Problems at Brindabella?
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Belmont NSW
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Isn't it ironic that Korda Mentha get a second bite of the cherry with Aeroduck.
So sad indeed, all the good honest crew and guys at the duck slogged their guts
out to get it back up and running after the Ansett collapse.
You must be all gutted tonight.
Have a beer and be proud of what you all achieved.
So sad indeed, all the good honest crew and guys at the duck slogged their guts
out to get it back up and running after the Ansett collapse.
You must be all gutted tonight.
Have a beer and be proud of what you all achieved.
Join Date: Aug 2002
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Brindy now officially in receivership
Announced today. This Canberra Times link gives a summary:
Brindabella Airlines put into receivership - flights suspended
The receiver is calling for expressions of interest to purchase the airline.
Staff will be advised of their fate on Monday.
Brindabella Airlines put into receivership - flights suspended
The receiver is calling for expressions of interest to purchase the airline.
Staff will be advised of their fate on Monday.
Last edited by Raider1; 15th Dec 2013 at 09:30.
CASA.... Something to answer for? I doubt it very much. This was the result of a long chain of events that was set in motion in 2010 when Aeropelican was restructured with a new puppeteer and a whole new ensemble of marionettes were parachuted into the non-flying upper management roles.
They retained a couple of high calibre C+T staff and a good core of experienced crews but the rot began to creep in with perceived secrecy and a number of people elevated well beyond their competence level who actively cultivated a "them and us" attitude as it was to their liking and purpose. Had a bad feeling about the way it was being run right from the beginning after the great pineappling of 2010…
BAH then bought into Brindabella and transplanted said marionettes. Continual speculation after we were told of the merged workforce as to what the future might hold for the stable Newcastle employee group was never adequately addressed apart from "trust us, she'll be right..." The drop in pay (and a big question mark over the bond) to fly a larger type was, for some (including myself) unpalatable.
Jeff, I think history will show he was firmly pushed by a non-sympathetic business "partnership"...
Rubbish. The Metro SOPs (I never flew the J41) were stringent and a little complex when I started with them, but were soon whittled down to where they needed to be. Like you Kharon I have also operated metros for other operators and the Brindy SOPs were in no way greatly differing to any other operator and IMHO were actually quite a step above some, especially as many of the F/Os that joined on the metro were flying their first pressurised multi turbine "multi crew" SOPs with that company. The way the FCOM suite was put together made it less of a saga to get a highly polished performance out of a relative new hire as long as they read the book....
The Brindy CP was always there and available if anyone had an issue that needed his input and is one person in this industry I am grateful I have worked for, along with Jeff, Lara and most of the old Brindys crews and at the good folk at the Duck: Paul, Em, Brian, Waz etc etc.
Raider, staff have been told to return all company owned gear already. Meetings with recievers today.
They retained a couple of high calibre C+T staff and a good core of experienced crews but the rot began to creep in with perceived secrecy and a number of people elevated well beyond their competence level who actively cultivated a "them and us" attitude as it was to their liking and purpose. Had a bad feeling about the way it was being run right from the beginning after the great pineappling of 2010…
BAH then bought into Brindabella and transplanted said marionettes. Continual speculation after we were told of the merged workforce as to what the future might hold for the stable Newcastle employee group was never adequately addressed apart from "trust us, she'll be right..." The drop in pay (and a big question mark over the bond) to fly a larger type was, for some (including myself) unpalatable.
Jeff, I think history will show he was firmly pushed by a non-sympathetic business "partnership"...
... 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...
The Brindy CP was always there and available if anyone had an issue that needed his input and is one person in this industry I am grateful I have worked for, along with Jeff, Lara and most of the old Brindys crews and at the good folk at the Duck: Paul, Em, Brian, Waz etc etc.
Raider, staff have been told to return all company owned gear already. Meetings with recievers today.
Join Date: Oct 2010
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Ho hum – (stifle yawn).
ON – "Rubbish. The Metro SOPs (I never flew the J41) were stringent and a little complex when I started with them, but were soon whittled down to where they needed to be".
ON –"Like you Kharon I have also operated metros for other operators and the Brindy SOPs were in no way greatly differing to any other operator and IMHO were actually quite a step above some," etc.
We don't know when the maintenance issues were first noted.
We don't know what the maintenance issues were.
We don't know who was notified of what, when or by whom.
Were these issues an AD or series of AD which went through to the keeper?, were they different multiple issues related to individual airframes? We may never know, and I dare say irrelevant now.
Many times been present when 'management' was notified a (singular) error had been discovered; the aircraft grounded until maintenance was complete, aircraft returned to service. I have even been there when the CASA Airworthiness boys were informed of the error (singular) and provided the 'fix' and root cause had been correctly identified and the system modified to prevent a possible reoccurrence, there never was any insurmountable problems raised from the CASA end. In fact they were a positive element on all those occasions, as helpful, sensible and practical as one could expect of a 'good' regulator.
At face value, this appears to have been a somewhat larger problem, i.e. chronic, across a fleet and all that entails. At the moment it is only one curiosity that that CASA appears to have allowed an extended 'period of grace'; but without facts, who dare comment. All too easy to say 'protected species', or 'management stuff up', but once again without facts it's pure speculative bollocks.
So, how about some data, rather than management (or CASA bashing) to work with. Who knows, perhaps there may be something learned from the history of this past event.
No hope – right. – Yawn - exit discussion without looking back.
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I note that qlink have stated that they will step in and offer discounted fares to help out stranded pax as much as they can
I spose VB will as well. I mean, they reckon they want to be the airline that people turn to in times of need......waiting for the announcement .. Waiting..
I spose VB will as well. I mean, they reckon they want to be the airline that people turn to in times of need......waiting for the announcement .. Waiting..
Join Date: May 2011
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QF discounted fares ?
these would have to be higher than Brindabella were selling or why bother.
QF are in enough trouble without wasting more funds.
Small operators with much lower costs would probably be the only ones who could do some of the very thin Brindabella routes or could Rex do some at a profit ?
With mining contracts disappearing could Corporate Air (Saab 340's etc.) or even Alliance with some of their F50 be interested ?
QF are in enough trouble without wasting more funds.
Small operators with much lower costs would probably be the only ones who could do some of the very thin Brindabella routes or could Rex do some at a profit ?
With mining contracts disappearing could Corporate Air (Saab 340's etc.) or even Alliance with some of their F50 be interested ?
I've had little to do with Brindabella, so have nothing to add, but Im curious about the Aeropelican side of things.
Why did Aeropelican give up Belmont and change types, before going to Brindy? I know there was a change of ownership, but I was lead to believe that the operations were profitable in the Twotter/Bandit/Belmont days.
Why did Aeropelican give up Belmont and change types, before going to Brindy? I know there was a change of ownership, but I was lead to believe that the operations were profitable in the Twotter/Bandit/Belmont days.
Join Date: Dec 2007
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Concerning Ducks old home.
Runway Length, sailing masts at the end of the runway in the channel,
New aircraft types and runway length
New regulations for Security of airfields,
Money, Money and more money.
Unfortunately any potential buyer of Aeropelican had more interest in the land value of the airport and redevelopment potential
It was a great operation and the Airport certainly reminded you of the 'good old days', some would say the 'classic' days of aviation.
Runway Length, sailing masts at the end of the runway in the channel,
New aircraft types and runway length
New regulations for Security of airfields,
Money, Money and more money.
Unfortunately any potential buyer of Aeropelican had more interest in the land value of the airport and redevelopment potential
It was a great operation and the Airport certainly reminded you of the 'good old days', some would say the 'classic' days of aviation.
Small operators with much lower costs would probably be the only ones who could do some of the very thin Brindabella routes or could Rex do some at a profit ?
It will be a big ask for someone to pick up the crumbs and make a profitable business out of this in my opinion. The pax numbers on most of the Brindabella routes are indeed very low which means high fares which means fewer pax!!!!
Join Date: Dec 2013
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One can only feel for the staff, and at Xmas time. Here in Newcastle, its a popular little airline, with great people working for it, and will be sadly missed at Willy. Hopefully for not long.
MMSM: Rex Chief comment on demise of Brindabella
SC from the Australian:
So maybe follow the Lib/Nat government's lead and blame it all on the former Labor government..??
The National Library of Australia pays tribute to Brindabella:
Farewell Brindabella Air, "a successful regional airline" as reported in Australian Aviation 2005.
Rex chief Lim Kim Hai warns more regional airlines at risk
AUSTRALIA's biggest independent regional carrier has warned of more regional airline failures in an industry in dire straits after six years of "neglect and oppressive policies'' under Labor.
Regional Express executive chairman Lim Kim Hai said the failure of Canberra-based Brindabella Airlines demonstrated the toxicity of an aviation climate that had put regional aviation in danger of irreversible terminal decline.
He called on Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss to deliver the election promises in his aviation action plan, including the reversal of "disastrous policies'' such as carbon tax, reducing compliance costs and reintroduction of the en-route rebate scheme.
"If nothing significant is achieved within the next three months, Brindabella's collapse could well be a precursor of more to come in the regional sector,'' he said. "It would be ironic if the decimation and collapse of regional aviation in Australia took place under the Nationals' watch.''
Travel plans for Brindabella Airlines customers across regional NSW have been thrown into chaos after the airline was placed into receivership and its flights suspended indefinitely yesterday.
The fate of 140 workers at the Canberra-based regional carrier is also uncertain as administrators KordaMentha seek expressions of interest for the troubled airline over the holidays.
The move comes after the aviation safety regulator grounded another six of the airline's turboprop fleet last week for failing to carry out required safety inspections on engines.
The airline operated up to 250 flights using 10 planes to destinations that included Brisbane, Canberra, Cobar, Coffs Harbour, Moree, Mudgee, Newcastle and Sydney.
Brindabella's bad performance in recent months raised the ire of the communities it served and prompted Qantas to suspend its codeshare arrangement last month after four aircraft were grounded because of engine inspection overruns.
Two of those planes were allowed back in the air but last week's decision to ground a further six meant eight of the airline's planes were out of action.
Receiver David Winterbottom said the airline would no longer be accepting bookings and all further flights were cancelled indefinitely while the receivers sought expressions of interest from potential buyers.
Qantas and Virgin Australia have both introduced special relief fares for Brindabella customers and Mr Winterbottom said Qantas had started providing additional services on some Brindabella routes.
Mr Lim said Rex was drawing up plans to provide emergency services to some communities no longer serviced by Brindabella " if and when" Transport NSW removed licensing restrictions. It was also providing its cheapest fares to Brindabella customers.
"Rex will also do its best to alleviate the difficulties and uncertainties of Brindabella staff affected during this festive period,'' he said. "Already we are being inundated by job applications and we will be doing our utmost to confirm job opportunities for interested applicants before Christmas."
AUSTRALIA's biggest independent regional carrier has warned of more regional airline failures in an industry in dire straits after six years of "neglect and oppressive policies'' under Labor.
Regional Express executive chairman Lim Kim Hai said the failure of Canberra-based Brindabella Airlines demonstrated the toxicity of an aviation climate that had put regional aviation in danger of irreversible terminal decline.
He called on Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss to deliver the election promises in his aviation action plan, including the reversal of "disastrous policies'' such as carbon tax, reducing compliance costs and reintroduction of the en-route rebate scheme.
"If nothing significant is achieved within the next three months, Brindabella's collapse could well be a precursor of more to come in the regional sector,'' he said. "It would be ironic if the decimation and collapse of regional aviation in Australia took place under the Nationals' watch.''
Travel plans for Brindabella Airlines customers across regional NSW have been thrown into chaos after the airline was placed into receivership and its flights suspended indefinitely yesterday.
The fate of 140 workers at the Canberra-based regional carrier is also uncertain as administrators KordaMentha seek expressions of interest for the troubled airline over the holidays.
The move comes after the aviation safety regulator grounded another six of the airline's turboprop fleet last week for failing to carry out required safety inspections on engines.
The airline operated up to 250 flights using 10 planes to destinations that included Brisbane, Canberra, Cobar, Coffs Harbour, Moree, Mudgee, Newcastle and Sydney.
Brindabella's bad performance in recent months raised the ire of the communities it served and prompted Qantas to suspend its codeshare arrangement last month after four aircraft were grounded because of engine inspection overruns.
Two of those planes were allowed back in the air but last week's decision to ground a further six meant eight of the airline's planes were out of action.
Receiver David Winterbottom said the airline would no longer be accepting bookings and all further flights were cancelled indefinitely while the receivers sought expressions of interest from potential buyers.
Qantas and Virgin Australia have both introduced special relief fares for Brindabella customers and Mr Winterbottom said Qantas had started providing additional services on some Brindabella routes.
Mr Lim said Rex was drawing up plans to provide emergency services to some communities no longer serviced by Brindabella " if and when" Transport NSW removed licensing restrictions. It was also providing its cheapest fares to Brindabella customers.
"Rex will also do its best to alleviate the difficulties and uncertainties of Brindabella staff affected during this festive period,'' he said. "Already we are being inundated by job applications and we will be doing our utmost to confirm job opportunities for interested applicants before Christmas."
The National Library of Australia pays tribute to Brindabella:
Farewell Brindabella Air, "a successful regional airline" as reported in Australian Aviation 2005.
Ops Normal
The Metro SOPs (I never flew the J41) were stringent and a little complex when I started with them, but were soon whittled down to where they needed to be.
That is simply outrageous and the morons in CASA who approved it are as bad as the people who put it in the manuals.
...how about sending multi-crew pilots out in a C152 to regain night currency?
Both these companies were doing OK (not magically... but OK) before the foreign agents were inserted
short flights long nights
You can't remember 27 memory items, well I assume you can't. List them here.
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Brindabelle woes
Befor Aeropeelican took Brindaberlla I percieved Aeropelican as a regional airline offering a very professional, and on time regional airline. I was making money and they enolyed esxpeinced skiled pilots, Then I hear the horror of the two companies merging such that the Aeropelican name would be dropped and the Brindabella name be retained. Aeropelican had a reliable service for many year using twin otters from Blemont and then some greed buyer thought he would move Aeropelican out of Belmont to Wllimamtown airport. The culture at the duck was professional and happy whereas Brindabella never seemed upfront with the staff. I also think the new management were optimising on the LOWER load fractor required to make operations into a country port viable. Another cost was having to send crew to the US to train on the j41 (LARGE OVERHEAD).
Another cost was cadet pilots whose promosition was severely resgtrictec by their lack of flying experience. As for the maintenance well I don't know what happened there. In hindsight it is a pity the much more experienced
Aeropelican had been left alone and maintain its operating standarda and kept well away from Brinbdabella. I think if this had been the case then Aeropelican would still be operation. Maybe they could have snagged thel lucerative Canberra to Newscaste run (always furl and always paid for by government money. I fell really sorry for the ex Aeropelican staff as they had a sober culture before the merger. Wheras Brindabella assays seemed to run on few.
Another cost was cadet pilots whose promosition was severely resgtrictec by their lack of flying experience. As for the maintenance well I don't know what happened there. In hindsight it is a pity the much more experienced
Aeropelican had been left alone and maintain its operating standarda and kept well away from Brinbdabella. I think if this had been the case then Aeropelican would still be operation. Maybe they could have snagged thel lucerative Canberra to Newscaste run (always furl and always paid for by government money. I fell really sorry for the ex Aeropelican staff as they had a sober culture before the merger. Wheras Brindabella assays seemed to run on few.
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It is true Skytrans are heading to northern or central NSW in the coming days to announce they'll be taking over some ex-BNE routes?
How can they announce that they are taking over the routes already? Do they have some kind of interim CAsA approval to add those ports onto their AOC forthwith without any sort of assessment? They may have pulled off that trick when Macair folded but surely with an audit just completed and 27 NCN's CAsA won't be too hasty in granting any approvals? Haven't they sold some of their aircraft and made crew redundant? Aren't pilots already churning out maximum hours creating crewing issues at the best of times? Can they fund the additional start up costs? And would Skytrans be willing to agree to an OTP KPI penalty system with the NSW government to ensure some OTP consistency rather than the current shambles?