Light Twin down 60km north of MEL
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Okay people - after a number of requests via PM I am asking you all to leave the armchair analysis alone and keep this thread as it was intended - a tribute to two obviously very popular and respected personalities in GA.
TID
TID
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The number of people that this man touched during his life, the number of pilots that are where they are now because of the company that he built from scratch. Aviation has lost a great character. love him or hate him he was always there for his staff when they needed it, and he will be sorely missed by all that have moved on to bigger and better things, and by us that are still there.
RIP Notty I miss you already mate
Jimmy M
RIP Notty I miss you already mate
Jimmy M
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An absolute tragedy...
Steve was a great mate, spent many many hours "bending the elbow" with him years ago...he gave so many young Pilots the opportunity to gain experience, and further their careers, and from what i saw never criticised or begrudged anyone from moving on to bigger and better prospects....what a wonderful wonderful guy.
An amazingly " Good Bloke" who will be missed by lots and lots of people, not just Pilots.
Lets also not forget (JJ) the Pilot of the aircraft who was also lost so tragically in this accident…
Condolence’s to all family’s and friends alike….you will be sadly missed Steve
Paul D....
(and all from "Direct Air Charter and Flight Training, 1988)
Steve was a great mate, spent many many hours "bending the elbow" with him years ago...he gave so many young Pilots the opportunity to gain experience, and further their careers, and from what i saw never criticised or begrudged anyone from moving on to bigger and better prospects....what a wonderful wonderful guy.
An amazingly " Good Bloke" who will be missed by lots and lots of people, not just Pilots.
Lets also not forget (JJ) the Pilot of the aircraft who was also lost so tragically in this accident…
Condolence’s to all family’s and friends alike….you will be sadly missed Steve
Paul D....
(and all from "Direct Air Charter and Flight Training, 1988)
Last edited by Capt Baldman; 2nd Aug 2007 at 22:54.
PPRuNette
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I first knew JJ from the old days of PPRuNe chat around 1998-99, when the chat room was alive with Go Girl, Reddo, Raven, Hugh Jarse, Turbulent Eddy, Jazzi, Kapton Kaos, Apache, Compressor Stall, Monte, HOTAS, kfras, Disco Stu, Thermal Bandit, Gaunty, Capt Claret, VNE of course and several others.
When I first heard that a 34 year old female pilot had tragically been killed in this accident, I must admit, I sucked in my breath and just held it - one of those rare moments in your life when you just 'know' or have a dradfull sense.
However, I wasn't prepared to come to the realisation that it was 'our' JJ
Bendo, like Wiz and many others I suspect will remember JJ from those times as someone always up for a chat (LOL!) and a cheery word to brighten an otherwise sh!tty day!
Kaydee, I am so very sorry for the loss you are feeling - I had no idea you and JJ were great mates, but it comes as little surprise in this 'small' world we live in...especially in this industry.
KAM
Please accept both Stu's, and my sincere condolences.
I just don't know what else to say at this time.
And to JJ's family - may your days ahead be comforted with your memories of a life lived fully and a wonderful girl in Janelle.
GG
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And furthermore, I did not work with Steve, I waited for a job with him for a long time. My association is personal.
I simply can't put an image out of my mind with respect to what happened. All of us flying know we are one step away from it (as human beings)and I please ask...Save your energy for their families and spare a thought for Steve and Janelle. The rest the ATSB will work out.
I think it was bushy who said it correctly, any aircraft can be overstressed....
I wish to further add it can be out blown by wind,out pushed by downdraft and out flown by the elements........
I simply can't put an image out of my mind with respect to what happened. All of us flying know we are one step away from it (as human beings)and I please ask...Save your energy for their families and spare a thought for Steve and Janelle. The rest the ATSB will work out.
I think it was bushy who said it correctly, any aircraft can be overstressed....
I wish to further add it can be out blown by wind,out pushed by downdraft and out flown by the elements........
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As a current pilot with the company it annoys me to see "idiotic" statements attempting to tarnish our company operation. I know we are cleaning this up but let me say a few words..
The comments relating to clean MR's, Underpaid, Overworked and overloaded. It surprises me that a person with this lack of character even had the privelege to work for such an outstanding company.
Clean MR's: We have an approved paging service to report any problems experienced and most of the time these generally minor things are fixed before we even have time to sign an MR in most examples.. However never do we fly an aircraft not airworthy.. Any questions we had regarding any issue Steve would always call us with info on what is happening, why it is happening and would never expect us to fly anything not airworthy..
Underpaid / Overworked: I get a fairly healthy salary, always on time and to the award with allowances, can afford to pay off a mortgage and live a bit, and often work 4 day weeks.. Many other GA operators offer this?
Overloaded: Well.. How silly is this.. at the end of the day the PIC has the final word on load and there is never pressure to break rules or safety..
To Steve, you were the best operator I have worked for in GA, honest, hard working till the end, hard and fair man, extremely educated and yes.. a pleasure of a man to "bend the elbow with" at the end of the day..
JJ, with your bubbly high pitched hello's in the morning that we will all miss.. You were a great girl to work with, it is sad that you didn't reach that end goal of a major, but we all know you would have done and will remember you both every day to the end of our lives..
To both families, Tom, Melissa, Mick, Kathryn and all.. Our thoughts are with you and you should be proud to be related to two fantastic people..
RIP JJ
RIP Steve
SBR
The comments relating to clean MR's, Underpaid, Overworked and overloaded. It surprises me that a person with this lack of character even had the privelege to work for such an outstanding company.
Clean MR's: We have an approved paging service to report any problems experienced and most of the time these generally minor things are fixed before we even have time to sign an MR in most examples.. However never do we fly an aircraft not airworthy.. Any questions we had regarding any issue Steve would always call us with info on what is happening, why it is happening and would never expect us to fly anything not airworthy..
Underpaid / Overworked: I get a fairly healthy salary, always on time and to the award with allowances, can afford to pay off a mortgage and live a bit, and often work 4 day weeks.. Many other GA operators offer this?
Overloaded: Well.. How silly is this.. at the end of the day the PIC has the final word on load and there is never pressure to break rules or safety..
To Steve, you were the best operator I have worked for in GA, honest, hard working till the end, hard and fair man, extremely educated and yes.. a pleasure of a man to "bend the elbow with" at the end of the day..
JJ, with your bubbly high pitched hello's in the morning that we will all miss.. You were a great girl to work with, it is sad that you didn't reach that end goal of a major, but we all know you would have done and will remember you both every day to the end of our lives..
To both families, Tom, Melissa, Mick, Kathryn and all.. Our thoughts are with you and you should be proud to be related to two fantastic people..
RIP JJ
RIP Steve
SBR
Last edited by She'l Be Rite; 4th Aug 2007 at 09:32.
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This tragedy has affected many deeply, Steve was the greatest boss I have EVER worked for. He offered an opportunity, he offered friendship and he was when all was said and done, a great bloke.
It was a pleasure to work for a company that is the best in GA: Award wages and conditions for pilots, uniforms supplied, 6 weeks holidays a year, allowances paid, he cared about his employees been happy.
What other company that does bank runs has a boss that says to you..."when the weather is crap and you're not happy, look over your shoulder and remind yourself what you're carrying. Divert and we can deal with it later"
Now that kind of attitude gets respect, especially in Australian GA.
When I was at Impulse and it was announced that it was game over in 4 weeks (before the big 'Q' took it over) who made the very first phone call to me just after it was on the news? Steve..."G'day mate, if it's all over there, let me know, you have a job any day you want!"
I got to know Steve both as a boss and a mate, he will be surely missed.
Talking to him about his Shrikes was like talking to a little boy with new toys, he loved them without question. I still remember the day he phoned to apologise because he had bought a Baron as a runabout! haha
He may have been intimidating to some, but they were the people that missed a unique opportunity to get to know a real character.
To Melissa and all the family my thoughts are with you.
RIP JJ
Thanks Steve for many fantastic times, laughs, the opportunity, and the just plain flatout inspiration that you were. RIP mate - Will have a coldie for you mate!
It was a pleasure to work for a company that is the best in GA: Award wages and conditions for pilots, uniforms supplied, 6 weeks holidays a year, allowances paid, he cared about his employees been happy.
What other company that does bank runs has a boss that says to you..."when the weather is crap and you're not happy, look over your shoulder and remind yourself what you're carrying. Divert and we can deal with it later"
Now that kind of attitude gets respect, especially in Australian GA.
When I was at Impulse and it was announced that it was game over in 4 weeks (before the big 'Q' took it over) who made the very first phone call to me just after it was on the news? Steve..."G'day mate, if it's all over there, let me know, you have a job any day you want!"
I got to know Steve both as a boss and a mate, he will be surely missed.
Talking to him about his Shrikes was like talking to a little boy with new toys, he loved them without question. I still remember the day he phoned to apologise because he had bought a Baron as a runabout! haha
He may have been intimidating to some, but they were the people that missed a unique opportunity to get to know a real character.
To Melissa and all the family my thoughts are with you.
RIP JJ
Thanks Steve for many fantastic times, laughs, the opportunity, and the just plain flatout inspiration that you were. RIP mate - Will have a coldie for you mate!
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Steve was a hardworking, decent guy. First met him 20 + years ago.
I remember taking up to CNS many a time to do maintenance on one of his beloved Commanders. Instead of sitting in the cabin enjoying, he would rather sit up front and talk to a mate.
A real loss.
RIP. Condolences to the families.
I remember taking up to CNS many a time to do maintenance on one of his beloved Commanders. Instead of sitting in the cabin enjoying, he would rather sit up front and talk to a mate.
A real loss.
RIP. Condolences to the families.
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Steve.
I didn't know you that well; you may have intimidated the hell out of me but I respected you the minute I met ya. When I think of Steve Nott, I will look back to last Friday, you drinking crownies at midday and walking around the office taking the piss out of anyone and everyone in your path. I had never seen that side of you.
Rest in peace mate, you will be missed by many.
BR
I didn't know you that well; you may have intimidated the hell out of me but I respected you the minute I met ya. When I think of Steve Nott, I will look back to last Friday, you drinking crownies at midday and walking around the office taking the piss out of anyone and everyone in your path. I had never seen that side of you.
Rest in peace mate, you will be missed by many.
BR
Just Binos
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Not a pilot, but I spoke to the bubbly Janelle many times and met her socially twice. So sad when a young life is taken away in a very unforgiving industry.
I couldn't be bothered going back to find the identity of the person who claimed all sorts of things about GAM's operations, but I'm going to back up westelevengenius in his claims about them, based on the experience of a close friend of mine who used to fly for him.
She couldn't believe she had found somebody who paid full award wages in GA, and described verbatim the conversation she had with Steve when she joined, a carbon copy of what westeleven said;
"****, I don't ever want to have to ring your father and tell him you died trying to deliver some bank cheques".
That statement alone makes him standout in the cutthroat world of GA, and though I didn't know him I thank him for allowing a lot of young people to achieve their dreams.
Condolences to both families.
I couldn't be bothered going back to find the identity of the person who claimed all sorts of things about GAM's operations, but I'm going to back up westelevengenius in his claims about them, based on the experience of a close friend of mine who used to fly for him.
She couldn't believe she had found somebody who paid full award wages in GA, and described verbatim the conversation she had with Steve when she joined, a carbon copy of what westeleven said;
"****, I don't ever want to have to ring your father and tell him you died trying to deliver some bank cheques".
That statement alone makes him standout in the cutthroat world of GA, and though I didn't know him I thank him for allowing a lot of young people to achieve their dreams.
Condolences to both families.
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I never worked for GAM however i did have a lot of friends working for GAM, when they first moved into BK.
All my friends were amazed at how by the book they were and found the company an absolute joy to work for.
People who are trying to damage the good name that GAM have gained over the time they have been running should be ashamed at them selves.
I never meet steve, and cant remeber meeting JJ however have had friends that new them and spoke very highly of them, so to their friends and loved ones I am sorry for your loss.
To GAM, Good luck in your future I just wish steve had the chance to see and work on the new arrival we brought over a day late
good luck to the boys and girls that are left.
All my friends were amazed at how by the book they were and found the company an absolute joy to work for.
People who are trying to damage the good name that GAM have gained over the time they have been running should be ashamed at them selves.
I never meet steve, and cant remeber meeting JJ however have had friends that new them and spoke very highly of them, so to their friends and loved ones I am sorry for your loss.
To GAM, Good luck in your future I just wish steve had the chance to see and work on the new arrival we brought over a day late
good luck to the boys and girls that are left.
Moderator
Don't believe I ever met JJ but I have known the man for a lot longer than I care to recall. In addition, I have had periodic interaction with the folk at GAM at EN over the years and know several quite well as friends and colleagues.
Not once can I recall ANY intentional inappropriate technical comment either from the man, himself, or his GAM folk.
Not a case of suggesting that they were perfect ... no-one is ... but I never saw ANY instance of anything which would have caused me to view them other than as a pretty professional mob ...
I, for one, would prefer to see an absence of unverified antipathetic comment in this thread ..
Not once can I recall ANY intentional inappropriate technical comment either from the man, himself, or his GAM folk.
Not a case of suggesting that they were perfect ... no-one is ... but I never saw ANY instance of anything which would have caused me to view them other than as a pretty professional mob ...
I, for one, would prefer to see an absence of unverified antipathetic comment in this thread ..
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I flew for GAM/Commander Air out of Cairns for almost 3yrs and can honestly say that if I ever had a concern or problem with an aircraft either in Oz or PNG Steve would always be only a phone call away any time of the day or night, now thats dedication!
Just after I left my good friend T Waterford passed away in UJB of which I still find hard to believe, and now Steve in YJB.
I have never to this day seen such works of art in Steves engine rebuilds with that hammered blue paint finish and chrome inlet pipes, incredible! Not one person can say that either Steve or his team did not put 100% effort into keeping these aircraft in tip top condition.
After a full A/C rebuild these planes were better than new inside and out, the MR's were always looked at daily by engineering and all defects rectified promptly.
How many companies let you use the company vehicle to go and buy your lunch or do personal errands, not many and yet Steve generously provided this.
Thanks to GAM I am now an Airbus Captain flying overseas for one of the worlds largest airlines, and its all thanks to Steve for giving me a break.
This terrible news has traversed the globe and its a sad day in aviation.
My sincere condolences to Steves family.You will always be remembered.
Just after I left my good friend T Waterford passed away in UJB of which I still find hard to believe, and now Steve in YJB.
I have never to this day seen such works of art in Steves engine rebuilds with that hammered blue paint finish and chrome inlet pipes, incredible! Not one person can say that either Steve or his team did not put 100% effort into keeping these aircraft in tip top condition.
After a full A/C rebuild these planes were better than new inside and out, the MR's were always looked at daily by engineering and all defects rectified promptly.
How many companies let you use the company vehicle to go and buy your lunch or do personal errands, not many and yet Steve generously provided this.
Thanks to GAM I am now an Airbus Captain flying overseas for one of the worlds largest airlines, and its all thanks to Steve for giving me a break.
This terrible news has traversed the globe and its a sad day in aviation.
My sincere condolences to Steves family.You will always be remembered.
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Thanks Steve for giving me the opportunity to work for you for over six years. Great company, great people, great flying. I hope your legacy will continue on.
I didnt know Janelle that well but her energy and great attitude wont be forgotten.
I didnt know Janelle that well but her energy and great attitude wont be forgotten.