Westpac Helicopters NSW ordered to reinstate terminated Pilot
Hmm, 60 hours and still couldn't hover proficiently? They should have conducted her training in a Robby. Don't they know, "If you can fly an R22, you can fly anything"? 
I just found her LI profile. Very clearly a lot more to the story than is public. She was a check and training pilot on NVG in the army, as well as a Chinook captain deployed to Afghanistan, amongst other things.
Polarizing indeed. Has caused discussion in my workplace (SLF).
Last edited by Chock Puller; 15th Feb 2023 at 19:22. Reason: No need to recap what that discussion had to say.
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When you signed onto this website you each agreed to certain terms and conditions.
I remind you of one particular part of those terms and conditions, that being the following statement:
No one ever got into trouble for speaking well of others or exercising their right to remain silent.
Think carefully before you post and make sure you can prove the truthfulness of your comments you post should you be challenged to do so by an appropriate authority.
Naming names, no matter how indirectly is not acceptable.
I remind you of one particular part of those terms and conditions, that being the following statement:
No one ever got into trouble for speaking well of others or exercising their right to remain silent.
Think carefully before you post and make sure you can prove the truthfulness of your comments you post should you be challenged to do so by an appropriate authority.
Naming names, no matter how indirectly is not acceptable.
Name is in local media. No secret.
Radio interview with her on ABC Radio on her deployment.
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational...b-ep-5/6286910
Worth listening to.
Radio interview with her on ABC Radio on her deployment.
https://www.abc.net.au/radionational...b-ep-5/6286910
Worth listening to.
Last edited by BigMike; 15th Feb 2023 at 21:34.
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The real reason for the spurious claim of performance failures is another topic.
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looks like they dind't dot the is and cross the Ts well enough when they decided to chop her...
when you dismiss on capability grounds part of the process has to be serving proper notice that failure to address the issue will result in consideration of termination of appointment
I think all the evidence suggests it was never about capability. But, yes, you are correct.
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I worked for a company that, if they hired you, you agreed to be on probation for the first 3 months.
During that time you could be “terminated without cause”.
I can only recall it being used once and then with obvious reason…there was something obviously very wrong with that fellow both in flying ability and in personality.
The scene when he was informed that his “services were no longer required” was dramatic…yelling, .cursing, swearing, threats of retribution and vengeance, car leaving the parking lot at high speed in a spray of gravel.
We never heard of him again and at the time the Canadian helicopter industry was a pretty close knit community …if “something of interest” happened in BC …you knew about it in Newfoundland within hours.
Also a lot of contracts with customers allow them to require an immediate change of crew without cause.
During that time you could be “terminated without cause”.
I can only recall it being used once and then with obvious reason…there was something obviously very wrong with that fellow both in flying ability and in personality.
The scene when he was informed that his “services were no longer required” was dramatic…yelling, .cursing, swearing, threats of retribution and vengeance, car leaving the parking lot at high speed in a spray of gravel.
We never heard of him again and at the time the Canadian helicopter industry was a pretty close knit community …if “something of interest” happened in BC …you knew about it in Newfoundland within hours.
Also a lot of contracts with customers allow them to require an immediate change of crew without cause.
Last edited by albatross; 17th Feb 2023 at 18:08.
I worked for a company that, if they hired you, you agreed to be on probation for the first 3 months.
During that time you could be “terminated without cause”.
I can only recall it being used once and then with obvious reason…there was something obviously very wrong with that fellow both in flying ability and in personality.
The scene when he was informed that his “services were no longer required” was dramatic…yelling, .cursing, swearing, threats of retribution and vengeance, car leaving the parking lot at high speed in a spray of gravel.
We never heard of him again and at the time the Canadian helicopter industry was a pretty close knit community …if “something of interest” happened in BC …you knew about it in Newfoundland within hours.
Also a lot of contracts with customers allow them to require an immediate change of crew without cause.
During that time you could be “terminated without cause”.
I can only recall it being used once and then with obvious reason…there was something obviously very wrong with that fellow both in flying ability and in personality.
The scene when he was informed that his “services were no longer required” was dramatic…yelling, .cursing, swearing, threats of retribution and vengeance, car leaving the parking lot at high speed in a spray of gravel.
We never heard of him again and at the time the Canadian helicopter industry was a pretty close knit community …if “something of interest” happened in BC …you knew about it in Newfoundland within hours.
Also a lot of contracts with customers allow them to require an immediate change of crew without cause.
The following users liked this post:
Ms. Hendersons background, bet her instructor was intimidated with that resume.
Every pilot in the world knows they have a paper trail, every time a dual trip or check flight is undertaken the instructor has to write up what is colloquially known in some circles as a "hate sheet", each element of a flight is graded, one operation so graded "unsatisfactory", "below average", "average", "above average". His "dismissal" statement on her very first flight set the tone, she could have been above average on every element, but he was going to get rid of her no matter what, question is why.. Just my take.
Mr Shepherd did make inappropriate comments to Ms Henderson during her first training flight, including that he was keeping a ‘paper trail’ for the purposes of her dismissal
- Senior ManagerSenior Manager
Australian Army · Part-timeAustralian Army · Part-time Jan 2020 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mosJan 2020 - Present · 3 yrs 2 mos North Coast, AustraliaNorth Coast, Australia
EMS PilotEMS Pilot
Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service - Northern NSW · Full-timeWestpac Rescue Helicopter Service - Northern NSW · Full-time Oct 2021 - May 2022 · 8 mosOct 2021 - May 2022 · 8 mos
Senior ManagerSenior Manager
Transport for NSW · Full-timeTransport for NSW · Full-time Jun 2021 - Sep 2021 · 4 mosJun 2021 - Sep 2021 · 4 mos McLeods ShootMcLeods Shoot
EMS PilotEMS Pilot
Babcock OnshoreBabcock Onshore Mar 2019 - Jun 2021 · 2 yrs 4 mosMar 2019 - Jun 2021 · 2 yrs 4 mos Horn Island BaseHorn Island Base-
- ✦ Providing emergency medical and search & rescue aviation service
✦ Maintaining professional standards and quality service delivery
✦ Engaging and collaborating within an indigenous, remote community✦ Providing emergency medical and search & rescue aviation service ✦ Maintaining professional standards and quality service delivery ✦ Engaging and collaborating within an indigenous, remote community
- ✦ Providing emergency medical and search & rescue aviation service
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- Operations ManagerOperations Manager
Roads and Maritime ServicesRoads and Maritime Services Jul 2016 - Mar 2019 · 2 yrs 9 mosJul 2016 - Mar 2019 · 2 yrs 9 mos Regional Traffic Operations CentreRegional Traffic Operations Centre-
- ✦ Critical Incident and Emergency Management of unplanned traffic and tunnel
incidents
✦ Operations Management and Leadership of traffic operations, special events,
incidents and the road network including communication and reporting.
✦ Implementation of emergency management training, processes and
procedures. Coordinate of joint multi-jurisdictional and inter-agency
emergency exercises.
✦ Business Management, Standard Operating Procedures development and
improvement.
✦ Stakeholder engagement with emergency services, local government and
industry operational organisations.
✦ Contribute to strategic vision for business unit including key goals,
objectives and performance indicators.✦ Critical Incident and Emergency Management of unplanned traffic and tunnel incidents ✦ Operations Management and Leadership of traffic operations, special events, incidents and the road network including communication and reporting. ✦ Implementation of emergency management training, processes and procedures. Coordinate of joint multi-jurisdictional and inter-agency emergency exercises. ✦ Business Management, Standard Operating Procedures development and improvement. ✦ Stakeholder engagement with emergency services, local government and industry operational organisations. ✦ Contribute to strategic vision for business unit including key goals, objectives and performance indicators.
- ✦ Critical Incident and Emergency Management of unplanned traffic and tunnel
-
ManagerManager
Southern Cross University · Full-timeSouthern Cross University · Full-time Sep 2015 - Jul 2016 · 11 mosSep 2015 - Jul 2016 · 11 mos Planning and Operations TeamPlanning and Operations Team-
- ✦ Work collaboratively with stakeholders across the University (and external
stakeholders) to deliver innovative, consistent and effective services.
✦ Manage and maintain data in computerised electronic systems and manage
systems upgrades including user acceptance training.
✦ Manage best-practice continuous improvement of processes and systems;
documenting procedures and benchmarking key performance data.
Regularly seeking and reporting on feedback from clients and stakeholders.
✦ Contribute to annual operational plans. Monitor and revise the planning
outcomes and goals on an ongoing basis and identify and provide advice to
Senior executive✦ Work collaboratively with stakeholders across the University (and external stakeholders) to deliver innovative, consistent and effective services. ✦ Manage and maintain data in computerised electronic systems and manage systems upgrades including user acceptance training. ✦ Manage best-practice continuous improvement of processes and systems; documenting procedures and benchmarking key performance data. Regularly seeking and reporting on feedback from clients and stakeholders. ✦ Contribute to annual operational plans. Monitor and revise the planning outcomes and goals on an ongoing basis and identify and provide advice to Senior executive
- ✦ Work collaboratively with stakeholders across the University (and external
-
- Project OfficerProject Officer
DMODMO 2015 · Less than a year2015 · Less than a year - Australian Defence ForceAustralian Defence Force
6 yrs 2 mos6 yrs 2 mos-
- Instructor, Officer Training WingInstructor, Officer Training Wing
2011 - Jul 2014 · 3 yrs 7 mos2011 - Jul 2014 · 3 yrs 7 mos Canungra, QLDCanungra, QLD-
- Instructed and assessed students on all aspects of effective communication, leadership and management, including delivering lessons, facilitating group discussion and activities and conducting assessments, evaluating performance and providing feedback; training included: equity and diversity, mediation and conflict resolution, ethics and fraud training, risk management, workplace health and safety, suicide awareness and mental health, administration, compliance, governance, organisational management, conduct of training in an organisation, values, coaching and mentoring, strategic planning, operations management, programming and coordination, conduct of evaluations, multidisciplinary and interagency liaison and operations.Instructed and assessed students on all aspects of effective communication, leadership and management, including delivering lessons, facilitating group discussion and activities and conducting assessments, evaluating performance and providing feedback; training included: equity and diversity, mediation and conflict resolution, ethics and fraud training, risk management, workplace health and safety, suicide awareness and mental health, administration, compliance, governance, organisational management, conduct of training in an organisation, values, coaching and mentoring, strategic planning, operations management, programming and coordination, conduct of evaluations, multidisciplinary and interagency liaison and operations.
-
- Chief Instructor (non flying), Chinook TrainingChief Instructor (non flying), Chinook Training
Jan 2009 - Dec 2010 · 2 yrsJan 2009 - Dec 2010 · 2 yrs Townsville, QldTownsville, Qld-
- Responsible for award of all Chinook multi-engine training qualifications and standards; Evaluated and improved the aircrew training management packages for all chinook training; Implemented processs improvement strategies to achieve a continuous improvement regime and review of learning objectives and outcomes; Provided direction on staff progression, training and promotion; and Drafted Memorandum of Understanding outlining all processes for conduct of training between Aviation Training Centre and Squadron.Responsible for award of all Chinook multi-engine training qualifications and standards; Evaluated and improved the aircrew training management packages for all chinook training; Implemented processs improvement strategies to achieve a continuous improvement regime and review of learning objectives and outcomes; Provided direction on staff progression, training and promotion; and Drafted Memorandum of Understanding outlining all processes for conduct of training between Aviation Training Centre and Squadron.
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- Squadron Commander, Flying Supervisor, Chinook PilotSquadron Commander, Flying Supervisor, Chinook Pilot
Jun 2008 - Dec 2010 · 2 yrs 7 mosJun 2008 - Dec 2010 · 2 yrs 7 mos Townsville, QldTownsville, Qld-
- Cross-functional team management: managed six Chinook helicopters and 100 personnel
including aircrew, engineering, technicians and civilian contractors for operations at Base and in remote locations such as central Queensland, Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan;
Creating a positive work environment with a focus on strong team building; Multi Engine Command Instrument Rated Aircraft Captain; Wide-ranging tasking including night vision goggles, head up display, winching, external loads, resupplying isolated communities, air evacuations and medical transfers , 24 hour a day response and official government transport.Cross-functional team management: managed six Chinook helicopters and 100 personnel including aircrew, engineering, technicians and civilian contractors for operations at Base and in remote locations such as central Queensland, Papua New Guinea and Afghanistan; Creating a positive work environment with a focus on strong team building; Multi Engine Command Instrument Rated Aircraft Captain; Wide-ranging tasking including night vision goggles, head up display, winching, external loads, resupplying isolated communities, air evacuations and medical transfers , 24 hour a day response and official government transport.
- Cross-functional team management: managed six Chinook helicopters and 100 personnel
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- Instructor, Officer Training WingInstructor, Officer Training Wing
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- Division Operations ManagerDivision Operations Manager
Australian Defence ForceAustralian Defence Force Jul 2005 - Dec 2007 · 2 yrs 6 mosJul 2005 - Dec 2007 · 2 yrs 6 mos Brisbane, QldBrisbane, Qld-
- Multi-unit operations management from remote locations worldwide including Australia, East Timor, Solomon Islands, Pakistan and Iraq; Coordinate and liaise with civilian agencies on all Army Aviation Search and Rescue Tasks; coordinate counter disaster aviation operations including evacuation of people and resupplying communities isolated by natural disasters; Allocate resources across multi-unit operations and coordinate training and operating programs as well as fleet availability maintainence and logistics support; Managing 24 hr a day response and planning and coordinating operations at a moments notice; and Drafting and implementing standard operating procedures to instate commonality of processes across multiple units in various remote locations.Multi-unit operations management from remote locations worldwide including Australia, East Timor, Solomon Islands, Pakistan and Iraq; Coordinate and liaise with civilian agencies on all Army Aviation Search and Rescue Tasks; coordinate counter disaster aviation operations including evacuation of people and resupplying communities isolated by natural disasters; Allocate resources across multi-unit operations and coordinate training and operating programs as well as fleet availability maintainence and logistics support; Managing 24 hr a day response and planning and coordinating operations at a moments notice; and Drafting and implementing standard operating procedures to instate commonality of processes across multiple units in various remote locations.
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- Traffic Report PilotTraffic Report Pilot
The Helicopter Service AustraliaThe Helicopter Service Australia Dec 2005 - May 2006 · 6 mosDec 2005 - May 2006 · 6 mos Brisbane, QldBrisbane, Qld-
- Operate Single pilot by day and night in,out of Brisbane controlled airspace to provide live cross to television for all traffic reports; Quick Response to reports of traffic accidents or other news incidents.Operate Single pilot by day and night in,out of Brisbane controlled airspace to provide live cross to television for all traffic reports; Quick Response to reports of traffic accidents or other news incidents.
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- Australian Defence ForceAustralian Defence Force
7 yrs7 yrs-
- Executive AideExecutive Aide
Jan 2004 - Dec 2004 · 1 yrJan 2004 - Dec 2004 · 1 yr Brisbane, QldBrisbane, Qld-
- Act as first point of contact for those seeking appointments with the Brigadier as well as reviewing all inwards correspondence and drafting replies; Briefing the Brigadier on all relevant issues and background prior to conducting visits or attending meetings and conferences; Confidently representing the Brigadier to stakeholders when he was not available and being able to either address or defer their issues and queries; and Managing the Brigadiers program, calendar and travel and coordinating hosted events.Act as first point of contact for those seeking appointments with the Brigadier as well as reviewing all inwards correspondence and drafting replies; Briefing the Brigadier on all relevant issues and background prior to conducting visits or attending meetings and conferences; Confidently representing the Brigadier to stakeholders when he was not available and being able to either address or defer their issues and queries; and Managing the Brigadiers program, calendar and travel and coordinating hosted events.
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- Check and Training, Senior Flying Supervisor, B206 SquadronCheck and Training, Senior Flying Supervisor, B206 Squadron
Jan 2003 - Dec 2003 · 1 yrJan 2003 - Dec 2003 · 1 yr Darwin, NTDarwin, NT-
- Conduct of pilot currency check rides under IFR, NVG, NI and Day; Responsible for managing pilot on-job-training competencies and progression; Qualifying pilots to operate onboard FLIR system and Long Range Camera equipment; Management of all Training resources and programming of training and operations; Responsible for award of all B206 training qualifications and standards; and Senior flying supervisor responsible for all aspects of the organisations safety culture and risk management processes.Conduct of pilot currency check rides under IFR, NVG, NI and Day; Responsible for managing pilot on-job-training competencies and progression; Qualifying pilots to operate onboard FLIR system and Long Range Camera equipment; Management of all Training resources and programming of training and operations; Responsible for award of all B206 training qualifications and standards; and Senior flying supervisor responsible for all aspects of the organisations safety culture and risk management processes.
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- Team Leader, B206 Reconnaissance TroopTeam Leader, B206 Reconnaissance Troop
2001 - 2003 · 2 yrs2001 - 2003 · 2 yrs Darwin, NTDarwin, NT-
- Leading a team of pilots and aircraft conducting operations in Timor and around Australia in various roles; Creating a positive work environment with a focus on strong team building; Responsible for the professional mastery of aircrew within the team and providing tailored training and progression to individuals; Evaluating performance and conducting performance interviews and reviews; and Acting as liaison and subject matter expert when operating with government organisations and other external stakeholders.Leading a team of pilots and aircraft conducting operations in Timor and around Australia in various roles; Creating a positive work environment with a focus on strong team building; Responsible for the professional mastery of aircrew within the team and providing tailored training and progression to individuals; Evaluating performance and conducting performance interviews and reviews; and Acting as liaison and subject matter expert when operating with government organisations and other external stakeholders.
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- Maintenance Test Pilot and Line Pilot B206Maintenance Test Pilot and Line Pilot B206
1998 - 2003 · 5 yrs1998 - 2003 · 5 yrs Darwin, NTDarwin, NT-
- Dedicated member of the team gaining a range of skills across a broad spectrum of flying operations including single pilot operations, wide area search and surveillance over land and ocean, direction finding to locate rescue beacons, aerial photography and camera work, FLIR operation, 24 hour a day response and short notice rapid response options, fire spotting, counter disaster activation particularly cyclones and floods, operations to unprepared landing areas and in remote locations, low level work, extensive cross country and remote area navigation, overwatch and aerial observations of events and significant activities; and Maintanence test flying for all aspects of maintanance, scheduled services and major servicings including Quality Assurance checks post major overhauls.
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- Executive AideExecutive Aide
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Resume gets you an interview, interview gets you a conditional hire, then over to training and checking.
No operator will hire anyone they don't expect to achieve competency within the training time allotted.
But it happens 5-10% of the time. A resume does not pass your training or checkride for you. Training hours in Australia are already generous compared to the rest of the world, anyone needing more would be a huge red flag, just let them go, lest you be burdened with some cull pilot that forevermore will require twice the annual training of the rest of your crew.
NVG hover was singled out, but doesn't mean the training staff didn't have other concerns. Though in the evidence presented the training department of this company doesn't appear especially strong or sophisticated.
Maybe an early onset of nyctalopia, but as an operator looking for a new hire, I don't care. I want pilots that can achieve operational competency in minimum training time.
No operator will hire anyone they don't expect to achieve competency within the training time allotted.
But it happens 5-10% of the time. A resume does not pass your training or checkride for you. Training hours in Australia are already generous compared to the rest of the world, anyone needing more would be a huge red flag, just let them go, lest you be burdened with some cull pilot that forevermore will require twice the annual training of the rest of your crew.
NVG hover was singled out, but doesn't mean the training staff didn't have other concerns. Though in the evidence presented the training department of this company doesn't appear especially strong or sophisticated.
Maybe an early onset of nyctalopia, but as an operator looking for a new hire, I don't care. I want pilots that can achieve operational competency in minimum training time.
I'm curious why asking for reinstatement?
I understand if she asks for damages, but she is already working as an EMS pilot, why going back to place where they don't want you?
Unless conditions are wastly different between former and current workplace, I'd rather stay somewhere where I don't have to constantly look over my shoulder.
I understand if she asks for damages, but she is already working as an EMS pilot, why going back to place where they don't want you?
Unless conditions are wastly different between former and current workplace, I'd rather stay somewhere where I don't have to constantly look over my shoulder.
I'm also curious as to why she wanted reinstatement? Also, looking deeper into this resume, there doesn't seem to be lots of flying per se? initially , 6 years, but then lots of management / leadership roles, then large breaks from flying before the Westpac position. A lot of these roles would not accumulate lots of hours, and is it me, she doesn't seem to be in any position for very long? Is there more to this? Does anywhere on her resume include flying hours?
B.
B.