MERGED: Alligator Airways Grounded
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 20
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From: Far Away
R.I.P Captain Croc
I have been reading the previous posts with a sad heart. To read about what will be the demise of Alligator Airways is truly sad. Without Alligator many young new pilots will never experience the opportunities that were afforded to me during my years at Alligator. The memories and friendships that I gained working up in Kunners will be with me until the end of my days. It is a shame that we get these people who think they know better than everyone else, buying well established and proven companies that have been around for over 25 years and destroying them in just a few years. Unfortunatly no matter who owns Alligator, it will always be linked the Craig and Gail Muir. For years they built that company and it must be heart breaking for them to see it's good name be trashed like this. I feel sorry for them. Without Alligator I wouldn't be where I am now.
Rest in peace Captain Croc. Thanks for the memories.
Rest in peace Captain Croc. Thanks for the memories.
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Australia
Here here, bunglesboy.
A sad day for what proved to be an amazing start in GA for many of us.
Indeed- a bevy of true mates made.
Unfortunately, the ego got in the way of the hard work needed to keep the fleet going, and rk just wouldn't hear logic.
RIP captain croc
A sad day for what proved to be an amazing start in GA for many of us.
Indeed- a bevy of true mates made.
Unfortunately, the ego got in the way of the hard work needed to keep the fleet going, and rk just wouldn't hear logic.
RIP captain croc
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,157
Likes: 97
From: Up The 116E, Stbd Turn at 32S...:-)
I hear that management up there tried to claim some engine failure(s) 'under warranty' - and then produced the 'recording card' from the engine management system (JPI?) as 'evidence'....
Only to be told......
Here is the evidence of misuse.....
'You can't operate an engine at 110% all day...' or words to that effect...
So I hear....
Only to be told......
Here is the evidence of misuse.....
'You can't operate an engine at 110% all day...' or words to that effect...
So I hear....
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: Behind a CB near you
I've been told they were put into liquidation this afternoon. Locks changed and all.
Thanks for the memories Alligator... over 2000 hours flying around the Kimberley in RAS, WOY, WOU, WOT, DMS, WOV, WOG, RTS, HQE, WOS, WOQ, IXE, FAP, KWP, RDA, BJN, EDE, WNI and a few cross hires too.... The flying was AWESOME!!!
Thanks for the memories Alligator... over 2000 hours flying around the Kimberley in RAS, WOY, WOU, WOT, DMS, WOV, WOG, RTS, HQE, WOS, WOQ, IXE, FAP, KWP, RDA, BJN, EDE, WNI and a few cross hires too.... The flying was AWESOME!!!
Last edited by Nose wheel first; 30th May 2012 at 12:04.
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 204
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From: Behind a CB near you
Would love to know what Craig thinks.... 
Last edited by Nose wheel first; 30th May 2012 at 12:18.
Guest
Posts: n/a
Quick look at the ASIC register confirms...
Hopefully something is done quickly (AFAP?) to ensure that their employees receive their entitlements. Somehow I think it's unlikely....
30/05/2012 7E4487868 Notification of Appt of Administrator Under S.436a, 436b, 436c, 436e(4), 449b, 449c(1), 449c(4) or 449(6) (505U)
Last edited by tmpffisch; 30th May 2012 at 12:39.
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 204
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From: Behind a CB near you
tmpffisch. I don't think there were any employees left there. My information is that they shot the gap a few weeks ago. Anyone closely associated with Alligator would have seen the writing on the wall the minute CASA closed them down a month ago.
The business itself was quite a money spinner and there were quite a few assets (including some busted old 207's). I wouldn't think it'd be too hard to get a fair bit of money out of the place. Problem is, who's going to want to buy flogged out 207's and Airvans. The twins weren't in too bad shape (except they haven't flown for nearly a year)
But yes, if there are any employees left there I hope they get what they are entitled to.
It's upsetting to see what was (under Craig and Gail) a great business run into the ground by complete mismanagement and arrogance!
The business itself was quite a money spinner and there were quite a few assets (including some busted old 207's). I wouldn't think it'd be too hard to get a fair bit of money out of the place. Problem is, who's going to want to buy flogged out 207's and Airvans. The twins weren't in too bad shape (except they haven't flown for nearly a year)
But yes, if there are any employees left there I hope they get what they are entitled to.
It's upsetting to see what was (under Craig and Gail) a great business run into the ground by complete mismanagement and arrogance!
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,890
Likes: 1
From: The Shire
RIP The gator.
Sad reflecting on its history, not surprised considering the direction the current owner took it in.
If he stuck to the tried and tested formula and didn't think he knew better, this would not have come to pass.
I wonder who will fill its sizable boots?
Looks like Slingair and shoal air has an opportunity awaiting.
Sad reflecting on its history, not surprised considering the direction the current owner took it in.
If he stuck to the tried and tested formula and didn't think he knew better, this would not have come to pass.
I wonder who will fill its sizable boots?
Looks like Slingair and shoal air has an opportunity awaiting.
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 716
Likes: 0
From: Australia
From ABC Kimberley
Alligator Airways faces administration:
Updated May 31, 2012 13:47:34
An East Kimberley airline has gone into administration, after nearly a month of being grounded by the aviation watchdog.
The Civil Aviation and Safety Authority (CASA) banned Alligator Airways from flying because it had serious concerns about the airline's safety record.
The company had taken on a new chief pilot and was set to resume flying when the ban was lifted this Monday.
However, Alligator's lawyer, John Maitland, says administration papers were filed voluntarily due to the company being unable to trade.
Interesting that the ban was actually lifted (not that they had a CP which CASA knew of course). Did they actually nominate a new Chief Pilot designate or just hire somebody with the intention of nominating?
It is a terrible time to be selling aeroplanes at the moment (i.e. good time to buy them). With so many operators in the local area I daresay some of the better ones will be snapped up to continue in a similar line of work. (Just don't mention the engines.)
FRQ CB
PS Without getting into whether it is right or wrong, it is truly a very powerful stick which CASA can wield in terms of the hearts and minds of the public. How robust are the external and internal checks and balances in terms of ensuring the power is not abused or misused (and no I don't mean fighting the suspension in the Court)?
Alligator Airways faces administration:
Updated May 31, 2012 13:47:34
An East Kimberley airline has gone into administration, after nearly a month of being grounded by the aviation watchdog.
The Civil Aviation and Safety Authority (CASA) banned Alligator Airways from flying because it had serious concerns about the airline's safety record.
The company had taken on a new chief pilot and was set to resume flying when the ban was lifted this Monday.
However, Alligator's lawyer, John Maitland, says administration papers were filed voluntarily due to the company being unable to trade.
It is a terrible time to be selling aeroplanes at the moment (i.e. good time to buy them). With so many operators in the local area I daresay some of the better ones will be snapped up to continue in a similar line of work. (Just don't mention the engines.)
FRQ CB
PS Without getting into whether it is right or wrong, it is truly a very powerful stick which CASA can wield in terms of the hearts and minds of the public. How robust are the external and internal checks and balances in terms of ensuring the power is not abused or misused (and no I don't mean fighting the suspension in the Court)?
Last edited by FRQ Charlie Bravo; 31st May 2012 at 13:01. Reason: formatting
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 3,157
Likes: 97
From: Up The 116E, Stbd Turn at 32S...:-)
As of Mon 4/6/12....
"
Civil Aviation Safety Authority - Alligator airways remains suspended
See Yas....
"
Civil Aviation Safety Authority - Alligator airways remains suspended
See Yas....
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 2,890
Likes: 1
From: The Shire
It's of no consequence.
CASA won, the wolves will circle and make a buck stripping and selling assets. Then the show will go on, same aeroplanes, different livery and AOC. I wonder where RK will surface next? Maybe back to the Rhodesian airforce and his beloved Aztecs?
It will be interesting what's reported when the 07s are dissected by a new maintenance organization.
CASA won, the wolves will circle and make a buck stripping and selling assets. Then the show will go on, same aeroplanes, different livery and AOC. I wonder where RK will surface next? Maybe back to the Rhodesian airforce and his beloved Aztecs?
It will be interesting what's reported when the 07s are dissected by a new maintenance organization.
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 817
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From: More than 300km from SY, Australia
casa and economic control of the industry
Read this for a "double speak" spin:
Alligator airways remains suspended
The suspension of Kununurra-based air operator and maintenance organisation Alligator Airways is continuing.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority suspended Alligator Airways’ air operator’s certificate and certificate of approval on 3 May 2012 because the company's conduct of operational and maintenance-related activities was seen to pose a serious and imminent risk to air safety.
On 18 May 2012, the Federal Court granted CASA’s application for an order to prohibit Alligator Airways from operating until 4 June 2012.
This prohibition order allowed CASA to finalise its investigations into a range of safety issues, including two recent serious incidents involving aircraft operated by Alligator Airways.
Under the Civil Aviation Act, once investigations are completed, CASA has up to an additional five working days from 5 June 2012 to issue a show case notice if CASA believes there would still be a serious and imminent risk to air safety if Alligator Airways was to resume operations.
If CASA does issue a show case notice the suspension will continue while the matters raised in that notice are addressed and a final decision made whether to vary, suspend or cancel the certificates. This could take up to 33 days.
Alligator Airways would remain grounded during this period of time.
Media contact:
Peter Gibson
Mobile: 0419 296 446
Ref: MR5112
The suspension of Kununurra-based air operator and maintenance organisation Alligator Airways is continuing.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority suspended Alligator Airways’ air operator’s certificate and certificate of approval on 3 May 2012 because the company's conduct of operational and maintenance-related activities was seen to pose a serious and imminent risk to air safety.
On 18 May 2012, the Federal Court granted CASA’s application for an order to prohibit Alligator Airways from operating until 4 June 2012.
This prohibition order allowed CASA to finalise its investigations into a range of safety issues, including two recent serious incidents involving aircraft operated by Alligator Airways.
Under the Civil Aviation Act, once investigations are completed, CASA has up to an additional five working days from 5 June 2012 to issue a show case notice if CASA believes there would still be a serious and imminent risk to air safety if Alligator Airways was to resume operations.
If CASA does issue a show case notice the suspension will continue while the matters raised in that notice are addressed and a final decision made whether to vary, suspend or cancel the certificates. This could take up to 33 days.
Alligator Airways would remain grounded during this period of time.
Media contact:
Peter Gibson
Mobile: 0419 296 446
Ref: MR5112
Last edited by Up-into-the-air; 4th June 2012 at 12:42.
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 288
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From: YMML
Some coverage in the Fairfax papers today on the airline, as well as video:
The law of the Bungles grounds unruly Alligator
The law of the Bungles grounds unruly Alligator
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 823
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From: on the edge
In his full decision, published yesterday, Justice Murphy found, ''I am satisfied that there are reasonable grounds to believe that Alligator has engaged in, is engaging in, or is likely to engage in, conduct that constitutes, contributes to or results in a serious and imminent risk to air safety.''
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 111
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From: the back of my falcoon
Anyone out know what the legalities are regarding the media publishing a pilots full name either online or in print?
What I'm concerned about is the potential damage to a pilots career & future employment prospects after some halfwit journo names them in a inaccurate article forgoing facts to dramatise a story.
Is it time to start using a alias when dealing with pax?
What I'm concerned about is the potential damage to a pilots career & future employment prospects after some halfwit journo names them in a inaccurate article forgoing facts to dramatise a story.
Is it time to start using a alias when dealing with pax?
Man Bilong Balus long PNG
Joined: Apr 2002
Aviation Qualifications: ATPL
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 222
From: Back home again after another fantastic time in Japan; once again back to the 'real world' and continuing the seemingly never ending search for a bad bottle of Red.
names them in a inaccurate article forgoing facts to dramatise a story.
