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Smoother skies for Nauru Airlines

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Smoother skies for Nauru Airlines

Old 17th Sep 2019, 04:30
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Originally Posted by foam
Burleigh - I thought this sounded a bit strange, so I went and had a look.

Pohnpei Surf Club state that from late September, Nauru Airlines will NO LONGER be flying to Pohnpei, so all the load from Australia will go to Air Niugini, with its smaller aircraft...

United will still be servicing it as well.
Thanks Foam, right you are. Apologies for the duff gen (just as well this is a rumour forum).

With luck my folly should be a timely reminder of double checking, and the importance of a second coffee.

Cheers

BE
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Old 17th Sep 2019, 10:15
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Haven't seen any announcements from the airline.

Just had a look at their booking website, was able to determine there was the ability to book a flight from Tarawa to Pohnpei on 28th November (and each week prior to that from Sept. end)

Has the Surf Club got it wrong?
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Old 17th Sep 2019, 10:47
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You should see us..................now

Tsk tsk tsk. Captain Ansett always seems to leave a trail of destruction behind him wherever he goes - QF, Ansett, Toll Aviation, Jetstar, Air Nauru, FMI Myanmar and a plethora of other little oddbobs and tidbit organisations. Root cause analysis - always Trevor.

Where to next for the 707 pilot? Won’t be QF while Alan is there. Maybe VA - they have a history of hiring complete idiots within the management ranks, so I’m sure they could find a slot for him. Or perhaps another tinpot outfit, perhaps in Alaska, Siberia or Iceland?

Farewell Angry Man. Don’t bang the door on the way out.
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Old 18th Sep 2019, 02:45
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What next?

Originally Posted by Paragraph377
Tsk tsk tsk. Captain Ansett always seems to leave a trail of destruction behind him wherever he goes - QF, Ansett, Toll Aviation, Jetstar, Air Nauru, FMI Myanmar and a plethora of other little oddbobs and tidbit organisations. Root cause analysis - always Trevor.

Where to next for the 707 pilot? Won’t be QF while Alan is there. Maybe VA - they have a history of hiring complete idiots within the management ranks, so I’m sure they could find a slot for him. Or perhaps another tinpot outfit, perhaps in Alaska, Siberia or Iceland?

Farewell Angry Man. Don’t bang the door on the way out.
Perhaps he will be bidding for phone throwing to become an Olympic sport! Perhaps the Screaming Skull could get him a gig at CX as a training aid or CRM oracle? Can you imagine those two in the same cockpit, it would be like the famous scene out of “The High and the Mighty”!
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Old 18th Sep 2019, 03:25
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All the huff and puff on this site is interesting as too is the recent management letter telling us that we are going to be a “family airline” with not so many Board meeting.

But what about safety and in particular, the shortage of pilots and fatigue!!

On the 12 June 2015, Nauru Airlines had a very serious occurrence at Kosrae when the flight crew did not complete the approach checklist before commencing the NDB approach. As a result the barometric pressure setting on the altimeters was not set to the local QNH (1007 hPa). During the approach, at night and in IMC, the aircraft descended below MDA. Three EGPWS ‘too low terrain’ alerts were triggered but the crew did not respond to the first two EGPWS alerts and correct the flight profile further eroding terrain clearance. A go-around was performed prior to the aircraft reaching the missed approach point however, during the go-around the airspeed was allowed decayed further endangering the aircraft.

An ATSB contributing factor to this near disaster was the CAPTAIN’S FATIGUE. At that time, we had over 30 pilots.

In its report (AO-2015-066) the ATSB noted that, “This occurrence highlights the importance of flight crews declaring any instances of acute fatigue and stress-inducing circumstances that may have an impact on their flying performance.”

Today we have the same 5 aircraft and we are doing more flying - but with just 18 pilots.

That is correct, WE HAVE A CURRENT TOTAL PILOT STRENGHT IN NAURU AIRLINES OF 18, or, 1.8 crews per aircraft!!!

We operate in a hostile environment and are being rostered to FDT limits consistently, particularly on the Air Vanuatu services. We are all doing the right thing by helping the company out on days off, but like so many of my colleagues, I am feeling stressed; If we don’t work, we are being told services will have to be cancelled. We are carrying more MELs and we still cannot trust Ops Control to provide error free information.

I love my job, but I am fatigued.

CASA has just completed an audit and must be aware of this situation. And the problem is not limited to the pilots. Engineers and cabin crew are also complaining about shortages and fatigue. Do we have to have another Kosrae?

I AM DECLARING THAT NAURU AIRLINES:

· HAS NOT LEARNT ANY LESSONS FROM KOSRAE;

· HAS A SHORTAGE OF OPERATIONAL STAFF;

· IS APPLYING SUBLE PRESSURE ON PILOTS TO FLY ON DAYS OFF;

· HAS AN ACUTE FATIGUE PROBLEM IN THE COMPANY NOW.

IMHO, CASA, being aware of this problem, should immediately suspend the Nauru Airlines’ AOC until:

1. There are sufficient pilots to operate the flying program;

2. There are sufficient LAMEs/AMEs to service the fleet;

3. There are sufficient cabin crew to operate the flying program;

4. All fatigue issues are addressed and a FRMS is implemented not intimated; and

5. All Ops Control staff are qualified and assessed as competent.
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Old 18th Sep 2019, 05:09
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perhaps in Alaska, Siberia or Iceland?
Hmmm, cold places and I don't think anyone from the FORMER Burma who would MISS Yangon and long for the warmth of MYANMAR would enjoy going there.

Last edited by dodo whirlygig; 19th Sep 2019 at 23:03. Reason: re-worded
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Old 18th Sep 2019, 07:35
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You should see him........now!

Perhaps TJ can take up boxing, take on Jeff Horn? Good way to get rid of those angry pent up emotions. Otherwise, what about CASA for the big angry man? As Spike said, he would give the Screaming Skull a run for his money, and I don’t think he has done a stint with the Regulator yet. A lot of has-been pilots, ex B707 types see out there last few years in semi-retirement at the Regulator, so it’s a great concept.

‘Teejay, one of the worlds greatest airline pilots‘
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Old 18th Sep 2019, 07:38
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Originally Posted by Paragraph377
You should see him........now!

Perhaps TJ can take up boxing, take on Jeff Horn? Good way to get rid of those angry pent up emotions. Otherwise, what about CASA for the big angry man? As Spike said, he would give the Screaming Skull a run for his money, and I don’t think he has done a stint with the Regulator yet. A lot of has-been pilots, ex B707 types see out there last few years in semi-retirement at the Regulator, so it’s a great concept.

‘Teejay, one of the worlds greatest airline pilots‘
Just ask him!
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Old 18th Sep 2019, 11:01
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From the article in Post 17:

One City Beat spy said “eye watering” amounts had been squandered on legal action by the former chairman, much of it allegedly without approval from the rest of the board or the government.
Those “eye watering amounts” mentioned in the recent newspaper article are supposedly north of $30,000. Did the EX-chairman think he’d get away with allegedly spending company money on non-company legal efforts? Those Pprune posters must have really got under his nose but I guess he never imagined he’d run out of protection from certain individuals in the then Nauruan government. Does it make you wonder why he had that protection? I know there are many who do.
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Old 18th Sep 2019, 21:34
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Pacific Wings;

If your points are correct, they all stem from the management that has just been given the boot. I anticipate that the new management will soon put in place things that will mitigate some of the things you comment on - e.g. reducing the amount of flying by getting rid of the under-performing routes started by the previous Chairman and his buddies.

I see some flaws in your argument:-

1. There are sufficient pilots to operate the flying program;
Are flights being cancelled and, if they are, is it because of a shortage of crew? I’ve heard of one or two only, something that was exacerbated by illness. If they’re not being cancelled it stands to reason that there are sufficient to operate the planned flying.

2. There are sufficient LAMEs/AMEs to service the fleet;
So, how are aircraft getting signed out. That there allegedly aren't "sufficient LAMEs/AMEs to service the fleet would indicate the required work isn’t getting completed. Is that your suggestion? It's a serious allegation.

3. There are sufficient cabin crew to operate the flying program;
Isn’t it correct that the AirVan flying is done with local crew? That doesn’t leave all that much flying to be done by Nauruan crew?

4. All fatigue issues are addressed and a FRMS is implemented not intimated
Are pilots putting in fatigue reports (including you)? If not how can the company deal with any such issue? Also, if not, pilots mustn’t consider themselves fatigued. You have a reporting opportunity through the safety system as well as top-of-descent data collection which I understand is getting minimal response. That hardly indicates serious fatigue concern generally.There have already been changes made to the schedule to address some issues that were highlighted by the audit. Hasn’t that jelled with you as to why those changes took place? FRMS is a work in progress but until that arrives CAO48.0 Exemption is relevant – is that being broken?

You’ve conveniently omitted mentioning that there are 6 pilots currently doing their line training which will improve the pilot/aircraft ratio. I also understand more are in the pipeline and will commence soon.


5. All Ops Control staff are qualified and assessed as competent.
Are your alleged issues with the Ops Control people safety related? If so, have they been brought to attention with the company and CASA ?There is the availability of confidential reporting, you know.

As for flying on days off, that is up to the pilots to decide to accept or not if they are asked – don’t accept if you consider yourself fatigued and, if flights are cancelled, then so be it. Won't that highlight your allegations? You mention the recent CASA audit. That was done under the previous management and their practices and they would have uncovered your alleged shortcomings if they existed - CASA were well aware of concerns with the Jensen team and would have been thorough. The audit report would have mentioned any problems as NCNs and, if they did, the company would have to respond to CASA’s satisfaction. Nothing you have mentioned would have developed in the last little period but the new management has to deal with these circumstances as inherited from the ousted management.


"carrying more MELs"
Carrying an MEL is at pilot discretion (I thought you would have known that as an alleged pilot). If they're being accepted then what is there to complain about?



-













Last edited by witwiw; 21st Sep 2019 at 23:41. Reason: typo
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Old 18th Sep 2019, 22:14
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What have YOU done, Pacific Wings, to get the issues addressed?

You profess to ”love my job” and by implication your company but you are doing a very good job of undermining them by overtly airing your grievances. That’s hardly being loyal.

Your post smacks more more like something from someone with an axe to grind. Former management, perhaps?
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Old 18th Sep 2019, 22:27
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Zanzibar, you are right I will submit the matter to ATSB
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Old 18th Sep 2019, 23:52
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Originally Posted by Pacific Wings
At that time, we had over 30 pilots.

In its report (AO-2015-066) the ATSB noted that, “This occurrence highlights the importance of flight crews declaring any instances of acute fatigue and stress-inducing circumstances that may have an impact on their flying performance.”

Today we have the same 5 aircraft and we are doing more flying - but with just 18 pilots.

That is correct, WE HAVE A CURRENT TOTAL PILOT STRENGHT IN NAURU AIRLINES OF 18, or, 1.8 crews per aircraft!!!
Funny stuff... I just happen to have the full list right here in front of me - 16 Captains and 15 First Officers (including trainees). Even if you don't include the trainees, I have no idea where your 18 comes from! Fudging figures to suit your own agenda yet again?
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Old 19th Sep 2019, 21:35
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Zanzibar, you are right I will submit the matter to ATSB
Good, pundit, that you've decided to be proactive however, try to get it right and go to CASA - they are the regulatory authority and not the ATSB. As a pilot I thought you would have known that.

Don't you think the recent audit would have found out the things you raise or are you suggesting the audit was lacking?

Otherwise, it's interesting you don't reply to where your points have been challenged or questions asked about them.
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Old 20th Sep 2019, 02:01
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Paragraph 377. You left out Aer Lingus, Philippine Airlines and I think Jet Airways.
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Old 20th Sep 2019, 05:16
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Cue the Enya song.....


Thanks B772, in all of the excitement I forgot a few places where Captain Ansett worked. It’s quite difficult keeping up with such a sought after commodity such as Teejay and all of the places that have been graced by his presence. I have also been told that he possibly did do a stint at CASA but it was very very brief. That will have to remain a rumour for now as I can’t confirm it.

Now that he has had to ‘go his own way’ I’m not sure where he will end up next, but will it be in the airline industry - Absolutely!
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Old 20th Sep 2019, 20:48
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Originally Posted by Paragraph377

Thanks B772, in all of the excitement I forgot a few places where Captain Ansett worked. It’s quite difficult keeping up with such a sought after commodity such as Teejay and all of the places that have been graced by his presence. I have also been told that he possibly did do a stint at CASA but it was very very brief. That will have to remain a rumour for now as I can’t confirm it.
Don’t you mean CARZA??
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Old 20th Sep 2019, 23:50
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Originally Posted by cyclone8888
Don’t you mean CARZA??
My bad, almost forgot about that - CARZA. Silly pompous way to pronounce CASA. Brett Godfrey is another one who would say ‘CARZA’. Not sure why. Most aviation folk just call CASA ‘fu#kwits’. And I don’t recall Teejay calling Ansett ‘Arnsett’. Perhaps it’s just a speech impediment caused by tight underpants, hairplugs and high blood pressure?

Teejay....Absolutley
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Old 21st Sep 2019, 06:00
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And then there’s Aergo, teejay thought it was pronounced “ergo” �� It’s as in “Air-go” teejay, the owners and operators of that business should know.
Aergo was the charter broker sending work around $15m a year to the airline before teejay and the buffoons alienated them and lost work from them. The airline’s own attempts to chase charter work independently were completely unsuccessful. Nobody was surprised but, of course, teejay and his cronies knew best!!!

Last edited by down3gr33ns; 21st Sep 2019 at 06:11.
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Old 21st Sep 2019, 12:54
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Pacific Wings, are you sure you are being rostered to FTDL limits "particularly on the Air Vanuatu services"?

An opportunity to examine the schedule and relevant duty sheets showed the longest rostered duty is VLI-AKL-VLI-BNE on a Wednesday. Duty starts at 0050Z (11:50 local) and finishes at 1345Z (23:45 local) - just on 13 hours. That is rostered as a three-man crew and is preceded by the Tuesday being completely off after having arrived in VLI at 11:50am (local) on Monday following a single BNE-VLI sector. Hardly seems onerous to me.

The next longest rostered duty is VLI-NAN-VLI-BNE on a Friday. Duty total is less than ten hours (start at 0410Z and end at 1345Z) - a two-man crew for three sectors. Do you really find that arduous? Of course, delays sometimes happen to increase the rostered duty but that is part of aviation.

All other rostered duties on the NF flying are less in both time and sectors and although rest opportunities between successive duties have to be considered, they don't appear to be anywhere near minimum rest.

Your beef about the NF flying would gain some credibility if you gave some examples of where you "are being rostered to FTD limits consistently, particularly on the Air Vanuatu services" but, keep in mind if you do, there are some on here who will be able to verify or, more than likely, refute them.

As a matter of interest, the odd Brisbane-Nauru-Brisbane return is a longer duty (almost eleven hours and thirty minutes) but only two sectors - but how often do you do one of those? It's often only one way then get off.

The latest version of the schedule with all the changes is even kinder so it would appear the company is addressing matters slowly and your grievances evaporating. Good luck with the ATSB (or even CASA).

Finally, a check of the records shows that in June 2015 there were 22 pilots on the books, not "At that time, we had over 30 pilots." Of those 22, two were on alternating month-on/month-off rosters (reducing that 22 to effectively 21) and one pilot was casual. I challenge you to name the 30 plus pilots you claim were there, I can name the 22.

Like someone said - former employee with an axe to grind and not letting any facts get in the way of their agenda.



.
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