Follow up to accident at Moorabbin
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Join Date: May 2001
Location: Vic Australia
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Follow up to accident at Moorabbin
Hi Guys. I’m posting for the first (and only) time under my real name.
I’m Phil McConnell. And I’m General Manager Aviation at Moorabbin Airport.
You can call me any day on 03 9587 3666 or email me on [email protected]
My post concerns OzBiggles eulogy for Holly Smith but first I’d like to say a couple of things.
I regularly look at Pprune as it is one of several tools to help me get a feel for the current Oz aviation scene. As all of you know, the posts can vary from the good to the downright disgraceful.
In the case of your comments (that is, all of you on Pprune) on this dreadful accident at MB I must say that, in the main, your postings have been very sensitive and understanding of the situation. And that makes a change. A change for the good.
OzBiggles Eulogy really tore at my heart strings. I was not close to the GFS Qantas students but in the past couple of days I’ve come to know them better . The sentiments expressed in his eulogy were spot on. Our webmaster has emailed him to ask permission for us to use this wonderful statement on our website and hopefully this will be forthcoming.
The accident investigation and the Coroners inquest will take many months to complete and its not my place to comment on the facts, causes or circumstances of the accident. For us, as an airport, I can only say that we WILL find a way to remember her. I can’t yet say what that way will be because I don’t know; - but I have a few ideas. And if you in Pprune have any ideas then post them here.
And finally. I was intimately involved with this accident and the aftermath and I’d like to thank the many people at Moorabbin who pitched in and helped us out of a dreadful situation. In some cases this was just a bit of added flexibility. In others it was the willingness to respond like lightning to our needs. In yet others it was the capacity to think outside the box.
To the emergency services- you responded as we had planned and did your usual superb and caring job.
To the bird and others in the TWR. My many thanks. To Mx Q, Navajo driver, thanks for your shepherding job of the others in the air that night. To Ppruner “tealady” (hi W!) I only today found out the part you played and I am so grateful for your actions. To MH (lame of Mb) thanks for your help in difficult circumstances. To LF of KIA thanks for your forbearance as we messed your schedules around. And MT of TF for loading a Navajo faster than I’ve seen in many a year. To the ladies at GFS Reception – please be sure that we do share your feelings.
Guys, don’t critique this piece please. It’s not perfect and I could have said more. And over other issues please feel free to take a piece out of me at any time (My skin is thick). But take this post in the spirit is made. Aviation CAN have a good side. The disaster of Monday night was dreadful but I saw many, many examples of people at Mb who exemplify the best that we can offer in this world.
And my best regards to Danny, and Woomera, for the task THEY accomplish
Phil McConnell
General Manager Aviation, Moorabbin Airport.
And an advert: For all non-Mb based pilots. Did you know that if you day-visit us, and fly a plane under 5,700 kg, we don’t charge you a red cent to land? So come on down. Have lunch at the Aero Club, buy your bits at Skylines and have a 100 hourly at the maintenance companies. Visit the aviation museum and let your wife (or husband) melt your charge card at Direct Factory Outlets. Have fun!
I’m Phil McConnell. And I’m General Manager Aviation at Moorabbin Airport.
You can call me any day on 03 9587 3666 or email me on [email protected]
My post concerns OzBiggles eulogy for Holly Smith but first I’d like to say a couple of things.
I regularly look at Pprune as it is one of several tools to help me get a feel for the current Oz aviation scene. As all of you know, the posts can vary from the good to the downright disgraceful.
In the case of your comments (that is, all of you on Pprune) on this dreadful accident at MB I must say that, in the main, your postings have been very sensitive and understanding of the situation. And that makes a change. A change for the good.
OzBiggles Eulogy really tore at my heart strings. I was not close to the GFS Qantas students but in the past couple of days I’ve come to know them better . The sentiments expressed in his eulogy were spot on. Our webmaster has emailed him to ask permission for us to use this wonderful statement on our website and hopefully this will be forthcoming.
The accident investigation and the Coroners inquest will take many months to complete and its not my place to comment on the facts, causes or circumstances of the accident. For us, as an airport, I can only say that we WILL find a way to remember her. I can’t yet say what that way will be because I don’t know; - but I have a few ideas. And if you in Pprune have any ideas then post them here.
And finally. I was intimately involved with this accident and the aftermath and I’d like to thank the many people at Moorabbin who pitched in and helped us out of a dreadful situation. In some cases this was just a bit of added flexibility. In others it was the willingness to respond like lightning to our needs. In yet others it was the capacity to think outside the box.
To the emergency services- you responded as we had planned and did your usual superb and caring job.
To the bird and others in the TWR. My many thanks. To Mx Q, Navajo driver, thanks for your shepherding job of the others in the air that night. To Ppruner “tealady” (hi W!) I only today found out the part you played and I am so grateful for your actions. To MH (lame of Mb) thanks for your help in difficult circumstances. To LF of KIA thanks for your forbearance as we messed your schedules around. And MT of TF for loading a Navajo faster than I’ve seen in many a year. To the ladies at GFS Reception – please be sure that we do share your feelings.
Guys, don’t critique this piece please. It’s not perfect and I could have said more. And over other issues please feel free to take a piece out of me at any time (My skin is thick). But take this post in the spirit is made. Aviation CAN have a good side. The disaster of Monday night was dreadful but I saw many, many examples of people at Mb who exemplify the best that we can offer in this world.
And my best regards to Danny, and Woomera, for the task THEY accomplish
Phil McConnell
General Manager Aviation, Moorabbin Airport.
And an advert: For all non-Mb based pilots. Did you know that if you day-visit us, and fly a plane under 5,700 kg, we don’t charge you a red cent to land? So come on down. Have lunch at the Aero Club, buy your bits at Skylines and have a 100 hourly at the maintenance companies. Visit the aviation museum and let your wife (or husband) melt your charge card at Direct Factory Outlets. Have fun!
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follow up to accident at Moorabbin
Thanks for the kind words Phil. Scotty Rawlins, John Arrigo and LF from KIA were instrumental in getting the two young blokes back away from the fire to a safe distance. Dave Canobie (extensive background in critical care nursing) checked them out for injuries.
A young instructor from Peter Bini's was also on hand very quickly ensuring that emergency services were called. The only downside to the rescue effort were the ghouls there with their cameras -I hope they choke on the photos they were taking. My most sincere condolences to the families of all involved in this tragedy.
My heart goes out to the two young survivors -you have made a most miraculous escape and I wish you a speedy recovery from all of your injuries. Kind Regards, Tealady.
A young instructor from Peter Bini's was also on hand very quickly ensuring that emergency services were called. The only downside to the rescue effort were the ghouls there with their cameras -I hope they choke on the photos they were taking. My most sincere condolences to the families of all involved in this tragedy.
My heart goes out to the two young survivors -you have made a most miraculous escape and I wish you a speedy recovery from all of your injuries. Kind Regards, Tealady.
Join Date: Mar 2001
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Folks.
First on behalf of Danny and the PPRuNe crew please accept our condolences on the tragic loss of one of our 'brothers' in aviation and a promising career cut short.
Thank you Phil for your thoughts and response to those involved, and who gave unstinting assistance, in what would have been a traumatic experience for all.
We would have expected nothing less from our aviation fraternity.
I have received several expressions of angst from some who felt that the 'advert' for the airport was innapropriate.
They are of course entitiled to their view on this as people are touched by these events in many different ways.
I would like to think from the evidence presented here, that the young lady may well have applauded a positive sentiment aimed at encouraging aviators everywhere not only to keep committing aviation but to jump right back into it notwithstanding the tragedy.
Grasp Mr McConnells heartfelt message in the spirit in which it was offered, help him convey any constructive ideas for improvement of his airport to those who can do something about it and deluge him with ideas about how Miss Holly Smith can be remembered for the special person she was. An aviator.
First on behalf of Danny and the PPRuNe crew please accept our condolences on the tragic loss of one of our 'brothers' in aviation and a promising career cut short.
Thank you Phil for your thoughts and response to those involved, and who gave unstinting assistance, in what would have been a traumatic experience for all.
We would have expected nothing less from our aviation fraternity.
I have received several expressions of angst from some who felt that the 'advert' for the airport was innapropriate.
They are of course entitiled to their view on this as people are touched by these events in many different ways.
I would like to think from the evidence presented here, that the young lady may well have applauded a positive sentiment aimed at encouraging aviators everywhere not only to keep committing aviation but to jump right back into it notwithstanding the tragedy.
Grasp Mr McConnells heartfelt message in the spirit in which it was offered, help him convey any constructive ideas for improvement of his airport to those who can do something about it and deluge him with ideas about how Miss Holly Smith can be remembered for the special person she was. An aviator.
Join Date: Dec 2001
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I would like to echo the sentiments of Phil on this one. The post by OzBiggles was deeply moving. I would also like to thank you Phil for the great job you have done in these trying times.
I would especially like to thank you for your support and assistance early wednesday morning, in helping myself, and no doubt others, to mourn the loss of a great friend. It was an extremely difficult time for all involved, and your support during this time is greatly appreciated.
I would especially like to thank you for your support and assistance early wednesday morning, in helping myself, and no doubt others, to mourn the loss of a great friend. It was an extremely difficult time for all involved, and your support during this time is greatly appreciated.
