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Virgin ATR grounded in Albury

Old 9th May 2014, 12:31
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Then again maybe all of CAsA's limited supply of inspectors are off sick, on annual leave, filing paperwork and drinking coffee so they have asked VARA to slow up?
Here is several pages relating to serious damage of a high capacity aircraft, that involves an ATR operator in its infancy trying to expand its fleet and you make that remark?

Don't you think the above posts may actually absolve CASA of that decision?
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Old 9th May 2014, 12:43
  #82 (permalink)  
 
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Instead of throwing mud at CASA as the big scapegoat, I suggest the operator (WA); their recruitment (the whole process); training and safety/support mechanisms need a good hard look at ,in a room full of mirrors... because there is a very disturbing track record of multiple dodgy approaches and poor flight management (not avoiding turbulence/foul weather).

"That's what you get when you recruit kids to do a mans job"
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Old 9th May 2014, 22:59
  #83 (permalink)  
 
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Worth a revisit of the Senate Xenophon inquiry??

The May 2011 inquiry involves some of the issues you raise. Doubtless Kelpie would be interested in these ATR occurrences.

Here is some reading that may be useful.

Last edited by Up-into-the-air; 10th May 2014 at 01:31. Reason: Update on a link
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Old 10th May 2014, 01:19
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I hear that Virgin want to add more E190s to their fleet, ATR replacements?
Close but no cigar...... think of another 100 seat dinosaur jet the company operates that is nearing the end of its life. Ask Alliance how long it too to do the last 24 year check.... and you answer will be clear.
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Old 10th May 2014, 12:34
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I hear that Virgin want to add more E190s to their fleet, ATR replacements?
Close but no cigar...... think of another 100 seat dinosaur jet the company operates that is nearing the end of its life. Ask Alliance how long it too to do the last 24 year check.... and you answer will be clear.

I can't see a new type in that operation for a while....
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Old 11th May 2014, 06:08
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The boss has said that VARA will eventually be an all ATR show, end of story.
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Old 11th May 2014, 06:37
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" very disturbing track record of multiple dodgy approaches and poor flight management (not avoiding turbulence/foul weather)."

Evidence Chocks away?

Also your comment:

"That's what you get when you recruit kids to do a man job."

Are you saying the age of VARA ATR pilots is too low?
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Old 14th May 2014, 09:41
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TB - IF VARA was to become an ALL ATR fleet, what would come of the FIFO and DIAC work? Unless VA is going to make another order for more E190 aircraft I think the F100 - atleast - will still be in the fleet until such time as a new aircraft is found.
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Old 14th May 2014, 09:50
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2 additional F100's due shortly for VARA
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Old 14th May 2014, 11:58
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Can anyone answer the following:

1/ How long I can be in the VARA hold file before I have to re-interview? I believe it's 2 years for Virgin Mainline but not sure about VARA, any thoughts?

2/ Any one able to shed some light on when things might get moving again on the recruitment/hiring front?

Thanks for any info.

Skiddy
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Old 14th May 2014, 21:59
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Can anyone answer the following:

1/ How long I can be in the VARA hold file before I have to re-interview? I believe it's 2 years for Virgin Mainline but not sure about VARA, any thoughts?

2/ Any one able to shed some light on when things might get moving again on the recruitment/hiring front?

Thanks for any info.

Skiddy
I thought this discussion was about an ATR with some scratch marks on it? Talk about thread drift.
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Old 14th May 2014, 22:41
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Well Skiddy how long is a peice of string! I'd be looking elsewhere as at the current rate nothing will be going on untill next year at least, as VARA as an excess of around 30 pilots on the ATR.
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Old 14th May 2014, 22:47
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Keep ya toys in the pram .....I didn't see the point creating an entirely new thread for two simple questions.

In fact , the thread has covered many topics, none more so than incidents regarding the ATRs has a whole. I can draw a direct correlation as can CASA between these incidents and the temporary suspension of their expansion and therefore a halt in recruiting.

If it's such a massive thread drift and that concerns you so much don't fuel it by responding .....

Skiddy
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Old 14th May 2014, 22:49
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G'day SHVC,

Just the kind of response I was looking for . Appreciate that. Got something else in the pipe line so you have made the waters a little less muddy .

Skiddy
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Old 15th May 2014, 05:41
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The F100 will be there as long as it is cost effective. They're fully depreciated and competing against similar aircraft in the Mining market. Rising maintenance costs and fuel burn will eventually catch up with them. When it does VARA will be a ATR operation, that was the primary reason Virgin Australia took them over.
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Old 15th May 2014, 13:46
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Not my understanding Baron,Mainline would like to dispose of F100/F50 to be replaced with E190/ATR,however,lease costs on some F100's make that uneconomic at present.For what it's worth.
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Old 15th May 2014, 14:46
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Pardon my thread drift...

Is there some time or cycle limit to the life of an F100? From an outsider's perspective they appear to be in the sweet spot for size and economics. Am I wrong about that?

Also: I had the occasion to pay retail for a couple of flights on E190s recently. Leaving aside the grotesque circumstance of a pilot paying retail for anything, I have to say that I was profoundly impressed with the cabin furnishings, the crew and the whole vibe of the thing. It is my new favourite aeroplane to pax in.
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Old 16th May 2014, 04:26
  #98 (permalink)  
 
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Skywest/Virgin Regional are taking delivery of another Fokker F100 so they must be cost effective.

They are nice to fly in 'pax' wise as long as they have had a refurb.
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Old 16th May 2014, 13:30
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I am told that the Fokker 100 has superb aerodynamics. far better than some of its competitor aircraft models.

if Fokker was resurrected to build the F100 with updated systems aboard they would sell like hotcakes.
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Old 16th May 2014, 16:24
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Fairchild Dornier was developing the 728 prior to insolvency in early 2000's. Could have been a competitor to the Embraer. Apparently both project teams had links to the failed Indonesian regional jet.

I don't think Fokker will ever design and build a new or updated aircraft again. Fokker Elmo appears to be one company that rose from the ashes.

Regional jets are a good way to make a small fortune (from a large one )
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