Hey Koru,

What have you heard about the RNZAF supplying pilots to ANZ with the govt paying their salary. I hope this isn't a credible rumor since it came from PPRUNE. Don't know why I ever look at that site???

Cheers,
Tweet

 

Wow, why I don't look at pprune.

Why on earth would either Air NZ, the RNZAF or for that matter NZALPA think that was a good idea. Anyway, no, nothing like that is happening, nor will it happen.

At the moment Air NZ is shedding pilots through LWOP. They do not currently require more of them.

 

That is good news!!...I am now starting a self imposed ban from the Prune.

 

Anyone heard any news lately? I am wondering if I could go fly for a NZ regional like Eagle or Mount Cook for a while... just to get down in NZ... I am really ready to move now.

 

****!?!! Mods please delete previous.

 

Two of our guys went to Air Nelson after getting winged and doing a short amount of time on the Airtrainer to build captaincy. So yes the RNZAF has sent folks to an airline. Just not ANZ.

After getting winged, the young bograts build experience on the King Air prior to hitting Herc or Orion conversion training. 42 Squadron is hurting on aircraft and instructors, so the young punters are flying with Air Nelson to build experience.

They're still RNZAF pilots, but wear the Air Nelson uniform (but earn RNZAF pay). Lucky dogs.

 

Hey DB....good to see you posting again! Thanks for e-mailing your updates. Love the articles and pix. Most of my replies have gotten bounced back, but not all.

 

Just living the dream in Enzed's version of Enid, OK. The flying has been phenomenal bro. I think I've said, "This flight has got to be in my top ten best" ten times by now (mostly on trips to the South Island). Yes the electric plastic rat is slow and ugly, but NZ flying is nice.

It's taken a little to get over the culture shock, but when it's all said and done NZ is a nice place to live. I miss the land of the big PX and will be heading back in a few weeks, but I'll keep NZ in my holiday travel plans from here on out.

Anyone out there with the means and desire to spend some time in Aotearoa should do so.

Chur bro,

DB

 

That's very surprising that NZALPA would allow that to happen. The Air Nelson uniform is the Air NZ uniform and the pilots are under the CBA of Air Nelson, so they would have to have been properly hired by Air Nelson, or that would be one heck of a contract variation. Are they on the Dash 8? (must be as the only plane they have) Air NZ would not be paying for them to get the type rating unless they had a long term commitment I would think; but they have done the odd funny thing before. Odd I've not read it in any of their bulletins so I'm definitely going to have to get the latest goss from my bussies there (at Air Nelson) on that one . . . thanks for the post and good to know. . . very good to know.

Air NZ has just invoked their clause regarding protocol for possible redundancies. Basically they are trying again to get people to take LWOP, all their leave, retire (for gods sake) etc. Layoffs are being towted as a possibility by management. Possibly just a little sabre rattling while planes are down for IFE (B777) and winglet (B767) upgrade, and it's low season. On the upside Jetstar raised their pay, as nobody was taking the job, and as far as I know PacBlue is still hiring.

 

Koru,

Do you have any contacts at JetStar? or at PacBlue? I had an interview with Pac Blue set up back in January, but it was cancelled because Rishworth lost their staffing contract with them... I am really trying to get down to NZ this year or next at some point...

Thanks for your help,

Ryan