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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 - OutroFly safe and stick with it.
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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 - OutroFly safe and stick with it.
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Welcome back to Stick With It.
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 RemarksFly safe and stick with it.
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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 AdviceFly safe and stick with it.
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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 RemarksFly safe and stick with it.
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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.
CLICK HERE to watch the full episode.
Fly safe and stick with it.
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Welcome back to Stick With It.
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 RemarksFly safe and stick with it.
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Welcome back to Stick With It.
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.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 - Intro
04:23 - Pattern Protection
17:08 - Commuting
31:06 - Sick Leave
39:36 - Consultative Meetings
42:40 - Open Time Allocation
45:20 - Quick Fire Questions
46:54 - Closing RemarksFly safe and stick with it.
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Welcome back to Stick with It!
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 - OutroFly safe and stick with it.
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🎙 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 mattersThe inner workings of IOC departments and reporting structuresReal incidents handled by the team from Baku to the MaldivesHow the IOC reacts to PAN calls and emergenciesWhat pilots should know about the support available behind the scenesThis 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 RemarksFly safe and stick with it.
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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 wordsFly safe and stick with it.
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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.
Fly safe and stick with it.
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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 - OutroFly safe and stick with it.
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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 RetirementFly safe and stick with it.
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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 farewellFly safe and stick with it.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Fly safe and stick with it.
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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.
Fly safe and stick with it.
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