Skydive fined
Skydive fined
Excerpt from the Cairns Post, 16th April
Two businessmen, Todd Gerrard and Colin Taylor, paid pilots of Skydive Cairns and Jump the Beach to under-record their hours to save money on aircraft maintenance. Both men pleaded guity to several counts of the charge. Airscare Pty Ltd, of which the pair were directors was finded $10,000. Taylor was fined $11,000 and Gerrard was fined $8,000.
Two businessmen, Todd Gerrard and Colin Taylor, paid pilots of Skydive Cairns and Jump the Beach to under-record their hours to save money on aircraft maintenance. Both men pleaded guity to several counts of the charge. Airscare Pty Ltd, of which the pair were directors was finded $10,000. Taylor was fined $11,000 and Gerrard was fined $8,000.
I don't want to be the best pilot in the world - Just the oldest
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Happens all over the place
One particular aircraft I flew had:
No tacho clocks installed
Airswitch clock U/S
No engine vdo clock installed
Owner wanted us to use some very conservative standard times for runs to height. From my own time sheets I calculated he was saving (cheating) about 10 to 15 % on his maintenance times.
One particular aircraft I flew had:
No tacho clocks installed
Airswitch clock U/S
No engine vdo clock installed
Owner wanted us to use some very conservative standard times for runs to height. From my own time sheets I calculated he was saving (cheating) about 10 to 15 % on his maintenance times.
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Hey IJ
I hope you submitted a CAIR about this. If not, why not do it now? There's a reason for scheduled maintenance, who knows, maybe by dobbing you'll save the arse of a fellow pilot? Skimpy operators should get what they deserve.
I hope you submitted a CAIR about this. If not, why not do it now? There's a reason for scheduled maintenance, who knows, maybe by dobbing you'll save the arse of a fellow pilot? Skimpy operators should get what they deserve.
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Their lawyer said in their defence that they had never had a fatality and that their record was well above that expected in skydiving. Who was keeping the records? If there were incidents, did these clowns file reports? There are plenty of drink drivers out there who have perfect driving records too.. they just have lots of close calls they dont like to talk about.
These guys deserved a custodial sentence. So many new pilots have to put up with gutless losers like these who coerce people to break laws and risk their lives and reputations so they can live the lifestyle and say they own an 'airline'. These guys couldnt run a cab without fiddling the meter. The Cairns chamber of Commerce should put them on a watch list to keep them out of the tourist industry up here.
These guys deserved a custodial sentence. So many new pilots have to put up with gutless losers like these who coerce people to break laws and risk their lives and reputations so they can live the lifestyle and say they own an 'airline'. These guys couldnt run a cab without fiddling the meter. The Cairns chamber of Commerce should put them on a watch list to keep them out of the tourist industry up here.
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It is BOZO's like these two clowns that make GA look so bad to the public. I certainly wouldn't push them out of the way of a speeding bus if they were about to be run over them.
These types make me want to scream.
These types make me want to scream.
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It's about time people like this got what they deserve.
These pilots working in this industry are up there risking their lives every day to work for shonky companies and get nothing for it. They aren't being treated right, they get crap pay and crap hours and at the end of the day are lucky to still be alive due to the lack of aircraft maintainance... how hard is it to get the planes checked out when needed. What will it take to make you realise that these young guys .. and girls ARE risking everything for a few hours here and a few hours there.... enough pilots have lost their lives already........ we DONT need to lose anymore.
To all those working in places like this - get out before its too late.
These pilots working in this industry are up there risking their lives every day to work for shonky companies and get nothing for it. They aren't being treated right, they get crap pay and crap hours and at the end of the day are lucky to still be alive due to the lack of aircraft maintainance... how hard is it to get the planes checked out when needed. What will it take to make you realise that these young guys .. and girls ARE risking everything for a few hours here and a few hours there.... enough pilots have lost their lives already........ we DONT need to lose anymore.
To all those working in places like this - get out before its too late.
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outraged!!!!
I agree with all that has been stated on this post, but be aware of the dates in which this stupid act took place, 1998 - late 2000. I know for a fact the maintenance is up to scratch now! However as is the case, now, before, and probably for ever after, they are treating their pilots as dirt.
Taylor onced quoted " The most important qualification for a pilot for this company is to be able to grap both ankles with both hands."
For those guys and girls flying with this mob be safe, and don't do anything stupid!!
Take care, and fly safe.
2C1SD
Taylor onced quoted " The most important qualification for a pilot for this company is to be able to grap both ankles with both hands."
For those guys and girls flying with this mob be safe, and don't do anything stupid!!
Take care, and fly safe.
2C1SD
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Islander: I dont believe there is any requirement to have an airswitch or engine tacho installed...a pilots watch can suffice; honesty being assumed (please correct me if wrong).
The problem also lies within CASA regs (shoot, once again!) by letting PJE ops be "private" ops due to the fact that customers (ie passengers) sign a waiver form the APF produces, accepting that jumping out of an aeroplane is dangerous, and should be done so at theier own risk. BUT does that waiver also include the RIDE in the plane?? My lawyer thinks not...the skydive only STARTS when leaving the airframe.
So the reason PJE operators get shonky to make more of a buck is that no one (read CASA) is really on their backs ensuring compliance (maybe a few times like CAIRNS once in a while).
I heard an operator tell his pilots to over-run 100 hour limits by 10 percent....or to take the over run it off the next M/R (!!!) (like it would happen) no charter company can do that, why could they???? Of course, the young, inexperienced hour-thirsty pilot complied. ATSB knew about it...and as far as I know have done nothing...
Im glad they got done in cairns after the stories heard...tip of an iceberg???
The problem also lies within CASA regs (shoot, once again!) by letting PJE ops be "private" ops due to the fact that customers (ie passengers) sign a waiver form the APF produces, accepting that jumping out of an aeroplane is dangerous, and should be done so at theier own risk. BUT does that waiver also include the RIDE in the plane?? My lawyer thinks not...the skydive only STARTS when leaving the airframe.
So the reason PJE operators get shonky to make more of a buck is that no one (read CASA) is really on their backs ensuring compliance (maybe a few times like CAIRNS once in a while).
I heard an operator tell his pilots to over-run 100 hour limits by 10 percent....or to take the over run it off the next M/R (!!!) (like it would happen) no charter company can do that, why could they???? Of course, the young, inexperienced hour-thirsty pilot complied. ATSB knew about it...and as far as I know have done nothing...
Im glad they got done in cairns after the stories heard...tip of an iceberg???
Last edited by enaires; 17th Apr 2002 at 09:44.
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enaires,
agreed, there is certainly no requirement under CAOs for any of the time recording devices I mentioned earlier. In my experience though I have always found at least one of the three installed and serviceable.
The problem with the old watch on the wrist method is that it too easily leads to the shonky practices referred to in this thread.
When the A/S was working I used to upset the owner by putting the 100hourly time in the periodical due box on the MR
We have had many a vigorous debate previously regarding PJE ops and their current classification. It will not be before there is a burning wreck at the end of a runway with 5 or more skydivers on board that things are likely to change.
agreed, there is certainly no requirement under CAOs for any of the time recording devices I mentioned earlier. In my experience though I have always found at least one of the three installed and serviceable.
The problem with the old watch on the wrist method is that it too easily leads to the shonky practices referred to in this thread.
When the A/S was working I used to upset the owner by putting the 100hourly time in the periodical due box on the MR
We have had many a vigorous debate previously regarding PJE ops and their current classification. It will not be before there is a burning wreck at the end of a runway with 5 or more skydivers on board that things are likely to change.
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Gravox
Help an old bloke mate what does..
mean?
Help an old bloke mate what does..
Taylor onced quoted " The most important qualification for a pilot for this company is to be able to grap both ankles with both hands."
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AOC's for PJE Op's??
Maybe this is a good case example for AOC's for PJE op's.
A number of the posts on this subject have used words like;
'Operator' & 'Paid Pilots' and comparisons to Charter companies.
For a long time I have thought that PJE operators should have an AOC and have CASA scrutiny.
There are some of the rich operators in the PJE scene!. Why, because they don't have to spend the same money on maint. and CASA compliance. They don't have to employ a Chief Pilot, training, etc. etc.
BTW, as PJE is Private and not even aerial work, the bare minimum maintenance is an annual not a 100 hourly. Go figure that one!.
Flygirl; As much as I agree with some of your comments, please do not compare these PJE operators with the rest of the 'Industry'.
These guys are NOT part of the professional GA industry and will not be until they have the same operational requirments as the rest of G.A.
enaires mentioned that his legal eagle's belief that the jump doesn't happen until they leave the aircraft. O.K., therefore, prior to that, they are a paying passenger on an aircraft and as a consequence the operation should be classified as a charter.
Parachuting is a growing Industry, esp. in the inbound tourism, adventure tourism market.
Isn't it in the best interests of this federal and all state governements to mandate AOC's for these operators and try and foster some professionalism.
Just imagine a Twin Otter, Caravan, C206 spearing in with a full load of German or Swedish tandems.
It will have the same effect on inbound tourism as a great White shark at the Gold Coast taking a Japanese tourist.
A number of the posts on this subject have used words like;
'Operator' & 'Paid Pilots' and comparisons to Charter companies.
For a long time I have thought that PJE operators should have an AOC and have CASA scrutiny.
There are some of the rich operators in the PJE scene!. Why, because they don't have to spend the same money on maint. and CASA compliance. They don't have to employ a Chief Pilot, training, etc. etc.
BTW, as PJE is Private and not even aerial work, the bare minimum maintenance is an annual not a 100 hourly. Go figure that one!.
Flygirl; As much as I agree with some of your comments, please do not compare these PJE operators with the rest of the 'Industry'.
These guys are NOT part of the professional GA industry and will not be until they have the same operational requirments as the rest of G.A.
enaires mentioned that his legal eagle's belief that the jump doesn't happen until they leave the aircraft. O.K., therefore, prior to that, they are a paying passenger on an aircraft and as a consequence the operation should be classified as a charter.
Parachuting is a growing Industry, esp. in the inbound tourism, adventure tourism market.
Isn't it in the best interests of this federal and all state governements to mandate AOC's for these operators and try and foster some professionalism.
Just imagine a Twin Otter, Caravan, C206 spearing in with a full load of German or Swedish tandems.
It will have the same effect on inbound tourism as a great White shark at the Gold Coast taking a Japanese tourist.
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Skydive fined
Islander Jock never said a truer word when he noted that 'until there is a major parachuting aircraft fatality' - and it will happen! just look to the Americans for a track record.
Then and only then will the Coroner make his finding that the 'Control of the Flying Operations part of ..... Commercial Parachuting Company was effectively uncontrolled... resulting in the needless deaths of ...... pilot and parachutists'
When that happens watch CASA and the APF start ducking for cover ..... and yet we, as commercial pilots know, it is only a matter of time, no if, before the said event takes place.
The APF has enough influence with CASA to not have the Sport (read Commercial) Parachute scene declared a commercial operation and thus requiring an AOC with a CP and Ops manual requirements.
CASA will say words to the effect that Sport (Commercial) Parachuting is a Sport and therefore is not required to be regulated. How ever could CASA make a statement like that given the bulk monies that change hands at a Drop Zone. But just watch - they will! And CASA has been told repeatedly.
Then and only then will the Coroner make his finding that the 'Control of the Flying Operations part of ..... Commercial Parachuting Company was effectively uncontrolled... resulting in the needless deaths of ...... pilot and parachutists'
When that happens watch CASA and the APF start ducking for cover ..... and yet we, as commercial pilots know, it is only a matter of time, no if, before the said event takes place.
The APF has enough influence with CASA to not have the Sport (read Commercial) Parachute scene declared a commercial operation and thus requiring an AOC with a CP and Ops manual requirements.
CASA will say words to the effect that Sport (Commercial) Parachuting is a Sport and therefore is not required to be regulated. How ever could CASA make a statement like that given the bulk monies that change hands at a Drop Zone. But just watch - they will! And CASA has been told repeatedly.
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I support all the previous posts regarding this matter, and whole heartedly support the penalty applied to the said operators.
In reply, and hopefully not perceived as posting as an operators flunky, I ask what has happened to the payee.
The payee being that one that coped the money, reduced the hours on the M.R. and let his mate fly an aircraft that was out of time.
A bit like the maxim ....If you don't have receivers of stolen goods you would have a lot less thieves..... This case ranks of that, I feel. (Of course with the exception of the gutsy one that whistle blew, good on you mate, should be more like you)
Food for thought...?
In reply, and hopefully not perceived as posting as an operators flunky, I ask what has happened to the payee.
The payee being that one that coped the money, reduced the hours on the M.R. and let his mate fly an aircraft that was out of time.
A bit like the maxim ....If you don't have receivers of stolen goods you would have a lot less thieves..... This case ranks of that, I feel. (Of course with the exception of the gutsy one that whistle blew, good on you mate, should be more like you)
Food for thought...?
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Skydive Cairns/JTB had their Navajos grounded for 7 months while log books were checked against maintenance releases, and hours were added to the aircraft. Taylor couldn't afford to pay for the huge maintenance bill for months. How can anyone be so stupid as to think they are saving money by not maintaining a high performance twin flying at maximum engine strain in the tropics, often with pilots with only 500hrs total time. If CASA didn't catch them out, then one of the planes would have gone done eventually.
Taylor transferred all his assets to a new company months ago because he knew he would be fined. Maybe he should have read about the bankruptcy laws since the Alan Bond/ Skase fiascos.
The stupidest thing that I have seen in a long time was, just after JTBs Navajo was grounded for under-recording hours on the MR, another aircraft was crosshired from a "gentleman" from Sydney. This moron then instructed his pilots, who were flying his Navajo, to record all flights as 0.5hrs on the MR, even though the inexperienced pilots were flying 0.8hrs per sortie. The stupid pilots were recording on the JTB manifest the actual times of the flight but were signing off the MR with the bogus times. Funny when you looked at it and saw only even numbers. So the pilots that he supplied on the contract with Col Taylor were also not qualified to fly skydive operations (neither had 10hrs on type). One pilot had only 200hrs total time, private license(Ok for pje) but his medical was revoked and not valid. This "pilot", also known as figjam, shot bullet holes in his bedroom walls, and rode around town with his high-powered rifle on the back of his stolen motorbike with a skin full of Tequila.
Pilot number two, known as Umpalumpa, flew a load of UK rugby players on a skydive. Problem was, rugby players tend to be large blokes, and he thought he could take 5 of them on a skydive with 5 tandem masters also attached. 10 big blokes, 5 X 20kg parachutes, and one dumpy pilot in a Navajo with 2 loads of fuel on board. It got off the ground, but Umpa forgot to take out the co-pilot seat, which one of the tandem master was sitting on (with the seat folded forward). As the tandem master got up at 10,000ft, the seat back lifted up and locked the control column forward. Instant NASA training flight. 3,000ft later on the "descent" the control came free, but now the column was locked back, and 10 big guys came crashing back down to the tune of a stall warning. Well, good old Umpa survived that flight, but he needed a clean pair of shorts.
Taylor transferred all his assets to a new company months ago because he knew he would be fined. Maybe he should have read about the bankruptcy laws since the Alan Bond/ Skase fiascos.
The stupidest thing that I have seen in a long time was, just after JTBs Navajo was grounded for under-recording hours on the MR, another aircraft was crosshired from a "gentleman" from Sydney. This moron then instructed his pilots, who were flying his Navajo, to record all flights as 0.5hrs on the MR, even though the inexperienced pilots were flying 0.8hrs per sortie. The stupid pilots were recording on the JTB manifest the actual times of the flight but were signing off the MR with the bogus times. Funny when you looked at it and saw only even numbers. So the pilots that he supplied on the contract with Col Taylor were also not qualified to fly skydive operations (neither had 10hrs on type). One pilot had only 200hrs total time, private license(Ok for pje) but his medical was revoked and not valid. This "pilot", also known as figjam, shot bullet holes in his bedroom walls, and rode around town with his high-powered rifle on the back of his stolen motorbike with a skin full of Tequila.
Pilot number two, known as Umpalumpa, flew a load of UK rugby players on a skydive. Problem was, rugby players tend to be large blokes, and he thought he could take 5 of them on a skydive with 5 tandem masters also attached. 10 big blokes, 5 X 20kg parachutes, and one dumpy pilot in a Navajo with 2 loads of fuel on board. It got off the ground, but Umpa forgot to take out the co-pilot seat, which one of the tandem master was sitting on (with the seat folded forward). As the tandem master got up at 10,000ft, the seat back lifted up and locked the control column forward. Instant NASA training flight. 3,000ft later on the "descent" the control came free, but now the column was locked back, and 10 big guys came crashing back down to the tune of a stall warning. Well, good old Umpa survived that flight, but he needed a clean pair of shorts.