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Old 9th Jan 2005, 21:05
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Question Life Flight YMML

I see life flight has advertised again for another pilot. Two recent resignations there from helicopter pilots. What is going on there for such a high staff turnover?
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Old 10th Jan 2005, 12:47
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No contracts... No work I guess
Anyone correct me if I am wrong.

They only pick up ad hoc stuff if there is no other option within existing contract holders.

John Eacott may be able to shed more light on the problems.
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Old 11th Jan 2005, 01:49
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Where is the ad. ?

Nothing on AFAP nor on the LifeFlight website.

Thanks
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Old 11th Jan 2005, 02:28
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Try www.news.com.au
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Old 11th Jan 2005, 11:41
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Advertised

Word for word from The Oz

BK117 CAPTAINS

BK117 Captains
...who lead by example and others follow!
LifeFlight (Australia)
LifeFlight operates two (2) BK117-B2 helicopters for Neonatal EMS / Air Ambulance / SAR / Fire Fighting roles. These aircraft are operated as the "Powercor Children's Helicopter" and the "Westpac Rescue Helicopter" throughout Victoria.
We are currently seeking appropriately qualified IFR Captains with twin engine SAR / EMS experience to fulfill fulltime and casual IFR Line Pilot positions. The successful applicant/s will undertake the roles and responsibilities of an IFR Captain, assuming responsibility and accountability for the safe operation and performance of LifeFlight helicopters and crew under their command.
You will be a self-motivated team player with excellent written and verbal communications skills, be well organised, and experienced with computer software such as, Word, Excel, Outlook, Project, Schedule and Database management.
The ideal candidate will be a SAR/EMS pilot who has demonstrated the ability to integrate into a small team of skilled personnel.
An 'above award' remuneration package is offered to the successful candidate, commensurate with your experience and qualifications.
Mandatory minimums are:
> Australian Commercial Pilots License (CPL)
> 2000 hours total rotary wing experience
> 1000 turbine rotary wing
> 200 hours twin turbine
> Command instrument rating
Favoured qualifications are:
> Endorsements / experience: - BK117, AS350, B206, Low flying, Sling load, Hoist, Nightsun, SAR/EMS operational experience
All applications and CV's should be no more than four (4) pages and mailed to:
Confidential IFR Captain Application,
LifeFlight (Australia)
PO Box 000
PORT MEBOURNE VIC 3207
Applications close Monday 17th January 2005

From a contact in Oz, this operator has failed to keep a pilot much beyond one year. No work and an "off the planet" CEO.
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Old 12th Jan 2005, 04:13
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I think that any criticism of this organisation needs to done with care ....

"Talklimited" your anecdotal comments from a "contact in Oz" might be suspect if that contact is using you to advance a personal vendetta!

This organisation is in a very tricky political position TRYING to provide a Professional EMS service to fill needed gaps in the face of quite a bit of "Vested interest" by other organisations.

Yes I'm sure there have been problems with crew turnover, its a bit of a "catch 22" situation ... try to provide a service but you are not allowed (??) you need to prove yourself, BUT you are not allowed,... BUT you have to crew the equipment and you need to have Pilots available ... and of course pilots being pilots are usually restless creatures if their skills are underutilised they will get bored and then move on... it happens in a lot of professions.

The CEO has built that organisation up from nothing, they have 2 IFR BK117s which are in EXCELLENT condition... he has the basis for very good team.... and he has put his heart and soul into it!

What he needs is encouragement, (political ?) support and chance to prove the organisation.

(and no I am not part of the opperation!)
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Old 12th Jan 2005, 12:37
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I think that any criticism of this organisation needs to done with care; call me careful.
This organisation is trying to provide a service when they are not allowed and don't have a contract.
The CEO has built that organisation up from nothing, ... and he has put his heart and soul into it! So did John Freidrich and he put a bullet in his own head!
They have 2 IFR BK117s which are in EXCELLENT condition. True; why don't they try and find paying work for them rather than undermining one of the best EMS systems in the world ( The Victorian Helicopter EMS system has operated very successfully for some 20 years and is now bigger and better that it ever was).
What the CEO needs is to be told to pi$$ off, you didn't win the contract and your 'organisation' is not needed!

(and no I am not part of the operation, or the cops or helimed or CHC or the CIA)
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Old 12th Jan 2005, 22:26
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Clarence, you have hit the nail on the head !

What the CEO should do is search for a location where they might be useful. Not try and edge their way in to an well run area.

Warrnambool have been trying for years to have a machine to service Western Victoria, and given the recent 4 drownings oin that area, they maybe should focus on regional areas.

NB
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Old 12th Jan 2005, 22:30
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Arrow Careful, Clarence

Spinwing Steve,

Do you believe yourself? The turnover is related to so many issues, mostly the inability to manage the aircrew. Issues over e mail facilities, use of computers, rostering, etc have all been highlighted here before. One of the most relaxed and capable Chief Pilots eventually gave up on a bad job and stayed back in the West; enough was enough.

Issues such as seeking and getting commercial charter operations as a registered charity to the detriment of local operators doesn't endear the company to many, either. AAV know the CEO from old, another point. ChEng has been a blessing, but he's too laid back to let much worry him.
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Old 12th Jan 2005, 22:41
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John Freidrich and he put a bullet in his own head!
Did he Clarence? Did he?
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Old 12th Jan 2005, 22:58
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Actually Nev, Clarence is a little off the mark.... although his intentions are well received, ....as I too agree "the Victorian Helicopter EMS system" is excellent!
LifeFlight is not in competition with Air Ambulance or Police helicopters in Victoria, nor have we ever sort too be... Unfortunately this remains a 'legacy of assumption' that undoubtedly thrives when facts are not considered.
LifeFlight’s BK117's are already -
1 - under contract to the Victorian Department of Human Services for the provision of Neonatal retrievals (Powercor Children’s Helicopter), coordinated by the Air Ambulance Service.
2 - under contract to Surf Life Saving for rescue workload (Westpac Rescue Helicopter), also coordinated by the Air Ambulance Service for EMS functions when backing up or standing in for their helicopters when down for unexpected maintenance issues.
Spinwing is very kind... and the closest to the mark in relation to our situation and intentions.
I'd like not to be considered "Off the planet", but understand there will be disgruntled ex-employees and "knockers" of what and how things are being achieved.
I am always happy to talk to constructive contributors who are genuine in their desire to advance the industry. I can be contacted most days at work on +61 3 9614 1700.
Nev - your point about Warrnambool is not lost, although I'm not in a position to say too much, discussions have been ongoing with relation to the relocation of the rescue helicopter down that way, although the government does not publicly acknowledge the need at this stage.
Thank you for taking the time to read the information I've laid out above, and I hope this helps clarify LifeFlight’s role and intentions here in Victoria.

Brett Rankin.
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Old 12th Jan 2005, 23:27
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"Mobile 45"

AV8R, I'm with you... did he really????

Clearance (not Clarence!!!!!)
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Old 13th Jan 2005, 02:16
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Ooooohhh I seemed to have hit a nerve ...

Thank you for the explanation Brett, ... very brave ...

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Old 13th Jan 2005, 21:22
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"Very Brave"??

Don't think so. This chap has come onto the forum to put his case forward to keep the "Pprune Wolves" away from his organisation.

Good on you Brett to standing up and letting everyone know the REAL situation.

I myself have been part of a startup EMS organistion which was down the road from "the established" gents. Suffice to say that those "established gents" are now long gone and we built a very nice setup which today has 3 multi-engine IFR aircraft.

Keep up the good work and very nice website. Aircraft look very nice.
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Old 13th Jan 2005, 22:38
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Working Hard

Good on you Brett for spelling out the details of how you are going about setting up service for needy children in a market dominated by a service provider that is narrow minded, protective and so un-econimic, it's rediculous....

It's sad to see this forum houses so many knockers that have a serious case of tall poppy syndrome...

Good luck Brett with the service and I hope the NETS jobs keep increasing in number.
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Old 13th Jan 2005, 23:20
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Why have so many people left there?
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Old 13th Jan 2005, 23:29
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Sling Load

Your very first post of this thread (which you started) asked the question of "what is going on with the high staff turnover".

Now you are accusing the CEO of slandering ex-pilots!

You obviously have not got the facts or very much want to apply for the job but have been put off by pissed-off ex-employees who have left (for probably a number of reasons).

A bit of advice:

1. Make your own mind up about someone AFTER you have met them; and

2. Stop trying to deliberately slander someone who you have not obviously met.

Good night
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Old 13th Jan 2005, 23:37
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Oogle,
im a very much aware of SAR/EMS in Australia and i am very much aware of pilots who have worked there, I am asking others why they have left.

You seem to have a problem with this.
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Old 14th Jan 2005, 05:23
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Oogle

Perhaps there should be a list made??

There are a few very vocal disgruntled or untalented members here that have the passion to squash any Aussie Initiative.

Mainly Jayrow and Life Flight [Both Melbourne based].

Typical tall Poppy Syndrome or jealousy? [Both seem to be expanding]

How many folk have left the other reputable mobs as well?
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Old 15th Jan 2005, 12:22
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Loose Mast Nut ...


Well said ...

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