure by the Department to consult further with the community before the contract was provided.
"The Minister is very well aware of my concerns over that process and I can guarantee it wouldn't happen again to me or anyone else"
Mr Humphries says initial due diligence was done on Brindabella's finances, but he is aware some of the airlines bills have not been paid in the region in relation to landing fees and fuel.
"This week is an operative point."
He said Nationals MLC, Rick Colless would be heading up a Regional Airline Inquiry.
You can listen to the Morning Shows interview with Kevin Humphires on SoundCloud.
I know..I know they can still do charter but their gravy train had officially ended, so pretty much a wet lettuce approach from the 'Untouchables'!Addendum: From Ben - NSW regional Brindabella’s Jetstreams grounded by CASA
Last edited by Sarcs; 12th Dec 2013 at 19:48.
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Oh, what a tangled web.
This is where the shades of grey appear; if (IF) the BBA engineering process is anything like their operating practices, it's no wonder things are 'confused'. The severely CASA influenced SOP make a meal of the simplest routine procedures, the PIC almost needing permission in triplicate to turn on the bloody wipers. Although, I can't imagine Jeff Boyd allowing that to happen on the engineering side, far too much nouse.
So, once again CASA strike at Christmas; we should be able to sit back, secure in the knowledge that they have got it right. Maintenance which has been overlooked will be done and the aircraft will be returned to service fully fit. The tragedy is, can anyone any longer believe them ?, have they cried wolf too many times ? and set far to may precedents for reasonable doubt to be credible? Are the 'alleged' heinous crimes in fact minor errors parlayed into "safety concerns"?; or, is the CASA cause just and BBA have been naughty? If they have indeed been 'truly naughty', there is a case against the operational management, who do not live in a vacuum and must, by default be at least cognisant of the maintenance details and airworthiness status of the fleet they are responsible for operating.
The manner in which CASA handle this highly volatile situation demands close scrutiny.
Ben Sandilands at Crikey – Here – asking some of the tough love questions.
So, once again CASA strike at Christmas; we should be able to sit back, secure in the knowledge that they have got it right. Maintenance which has been overlooked will be done and the aircraft will be returned to service fully fit. The tragedy is, can anyone any longer believe them ?, have they cried wolf too many times ? and set far to may precedents for reasonable doubt to be credible? Are the 'alleged' heinous crimes in fact minor errors parlayed into "safety concerns"?; or, is the CASA cause just and BBA have been naughty? If they have indeed been 'truly naughty', there is a case against the operational management, who do not live in a vacuum and must, by default be at least cognisant of the maintenance details and airworthiness status of the fleet they are responsible for operating.
The manner in which CASA handle this highly volatile situation demands close scrutiny.
Ben Sandilands at Crikey – Here – asking some of the tough love questions.
Last edited by Kharon; 12th Dec 2013 at 20:11.
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If you speak to the Aeropelican boys & girls they will tell you the calibre of the Business Air Holdings team that were running Aeropelican from 2009 onwards.
THis is the team that negotiated the buy-out of Brindabella and the subsequent merger.
This is the team that scheduled 5 aeroplanes worth of flying when the fleet only totalled 5 aeroplanes.
THis is the team that sprung complex operational changes - such as the Aeropelican Brisbane base - on the Operations team with 6 weeks notice because they didn't trust the operations team with commercial-in-confidence information. The operations team read about it over their cornflakes in the morning and spent the next 6 weeks busting their balls because the Commercial team had already loaded the fares in the system and advertised the route.
There have been more than 30 flights cancelled to/from Narrabri since April and Moree and all the other ports are similar.
The management never engage with the staff and treat them with contempt; At the moment they will not give pilots or the Union any information and will not even answer or return phone calls.
Jeff Boyd sold hi share out many months ago, I am told - he could see this coming.
The CASA-haters here will bleat on about how it all happened just before Xmas etc etc etc but this was always going to happen -the writing was on the wall 3 years ago.
THis is the team that negotiated the buy-out of Brindabella and the subsequent merger.
This is the team that scheduled 5 aeroplanes worth of flying when the fleet only totalled 5 aeroplanes.
THis is the team that sprung complex operational changes - such as the Aeropelican Brisbane base - on the Operations team with 6 weeks notice because they didn't trust the operations team with commercial-in-confidence information. The operations team read about it over their cornflakes in the morning and spent the next 6 weeks busting their balls because the Commercial team had already loaded the fares in the system and advertised the route.
There have been more than 30 flights cancelled to/from Narrabri since April and Moree and all the other ports are similar.
The management never engage with the staff and treat them with contempt; At the moment they will not give pilots or the Union any information and will not even answer or return phone calls.
Jeff Boyd sold hi share out many months ago, I am told - he could see this coming.
The CASA-haters here will bleat on about how it all happened just before Xmas etc etc etc but this was always going to happen -the writing was on the wall 3 years ago.
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Brindabella Airlines have been instructed by CASA to carry out a maintenance review on 6 out of the airlines 10 aircraft. This work will undoubtedly result in some disruption within our network. Brindabella look forward to restoring scheduled services very shortly and apologise to any of its loyal customers who may have been affected.
Further updates will made on the news page of the Brindabella Airlines website during the course of today.
Flights scheduled to operate today and during the course of this weekend have not been affected.
Further updates will made on the news page of the Brindabella Airlines website during the course of today.
Flights scheduled to operate today and during the course of this weekend have not been affected.
Flights scheduled to operate today and during the course of this weekend have not been affected.
How close to the wind is the company sailing financially? This has to be hurting.
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There you go Tidy Bin, viable information – as requested. I acknowledge the brick bats – but if you don't ask the question, how will you ever get the answer. Never had any doubts about the integrity of operations, crew or Jeff Boyd, just the rest of it; why the sudden urge to come clean?.
Mea culpa etc. Hope it all pans out for the best.
CASA Haters, Brindabella started and set the time on this one, they approached CASA leading up to Xmas.
There's four Brindy aircraft operating today.
VH-TAG ? FlightAware
VH-OTD ? FlightAware
VH-XNE ? FlightAware
VH-XNF ? FlightAware
VH-TAG ? FlightAware
VH-OTD ? FlightAware
VH-XNE ? FlightAware
VH-XNF ? FlightAware
Very sad. Assume the current difficulties at the owner's other ops at bmi regional in the UK won't have helped - certainly won't be much spare cash to invest, and no doubt even less time to devote to these issues.
ABC Local Radio - interviews am 13/12/13
Couple of interviews recorded on MP3 for those interested in downloading..
:
Peter Gibson from CASA
Nationals MP for Barwon, Kevin Humphries
:Peter Gibson from CASA
Nationals MP for Barwon, Kevin Humphries
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BMI Regional
Max Tow
I'm in the UK and have been working with BMI Regional and have also had dealings with Brindabella in the last 12 months. I'd be interested to know what you think the problems are at BMI regional as they are paying the bills and no-one else seems to be mentioning a problem there. Brindabella are definitely not paying their bills at the moment.
Cheers
I'm in the UK and have been working with BMI Regional and have also had dealings with Brindabella in the last 12 months. I'd be interested to know what you think the problems are at BMI regional as they are paying the bills and no-one else seems to be mentioning a problem there. Brindabella are definitely not paying their bills at the moment.
Cheers
Yep, its done.
XNE is in TMW sked for BNE now planned back to CBR, even on flight aware.
A sad day for all really, Brindys had the potential to be something great. I wonder how Jeff & Lara must feel watching the company they built up be driven into the ground by the new owners.
XNE is in TMW sked for BNE now planned back to CBR, even on flight aware.
A sad day for all really, Brindys had the potential to be something great. I wonder how Jeff & Lara must feel watching the company they built up be driven into the ground by the new owners.
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If it is all over and Skytrans picks up the routes from BNE, hopefully they will take the Brindabella crews as well. Regarding NTL-SYD, I think REX will just increase their flights, if the demand is there.
Such a shame to see a company that Jeff and Lara had built from scratch end this way.
Such a shame to see a company that Jeff and Lara had built from scratch end this way.