There's trouble; at the mill.
Well, nearly; 'the Mill' being the BRB indaba. P7 began in the now time honoured way - “Time, gentlemen please” - usually darts are laid to rest; and the crew ambles over to their preferred table, and, they usually settle in, a little noisy, jokes get finished and final words of a conversation are uttered, but, in reasonable order. Not so last evening; quiet, serious, and; an under laying vibration of a confrontation brewing. “Right then”, says P7 “where do we want to start”? Smart call that; there has been, this week, a fairly hefty agenda, what with Estimates and all. But, in primus it was ATSB with ASA running a close second, third across the line was CASA. The also ran straggled home as best they could. But it was Rex and the latest 'paradox' produced by ATSB's very own Popinjay et al which created a -well – lets call it a robust discussion.
“Two paradoxes are better than one, they may even suggest a solution.”
The questions raised are clear enough – any professional reading the ATSB publication would have several questions, which, in all fairness, do indeed deserve some sort of response. P2 has kindly provided the 'report' – HERE – and from an ATSB 'operational' standpoint it raises some legitimate concerns. For example; why was it escalated from a 'short' investigation to a 'defined' investigation, without, at very least, acknowledging some 'fundamental' clearly visible issues?
“Defined investigations look at transport safety accidents and incidents of a more complex nature than short investigations, and seek to identify systematic safety issues that reveal underlying causes of an occurrence.”
And this, boys and girls is where the longest wrangle the BRB has ever had began. There were some serious questions asked by folks who do know of what they speak about the necessity of this investigation element being invoked. With your indulgence I shall try to explain the implications, the pro's and the blatant cons.
“We, the unwilling, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, for so long, with so little, we are now qualified to do anything with nothing.”
The 'need' for the upgrade of inquiry was discussed, in detail; non could see the reasoning behind that; given the 'report' as it stands; on topics discussed: makes no sense. – Then, an artful interlocutor framed an argument which carried some weight and was given some serious consideration. It went something like this:-
“Good judgement is the result of experience and experience the result of bad judgement.”
Several copies from various sources of the SAAB 340 check list were provided; various operators and etc. A fair spread of 'operational' checklists. Once these were handed out, the speaker asked one question - “how many here always, no matter the weather, take a walk around the ship pre departure: 78% always; 12% unless its snowing, blowing or pissing down (subject FO reliability); 10% rarely. Next question, who among this gathering has worked (at one time or another) with a system where there is a 'requirement' for the pins and bungs to accounted for, and even be shown to the Skipper and stowed - pre departure; 90%. OK; so now how many here have tested, as part of a pre take off check list, the 'Nuts and Knees' check to ensure that all control surfaces are performing design function in the required manner? 100%.
“I have come to believe that the whole world is an enigma, a harmless enigma that is made terrible by our own mad attempt to interpret it as though it had an underlying truth.”
You can see where this was all heading; Ayup, it all landed on my lap; the Rex 'Operations Manual' is not available, nor is their checklist. However, there are many examples of 'check lists' available; so a quick dig around provided a couple of 'anomalies' across the range; and, some 'iron-clad' requirements. Such as 'Controls – Checked' – during taxi or before take off. Then, there is the mystery of the 'Gust lock' every check list calls for it to be on pre shut down; and, it is a 'significant' system. Every list I looked at calls for on before shut down, but not mentioned as 'OFF' before 'start' – however, being entirely ignorant of the type; enough said.
“I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.”
It all begs questions; have ATSB failed, dismally, (yet again) to answer correctly? But worse, in the opinion of many, they have failed to identify the simple fact that the crew dropped a rather large bollock. The FO clearly buggered up the pre flight; the Skipper failed to ensure that pins and bungs were 'away' and who did the pre take off 'controls full and free' checks? One hole there; but ATSB have dug themselves yet another hole; in the wrong yard. Had this been left alone as a 'short' investigation, there is no doubt (non at all) that the REX SMS/ CTS/ HOTAC/ HR/ CP and etc, would have it sorted out before morning tea. But, for ATSB to ramp it up to a 'Detailed' they really needed to get the basics sorted out and have the guts to call it as it is, for what it was.
Mitchell and his little band of 'happy clappers' and spin merchants need to go and let the professionals within recover the credibility ATSB once had. There is a long list now of botched, stuffed up, half baked investigations; first Beaker, then Hood started the real rot: and now the Popinjay continues the farce. – The 'real' tin kickers must be as heart sick of the Kool Aide fountain clutch by now as we all are. ATSB - an expensive and absolutely essential element of safety for the travelling public, flight crew and the incumbent minister. This international embarrassment must stop; and soon, before the ATSB becomes redundant, borderline useless to industry as it stands now. Check out the video from Estimates – HERE -; dismissed, with in-house lawyer assistance - in less than three minutes.
That's it; the opinions of my peers, betters and research stated as well as I can manage it.
The mog and the pup have just shot through here doing about thirty knots; Mog finally had enough has taken to a high cupboard; if I could speak 'cat-tongue' the request would be simple; but I get it. Problem with pups is wearing 'em out; short nap and its full throttle again; there is a large collection of 'stuff' on the workshop floor; an old boot; a wrecked 'UG' boot, various 'squeaky' things, a collection of 'off cuts' and assorted shavings. I try to clean up; I do, but it seems the workshop brush is a hated enemy of pup world; Oh and my boot laces have offended – regularly trimmed; clearly an OHS matter. Right then; who wants a walk? Silly question really – Away then! Oh, big dog just jumped the orchard fence; graceful, powerful and elegant; cat went through it; pup left with no option but to bark at it – payback; in the animal kingdom. Long may it reign...
Selah...
Well, nearly; 'the Mill' being the BRB indaba. P7 began in the now time honoured way - “Time, gentlemen please” - usually darts are laid to rest; and the crew ambles over to their preferred table, and, they usually settle in, a little noisy, jokes get finished and final words of a conversation are uttered, but, in reasonable order. Not so last evening; quiet, serious, and; an under laying vibration of a confrontation brewing. “Right then”, says P7 “where do we want to start”? Smart call that; there has been, this week, a fairly hefty agenda, what with Estimates and all. But, in primus it was ATSB with ASA running a close second, third across the line was CASA. The also ran straggled home as best they could. But it was Rex and the latest 'paradox' produced by ATSB's very own Popinjay et al which created a -well – lets call it a robust discussion.
“Two paradoxes are better than one, they may even suggest a solution.”
The questions raised are clear enough – any professional reading the ATSB publication would have several questions, which, in all fairness, do indeed deserve some sort of response. P2 has kindly provided the 'report' – HERE – and from an ATSB 'operational' standpoint it raises some legitimate concerns. For example; why was it escalated from a 'short' investigation to a 'defined' investigation, without, at very least, acknowledging some 'fundamental' clearly visible issues?
“Defined investigations look at transport safety accidents and incidents of a more complex nature than short investigations, and seek to identify systematic safety issues that reveal underlying causes of an occurrence.”
And this, boys and girls is where the longest wrangle the BRB has ever had began. There were some serious questions asked by folks who do know of what they speak about the necessity of this investigation element being invoked. With your indulgence I shall try to explain the implications, the pro's and the blatant cons.
“We, the unwilling, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible for the ungrateful. We have done so much, for so long, with so little, we are now qualified to do anything with nothing.”
The 'need' for the upgrade of inquiry was discussed, in detail; non could see the reasoning behind that; given the 'report' as it stands; on topics discussed: makes no sense. – Then, an artful interlocutor framed an argument which carried some weight and was given some serious consideration. It went something like this:-
“Good judgement is the result of experience and experience the result of bad judgement.”
Several copies from various sources of the SAAB 340 check list were provided; various operators and etc. A fair spread of 'operational' checklists. Once these were handed out, the speaker asked one question - “how many here always, no matter the weather, take a walk around the ship pre departure: 78% always; 12% unless its snowing, blowing or pissing down (subject FO reliability); 10% rarely. Next question, who among this gathering has worked (at one time or another) with a system where there is a 'requirement' for the pins and bungs to accounted for, and even be shown to the Skipper and stowed - pre departure; 90%. OK; so now how many here have tested, as part of a pre take off check list, the 'Nuts and Knees' check to ensure that all control surfaces are performing design function in the required manner? 100%.
“I have come to believe that the whole world is an enigma, a harmless enigma that is made terrible by our own mad attempt to interpret it as though it had an underlying truth.”
You can see where this was all heading; Ayup, it all landed on my lap; the Rex 'Operations Manual' is not available, nor is their checklist. However, there are many examples of 'check lists' available; so a quick dig around provided a couple of 'anomalies' across the range; and, some 'iron-clad' requirements. Such as 'Controls – Checked' – during taxi or before take off. Then, there is the mystery of the 'Gust lock' every check list calls for it to be on pre shut down; and, it is a 'significant' system. Every list I looked at calls for on before shut down, but not mentioned as 'OFF' before 'start' – however, being entirely ignorant of the type; enough said.
“I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.”
It all begs questions; have ATSB failed, dismally, (yet again) to answer correctly? But worse, in the opinion of many, they have failed to identify the simple fact that the crew dropped a rather large bollock. The FO clearly buggered up the pre flight; the Skipper failed to ensure that pins and bungs were 'away' and who did the pre take off 'controls full and free' checks? One hole there; but ATSB have dug themselves yet another hole; in the wrong yard. Had this been left alone as a 'short' investigation, there is no doubt (non at all) that the REX SMS/ CTS/ HOTAC/ HR/ CP and etc, would have it sorted out before morning tea. But, for ATSB to ramp it up to a 'Detailed' they really needed to get the basics sorted out and have the guts to call it as it is, for what it was.
Mitchell and his little band of 'happy clappers' and spin merchants need to go and let the professionals within recover the credibility ATSB once had. There is a long list now of botched, stuffed up, half baked investigations; first Beaker, then Hood started the real rot: and now the Popinjay continues the farce. – The 'real' tin kickers must be as heart sick of the Kool Aide fountain clutch by now as we all are. ATSB - an expensive and absolutely essential element of safety for the travelling public, flight crew and the incumbent minister. This international embarrassment must stop; and soon, before the ATSB becomes redundant, borderline useless to industry as it stands now. Check out the video from Estimates – HERE -; dismissed, with in-house lawyer assistance - in less than three minutes.
That's it; the opinions of my peers, betters and research stated as well as I can manage it.
The mog and the pup have just shot through here doing about thirty knots; Mog finally had enough has taken to a high cupboard; if I could speak 'cat-tongue' the request would be simple; but I get it. Problem with pups is wearing 'em out; short nap and its full throttle again; there is a large collection of 'stuff' on the workshop floor; an old boot; a wrecked 'UG' boot, various 'squeaky' things, a collection of 'off cuts' and assorted shavings. I try to clean up; I do, but it seems the workshop brush is a hated enemy of pup world; Oh and my boot laces have offended – regularly trimmed; clearly an OHS matter. Right then; who wants a walk? Silly question really – Away then! Oh, big dog just jumped the orchard fence; graceful, powerful and elegant; cat went through it; pup left with no option but to bark at it – payback; in the animal kingdom. Long may it reign...
Selah...