Geoff Thomas "Aviation Expert" on Sunrise
 

For those that caught it at 7:07am on Sunrise today on Channel 7 you'd know about this.

I was most disappointed to hear Geoff's comments regarding the Bankstown incident.

A couple of comments I noted:

Geoff stated words to the effect of the fact that a 89 year old instructor was at the controls should be reviewed. Whilst he said that this was likely not a contributing factor he did say that consideration should be given to the maximum age.

Geoff also stated words to the effect that pilots often turn down their radios so they don't have to listen to them and that they don't follow instructions given.

He also stated words to the effect that it is common aviation practice for pilots to not make radio calls so as to avoid airways charges.

Of course this prompted the Sunrise presenter to suggest that a full enquiry be held into aviation.

Most disappointing comments from an awarded journalist or from anyone for that matter representing aviation.

He doesn't represent aviation, he represents himself.

From the Aus Aviation Bio page.

Geoffrey Thomas
Contributing Writer

Geoffrey Thomas has been commentating on the airline industry for 25 years and as well as writing for Australian Aviation is the Senior Editor with US based Air Transport World.

Geoff first became engrossed in the industry as a young child, when his uncle who was a chief engineer with Trans Australian Airlines allowed him to scramble over DC-6Bs and Viscounts.

Some awards have come his way and Geoff was named Aerospace Journalist of the Year in the Best Systems and Technology category for 2002 and 2003 and he won Australasian Aviation Journalist of the Year awards for 2001 and 2002 and was runner-up in 2003. In all Geoff has won 17 international and Australasian awards. Geoff has also featured in a number of TV investigative documentaries and is a regular commentator on Australian TV and radio.

A low point was missing a flight in the Concorde because it clashed with his son Nick’s fifth birthday but a highlight was taking part in Boeing’s 777-200LR record setting world distance flight late last year.

Sounds like professional SLF:8

Strong words there guys...

Geoff has a presence here on PPrune...I hope you've addressed your concerns with him directly too!

I've seen him on tv before, and I have to say he's a lot better in print. He does seem to go the sensationalist angle when on tv. While I don't always agree with what he has to say, at least in print he can explain it in more detail. On telly they don't worry too much about details, just go for the sound bite.

I posted with my individual thoughts as I am entitled to do to FA18 and I chose not to contact him directly - just to make that clear.

It was disappointing that he seemed to use the Sunrise segment to promote agenda that was unrelated to the incident yesterday.

The last thing the general public wants is to know or think that they know is that that pilots fly around up there with their radios off ignoring instructions from Air Traffic Control. Where is the evidence of this? I've never heard of this before. I've heard of radios being turned down whilst out and about, but never to ignore instructions.

As for failing to make radio calls so as to avoid airways charges, completely irrelevant for Bankstown and aside from some hear-say, probably completely irrelevant.

Combine these self confessed "experts" (anyone see the moron on Channel 9 last night) with scaremongering from celebrities (cough, cough you know who you are) and you end up with a tragic accident becoming the biggest disaster in Australian history. Everyone trying to pin blame on the 89 year old pilot-go eat yourselves. This pilot is by FAR the greatest pilot in Australia, and to suggest age means he in inept is to be prejudiced without reason!

Why is everyone a fecking expert every time we have a mid-air?

Un-be-fecking-leavable :mad:

"Geoffrey Thomas".

Nowhere in the above "bio" is there any indication of 'relevant aviation qualifications" on which he can claim expert status.

I have been flying now for over 40 years and am nowhere near any 'expert' status, competent yes, but expert, not yet.

I know Thomas appears here on PPRuNe now and then and I can't remember any valid contribution made to our industry by that presence.

There are comments flying in every direction after the most recent mid-air, none of which will contribute to the potential resolution of this on-going aviation problem that has exsisted now for over 100 years.

:=

Who pays Mr Thomas?
and is there a vested interest somewhere for his inappropriate remarks?

EDIT- I am falling for the trap.

The guy is no expert on procedural matters. If he was he would know that what he said was way out of left field.

Age, radio useage, avoiding charges? What has any of this got to do with a simple incident...a very tragic incident...but a simple incident just the same. If this was reduced to laymans terms, it was a "fail to give way" accident!

One wonders if Sunrise "shopped" around to get the type of comment that best suited their intentions

Didn't see the interview myself or making any excuses for the bloke in question but are you sure the interview was not edited to fit in to a certain time slot and ofcourse to sensationalise the story. Is it possible he spoke of a number of issues one of which being the practice of some at country airports to not make a call to avoid fees or IFR charter flights in high performance aircraft going VFR when able to avoid fees etc?
Most of these interviews are pre recorded the day before or hours earlier you know, especially breakfast programs.

FYI - The interview was portrayed as LIVE and UN-EDITED and it appeared in every aspect to be live.


It was asked during the interview whether or not an instructor could be 100 years old to which the aviation expert replied that it was possible but unlikely to happen.

I hope for Geoff's sake that Ken Andrews is still flying at 100 ! Good on you Ken for making it home safely and brilliant that you are still flying at your age.

The age / medical debate is irrelevant in this case if it was in fact a PPL flight test.

Back to topic though sorry.

As an aside, just watched the SkyNews report on the accident. Ken's age has been dismissed as a factor. He has to pass his stringent class 1 every six months.

Everything else that has surfaced as comment got reported on. I particularly like the bit about most of the comment is coming from one aviator, Dick Smith.

The family in the house were not even home. They were out getting photoes and returned to find the aircraft in their backyard.

The investigation will look into the practices of the two schools. Hope this doesn't turn into a witch hunt.

tinhorse
 

Flying into Bankstown in a slower type single has alwys made me aprehensive - I have no way of avoiding a faster aircraft approaching from behind. A few years ago I flew into Oshkosh in a Bonanza, and the procedure was just so simple and safe. The reporting point was a small town called Ripon - about 20 miles from Oshkosh. From there all aircraft were at the same altitude, and spaced line astern - speed for all was 80 MPH. Considering the sheer volume of traffic, the result was amazingly simple and hassle free. Twin engine aircraft were given a higher altitude and airspeed. Any thoughts out there on this system?

I have known Ken since I first started flying nearly 7 years ago and in that time he has conducted most of my flight tests and when I was instructing he tested many of my students over the years. I have nothing but the highest respect for that man...he has taught me and many more of us who have been privileged enough to fly with him more than what anyone could ever imagine. I find it so heartbreaking that narrow minded, ignorant lowlifes who know NOTHING about him and/or the aviation industry can come out and blame Ken because of his age. This accident could've happened to any of us at ANY age!

I hope this tragedy doesn't stop Ken from taking to the skies again. Love your work!

My thoughts and prayers go out to all that were involved. It's a very sad moment in aviation :(

:D
Not a Pilot? Another good reason not to read that magazine.

His points were not really relevant, but simply being on Sunrise and being called an expert by Mel and Kochy gives instant Credability. The public take notice and don't know any better.
I just saw Dick Smith on the morning news (Ch 10 I think). Love him or loath him at least he has an inside perspective and significant aeronautical experience.

The gent (and his sons) who was first on the scene was most professional. He was also a pilot. He saw the aircraft come down, approached the crash site, assessed the site and noted spilled avgas, warned his sons about he avgas and risk and attempted to remove the occupants quickly in case an explosion erupted from the hot engine. Unfortunately he realised that he was unable to help the occupants due to the extent of the impact.

Smart thinking and quick action by the pilot.

That is what should be reported on, not this other tripe.

Perhaps this is why the American magazine "Flying" has been on the top of the aviation magazine dung heap for so many years - the journos are actually experienced pilots!

Dr :8

Well Said VH-XXX.

I was also unimpressed by the comments on Sunrise. I've been to many cattle yards and the biggest heap of bullsh!t I've seen was not in one of them. :E