RFDS Western Operations
 

So whats the deal with west OPS? The EBA seems to look good so I am wondering if everyone is happy? Is it possible to get a position into Perth straight up with good experience? What are they operating and where? Is the flight OPS department functional? Kingairs or the PC12?
Thanks guys any info appreciated.
SN

Plenty of info here

Is there ever anywhere where everyone is happy?

(certainly not on proone)

Westops are alright. Have their issues like everyone, but generally ok. No Kingairs anymore, they were put out to pasture earlier in the year. All PC12s now. Highly likely you'd get a slot straight into Perth, no matter what your experience level. Hardly any of the country drivers are interested in moving to Perth, better off financially out bush plus most of the 'issues' are Perth based.

Isaw yesterday the WA ops King Airs for sale in Aviation Trader. I wonder if they end up in the NT?

Shame about no more 'safety' way out west, got rid of their last "insurance policy":E Would love to have flown western Ops but not now with only one fan!
I heard a little rumor some time ago that the central section where considering going back to 'safety'. Now there's a smart progressive section:E
One of our guys flew Western Ops many years ago (the days when safety was paramount) & he reckons it was great but moved due family reasons, lucky he did:-).



Wmk2

Don't be surprised if there is not a very interesting experiment with aircraft in Western Ops in the near future. :D Might even tempt Wal out west. :ok:

It flew to YBRM today. Still getting our head around the call sign :ok:

Hey 'Plov' now come on buddy ya can't leave me in suspenders here :-)
Am happy to drive the jet out there though, although it's a little slow:-)
Ah good 'ole YBRM, once a great place:-)



Wmk2

You are a trouble maker Wally :=

Wal, check ya' PMs'. :ok:

No room for Chicken Little types.:E

I also heard they are looking to get into something decent (aircraft wise that is). Gonna need some speed for those long sectors.

But on a more serious note I do see they are the highest paid of all RFDS pilots by a clear margin based on the EBA documents of all sections compared. West OPS and QLD seem to have by far the most forward thinking management who are getting on with business rather than playing keep the pilot's broke and unhappy. South Eastern comes in a distant third followed by "also ran" Central Section still running the next day, geez they have a way to go!

So what era are the PC12's they have?
SN

Priceless!:ok:

YR dead right i'm chicken, rather die an old man warm in my bed thanks:E

'SN' we don't do too bad in the SE section. You won't get the sort of bucks we get for flying 7 to 8 hrs per week on average:ok: Best semi retirement job around:ok:


Wmk2

They might be looking to get into something a bit faster eventually, but that wont be happening for several years. Rumour has it more PC12s still to come.

From what I've heard, the Italian machine, while impressive speed wise, hasnt won over too many of the JT crews flying in it when it comes to stretcher loading. Very awkward to load an intubated patient through the small door. Think Piaggio would need to come back with a cargo door before it could be seriously looked at.

While the pay is good in the west, it does come at a price. Forget making any plans after your rostered shift is over. Its not uncommon to leave work more than 6 hours into the next. Forget making plans on your first RDO after a shift, highly likely you'll be overnighting somewhere and returning to your home base on your day off. Unless of course you're based in JT..;)

Soup Nazi
They get paid more for a reason.They fly a hell of a lot more hours then what you currently do and The shift lengths can also be quite tormenting at times.

The Dog

7 NG's and 6 Classics.

Mr TQ

you had to say it, didn't you................:=

Wally,
That would'nt be GB from Derby would it?
Westops have already decided to replace their older Classics with multi-engine aircraft (due in no small way to the Engine failure at night out of Derby several months ago!).
Strez is right...the pay is good BUT we earn it!!!!....so no guilt complex when the money arrives in the Bank each month.
All in all a pretty good job.
Hans

'Hans' it is indeed GB, one of the nicest guys in this at times sh1tty business I have ever met, that now makes 2 of us:E In fact our management once said if they could clone 12 of GB then they'd be happy........Christ made me feel real good!:{:)
You would have the best job for sure over there in the west, providing it was only in twins. Good to see that the eng failure event in recent times might have hit home & hard.
I'll say hi to GB for you ya like Hans:)

Wmk2