Defence confirms acquisition of two ISR and EW Gulfstreams

Because this aircraft is relatively benign in nature it will likely pack more equipment at the expense of fewer operators with a number of systems potentially controlled from ‘somewhere’ on the ground. More fuel and more gear to stay on station for a longer time would make this a very efficient and powerful little package. I wouldn’t be surprised if a third comes along down the track.

Richard de Crespigny named Member of the Order of Australia

Vannus says:

What Richard and Capt Chesley Sullenberger have in common is they originally learned to fly in their respective Air Forces. Nothing beats that, as they learn everything there is to know, and both these two gentleman have put their ‘basic’ skill and knowledge to good effect, saving hundreds of lives under their command. Congratulations, Richard!

Aussieflyer says:

Just a reply to Vannus, whilst I’m sure Richard and Sully are great pilots, don’t forget the majority of airline pilots today have come from a civilian only background. There have also been plenty of situations where pilots from a civilian only background have managed to safely land their crippled aircraft. I believe the British Airways double engine failure in Heathrow in 2007 was an example.

Civilian pilots are trained in the same engine and system failure procedures, and receive full theoretical and practical initial training.

In Qantas’s case, it recruits pilots from a wide variety of backgrounds (cadets, flying instructors, charter pilots, RFDS, turboprop pilots, other airlines, ex-air force). The key factor is they are all trained to a very high standard, and every single one of them could have achieved the same outcome as Richard on the day.

Tigerair counts down to new Bali Service

Samuel says:

Not bad for a budget airline. That seat pitch of 31in is standard in Virgin Australia 737-800s which I don’t find unpleasant. Sounds like it’s just a VA flight but with a tiger badge on the plane, and without the free food.

Peter says:

Hmmm, six hours on a narrow body low-cost carrier to Bali from Melbourne. Sounds like a load of fun. Glad I will never have to do that trip!

Silkair to go nonstop on Singapore-Cairns

GBRGB says:

What’s amazing is that it is till 20,000 international passengers less per month than 10 years ago, it’s easy to forget how much Cairns used to do when the Japanese were arriving in huge numbers.

The key factor is they are all trained to a very high standard.