President’s Report I am pleased to announce the appointment of an Executive Officer. Simon O’Hara will commence duties officially on 27th April.

Mr O’Hara is a qualified and experienced industrial relations lawyer. He has recently been working with the Qantas LAME’s and previously worked as an Associate in the Arbitration Commission. He will be based in Sydney at our new office facility located in the AIPA head office.

Following on from the joint statement issued in February (reprinted in this newsletter), we have now concluded a formal cooperation agreement with the Qantas pilots union, AIPA. AIPA has generously offered to provide VIPA with a range of support services including access to its considerable legal and industrial resources and flight safety and technical services. Furthermore, VIPA now has an office located in the AIPA building in Mascot. AIPA is also working with VIPA to assist in crafting the V Australia EBA.

The last two months have been an exceptionally busy time for members of the VIPA Management Committee. Your committee has been pursuing many issues with the company such as the leave ballot process, augmented crew operations, the application of the computer usage policy, reinstatement of profit share, and the need for Jeppesen ships library.

Preliminary discussions with senior management leading to the commencement of negotiations for an EBA at V Australia have proved ‘interesting’. Together with representatives from the AFAP we have been confronting what appears to be the company’s desire to negotiate a combined agreement encompassing the pilots and cabin crew.

This concept is unacceptable to VIPA. The two other unions, the AFAP and FAAA, have a similar view. Whilst the company may see such an agreement as convenient for numerous reasons the VIPA position is that the two workgroups have divergent interests, dissimilar roles and different career aspirations. A combined agreement would, in my view, contribute further to the professional ‘dumbing down’ process to which I have referred in previous editions of VIPA News.

I believe that in the not too distant future there may be a rationalisation of the company’s infrastructure and operational base, leading

to an integration of Virgin Blue, V Australia and possibly Pacific Blue. Therefore, it is critical that the EBA being negotiated at V Australia is comprehensive in terms and conditions, but is also structured with a view to complimenting the Virgin Blue EBA which is due next year. In other words the V Australia EBA could become a template for the next VB EBA.

Recent experience has shown the necessity to have a far more comprehensive agreement than that currently in place. Career progression, fleet transfer, redundancy and other procedures need to be far more clearly annunciated that in the current agreements.

Skywest have recently raised the bar in terms of pilot salaries. They are presently seeking A320 Check Captains and are offering a salary of $215,000. Their determined negotiation, in the knowledge that they had a solid support base within the pilot ranks, serves as a positive example to us all.

There are, amid our ranks, a considerable number of pilots who for a variety of reason choose not to belong to any representative body. This of course, is their democratic right. However, I urge them to reflect on how vulnerable they are should they be involved in an incident or accident, or even a matter at work which could result in disciplinary action.

Legal representation is very expensive and the nature of our industry necessitates a level of legal expertise the cost of which goes well beyond the capacity of most individuals, but may be covered by ordinary domestic legal policies. VIPA and other unions are geared to facilitate that service, so members enjoy access to a range of expertise and experience.

I recall several years ago in Europe, being called at 0200 hours to assist an A320 captain who had an accident when the Airbus went off the runway at Ibiza (Balearic Islands, Spain). There was no loss of life but both pilots were immediately placed under house arrest. Through our union affiliates we were able to provide the Captain with virtually instant legal support, an interpreter and bail. Unfortunately the First Officer was not a member of the union at the time and languished in custody, unrepresented after the Captain was released. We subsequently were able to help him and I recall receiving a letter of thanks from him in which he stated that there was no lonelier feeling of despair than having been involved in an accident and being in a foreign gaol. Imagine being in that situation in a Bali prison!

I note that some members have slipped into the ‘unfinancial’ category. Members are

INSIDE

New Website Launched .....................2New Executive Officer .......................2V Australia Update .............................3Volunteer Notice .................................3Technical Tips ....................................4Vipa Sydney Office ............................5Contacting VIPA .................................5Joint Statement ..................................6Have you joined VIPA yet? ................7Membership Application ...................8

VIPA Contact Details

Editorial Team

Photo Contributions

Address: PO Box 368, Tullamarine Business Centre, Tullamarine VIC 3043Phone: 1800 116 460Email: executive@vipa.asn.auWeb: www.vipa.asn.au

Karl DavisWayne NewingtonBen JaenschHound Dog Graphics

Get your photo published in the next VIPA News… Submit any relevant snaps taken of the Group’s aircraft, or a view out the office window. Photos will be published with due credit. Please no crew meals. Submissions to: newsletter@vipa.asn.au

Copyright 2009-2010 VIPA

APR/MAY 2010

reminded that they will NOT be eligible for legal support in the event of an incident or accident if they are not ‘current’.

VIPA’s viability and effectiveness relies on the support of members. As often stated

p r e v i o u s l y VIPA will be as effective as the support behind it.

John Lyons President

2 VIPA NEWS APR/MAY 2010

New Website LaunchedMembers may have noticed VIPA has launched a new and improved website. The new format is designed to allow the committee to make changes and update members with news articles a lot more efficiently than in the past.

The new website allows pilots to download forms such as loss of licence application forms and membership application forms with ease from the public section.

Members SectionVIPA members are able to login to a members only section, enabling access to further news, benefits, and other resources. The sub-committee pages contain useful information relevant to you professionally and personally. The Safety, Technical and Regulatory Compliance sub-committee in particular has been active in this section, with the other sub-committees expected to follow suit in due course.

A Member Benefits page has been set up showing deals available to members. This page will grow over time and members will be notified when additional member benefits are available.

The member news section will be used to keep members up to date on the latest developments with VIPA, as well as keeping archived copies of older news to members.

CommunicationOne feature of the new server is the ability to send out bulk emails and attachments. Please ensure that you advise VIPA changes of email addresses or any other contact details so that you are kept up to date. This is of particular importance as we believe communication to members and member feedback is vital to the effectiveness of VIPA. Also please keep an eye on your Spam Box and mark any emails sent by VIPA as safe so emails from VIPA are not filtered.

Members who have not been allocated user names or passwords or who have lost these details are advised to contact secretary@vipa.asn.au so that details can be emailed to you as soon as possible. Or you may wish to use the forgot login link on the home page.

The website will be subject to ongoing development and members will see new content added over time. We will keep you updated on any new features or additions to the website as they are developed. Any feedback or suggestions regarding the website is highly valued, please email communications@vipa.asn.au

David Kazerooni

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I’d like to take this opportunity to introduce myself as VIPA’s newly appointed executive officer. I am a qualified and experienced employment and labour lawyer who has worked for trade unions, government and employers for the last eight years. I have a Bachelor of Arts (Hons) and Bachelor of Law degree with a post graduate diploma in legal practice and was admitted to practice law in 2003 in the Supreme Court of New South Wales. A few years later, I was admitted to the High Court Roll of Practitioners for practice in the Federal Court.In the past, I have been employed as a legal officer for one of the biggest unions in Australia, the Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union in their national office. My experience has also included working for a Commissioner of the Industrial Relations Commission of NSW and as Federal Executive Director of the doctors union nationally and in NSW. Most

recently I have worked for ALAEA, another aviation union, and assisted the LAME’s at Qantas and across the country with workplace issues.I am excited about joining VIPA and aim to assist in building VIPA with membership growth, industrial resources, bargaining advice and also with strategic approaches to industry and government. I am also keen to meet members and can be contacted at simon.ohara@vipa.asn.au or on 1800 116 460 for any workplace advice or to hear your concerns about the aviation industry.

Simon O’Hara Executive Officer

New Executive Officer adds valuable dimension to VIPA Team

VIPA NEWS 3APR/MAY 2010

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VolunteerVIPA is an association run by pilots for pilots. Volunteers ensure that our cost base remains low and that the direction of the association is determined by you, the member. We are seeking volunteers to assist in the following areas:

• Communications

• Member Benefits

• Recruitment

• Technical support

• Treasury SupportSo, if you have a background or interest in any of these areas please contact us to participate. We need you!

V Australia UpdateMembers of the VIPA Executive and the VASC, have been working hard in over the last couple of months as we enter into EA negotiations with the company. A great deal of work has been ongoing in the background. The appointment of the new Executive Officer, Simon O’Hara, will be of great benefit in the EBA process.Through his expertise, along with Hall Payne Industrial Relations lawyers in Brisbane, we will be able to push for answers and clearer pathways on issues such as promotion and transfer to VB, whilst waiting for the EA negotiations to progress.EA negotiations are proceeding cordially and steadily. We have met twice with the company, along the FAAA and AFAP. As yet we are still dealing with the framework under which the negotiations will take place, but it has already become apparent that there is a difference of opinion between the unions and the

company with regard to the scope of the agreements. The company has stated it has a preference for Pilots and Cabin Crew to be on a combined agreement. The unions are taking the position that a combined agreement is not workable, and the most efficient way forward is for the company to recognise the differences between the two occupations and agree to negotiate separate agreements for Pilots and Cabin Crew. The company has repeatedly stated that despite their preference for a combined agreement, they have no intention of putting forward a proposal that will get voted down. Our next meeting is on the 5th of May in Melbourne and it is intended that this is the main topic for discussion.The VASC is hoping to improve communications with members by using some of the social networking sites that we now have available to us. Expect to see us on Face Book and Twitter in the very near future.

PHOTO by MEHDI NAzArINIA

4 VIPA NEWS APR/MAY 2010

TechnicalThreat and Error ManagementOur website now contains an article produced by Captain Dan Maurino, Coordinator, Flight safety and Human Factors programme – ICAO.

Threat and Error Management (TEM) may not be a new concept to those of you experienced in airline operations; however those new to the airline environment or transferring to long haul wide-body operations may find a review of this skill-set valuable as you develop your operational and management skills to deal with what can be a very complex operation.

For those of you with significant airline experience, this article should be viewed as a reminder, and an opportunity for a personal audit of your operation to confirm you are utilising appropriate techniques to achieve the best possible outcomes when operating in our complex workplace.

Further to this, I have recently finished reading Redefining Airmanship, by Tony Kern (ISBN 0-07-034284). The book focuses on Airmanship, a possibly overused, yet misapplied term in the modern training and operational context. I wholeheartedly recommend this book as a reference for all our pilots. The themes and systems developed throughout the book will go a long way to redress weaknesses inherent in a low cost airline training regime, in which cost cutting has eroded opportunity to provide high quality training outcomes.

Captain Craig MartinFlight Safety, Technical and Regulatory

Compliance Sub-Committee

IntroductionThreat and error management (TEM) is an overarching safety concept regarding aviation operations and human performance. TEM is not a revolutionary concept, but it evolved gradually, as a consequence of the constant drive to improve the margins of safety in aviation operations through the practical integration of Human Factors knowledge.

TEM developed as a product of the collective industry experience. Such experience fostered the recognition that past studies and, most importantly, operational consideration of human performance in aviation had largely overlooked the most important factor influencing human performance in dynamic work environments: the interaction between people and the operational context (i.e., organizational, regulatory and environmental factors)

within which people discharge their operational duties.

To view the full article, within the members section – go to Safety, Technical and Regulatory Compliance subcommittee page > Newsletter Technical Articles.

Captain Dan MaurinoVancouver, BC, 18-20 April 2005

Failure of a Single FMC during an rNAV Approach (B737)If after passing the IAF and a single FMC fails, the approach may be continued and the autopilot will revert to CWS Pitch and Roll. The pilot flying can reselect LNAV to continue lateral tracking but VNAV may not always be immediately available. This will be the case if the missed approach altitude (M/A) has already been set in the MCP altitude window or if any altitude is set that is above the current aircraft altitude. In order to use VNAV again the simple and quick solution is to set an altitude in the MCP window to a figure LOWER than the current aircraft altitude, re-select VNAV and then reset the M/A or the altitude that was originally set.

First Officer Damian SpencerFlight Safety, Technical and Regulatory

Compliance Sub-Committee

A word from the safety team at VIPA on the subject of Fatigue reports With the current EBA and an increasingly competitive airline environment, we have entered the next stage in what is perceived as efficient rostering. With international flying on the increase and domestic red eyes becoming more frequent, the number of fatiguing pairings that are slipping through the system has increased. The main reason for this is the lack of recognition of our basic circadian rhythm.

Our rostering system does not account for the position of our rest in this cycle or the affect of back to back trips, hence the only safeguard in the current system is fatigue reporting. Even if you manage to complete the duty a report on its severity and any associated incidents immediately expands the duty of care required by others.

To track the number and severity of these pairings and perceived level of duty of care, VIPA would like to receive a copy of any fatigue reports, related ASRs and any feedback related to comments made by management. safety@vipa.asn.au

VIPA NEWS 5APR/MAY 2010

As part of the cooperation agreement reached with AIPA, VIPA has an office facility located on Level 6, 243 Coward St, Mascot.

VIPA Executive Officer, Simon O’Hara will be located at this office which is approximately a ten minute walk from the Sydney Domestic Terminal.

Over the past twelve months, VIPA has had a few changes in contact details as we have grown as an association. All enquiries, requests or otherwise should now be directed to the secretary by Phone: 1800 116 460 or 0438 717 521, or by Email: secretary@vipa.asn.au

VIPA Sydney Office

Contacting VIPA

The FAA is currently reviewing all dispensations to flying times after a series of investigations into accidents. The outcome of this will have to be carefully evaluated by CASA. The only way to evaluate our system and protect their duty of care is to analyse our safety reports. They are imperative to the safe rostering and long term viability of company.

Together with the company we hope to build an efficient roster that accounts for circadian rhythm and maximises both company resources and pilot flying time.

Captain Ben Spencer Flight Safety, Technical and

Regulatory Compliance Sub-Committee

PHOTOs by MEHDI NAzArINIA

6 VIPA NEWS APR/MAY 2010

JOINT STATEMENT

18 February 2010

Virgin Blue, V-Australia, Jetstar, QantasLink and Qantas Pilot Associations get down to business

Groundbreaking high level discussions have resulted in Australia’s main commercial airlines’ Pilot Associations agreeing to work collaboratively for the benefit of all airline pilots. Both VIPA (the Pilot Association representing Virgin Blue, V Australia, and Pacific Blue pilots) and AIPA (the Pilot Association representing Qantas, QantasLink and Jetstar pilots) are together working on ways to increase the membership of V Australia pilots prior to negotiating a new collective agreement with the Virgin Airlines. VIPA will utilise AIPA's international experience and expertise to assist VIPA members within V Australia (V Australia pilots) to form a new collective agreement. We are confident that our collaborative approach will serve us well for the future and will also be a solid foundation for further combined efforts down the track. It is clear that pilots are best served by unified Pilot Associations that work together to resist the deskilling of pilots’ work and the negative effects of an increasingly globalised economy where pilots continue to bear the brunt of continuous cost cutting by airline employers. As a recently registered association that is gathering momentum, VIPA looks forward to contributing to an alliance that presents exciting possibilities for Australian pilots. John Lyons, President of VIPA, the Virgin Pilots Association and Barry Jackson, President of the Australian and International Pilots Association, said in a joint statement today. ENDS Media: Phil Davey, 0414 867 188

VIPA NEWS 7APR/MAY 2010

Have you joined VIPA yet?VIPA membership has been constantly growing since registration in September 2009, with 2010 seeing strong membership growth as V Australia EBA negotiations begin. With many industrial issues currently on the table at Virgin Blue, and with EBA discussions fast approaching, it is a good time for those who are not yet members to consider joining VIPA – the association for Virgin Blue Group pilots.

For our current members, this article may serve as a reminder of the benefits of your membership. Your support is critical to the effectiveness of VIPA, and you can continue to support VIPA by referring new members under our referral discount offer.

As VIPA membership grows, so to do the benefits for our members.

What is VIPA?VIPA is a federally registered organisation that was formed to represent the needs of pilots employed by the Virgin Blue Group of companies. VIPA came about because of growing dissatisfaction with the industrial representation options available to Virgin Blue pilots. A small group of Virgin Blue pilots believed that things could be done better, and with the support of a large proportion of the pilot group, they formed a new organisation to represent the needs of Virgin pilots.

The creation of V Australia saw VIPA evolve into an association dedicated to the needs of all pilots employed by the Virgin Blue Group, including Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue and V Australia.

How is VIPA different?Firstly, VIPA is an organisation that exists because of, and for, Virgin Blue Group pilots. VIPA’s growing resources are available only for the benefit of your colleagues, and VIPA’s management team and industrial staff are dedicated to the specific needs of Virgin Blue Group pilots.

VIPA is run by a Committee of Management, consisting of representatives from Virgin Blue and V Australia. The Committee of Management ensures the strategic aims and objectives of VIPA are consistent with the best interests of all Virgin Blue Group pilots. The day to day running of the association is the responsibility of an executive group consisting of a President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer – all of whom are current Virgin Blue Group pilots. This ensures the association remains in touch with its members needs, opinions and ideas for the future.

VIPA exists primarily to provide industrial representation and legal protection for its members, but one of the fundamental principles of the association is that we do more than this. As such, VIPA is focussed on providing benefits to its members above and beyond industrial and legal matters, meaning greater workplace improvements and professional development for all Virgin Blue

Group pilots. Practically, we achieve these additional benefits through Sub-Committees who focus their attention in specific areas such as flight safety and aviation medicine.

VIPA is committed to maintaining a low cost base by keeping non-essential administrative costs to a minimum. We do not have extensive offices or a large staff base, and your colleagues donate many hours of their time to work to make VIPA a success for all Virgin Blue Group pilots.

What are the benefits of VIPA membership?Industrial RepresentationVIPA represents its members in all aspects of industrial negotiations and disputes relating to EBA’s and other employment contracts. Whilst salary is an important part of any employment agreement, there are many other vital parts to an agreement. VIPA has identified a need for future industrial agreements to not only be an improvement in salary and conditions, but to ensure these conditions are very clearly defined, so that there is little or no ambiguity in the interpretation of the agreement. Our industrial benefits also extend to advice about work rules and employee benefits, such as allowances or accommodation.

Legal RepresentationVIPA has 24 hour a day, 7 day a week, legal support that can be accessed from anywhere our members fly to. We have procedures in place to ensure that our members will always have adequate legal protection, should it be required in the course of their employment.

V AustraliaWe have identified that V Australia members require representation that is specific to their type of operation, so the V Australia Sub-Committee was formed to ensure the needs of our V Australia members are met. This Sub-Committee works with other parts of VIPA to ensure that V Australia interests are adequately represented in all aspects of VIPA’s operation.

Loss of Licence InsuranceVIPA has negotiated a competitive and comprehensive Loss of Licence insurance policy for its members, and is constantly working to ensure our policy remains competitive with other options currently on the market.

Safety, Technical and Regulatory ComplianceVIPA has established a large Sub-Committee dedicated to protecting and advancing aviation safety, both within the Virgin Blue Group and also externally across the airline industry. This group ensures your interests are represented in areas such as:

l accident analysis and prevention; l aircraft operations;l ground services;l air traffic services; l human performance;l security; and l regulatory compliance.

Aviation MedicineAnother area VIPA is strongly committed to is Aviation Medicine, and we have formed a Sub-Committee to address any issues arising in this area. This Sub-Committee has already been very active, assisting VIPA members in their dealings with the CASA Aviation Medicine department.

Cooperation and Coordination across the airline industryVIPA has established a strong working relationship with the Australian and International Pilots Association, and is already working closely with AIPA to ensure a combined approach to Australian pilot industrial issues. VIPA is committed to working closely with the Australian Federation of Air Pilots on matters relating to the Virgin Blue Group and the wider industry as appropriate.

Member DiscountsVIPA has negotiated member discounts with several major companies, including Europcar, Volkswagon, and TBone Aviation, and we are working hard to secure further member discounts in the future.

Future BenefitsAs VIPA is still quite a new association, many of the member benefits that are planned for the future are not yet in place. VIPA is committed to developing a Pilot Welfare Sub-Committee to assist members in all aspects of life as an airline pilot. The list of member discounts will also grow as our Committee of Management continue to negotiate the best possible discounts for our members. Assistance for members in relation to income protection insurance is also expected to be available in late 2010.

How do I become a member of VIPA?Becoming a member is as easy as completing the membership application form on the back of this newsletter and sending it to the secretary of VIPA, as directed on the form. The VIPA website is also a great source of information about our association, and the latest news and member benefits. If you would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us on 1800 116 460, or email secretary@vipa.asn.au

8 VIPA NEWS APR/MAY 2010

A growing membership base will allow VIPA to reduce fees, increase benefits and provide increased influence when negotiating on your behalf. Towards that end, the Committee of Management is pleased to offer a referral discount on membership fees to existing members who recruit new members to VIPA.

The discount is progressive, calculated on the number of members recruited within one membership year:

1 member: 10% discount 2 members: 15% discount 3 members: 20% discount 4 members: 25% discount

The discount is capped at 25% for four members, and will be applied to the referring members fees in the next year. Please ensure the new member records your name in the referring member field of the application form.

It is a condition of the discount that the new member becomes financial before the discount can be applied. Contact the Treasurer for further information.

Remember – The more members we have, the greater our ability to effect change for the benefit of all Virgin pilots.

Full Name:

Postal Address: .......................................................................................................................................................

Home Phone: ..........................................................................................................................................................

Mobile Phone: .........................................................................................................................................................

Date of Birth: ...........................................................................................................................................................

Email Address: ........................................................................................................................................................

Employer: ................................................................................................................................................................

Base: ....................................................... Fleet: .................................................................................................

Rank: ........................................................ Licence: CPL / ATPL

Referring Member: ...................................

Employment Status: p Full Time p RO/RO Other: ...............................................................

Invoicing Option: p Annual p Quarterly

I apply for membership of VIPA.

• I am employed as a pilot, on airline services within or extending beyond Australia, by Virgin Blue Airlines Pty Ltd, or its related entities, its successors or assigns.• I agree to abide by the rules of VIPA (the Rules) as amended from time to time.• I understand that I remain a member of VIPA until I revoke my membership in writing in accordance with the Rules and with the Fair Work Act2009• I agree to pay annual subscription fees in accordance with the Rules and that the annual subscription fee of VIPA is 0.8% (plus 10% GST) of my annual gross salary as amended from time to time.• I have read the information supplied relating to financial obligations of membership and the circumstance and manner in which I may resign my membership.• I understand that my initial invoice will include a $15.00 admission fee.

Signed: .......................................................................................... Dated: .............................................

Send this completed membership form to the Secretary, VIPA at secretary@vipa.asn.au or by post to: The Secretary, VIPA, PO Box 368, TULLAMArINE BUSINESS PArK, TULLAMArINE, VIC 3043

Payment Options

The following options are currently available: Direct Bank Transfer, Credit Card, Cheque

Office use only

Date of receiving application:

Date of Executive Committee Meeting accepting the application:

Member Referral Discount

VIPA Membership Application Form For a free copy of the rules of VIPA, email the Secretary at: secretary@vipa.asn.au

DisclaimerThis newsletter is for general information purposes only. The views expressed in this newsletter are not necessarily those of VIPA. VIPA has taken all reasonable measures to ensure that the material contained in this newsletter is correct. However, VIPA gives no warranty and accepts no responsibility for the accuracy or the completeness of the material. The views expressed in this newsletter are those of the authors and do not represent the views or policy of VIPA. Copyright © VIPA 2010