SIA raps 3 Pilots over the use of Flight Simulator
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SIA raps 3 Pilots over the use of Flight Simulator
Feb 12, 2005
SIA raps 3 pilots over use of simulator
The 3, who helped ex-colleague Ryan Goh get permission to use the equipment, are reminded to follow company procedures
By Karamjit Kaur
Transport Correspondent
THE three Singapore Airlines pilots, involved in the controversy over helping a former colleague renew his flying licence on a company flight simulator, have been rapped on the knuckles.
They have been sent formal notes reminding them to be more mindful of company procedure, and have been counselled.
The company, which spent several weeks investigating the case, wrote last week to Captain Mok Hin Choon, president of the Air Line Pilots Association-Singapore (Alpa-S), one of its vice-presidents, Captain C. C. Chew, and the third man, to tell them its decision.
The airline's spokesman, Mr Stephen Forshaw, confirmed the letters were issued, but declined to comment further, saying only that 'this is an internal matter' and 'the case is closed'.
When contacted, Capt C. C. Chew, too, refused to be drawn on the case, which could have seen the trio hauled before an inquiry panel, as 'there's really nothing more to say'. Capt Mok could not be reached as he was out of town.
The flight-simulator incident, involving one-time SIA captain Ryan Goh, who now lives in Perth, is not expected to affect the trio's career prospects in the company, The Straits Times understands.
The three had maintained from the onset that it was not their intention to mislead the company when they helped him get permission to use the flight simulator at SIA's training centre on two occasions last October.
Mr Goh was labelled an 'undesirable immigrant' by Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng last March, over his role in a pilots' union dispute, and his permanent-resident status was revoked.
He was in Singapore again in October,and with the simulator sessions, passed two flying tests and got his licence for flying with Singapore-based airlines renewed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.
The problem arose because Alpa-S did not inform SIA that one of those simulator sessions had been changed from a practice to a 'base-check', which involves routine take-off, flight and landing procedures used for renewing flying licences.
In a recent memo to union members explaining the trio's side of the story, Capt Chew said: 'The sole intention was to help a fellow affiliate member, an ex-colleague of some 26 years, who was in need of our help.
'The association acknowledges that on hindsight, clearance should have been sought to change the second simulator session to a base-check.'
It was not done, he noted, because Capt Mok, who had been dealing with the flight-crew training centre on behalf of his former colleague, was busy or away.
'Given we were keeping to the two sessions, it did not occur to him that this would be an issue with management,' added Capt Chew.
The union has also apologised for the oversight.
SIA raps 3 pilots over use of simulator
The 3, who helped ex-colleague Ryan Goh get permission to use the equipment, are reminded to follow company procedures
By Karamjit Kaur
Transport Correspondent
THE three Singapore Airlines pilots, involved in the controversy over helping a former colleague renew his flying licence on a company flight simulator, have been rapped on the knuckles.
They have been sent formal notes reminding them to be more mindful of company procedure, and have been counselled.
The company, which spent several weeks investigating the case, wrote last week to Captain Mok Hin Choon, president of the Air Line Pilots Association-Singapore (Alpa-S), one of its vice-presidents, Captain C. C. Chew, and the third man, to tell them its decision.
The airline's spokesman, Mr Stephen Forshaw, confirmed the letters were issued, but declined to comment further, saying only that 'this is an internal matter' and 'the case is closed'.
When contacted, Capt C. C. Chew, too, refused to be drawn on the case, which could have seen the trio hauled before an inquiry panel, as 'there's really nothing more to say'. Capt Mok could not be reached as he was out of town.
The flight-simulator incident, involving one-time SIA captain Ryan Goh, who now lives in Perth, is not expected to affect the trio's career prospects in the company, The Straits Times understands.
The three had maintained from the onset that it was not their intention to mislead the company when they helped him get permission to use the flight simulator at SIA's training centre on two occasions last October.
Mr Goh was labelled an 'undesirable immigrant' by Home Affairs Minister Wong Kan Seng last March, over his role in a pilots' union dispute, and his permanent-resident status was revoked.
He was in Singapore again in October,and with the simulator sessions, passed two flying tests and got his licence for flying with Singapore-based airlines renewed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore.
The problem arose because Alpa-S did not inform SIA that one of those simulator sessions had been changed from a practice to a 'base-check', which involves routine take-off, flight and landing procedures used for renewing flying licences.
In a recent memo to union members explaining the trio's side of the story, Capt Chew said: 'The sole intention was to help a fellow affiliate member, an ex-colleague of some 26 years, who was in need of our help.
'The association acknowledges that on hindsight, clearance should have been sought to change the second simulator session to a base-check.'
It was not done, he noted, because Capt Mok, who had been dealing with the flight-crew training centre on behalf of his former colleague, was busy or away.
'Given we were keeping to the two sessions, it did not occur to him that this would be an issue with management,' added Capt Chew.
The union has also apologised for the oversight.
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What a complete contrast to the previously unrestrained media bashing of Ryan Goh.
Case closed, or does it seem more like a deal made between accuseds and accusers not to shake a fragile cupboard ready to burst open with skeletons no one has the guts to deal with?
Normally a situation like this would have the local anti-corruption squad salivating - employees using company resources (aka state resources) for the benefit of an ex-employee aka persona non grata to renew his rating / licence, an activity that is readily quantifiable in dollar terms.
Another example of SIA not wanting to pursue something too doggedly because it's own credibilty is at stake?
Such an apprently quick and tidy solution to the situation merely deepens the mystery and mistrust surrounding the circumstances...
Case closed, or does it seem more like a deal made between accuseds and accusers not to shake a fragile cupboard ready to burst open with skeletons no one has the guts to deal with?
Normally a situation like this would have the local anti-corruption squad salivating - employees using company resources (aka state resources) for the benefit of an ex-employee aka persona non grata to renew his rating / licence, an activity that is readily quantifiable in dollar terms.
Another example of SIA not wanting to pursue something too doggedly because it's own credibilty is at stake?
Such an apprently quick and tidy solution to the situation merely deepens the mystery and mistrust surrounding the circumstances...
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As an outside observer of the airline scene, with a particular interest in Singapore Airlines, I find this latest episode of the Ryan Goh saga passing strange. However, I don't quite follow Lithgow's train of thought. Surely the bashing of Goh by SIA surpassed anything administered by the Singapore media. When the SIN govt declared him to be an undesirable immigrant, clearly on the basis of his union activism, which didn't sit well with the powers-that-be at Temasek Holdings, I thought Goh got a really rough deal, quite unfairly, whether you agreed with his tactics or not. I even wrote a letter to Asia Today (I didn't bother with the Dire Straits) in his defence but they didn't publish it. I thought at the time that reaction from PPRuners, who can't wait to come down on SIA like a ton of bricks at the first opportunity, was decidely muted.
OK, rightly or wrongly, Goh was fired by SIA and evicted from Singapore. I presume he's still allowed to enter SIN and stay for a limited time as a visitor. I believe it is possible for someone outside SIA to use their simulator for a charge. It sounds as though Goh was allowed time and checked out on the sim free - is that right? Base check or no, how could any one of his former colleagues have even contemplated giving Goh free sim time? Why didn't SIA throw the book at them, as they had every right to in the circumstances (whether or not you agree with their original decision to fire him). Here Lithgow and I are kind of on the same wavelength but what does he mean by skeletons falling out of the SIA cupboard and SIA's credibility being at stake?
Rockhound
OK, rightly or wrongly, Goh was fired by SIA and evicted from Singapore. I presume he's still allowed to enter SIN and stay for a limited time as a visitor. I believe it is possible for someone outside SIA to use their simulator for a charge. It sounds as though Goh was allowed time and checked out on the sim free - is that right? Base check or no, how could any one of his former colleagues have even contemplated giving Goh free sim time? Why didn't SIA throw the book at them, as they had every right to in the circumstances (whether or not you agree with their original decision to fire him). Here Lithgow and I are kind of on the same wavelength but what does he mean by skeletons falling out of the SIA cupboard and SIA's credibility being at stake?
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Rockhound
“Base check or no, how could any one of his former colleagues have even contemplated giving Goh free sim time? Why didn't SIA throw the book at them, as they had every right to in the circumstances?”
Yes you’ve hit the nail on the head – a very curious case of a Sherlock Holmes dog not barking in the night.
I can only surmise that Goh’s free sim time was sanctioned at the very highest level, for as you imply, it would be impossible for anyone in Singapore to move an inch without the approval of you know who.
Maybe he’s re-thought and recognises that his past use of a sledge hammer to crack a nut has been wildly disproportionate - hence the recent slack cut to an undesirable immigrant, with no corollary loss of face.
“Base check or no, how could any one of his former colleagues have even contemplated giving Goh free sim time? Why didn't SIA throw the book at them, as they had every right to in the circumstances?”
Yes you’ve hit the nail on the head – a very curious case of a Sherlock Holmes dog not barking in the night.
I can only surmise that Goh’s free sim time was sanctioned at the very highest level, for as you imply, it would be impossible for anyone in Singapore to move an inch without the approval of you know who.
Maybe he’s re-thought and recognises that his past use of a sledge hammer to crack a nut has been wildly disproportionate - hence the recent slack cut to an undesirable immigrant, with no corollary loss of face.
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Rockhound:
Perhaps I was being nebulous...
Shall I be more pointed? Each paragraph now re-written for quick comprehension...
1. What a complete contrast to the previously unrestrained media bashing of Ryan Goh.
Self explanatory.
2. Case closed, or does it seem more like a deal made between accuseds and accusers not to shake a fragile cupboard ready to burst open with skeletons no one has the guts to deal with?
Picture this scenario: ok guys (meaning the 3 culprits involved in the Ryan Goh base check), how about we just give you a slap on the wrist, and let the matter rest, because we know that if we push the matter, you 3 will spill the beans on who else is involved, ourselves included. No, we wouldn't want that, would we? We won't ask any more questions so that you won't have to tell. Very convenient for everyone.
3. Normally a situation like this would have the local anti-corruption squad salivating - employees using company resources (aka state resources) for the benefit of an ex-employee aka persona non grata to renew his rating / licence, an activity that is readily quantifiable in dollar terms.
Ryan Goh used the SIM for free. The 3 gave him SIM time. This is very clearly blatant misuse of company assets, like a pilot giving someone free passage. Why then no follow up from the anti-corruption agency known as CPIB?
4. Another example of SIA not wanting to pursue something too doggedly because it's own credibilty is at stake?
SIA realises that to chase down this matter would put them in an even worse light, so it is better to quickly and summarily shut the books on this with a slap on the wrist for the culprits.
5. Such an apprently quick and tidy solution to the situation merely deepens the mystery and mistrust surrounding the circumstances...
Self explanatory.
Perhaps I was being nebulous...
Shall I be more pointed? Each paragraph now re-written for quick comprehension...
1. What a complete contrast to the previously unrestrained media bashing of Ryan Goh.
Self explanatory.
2. Case closed, or does it seem more like a deal made between accuseds and accusers not to shake a fragile cupboard ready to burst open with skeletons no one has the guts to deal with?
Picture this scenario: ok guys (meaning the 3 culprits involved in the Ryan Goh base check), how about we just give you a slap on the wrist, and let the matter rest, because we know that if we push the matter, you 3 will spill the beans on who else is involved, ourselves included. No, we wouldn't want that, would we? We won't ask any more questions so that you won't have to tell. Very convenient for everyone.
3. Normally a situation like this would have the local anti-corruption squad salivating - employees using company resources (aka state resources) for the benefit of an ex-employee aka persona non grata to renew his rating / licence, an activity that is readily quantifiable in dollar terms.
Ryan Goh used the SIM for free. The 3 gave him SIM time. This is very clearly blatant misuse of company assets, like a pilot giving someone free passage. Why then no follow up from the anti-corruption agency known as CPIB?
4. Another example of SIA not wanting to pursue something too doggedly because it's own credibilty is at stake?
SIA realises that to chase down this matter would put them in an even worse light, so it is better to quickly and summarily shut the books on this with a slap on the wrist for the culprits.
5. Such an apprently quick and tidy solution to the situation merely deepens the mystery and mistrust surrounding the circumstances...
Self explanatory.
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So we are none the wiser.
High Cirrus, I cannot see what was in it for the MM, except potential acute embarrassment. From my reading of the ST story posted by Lee, the misdemeanour that resulted in the "counselling" (six of the best from the rotan?) of the Alpa-S trio was the unauthorized conversion of the second sim session to a base check. The implication is that two free sim sessions had been authorized, presumably from on high. For why?? Beats me (if you'll pardon the pun). Interesting that this incident took so long to come to light. Interesting also that Goh remains apparently a paid-up member of Alpa-S, even though he can't get a job with a Singapore-based company. Is it an advantage for him?
Lithgow, indeed the mystery deepens but I still maintain the bashing by the SIN media was as nothing compared with that by SIA(=SIN govt). The former seemed to hinge on the fact that Goh was a PR of Australia as well as of SIN.
Rockhound (still )
High Cirrus, I cannot see what was in it for the MM, except potential acute embarrassment. From my reading of the ST story posted by Lee, the misdemeanour that resulted in the "counselling" (six of the best from the rotan?) of the Alpa-S trio was the unauthorized conversion of the second sim session to a base check. The implication is that two free sim sessions had been authorized, presumably from on high. For why?? Beats me (if you'll pardon the pun). Interesting that this incident took so long to come to light. Interesting also that Goh remains apparently a paid-up member of Alpa-S, even though he can't get a job with a Singapore-based company. Is it an advantage for him?
Lithgow, indeed the mystery deepens but I still maintain the bashing by the SIN media was as nothing compared with that by SIA(=SIN govt). The former seemed to hinge on the fact that Goh was a PR of Australia as well as of SIN.
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Still a member of ALPA-S?
Hmmm, the part about Ryan Goh remaining a member I don't know.
However the constitution of ALPA-S states that to be a member you must be a pilot employed by SIA or SilkAir.
So if he still is, then ALPA-S is contravening it's own rules.
Would someone like to blow the whistle?
However the constitution of ALPA-S states that to be a member you must be a pilot employed by SIA or SilkAir.
So if he still is, then ALPA-S is contravening it's own rules.
Would someone like to blow the whistle?
