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Safe Work is for Life — Dr Matt Thomas on fatigue and the long game
October is National Safe Work Month, and this year's theme — Safe work is for life — sits at the heart of this conversation. Work health and safety isn't only about the immediate hazard; it's about the long-term impact of work on a person's health, wellbeing and future. Few people have thought harder about that in an aviation context than our guest.
Host William Kerr sits down with Associate Professor Matt Thomas — principal research fellow in human factors at CQUniversity's Appleton Institute, director of Westwood Thomas Associates, editor of Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors, and vice president of the Australian Aviation Psychological Association — for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from the flight deck to the layover hotel.
Matt traces his path from a PhD on online learning environments into aviation human factors, and shares candid, sometimes painful reflections on LOSA (Line Operations Safety Audit): the war stories of observers, the hard truth that the safety change process is where airlines most often fall short, and the accident that shook his faith in safety science. From there the conversation turns to fatigue — the landmark long-haul study he worked on with Qantas and AIPA — and the growing body of evidence that shift work carries serious long-term health consequences, from cancer to cardiovascular and metabolic disease.
The back half of the episode is a frank discussion of work design, psychosocial hazards and where responsibility really sits. Matt makes the case that the "lifestyle" of being a pilot isn't chosen — the work creates the lifestyle — and that the fallout too often lands on the family, the "village" and the union rather than the organisation that created the risk. It's a challenging, humane and occasionally provocative listen.
00:00 — Intro & meet Dr Matt Thomas 03:54 — LOSA, non-technical skills and observer war stories 06:51 — The Garuda Yogyakarta accident and a crisis of faith in safety science 10:50 — LOSA, Safety II and documenting what "good" looks like 19:19 — The Centre for Sleep Research and the landmark Qantas fatigue study 24:26 — Fatigue as culture: the "best compromise" between three forces 27:19 — Night work as a carcinogen and the long-term health toll 30:41 — Safe Work Month: "safe work is for life" and cancer in aircrew 36:21 — Two regulators, one gap: CASA, WHS and the FRMS 42:23 — Psychosocial hazards, Project Sunrise and the lever for change
Chris Fleer was a fit, healthy Qantas pilot when he collapsed in his backyard mid-workout and went into sudden cardiac arrest. He was clinically dead for 11 minutes.
What kept him alive was a chain of near-impossible luck: his wife — an architect with zero medical training — started CPR she'd absorbed from watching Bondi Rescue, a neighbour who'd never done CPR leapt off his balcony to take over, and paramedics revived him on the fourth defib shock. His survival odds that day were 0.2%.
In this episode, Chris sits down to talk about the day he died and everything that came after: the four shocks that brought him back, the difference between a heart attack and a cardiac arrest, the hidden genetic heart condition no one could have caught, the defibrillator now implanted under his skin, and the five long years of uncertainty as he fought to understand what happened. He's candid about losing his aviation medical, leaning on PAN & AIPA Welfare peer support and therapy, rebuilding both his career and his outlook, and explaining why he now says he's a better person for it.
CHAPTERS 0:00 Intro 0:28 Dead for 11 minutes 01:10 The morning it happened 03:51 Waking up in hospital 04:12 His wife's life-saving CPR 08:36 "Superman" jumps the fence 12:22 The ambulance & four defib shocks 14:02 Heart attack vs cardiac arrest 15:46 A 0.2% survival rate 16:46 Life after death & the pilot mindset 20:37 Two weeks of tests & the defib implant 25:38 Dark days, peer support & therapy 29:01 His wife, the trauma & broken ribs 34:25 Losing his medical & fighting insurers 44:38 A new career in safety & no regrets
IN THIS EPISODE
- How bystander CPR and early defibrillation saved Chris's life - Living with an implanted defibrillator - Navigating the loss of a CASA aviation medical - The role of peer support networks and mental health
In this episode, we're joined by Captain Ali Al-Wahabi, a pilot and instructor with more than forty years of airline experience. Over a remarkable career, Ali has flown for five major airlines across Europe, Asia and the Middle East, thriving in the kind of multicultural environments that have shaped both his flying and his outlook on life.
Ali graduated from Oxford Air Training College in 1976 and went on to fly the Boeing 737, Boeing 747, Airbus A320 and Airbus A330. He's a type rating examiner and instructor, as well as a CRM and simulator acceptance instructor. Alongside his flying, Ali holds a degree in psychology from the Australian College of Applied Psychology in Sydney, and is the author of several books. Today, he works with Qantas as a ground instructor.
Chapters:
0:00 Welcome & meet Ali Al-Wahhabi 0:51 Growing up in 1950s Baghdad 2:05 Training as a pilot & returning to Iraq 5:04 Saddam, oil money & the "golden crew" 7:35 Meeting Saddam face to face 11:48 The Al-Wahhabi name & living under surveillance 14:26 The impossible "mission" & deciding to defect 15:03 The defection flight & its twist 19:36 Freedom in London & the family left behind 26:49 Building a career: Malta, Hong Kong & a "fake German" passport 33:10 The Gulf War & facing discrimination 40:05 Culture, communication & teaching assertiveness 47:55 Retirement, forklifts & joining Qantas 53:19 Returning to Baghdad? & closing thanks
This is a fascinating conversation and a truly rare glimpse into a life lived at the sharp end of aviation history. We hope you enjoy!
Fly safe and stick with it.
Bonus Episode: Inside the 747's Captain Cook Lounge at Qantas Founders Museum
Special bonus episode, recorded live in the legendary 747 Captain Cook Lounge at the Qantas Founders Museum in Longreach, QLD.
When Qantas took delivery of its first 747s in the 1970s, the upper deck "bump" behind the cockpit wasn't just for the cockpit crew — it housed the Captain Cook Lounge: seating for 15 passengers, a stand-up bar, and décor that should have come with a volume control.
Host Capt. Andrew Taylor sits down with Capt. Dave Thiess (ret) and Capt. Don Hill (ret) inside this very lounge to talk about the Qantas Founders Museum — the nostalgia, the pride, and the volunteers who keep its history alive — before diving deep into the origins of Qantas and the role it's played in shaping modern aviation.
Guests: Capt. Dave Thiess, Capt. Don Hill (ret) Host: Capt. Andrew Taylor Recorded at: Qantas Founders Museum, Longreach QLD — 747 Captain Cook Lounge
As wealth grows, the questions that matter most start to change. In this episode, Robbie Parkinson and Stephen Furness from MGD Wealth explore how high earning professionals and families can think more strategically about building, managing and protecting wealth over time — moving beyond short-term performance and individual investments toward thoughtful portfolio construction, diversification and long-term decision making.
Stephen and Robbie unpack how sophisticated investors think about risk, return and opportunity on an after-tax basis, and why portfolios often evolve beyond traditional shares, cash and property as wealth increases. The conversation also explores the role private markets can play within a well-structured portfolio — not as speculative or exclusive investments, but as tools to improve resilience, flexibility and long-term optionality for individuals and families.
What we cover: - How wealth objectives change as income and assets grow - Why success in investing should be measured by outcomes, not benchmarks - The difference between chasing returns and managing long-term risk - Why diversification becomes more important as portfolios get larger - How sophisticated investors think about asset allocation - What private markets are and why they exist within portfolios - The role of private markets in diversification and resilience - Understanding risk beyond market volatility - Why after-tax returns and structure matter more than headline performance - Using wealth to create optionality — flexibility, choice and legacy
Whether you're navigating growing wealth for the first time or looking to refine an existing strategy, this episode offers a grounded, practical look at what it really takes to build wealth that lasts.
Financial disclaimer: The above information is general information only and should not be taken as constituting professional advice from AIPA. AIPA does not refer its members to any individual financial institution, financial group or financial adviser, or endorse or recommend any individual financial institution, financial group or financial adviser, or endorse or make recommendations about any financial advice, product, plan or scheme. AIPA excludes any liability for any loss or damage suffered as a result of a person acting in reliance upon any information disseminated to AIPA members. If you require financial, legal and/or taxation advice, you should obtain your own independent, professional advice.
Fly safe and stick with it.
Lending + Wealth Strategy with Ian Fraser & Nathan Huehne (MGD Wealth)
In this episode, we sit down with proud partners of AIPA, MGD Wealth, Nathan Huehne and Ian Fraser break down how lending strategy and wealth planning work together to build long-term financial success for airline pilots.
Nathan unpacks the lending side: how banks actually assess pilot income (base, allowances, overtime), current credit conditions, smart debt structuring, and the borrowing constraints unique to pilots.
Ian covers the wealth strategy side: financial stewardship, classifying good vs bad debt, using equity effectively, the power of compounding, and managing risk along the way.
What this episode covers: - How lenders assess pilot income (base vs allowances vs overtime) - Current lending environment (rates, APRA buffer, DTI limits) - Managing borrowing capacity and credit constraints - Financial stewardship and the role of discipline - Good debt vs bad debt vs deductible debt - Balancing mortgage repayment vs investing - Equity release and structured borrowing - Compounding returns and dollar-cost averaging - Interest-only vs principal & interest strategies - Risk management, buffers, and stress-testing - Federal Budget impacts on pilots (tax, housing, super, cash flow) - Real-world pilot scenarios and decision-making frameworks
Whether you're early in your flying career or sitting on equity and wondering what to do next, this episode gives you a practical framework for making debt and wealth work together — not against each other.
Financial disclaimer: The above information is general information only and should not be taken as constituting professional advice from AIPA. AIPA does not refer its members to any individual financial institution, financial group or financial adviser, or endorse or recommend any individual financial institution, financial group or financial adviser, or endorse or make recommendations about any financial advice, product, plan or scheme. AIPA excludes any liability for any loss or damage suffered as a result of a person acting in reliance upon any information disseminated to AIPA members. If you require financial, legal and/or taxation advice, you should obtain your own independent, professional advice.
Join us for an in-depth discussion with retired Captain Richard Woodward as he shares his pioneering work on pilot fatigue, the science behind it, and the development of fatigue risk management systems in aviation. Discover the history, challenges, and future of managing pilot fatigue effectively.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Pilot Fatigue and Research 01:17 Richard Woodward's Career and Background 04:16 The Science of Fatigue Management 07:08 Crew Rest Standards and Regulations 10:25 The Evolution of Duty Hours and Regulations 13:24 The Fatigue Risk Management System 16:25 Pilot Fatigue Studies and Findings 19:28 Simulator Studies and Pilot Performance 22:20 Consequential Risks and Safety in Fatigued Crews 25:19 Real-World Implications of Fatigue Management 26:31 Navigating Fatigue in Aviation 27:51 Understanding Pilot Fatigue and Its Impacts 29:22 The Research Journey: Data Collection and Challenges 32:01 The Evolution of Fatigue Management Strategies 35:03 The Birth of FRMS: A Collaborative Effort 38:02 Regulatory Challenges and Pilot Representation 41:23 The Dilemma of Pilot Responsibility and Company Policies 45:37 Towards a Healthy Aviation System 48:19 Global Perspectives on Fatigue Management 51:51 Conclusion and Future Directions
Welcome back to Stick With It – Season 3! In our first episode of the new season, we kick things off by celebrating International Women in Aviation Week with two inspiring Qantas Group pilots: Captain Sarah Davidson, a Qantas 737 Captain, and Allegra Taylor, a Jetstar First Officer. They share their journeys into aviation, the challenges women pilots face, the importance of representation in the flightdeck and how they balance flying with family life — all while offering powerful advice for the next generation.
Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome back to Stick With It Season 3 & International Women in Aviation Week 01:19 - Sarah's aviation journey 04:03 - Gender barriers and pioneering women pilots in aviation history 07:07 - Allegra's path to aviation 10:52 - Flying with other women pilots 13:57 - What makes a great flying partner and effective crew teamwork 22:02 - Balancing work and family life as pilots 25:20 - Captain’s story: managing breastfeeding while flying after maternity leave 36:33 - Final advice for young listeners — you can make it happen
🌐 Follow Us on Socials Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aipa_pilots/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/auspilots Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aipapilots/
For our final episode of the season, we’re joined by John Mullen, Chair of Qantas, and one of Australia’s most respected and globally experienced business leaders. With more than two decades spent leading major transport, logistics, and infrastructure companies around the world, John brings a rare mix of boardroom insight, historical perspective, and genuine curiosity to this conversation.
John shares his own career journey and we dive into the enduring excitement of flying, how John came to take on the role of Qantas Chair, and the realities of leading an organisation made up of very different personalities — from managers to pilots. We discuss ambitious initiatives like Project Sunrise, reflect on the legacy of Sir Hudson Fysh and early aviation pioneers, and look ahead to what’s next for Qantas in an evolving global industry.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 - Introduction 00:58 - How Boards Function 04:20 - How Former Board Members Might View Today’s Boards 05:10 - How Boards Communicate Internally 07:04 - John’s Career Journey 13:27 - Interest in Maritime History 17:05 - The Feeling of Underwater Discovery & Adventure 20:00 - Flinders: Can Leaders Still Lead Like They Did Centuries Ago? 22:07 - How Qantas Compares to Other Companies 23:57 - How the Qantas Brand Evokes “Home” and Australian Identity 25:30 - Why Stay Involved in Leading Major Companies? 28:00 - The Importance of the Qantas Founders Museum 28:55 - The DNA of Qantas 30:43 - The Ongoing Excitement of Flying 31:34 - Becoming Qantas Chair: How the Role Came About 34:00 - Managers and Pilots: Navigating Different Personalities 37:20 - The Sunrise Project 40:00 - Sir Hudson Fysh: From Pioneering Aviation to Today 41:57 - What’s Next for Qantas 44:40 - Parallels Between Aviation and the Wine Industry 45:58 - Do People Want the Chairman’s Phone Number? 47:07 - Outro
In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Brendyn Appleby, a seasoned strength and conditioning coach with over 25 years of experience in elite sport. Brendyn has worked with top organisations including the WA Institute of Sport, Western Force (Super Rugby), and the Australian Men’s Hockey Team across three Olympic Games (Rio, Tokyo, and Paris). Today, he serves as a Senior Lecturer in Allied Health at Murdoch University.
Brendyn shares his journey coaching professional athletes and how he’s translating that knowledge to the world of aviation. Discover the fascinating parallels between high-performance sports environments and piloting, and why mindset, preparation, and health are critical for success in both fields.
To help pilots monitor and achieve their personal health goals, Brendyn founded Huperco — a business dedicated to bridging the gap between elite athletes and everyday people.
TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Intro 00:44 - Meeting at the airport heading to Olympics 03:03 - Brendyn's Career Background 04:14 - What does an S&C Coach do for professional athletes 06:37 - Bring a High Performance Mindset to Piloting 07:49 - FlyingFit Initiative 21:10 - Simple Things for Pilots 38:09 - Outro
In this episode, we are joined by Captain John Cawood, a Check and Training Captain on the Boeing 787 with Jetstar.
John’s aviation journey began in South Africa, where he flew with the South African Air Force before moving into commercial aviation with South African Airways. His career then took him to Emirates, where he gained experience flying long-haul operations across multiple continents. Over the years, John has flown an impressive range of aircraft types, including the Airbus A340, A330, and A320, building a wealth of knowledge and expertise across both widebody and narrowbody fleets.
When Jetstar introduced the A330 into its operations, John was offered to take on the role of Training Captain, helping shape the airline’s training culture and supporting pilots transitioning onto new aircraft types. Today, he is based in Melbourne as a Check and Training Captain on the Boeing 787, continuing his passion for developing and mentoring the next generation of pilots.
In our conversation, John reflects on his early career and the lessons learned flying with both military and commercial airlines, before sharing his perspective on the unique challenges faced by today’s new pilots entering the industry. With more graduates coming straight from training academies and entering the airline with relatively low flying hours, John offers valuable insights into how training programs are structured, what skills are most important to develop early and how both resilience and discipline play a role in a pilot’s success.
This is a fascinating discussion for anyone interested in the path for student pilots, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at how training standards are evolving to meet the demands of modern aviation.
TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Introduction 00:48 - Early Flying & South African Air Force 04:27 - Airline Career Path 06:51 - Joining Jetstar 13:07 - Training & Development 21:34 - Evidence Based Training 29:47 - Supporting Pilots During Training 33:40 - Satisfying Part of Being a Check Captain 35:34 - Aircraft Variants in Jetstar 36:28 - South African Airforce During War 39:30 - Closing Remarks
Fly safe and stick with it.
LHEA11 Podcast ft. Matt Warburton Head of AIPA Legal
In this conversation, Andrew Taylor and Head of AIPA Legal - Matthew Warburton discuss the ongoing long haul negotiations and the in-principle agreement reached. They delve into the drafting process, the implications of unprotected actions, the voting process, and the potential consequences of a no vote. The discussion also covers the risks associated with industrial action, negotiation strategies, and the importance of incremental gains in agreements. The conversation emphasises the need for pilots to be educated about the process and to vote wisely.
EDIT:* We have updated the podcast as the timeline has since changed.*
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Long Haul Agreement 00:37 Drafting the In-Principle Agreement 02:42 Voting Process and Member Engagement 05:50 Consequences of a No Vote 10:27 Industrial Action and Its Implications 15:58 The Role of Fair Work Commission 17:31 Incremental Gains in the Long Haul Agreement 19:11 Trust and Negotiation with Qantas 24:20 Conclusion and Call to Action 25:20 Understanding Employer Actions in Industrial Disputes 27:25 Navigating Unprotected Industrial Action 29:12 The Importance of Seeking Expert Legal Advice
Welcome back to Stick with It. Today were joined here with Dr Jeremy Robertson, Qantas Flight Medical Officer and First Officer on A321.
Jeremy started out life as a pilot, completing the UNSW Bachelor of Aviation degree in 1998, then spending three years in GA instructing at Bankstown and charter/scenic flying in the Kimberley. He joined Qantas in 2001 as a B744 S/O and was promoted to B767 F/O in 2006. In 2010 he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes which resulted in the loss of his class 1 medical and a medical termination from Qantas.
After leaving Qantas, Jeremy completed a Master's Degree in Aerospace Engineering before deciding to pursue medicine as his next career, graduating from a Bachelor or Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery in 2015. For the last decade he has worked in a variety of medical roles including two years in the emergency department at Hornsby Hospital in Sydney, a brief stint as a GP registrar, running his own private DAME business, and as Medical Officer at Virgin Australia (including six months as their acting Group Medical Officer during the COVID Delta outbreak).
In parallel to his medical career, Jeremy continued to fly whatever aircraft his level of medical certification allowed. This has included RAAus instructing, GA instructing, skydive flying, and in-house corporate flying for a number of businesses using TBM850’s. Jeremy rejoined Qantas in 2023 and has been working in a mixed role of 50% line flying as a B737 F/O and 50% with Group Medical as a Medical Officer.
TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 03:03 - Type 1 Diabetes Diagnosis 08:31 - Dealing with Adversity 14:06 - Medical School 16:37 - Time as a GP and Passion for Flying in the Background 20:28 - Side effects of Type 1 Diabetes 24:35 - Getting Class 1 Medical Back 28:17 - Return to Flying 30:35 - Qantas Medical 33:19 - Health Topics for Pilots 38:51 - Closing Remarks
In this snippet, Capt. Andrew Taylor and AIPA Treasurer F/O Glen Hunter explore the intricacies of the Long Haul EA briefings and the negotiation process that resulted in the current agreement.
In this episode, we are honoured to sit down with a true pioneer of Australian aviation, Captain Sharelle Quinn (RET).
Sharelle’s story is one of determination, courage, and history-making achievements. Inspired at just eight years old by a Qantas stamp design competition where the prize was a flight in a Cessna 172. Despite the challenges women faced at the time, and following Deborah Lawrie’s groundbreaking fight to open the skies to female pilots, Sharelle pursued her dream with relentless passion and resilience.
In 1984 she joined Qantas as one of the airline’s first two female pilots, a remarkable breakthrough in an industry that had only just begun to open its doors to women. By 1992, she had achieved another milestone, becoming Qantas’s and Australia’s first female captain. For much of her career she flew the legendary Boeing 747, the “Queen of the Skies,” commanding flights across the globe and earning deep respect from colleagues, passengers, and aspiring aviators alike.
Her career reached a symbolic moment in 2020 when she captained the very last Qantas 747 flight out of Australia. She recalls the mixture of pride, nostalgia and emotion as she stepped off the aircraft for the final time, knowing she had been part of both aviation history and cultural change.
In our conversation, Sharelle reflects on the early days when passengers would do a double take at the sight of a woman entering the flight deck, the way attitudes have shifted over the decades, the highs and challenges of her career.
TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 01:59 - Inspiration for flying 03:30 - First steps in becoming a pilot 16:34 - Interview for Qantas 24:20 - Joining the Airline 27:00 - Career Path and Journey in Qantas 36:50 - Last Jumbo Flight 44:40 - Life After Qantas 47:13 - Closing Remarks
In this episode, we are joined by AIPA’s rostering and scheduling expert, Anthony Mangan.
Anthony’s aviation career began with Qantas in 1996, where he gained experience across a range of operational roles before moving into the Integrated Operations Centre. There, he worked at the heart of airline logistics, managing the complex and ever-changing movement of pilots across the network. This hands-on experience gave him a deep understanding of the pressures and priorities that shape rostering and scheduling in a 24/7 global airline environment.
In 2024, Anthony brought this knowledge to AIPA, where he now leads the association’s rostering and scheduling service. His team provides support around the clock, seven days a week, helping members navigate the intricate and often confusing systems that govern rosters. It is no surprise that this service has quickly become one of the most valued benefits among AIPA members.
In our conversation, Anthony shares his perspective on current trends in rostering, explains common challenges faced by pilots, and offers practical tips on how to get the most out of AIPA’s rostering support.
This episode is a must-listen for any pilot wanting to make sense of the complexities of scheduling.
In this episode, we’re joined by Carolyn Vaughan, Principal Human Factors Specialist in Aviation Psychology and Human Factors. We explore the mental and emotional challenges pilots face throughout their training journeys, and how to better prepare for them from the very beginning. Carolyn shares why adopting a “novice mindset” can be so powerful, even for experienced pilots in recurrent training, and offers practical ways to build resilience and bounce back from setbacks like failed sim sessions or difficult feedback.
We also discuss how pilots can strengthen study habits, use deliberate practice to retain technical knowledge long-term, and how instructors can support learners through plateaus while creating a psychologically safe environment in high-stakes training.
Whether you’re starting out or returning for recurrent checks, this conversation is packed with insights to help you train smarter, stay resilient, and grow as a pilot.
🎧 Fly safe and stick with it!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro 02:31 - History of Human Factors in Aviation 05:51 - Carolyn's Career Path 07:00 - New Training Guides 08:58 - Training Pathways & Shifting Mindset 15:11 - Retaining Information & Learning 22:02 - Learning as Adults 29:00 - Training Tips for Pilots 34:23 - Help Available to Pilots 36:13 - Outro
🎙 Stick With It – Inside the IOC: Real-Time Decisions, Real-World Pressure
Welcome back to Stick With It. In this episode, we're going behind the scenes of Qantas operations with Captain Ben Holland, A330 pilot and Manager IOC, and Chris Mulholland, Manager IOC Operations, who brings over 47 years of experience to the table.
We dive deep into the Integrated Operations Centre (IOC) the nerve centre of airline operations. What actually happens when a pilot makes a call mid-flight? How does the IOC respond during emergencies or security incidents? And what tools and processes help keep flights running safely and smoothly across the globe?
From daily operations to real-world incidents including emergency calls, international airspace challenges, and crisis communications. Ben and Chris walk us through how decisions are made under pressure and why the IOC is critical for pilots and the broader airline network.
You’ll hear first-hand:
What the IOC actually is and why it matters
The inner workings of IOC departments and reporting structures
Real incidents handled by the team from Baku to the Maldives
How the IOC reacts to PAN calls and emergencies
What pilots should know about the support available behind the scenes
This one’s a must-listen for anyone curious about what happens beyond the flight deck.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro 00:47 - What is the IOC? 03:05 - IOC Operations Overview 05:14 - Chris's Aviation Career 05:43 - IOC Team Structure 08:16 - Communication and Information Flow 08:58 - Crisis Management and Escalation 13:52 - Middle East Airspace Situation 18:50 - Team Concept and Similarities to Flight Operations 21:47 - Medical Emergencies and Unusual Situations 22:39 - Baku Diversions 25:05 - Evidence-Based Training (EBT) Comparison 26:10 - Normal vs Abnormal Days 28:19 - On-Time Performance (OTP) 32:15 - QF520 Engine Failure Incident 37:44 - Pilot Perspective on IOC Operations 39:15 - Decision-Making Processes 41:01 - Communication Improvements 43:57 - Memorable Incidents 44:45 - How Pilots Can Help IOC 45:37 - Closing Remarks
Welcome back to Stick With It! In this powerful and exclusive episode, we’re joined by Capt Kevin Sullivan (Ret’d), whose aviation story is nothing short of extraordinary.
Kevin began his career as a U.S. Navy pilot, flying the iconic F-14 Tomcat and training as part of the elite Top Gun program. After his military career, he made the transition to commercial aviation, joining Qantas and flying widebody aircraft across the globe.
But it was one fateful day in 2008 that would forever define Kevin's career and test every ounce of his skill and resilience. As the captain of QF72, a flight that experienced a sudden and violent in-flight upset caused by a malfunctioning flight control system, Kevin’s quick thinking and calm leadership under extreme pressure helped save countless lives.
In this candid conversation, Kevin shares the highs and lows of his aviation journey from the structured intensity of Top Gun to the deep personal impact of QF72. He speaks openly about the mental toll, the moments of doubt, the support systems that mattered, and the lessons he believes all pilots should carry with them.
This is a rare insight into the life and mindset of a pilot who’s seen and experienced it all, from the thrill of fighter jets to the unforgiving reality of real-world emergencies.
Whether you're in training, on the line, or in command, Kevin’s story will resonate deeply. It’s not just a story about flying it’s a story about leadership, responsibility, and the human side of aviation.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro 00:42 - Top Gun & Flying the F-14 17:08 - Life in Australia & Flying for Qantas 21:49 - QF72 31:52 - Aftermath of QF72 43:44 - Automation 46:28 - Reduced Crew Operations 51:43 - Life after flying 55:05 - Closing words
Welcome back to Stick With It! In this episode, we're joined by Capt Andrew Stewart (Ret’d), a former Qantas 747 Captain who is now a psychotherapist working with the Pilot Assistance Network (PAN). After retiring from flying, Andrew retrained as a therapist at Oxford, specialising in supporting pilots with the unique mental challenges of aviation.
We explore the psychological blocks pilots often face in training, how to manage stress, deal with imposter syndrome, and practical strategies to build resilience throughout your career.
While many of these themes may be familiar, we hope this conversation reinforces what you know or helps you learn something new, as you prepare for your next SIM, upgrade, or command training.
Welcome back to Stick With It. Today, we’re joined by Captain Ryan Smith, a QantasLink Dash 8 Q400 Check and Training Captain with a rich background that started in general aviation through the UNSW program. In this episode, Ryan walks us through his journey from flight training and GA operations into an airline operation, offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to transition into QantasLink.
We dive into the challenges and steep learning curve of operating the Dash 8 Q400, a complex, high-performance turboprop and the mindset required to succeed in training and line operations. Ryan shares practical tips, reflections from his early days, and advice to new pilots.
Whether you’re just beginning your aviation journey or building hours in GA, this episode is packed with valuable lessons and honest insights.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Intro 00:44 – How Ryan's Flying Career Began 05:02 – Starting in QantasLink 06:45 – Moving from Q300 to Q400 09:08 – Starting at QantasLink as a New Recruit 14:49 – Flying Roles, F/O and Capt Flying 16:30 – Ground School Training 19:12 – First Days as a QantasLink Pilot 23:05 – Rostering & First Flights 33:17 – Memory Items & Recalls 34:50 – Training and Checking Secrets 38:00 – Diverse Operations 41:00 – Dealing with Setbacks 44:32 – Where AIPA Can Help 46:30 – Advice for Pilots 48:53 – 3 Key Things to Remember 52:32 - Outro
In this episode of Stick With It, we’re honoured to be joined by former AIPA President, Captain Wayne Kearns (Ret'd).
Captain Kearns reflects on the early days of AIPA, sharing firsthand stories from a defining era in aviation. From navigating industrial challenges to flying alongside World War II pilots, this episode offers a rare glimpse into the past through the eyes of someone who lived it.
With decades of experience both in the flightdeck and in leadership roles, Captain Kearns shares key moments from his career, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and his advice for the next generation of pilots.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Intro 01:45 - Origins of AIPA 12:48 - Flying with WWII Veterans 14:07 - Time as AIPA President 18:29 - 1989 Pilots Dispute 24:30 - Working for Qantas post AIPA 31:54 - Managing Pilots 33:39 - Stories from Managing Pilots 39:43 - Flight Engineers 43:33 - Seniority List 44:32 - Mergers with Airlines 50:03 - Advice for Pilots 51:42 - Life in Retirement
We’re kicking the new season off with my good mate, AIPA President Captain Andrew Marshall. We talk through his career so far, unpack where things stand with Reduced Crew Operations (RCO), dive into the latest on enterprise bargaining, and look ahead to what the future may hold for our profession.
Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction and welcome to season two 00:29 – Guest introduction: Captain Andrew Marshall 02:38 – Andrew's early career and Qantas start 06:30 – Self-funded cadetship and pilot training 08:09 – Role and challenges as AIPA President 10:15 – Academic journey and Executive MBA 13:13 – Short haul EA implementation update 15:47 – Industrial relations and pay rise issues 17:50 – Negotiations and collaboration between groups 27:14 – Reduced crew operations concerns 31:35 – Importance of union representation 34:00 – Reasons for staying involved in AIPA 36:10 – Reflections on career and advice to younger self 37:59 – Enjoyment of flying and presidential role 40:05 – Closing remarks and farewell
In the second part of this special episode, we explore what happens after the aircraft is on the ground. Andy and Pagey walk us through the post-incident process, from debriefs and investigations to the personal side of getting back in the air.
In this first installment, Andy and Pagey take us through the airborne phase of the QF520 incident. From the moment things went sideways to the decisions made at altitude, this is a raw and real look at crisis management in the skies.
Fly safe and stick with it.
Episode 14 - Safety Interviews after an Accident or Incident
This discussion provides a better understanding of what happens following an accident or incident and most importantly, the support services available to you from AIPA. You'll gain a better understanding into the process and who is available to help you manage what is always a stressful time.
Fly safe and stick with it.
Episode 13 - Andrew Stead, Qantas Head of Training and Checking
Captain Stead joins us for an informative discussion about preparing for a training course, how to navigate the challenges during the course and valuable insights into how to manage things when they don't necessarily go to plan. We also cover the latest update on all things Evidence Based Training (EBT). A fascinating discussion.
Fly safe and stick with it.
Episode 6 - Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) Part 1
Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) Part 1 - we discuss the evolving world of FRMS, how it applies to Qantas pilots and how you can better understand it from a practical perspective.
Reduced Crew Operations (RCO) - an interesting chat about the threat of reduced crew operations to the airline industry. Tony Lucas shares his insight into the issue that may seem a distant threat, but is a threat that if associations like AIPA don't take seriously now, will see airline safety dramatically reduced.
AIPA Welfare Team - for decades this service has provided thousands of members with support, advice and assistance in dealing with a variety of issues and challenges present in the lives of our members. "You don't think you need the welfare team until you do and then you really do" is a regular mantra of the team, so listen in and gain a better understanding of the support service available to you if things in your life don't go to plan.
AIPA Legal - another great service offered by AIPA. Matt Warburton, our Head of Legal provides valuable insights into the service, how to access it and what to expect if you engage with a member of our fantastic team.
Fly safe and stick with it.
Episode 10 - AIPA's Scheduling Service - Anthony Mangan
AIPA's resident scheduler provides insight and helpful tips on how to use the service that our members have told us is most valuable to them. His advice and contact details are included in the chat and is "gold" for anyone trying to get their head around the complicated workplace contracts that govern our flying lives.
Fly safe and stick with it.
Episode 9 - Mindfulness and being kinder to yourself ft. Andrew Stewart
Mindfulness and being kinder to yourself: a fascinating chat with Andrew Stewart - former Qantas Captain Andrew Stewart explores the area of mindfulness and being kinder to yourself, particularly when undertaking a training course. He provides a number of valuable insights and ideas that can have a positive and meaningful impact on our members. Essential listening.
Accommodation - AIPA's accommodation team provide valuable insights into the process of selecting accommodation for Qantas pilots and what our members can do from a reporting perspective to help us ensure that the best possible standard of accommodation is provided to our crews.
Evidence Based Training (EBT) Part 2 - Captain Dirk Dahmen from Qantas Flight Training returns to provide an update on the rollout of the EBT training program for Qantas pilots.
Evidence Based Training (EBT) Part 1 - Captain Dirk Dahmen from Qantas Flight Training joins us to talk about the evolution of EBT within the Qantas training department and what our pilots can expect as they embark on the EBT journey as part of the cyclic training program.
Fly safe and stick with it.
Episode 6 - Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) Part 2
Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS) Part 2 - we continue the discussion about FRMS, with a renewed emphasis on the process involved with going fatigued either before, during or after a duty period.
Fly safe and stick with it.
Episode 4 – Industrial Relations and Negotiation Part 3
We discuss the role of the Fair Work Commission and some of the considerations of having a dispute escalated to an Intractable Bargaining Determination.
Fly safe and stick with it.
Episode 3 – Industrial Relations and Negotiation Part 2
A podcast for pilots who are members of the Australian International Pilot’s Association. This series covers a range of topics relating to Industrial Relations and Negotiations through to how to access AIPA’s welfare or scheduling services.