Here We Go Again… Another Shady Operator

[LightBulb]

Honestly, I’m amazed — yet somehow not surprised — to see another aviation operator in the news for alleged illegal activity.

From my own experience in the industry, there are definitely some very bad operators out there, and lately it feels harder than ever to find companies that both pay their staff properly e.g what is owed in the award and follow the rules. With stories like this and the mess surrounding Matt Wright’s outfit, you really have to wonder who’s going to be next.

https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-03-12/ ... /106444572

[choppermech1986]

I couldn't agree more. So many examples of poor professionalism recently; Coulson, Microflite, Sea World, Matt Wright, then add in flow on effects like the quality of HECS graduates and chronic lack of LAME's etc etc.

But in the eyes of most operators, CASA and the AHIA, things are great!

[guesswho]

100% all the systems in financial backing, Coulson by NSW gov - now 2 heavy a/c accidents and fatal. Microflite heavily backed by VIC gov, yet no one else flew that day apart from them...Seaworld, backed by a facility let such occur, was only a matter of time. Matt Wright, well that was always loose

[Rocket Surgeon]

yet no one else flew that day apart from them

Can someone help me out with a bit of detail. Is this a fire thing?

[LightBulb]

yet no one else flew that day apart from them

Can someone help me out with a bit of detail. Is this a fire thing?

Pretty sure he means from all the past accidents at these companies.

The most frustrating operators are those like Fortescue Helicopters who exploit staff eager to enter the industry. Some of the stories from that company are unbelievable. If you haven’t heard firsthand about their problems, ask around. CASA is investigating and hopefully they’ll find something to shut them down.

Returning to the original ABC article, when will these operators be held accountable? Matt Wright had sponsorship and Hollywood deals yet still pulled the clock. Stirling, with a substantial operation, still thinks it’s a good idea to make money through illegal activities.

[skypig]

yet no one else flew that day apart from them

Can someone help me out with a bit of detail. Is this a fire thing?

From memory - a weather related crash. (Allegedly, on a day no one else flew)

[guesswho]

flying into cloud, no autopilot, no ifr gear. no risk assessment?

As for Coulsons, they just operate 'no comms'

[averagejoe]

flying into cloud, no autopilot, no ifr gear. no risk assessment?

As for Coulsons, they just operate 'no comms'

If you need a risk assessment to be able to decide that is a bad idea then heaven help the industry

[godfather007]

It all comes down to $ and a race to the bottom with some operators lately. Please feel confident, not all are the same.
Some get a leg up and take the cash for a INT crim transfers, some skimp on AC maintenance, some have to compete like ambo chasers for fires, some drive down pilot wages and hourly rates to keep the company expenses paid and put food on the table for all involved.
Shame really, as pilots we rely on the boss to keep all the cogs turning so we get to fly and get paid.
As an operator, it’s not easy all the time.
CA$A (Up Stairs) if they get off there arse, may eventually get something done about these idiots who make us good pilots look bad In the eye of the public.
So many legal loopholes holes to convict and hang one out to dry.
FH…
GF said some of my 2c.
Closing this channel.
I’m switching back to com1.