AFAP - Australian Federation of Air Pilots

15/10/2026

Today's AFAP Pre-Convention Safety & Technical seminar had its main focus on the unique challenges in helicopter operations. Attendees enjoyed excellent presentations from Helicopter Pilot Council Committee Chair Capt Matt Nielsen, Capt Richard Armitage and Capt Tarryn Ryan.

These were followed by a panel discussion in the afternoon examining Positive Safety Culture in Australian Aviation.

13/10/2026

Thanks to Jetstar Pilot Council representative Captain Christo Hailes for speaking to almost 40 Bachelor of Aviation Students at Adelaide University's Mawson Lakes campus about the AFAP and MBF.

The piloting students are eligible to apply for a $3000 scholarship - one for a 2nd year student and another for a 3rd year student - jointly funded by the AFAP and the Australian Air Pilots MBF.

University of South Australia - The University of Adelaide - Adelaide University

30/09/2026

Networking is underway following tonight's seminar in Sydney. The AFAP presented an overview of employment entitlements under the Air Pilots Award and workplace legislation impacting employment as a commercial pilot.

In addition to a reminder about the importance of loss-of-licence cover, the seminar also included a safety & technical update and outlined how pilots working in in both fixed wing or rotary operations can make use of our member services.

Thanks UNSW Aviation for letting us use your premises.

28/09/2026

The Fair Work Commission (FWC) accepted the AFAP's position that - as interstate transfers to avoid redundancy are at the direction of the pilots' employer National Jet Express (NJE) - relocation entitlements would apply.

NJE argued that pilots should bear the costs because they had expressed interest in alternative positions and accepted transfers. The FWC looked at the whole picture - NJE’s decision to cease operations and retire the fleet created the need for redeployment. A pilot choosing an available alternative to redundancy did not turn that process into a transfer initiated by the pilot.

Commissioner Emma Thornton also rejected that a pilot’s expressed willingness to bear relocation costs displaced their entitlement under the Enterprise Agreement. Read more 👇🏿

The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) notified the Fair Work Commission of a dispute with National Jet Express Pty Ltd (NJE) concerning a clause of its enterprise agreement that covered redeployment and expense obligations.

24/09/2026

Australian pilots using portable air monitors recorded rises in particle counts on dozens of flights where crews did not identify a possible fume event.

The AFAP monitored 73 flight sectors using instruments carried by volunteer pilots. On 34 sectors, counts rose above 10,000 particles per cubic cm, according to preliminary results presented by the union’s safety and technical manager, Capt Marcus Diamond, at the 2026 International Aircraft Cabin Air Conference in London. Crews identified possible fume events on just six of those sectors. Read 👇

An Australian pilots’ trial found cabin air particle spikes on flights where crews did not identify a possible fume event.

21/09/2026

From 1 December 2026, Part 119 operators must have a structured HF/NTS Training and Assessment Program in place. CASA’s updated AC 119-12 sets the standard and confirms operators can meet it through a qualified third-party provider.
RPAP’s HFNTS Training Program (adapted from the Resilient Pilot program) is built to satisfy the AC as an Acceptable Means of Compliance. It is delivered online supported by the Resilience Deck app, recorded scenario-based training and facilitated virtual classroom so there is no travel, no downtime, and it can fit around your rostering. Program delivered by experienced pilots trained to European Mentoring and Coaching (EMCC) guidelines.
We make adoption simple. We run a needs analysis of your operation, write the HFNTS chapter for your exposition, and integrate the program into your existing systems. You keep oversight. RPAP runs the delivery.
The result: real measured development overlaid with coaching, peer support, welfare and performance for your pilots with full regulatory compliance … not a just a tick-box exercise.
Run as a 3 year solution with data tailoring based on your unique challenges delivered online so cost effective.
December is closer than it looks. If you’re a Part 121/135 operator working out what AC 119-12 means for you, we’d like to talk. For more info visit www.rpap.org.au/

17/09/2026

Aircrew receive the largest annual effective dose of ionising radiation of any workforce in the US, largely due to exposure to cosmic radiation at high altitudes, a new study has found. Pilots and flight attendants are also more likely to be diagnosed with certain cancers than the general population.


The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA)
Flight Attendants' Association of Australia - FAAA
Harvard Medical School

Findings support efforts to protect U.S. aircrews from cosmic radiation exposure

10/09/2026

If you're thinking it, ask R U OK? Because a conversation could change a life. Learn more 👇:

👨‍✈️ Access the AFAP Member Assistance Program (MAP) - AFAP members and their families can call 1300 307 912 at any time for free, confidential counselling with a psychologist

👩‍✈️ Contact [email protected] to connect with an AFAP pilot welfare representative or for any questions about our welfare services

👨‍✈️ Find conversation tips: ruok.org.au/how-to-ask

08/09/2026

Congratulations to Captain Cornay Sinac on retirement after more than 40 years flying with Qantas, having joined the airline at 24 years of age in 1984.

Capt Sinac has trained across the Boeing 767, Boeing 747 and Airbus A380 fleets

He was 16 when he started flying lessons at Melbourne's Moorabbin Airport and has gone on to clock around 23,000 flying hours at Qantas.

08/09/2026

The Australian Transport Safety Bureau has warned that it will not have “quick answers” in its investigation of six recent runway incidents at Sydney Airport.

ATSB chief commissioner Angus Mitchell says that “in transport safety investigation, speed cannot come at the expense of accuracy”.

“In all six incidents, safety defences operated in some form. Pilots, air traffic controllers or ground crews took appropriate action at a point in time, preventing more serious outcomes.” Read 👇🏽

https://www.atsb.gov.au/news/2026/safety-strengthened-when-we-examine-its-defences