The Log 2018

60 Pages·2017·10.08 MB·English

O V E R
MAKING EVERY FLIGHT
A SAFE FLIGHT
AUTUMN 2018 T H E
M O O N
Virgin galactic brings
commercial space travel
The coffee effect
a step closer
How does caffeine
keep us awake?
Box of delights
The real story behind
the black box
Keeping in check
Dealing with
disruptive passengers
LOVE
WHAT
YOU DO
DIRECT ENTRY CAPTAINS
Enjoyable flying from attractive regional UK bases
Loganair, Scotland’s Airline, is the UK’s longest-serving airline still trading under its original name. Bases throughout Scotland and
Norwich support a truly unique operation and diverse route network varying from major international airports such as Manchester,
Glasgow and Edinburgh to flying the Twin Otter aircraft to Barra, Europe’s only scheduled service to a beach airport.
The Loganair fleet consists of 29 aircraft - Saab 2000, Saab 340, Dornier 328, Twin Otter and Islanders, with each having its own special
place in our airline.
We’re seeking keen aviators to join our close-knit and friendly team as Direct Entry Captains. You must have a minimum of 3,000 hours
flying experience with 500 hours PIC in a multi-crew environment. Turboprop experience is desirable but not vital. We’ll provide a type
rating (under a traditional bonding arrangement); or alternatively, if you join with a valid rating on one of our aircraft types, we’re
happy to discuss arrangements to help you make the transition to us including bond transfers from your existing employer.
Loganair offers a highly competitive benefit package including a defined contribution pension scheme which we believe is best-in-class
for regional airlines in the UK. If you have reached the age at which you can access a pension plan from an existing or former employer
(typically 55) and wish to join us towards the latter stages of your flying career to enjoy some interesting yet challenging flying before
retirement, we’re also happy to discuss our ‘Flexible Retirement Contribution’ scheme which offers the opportunity to rebalance your
pension contributions.
Loganair maintains excellent safety and training standards and a strong focus on the regional communities that
we serve. If you’re customer-focused, interested in joining us and meet the above criteria, please email
[email protected] with your CV or for a further discussion.
[email protected]
www.loganair.co.uk
Loganair DEC UPDATE advert 210x 260.indd 1 13/06/2017 16:42
LOVE
WHAT
L
i
f
YOU DO T
-
O
BALPA House
f
5 Heathrow Boulevard, f
278 Bath Road,
West Drayton, UB7 0DQ
020 8476 4000
www.balpa.org
[email protected]
Honorary President
Lord Monks
Executive President
Brendan O’Neal
General Secretary
Brian Strutton
Communications
& External Relations
Richard Toomer Duty editor’s
Charlotte Branson
Chief Editor
Simon Williams
welcome
Deputy Chief Editor
Chris Leech
Editorial Board
Andy Brown
Mike Buckley
Martin Chalk
Mark Dobson
Jeremy Feldman Welcome to the autumn edition of The Log. I am sure, after a pretty scorching
Ian Frow
summer, that you are glad of the cooler weather. The Met Office confirmed that
David Keen
Katy Lee 2018 was the joint hottest summer for the UK, and the hottest ever for England.
Matthew Martin In this edition of The Log, we have an interesting article on caffeine; I don’t know
DIRECT ENTRY CAPTAINS
Senior Contributor how you could possibly function as a pilot on an early without a coffee! We have an
Robin Evans
Enjoyable flying from attractive regional UK bases update on Ryanair, and where we are from a pilot’s perspective.
As I write this, one-sixth of all its flights have been cancelled because of strikes in
six countries. We have done some stellar work to get talking with Ryanair directly, but
Loganair, Scotland’s Airline, is the UK’s longest-serving airline still trading under its original name. Bases throughout Scotland and
there is still a long way to go.
Norwich support a truly unique operation and diverse route network varying from major international airports such as Manchester,
Produced by We also have a great article on crosswinds – which are always keeping us on our
Glasgow and Edinburgh to flying the Twin Otter aircraft to Barra, Europe’s only scheduled service to a beach airport. CPL (Cambridge Publishers Ltd)
toes – and you can find a Night Stops article on Copenhagen, a truly happy place.
The Loganair fleet consists of 29 aircraft - Saab 2000, Saab 340, Dornier 328, Twin Otter and Islanders, with each having its own special 01223 378 000
www.cpl.co.uk One of the test pilots of Virgin Galactic gives us a fantastic overview of how the
place in our airline. 1 Cambridge Technopark, Newmarket programme started and where it is currently – and explains that, later this year, we
road, Cambridge Cb5 8pb
will have the first space passengers. It’s pleasing to hear about its success after
We’re seeking keen aviators to join our close-knit and friendly team as Direct Entry Captains. You must have a minimum of 3,000 hours Editorial
a big setback, but is this really what the future holds – or is it simply a hobby of the
flying experience with 500 hours PIC in a multi-crew environment. Turboprop experience is desirable but not vital. We’ll provide a type Tracey lattimore
extremely wealthy? We are always interested to hear your views via @BALPApilots
rating (under a traditional bonding arrangement); or alternatively, if you join with a valid rating on one of our aircraft types, we’re Designer
James baldwin on Twitter.
happy to discuss arrangements to help you make the transition to us including bond transfers from your existing employer.
Advertising manager
Loganair offers a highly competitive benefit package including a defined contribution pension scheme which we believe is best-in-class John wheaton Mike Buckley
for regional airlines in the UK. If you have reached the age at which you can access a pension plan from an existing or former employer 01223 378 042
Matthew Martin
[email protected]
(typically 55) and wish to join us towards the latter stages of your flying career to enjoy some interesting yet challenging flying before
retirement, we’re also happy to discuss our ‘Flexible Retirement Contribution’ scheme which offers the opportunity to rebalance your The acceptance and publication of advertising in
The Log implies no representation or warranty
pension contributions.
on the part of BALPA or their agents as to the
reputation or standing of advertisers’ products or
services. Certain financial providers/products have
Loganair maintains excellent safety and training standards and a strong focus on the regional communities that
been vetted by BFS and their advertisements will
we serve. If you’re customer-focused, interested in joining us and meet the above criteria, please email include the BALPA logo.
Although The Log is the official journal of
[email protected] with your CV or for a further discussion. BALPA, the views expressed by individuals in
any article or letter included are not necessarily
those of the association or those of CPL. All
rights reserved. Material in this publication may
not be reproduced without the express written picture credits, where not shown on relevant page or supplied: Cover image: Virgin galactic Page 06: Alamy
permission of BALPA and CPL. Neither BALPA Stock photo / peter Alix Page 07: iStock.com / goodlifeStudio Page 10-15: Credit / Virgin galactic
nor CPL accept responsibility for any unsolicited Page 19: iStock.com / Zinkevych Page 20: iStock.com / rogotanie Page 22: iStock.com / Subtropica
[email protected] manuscripts, photographs or illustrations sent to Page 23: iStock.com / lightFieldStudios Page 24: iStock.com / ArtTim Page 25: iStock.com / Hywards
their offices and will not be liable for any loss or Page 29: iStock.com / Sjlayne Page 31: iStock.com / Drante Page 32: iStock.com / Floortje Page 37: iStock.
www.loganair.co.uk damage to any such material. ciSotmoc /k .bciordmIm / aImgeasg ePaang eP a3g8e-3 496: :i SiStotocckk.c.coomm / /K Joukhoau ru e/ mTielos P Paaggee 4 514-:4 i2S: tFoacrkn.cboomro u/ gIlyha Isnktear nPaatigoen a5l 5A:i riSshtoocwk ./c om /
Nattanan726 Page 58: iStock.com / AnthiaCumming 3
Loganair DEC UPDATE advert 210x 260.indd 1 13/06/2017 16:42
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CONTENTS
AUTUMN 2018
FEATURES
10
Ready for take-off
Virgin Galactic’s chief pilot
recounts the journey so far
20
Health, wealth and
happiness
Plan and save your way to
personal wellbeing
31
Dialogue of the deaf?
An update on talks between
22 BALPA and Ryanair
REGULARS
32
06
Party’s over
Wake up and
News A look at the growing problem of
disruptive behaviour on flights
smell the coffee 17
35
Letters
How does caffeine A titan of safety
19
actually keep us awake? The industry says thank you to
Know your rights Captain Paul McCarthy
36 38
Rocking chair The cowardly pilot
Crosswinds, and how to avoid them
45
41
Competitions
A jolly good show
TECH LOG 48
Small planes, wing walkers and
Gear the Red Arrows were the stars
25
of Farnborough
51
Being human
46
UK airports need to develop Night stops
a culture of security for staff Wings for Warriors
56
The charity explains how it
26
Obituary is diversifying
Boxing clever
57 52
The story of the black box is one
of a tenacious visionary Book reviews Walking with lions
An unusual excursion in South
29 58
Africa becomes the highlight of the
Log notices Tailwind year for one of our members
5
Upfront
The latest in aviation and industrial news from around the world
Executive
President’s update
Welcome to the autumn edition of
The Log. Summer is the busiest time for
many members, but I hope, in the midst of
heavy schedules and workloads, you found
time to enjoy the unusually sunny weather.
This issue we feature an update on
the situation in Ryanair. It’s been a busy
summer dealing with a complex scenario
in the company, both here in the UK and
across Europe. Ryanair’s business model
throws up many challenges industrially,
across many different jurisdictions. This
can result in having to tackle issues that
are both national and transnational. We are
used to dealing with airline management
models that are transnational, but the
way Ryanair structures its business and
pilot employment has provided some new
hurdles to jump. We continue to work
with our Company Council, the European
Cockpit Association and other pilot unions
across Europe to seek fair and equitable
terms and conditions for Ryanair pilots.
It is heartwarming to read about the
charity Wings for Warriors, and the support
the TUI Company Council – along with
its airline – has given to this wonderful
cause. In future editions of The Log,
we will hear from other airlines, and our
members in British Airways and Virgin,
who are supporting similar initiatives. A big
thank you to all involved in backing our ex-
servicemen and women – and, of course,
they are always looking for your help.
Finally, half of the NEC places are up
for election this year. The voting is open,
so I urge you to read the manifestos
and use your vote. The turnout for NEC
elections is historically very low – so
please, everyone, take time to get involved.
Safe flying as ever,
Brendan
6
Aircraft N
TUC sTands wiTh E
W
RyanaiR piloTs S
World Cup
BALPA attended the 150th Trades
Union Congress in Manchester at the
Over the summer, we ran something a little different on our social media channels, beginning of September.
by way of an Aircraft World Cup. To drive social media engagement – and, in turn, As well as giving us the chance
member engagement – we pitched 32 commercial aircraft against each other to connect with others in the union
in the tournament to find out the pilots’ choice of their favourite aircraft. We asked movement, it also gave BALPA
some of our pilot members to help select which aircraft we should feature, ranging an opportunity to highlight our
from old to new, and fixed-wing to rotary. The competition received thousands recognition with Ryanair, and
of votes and ended with a B747 versus Concorde final. Concorde took the cup celebrate the campaign against
with 57% of the vote. While it may seem like just a bit of fun, the game helped to unfair, atypical employment.
increase our Twitter following by 12% and Facebook likes by 4% – so we’re now The campaign has achieved full,
reaching more members, potential members, and interested organisations and collective bargaining rights by
people with BALPA’s messages. Ryanair pilots and cabin crew in
the UK.
Congress also urged Ryanair to
negotiate good quality agreements
with unions, representing all sections
of its workforce in every country in
which it operates.
laseR legislaTion
made ToUgheR
As well as new drone laws, we have
recently welcomed new laser laws,
which came into force on 10th July.
BALPA has long campaigned
for this much-needed legislation,
which now means pointing a laser
at an aircraft is, in itself, an offence,
without the need for endangerment
to be proven. The offence carries a
sentence of up to five years in prison,
an unlimited fine, or both.
The legislation also covers other
sectors of the transport industry,
including trains, boats and air
traffic control. We’re pleased the
Government has listened to BALPA’s
campaign, and toughened the law.
7
Drone
1200ft Glideslope
Upper and lower limits
1100ft of approach path
Normal variance
1000ft in approach path
Current permitted
N 900ft d(4r0o0nfet flabyionvge agrreoau nd level)
E
W 800ft High risk collision zone
Medium risk
S 700ft No risk
654000000fffttt Safety buffer (500ft/2 secs) Collision zone
300ft Balpa:
200ft a demoCRaTiC
100ft oRganisaTion
Variance in
terrain height
0ft
In our last edition, Captain Andy
6km 5km 4km 3km 2km 1km Airport
Distance from airport boundary Brown, former National Executive
BALPA seeks improvement Council (NEC) member, wrote about
the importance of standing and
voting in the elections. The NEC
to new drone laws is made up of 14 pilots from our
recognised companies, and works
across BALPA on issues that matter
On 30th July, new laws on drones in UK airspace came into force. While BALPA is pleased to all pilots. Nominations have now
the Government has started to listen to our calls for stricter regulation, we feel the new closed, and you should have received
legislation doesn’t go far enough. your ballot paper in the post. We urge
It limits drones to a maximum height of 400ft and prevents them from flying within 1km you to get involved and vote.
We’d also like to thank members
of an airport boundary. However, BALPA has highlighted the fact that aircraft could easily
for their votes in the Company
be below 400ft at this point on approach to an airport, so there is still significant risk of
Council elections that took place
unmanned flights and drones coming into contact.
in May. Your new reps joined the
Pilots say this isn’t safe and are urging the Government to consider extending the 1km
existing and returning reps at their
to prevent potential collisions. We have submitted a proposal to a consultation that will
first official Company Council
look at the current rules and what improvements might need to be made. BALPA has also
meetings in September. Being a
engaged with stakeholders to support our proposal and will continue to work closely with
rep is a tough job, but thoroughly
the Government to try to bring about improvements to the law.
rewarding, so thank you to all those
who stood.
annUal delegaTes
ConfeRenCe
industry snapshots and yoUR
Rep of The yeaR 2018
The BALPA Annual Delegates
1k Conference (ADC) 2018 will be
m held on 1-2nd November at the
the distance from an airfield that
Renaissance London Heathrow Hotel.
drones can now legally be flown
The ADC gives our reps the chance
to discuss the topics most important
to you – our members – and these
63 discussions help form BALPA’s work
for the next 12 months.
number of drone near-misses so far in 2018 (to July)
In addition, we will conduct vital
BALPA business at the ADC and host
our annual Rep of the Year awards.
We have now received votes from
1.5 members and the NEC is deliberating
over the winners. They will be
m
the approximate number of announced at the industry dinner
drones sold last Christmas during ADC.
8
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