Geeday Folks

[Phantom]

My name is Gerry (55)  and currently work in Aus as a Airline Pilot.( Another Aussie). I have lived in Huai Po (about 5 Km south Huai Thalaeng) for 3 years. I have a wife and have built a house here. Basically I commute to Aus for work but made easier by operating services to BKK every week. Actually, I am in Nakhon Ratchasima but closer to Buri Ram.

[Speros]

Welcome Gerry

[nookiebear]

Hi Gerry ,Welcome Aboard

[Somnat]

Welcome to BE Gerry 

Where do you hail from in Oz ?

If Queensland (Gods Country) I probably know you 

[Phantom]

Thanks for the welcome.
I do hail from QLD and have a condo in BNE. ( a cocky from North Rocky)

[Somnat]

Thanks for the welcome.
I do hail from QLD and have a condo in BNE. ( a cocky from North Rocky)

Ditto Brisbane Gerry.

Fond memories of Rocky, but not what was waiting for me on the other side .........

...Shoalwater bay training area  kamoybe

[Phantom]

Hey, same here re Shoalwater Bay. Spent many days flying Hueys for the RAAF in my past life.

[Somnat]

First Military flight was in a DHC Caribou. Inspired me to go on and get a PPL with intentions to transfer to Army Aviation.

Ended up in 5 Avn, but not as a pilot

Loved the Hueys and probably clocked up a couple of hundred backseat hours between them and the Blackhawk.

Gerry, do you do the TG 473 / 474 route ?

[nookiebear]

Gerry, do you do the TG 473 / 474 route ?
[/quote]
Why would he commute to Australia to work if he flew for Thai Airways(TG)?

[Somnat]

A good question Nookie.

Maybe Gerry takes the TG 474 BNE - BKK has a layover, goes back and starts again

Maybe he flies on a freighter ?

I was just making an assumption, but i am sure Gerry will enlighten us all.

[Phantom]

Hey Somnat, you got it right second time. I do use the the TG474/473 to commute from here. Being in Airline business, I get really cheap fares (only standby).  I am a Capt with Qantas and am currently flying A330 Airbus on QF23/24   SYD/BKK/SYD. I do 3 returns in about 12 days then get 9 days off. Go back on Wed for Emerg Proc then Simulator then back here on Sun. I have mid March to late Apr off and hope to catch up and meet some of you guys then.

[Phantom]

Also Somnat, re reading your post. I was at 9 SQN Amberley from 79- 83 and we basically supported the Green Machine.

[Somnat]

Also Somnat, re reading your post. I was at 9 SQN Amberley from 79- 83 and we basically supported the Green Machine.

And did an absolutely wonderful job both in Oz and OS.

As you probably know Gerry 9 SQN moved to Townsville in 1989 (?) and became A Sqn 5 Avn flying Blackhawks.

I was in unit at that time and detached to A Sqn a few years later for a one year stint.

Happy days and a great bunch of blokes to work with.

[Phantom]

Correct again Somnat, from Wiki
During February 1988 No. 9 Squadron began to be re-equipped with S-70A Blackhawk helicopters. Upon converting to the new aircraft the Squadron moved to Townsville where it was disbanded. The Squadron's aircrew and aircraft were then used to form 'A' Squadron of the Australian Army's 5th Aviation Regiment.
It was about that time I jumped ship to Charlie Q.
Do you still hold your PPL?

[Somnat]

Jumping to Qantas was obviously a great move for you Gerry.

From memory, it was around that time that the Services had a fair bit of Pilot attrition. I think it got to the stage where some handsome incentives were on offer to retain Pilots.

My PPL unfortunately is not current. Got it when I was single, added a couple of endorsements and clocked up 200 + Hrs.

Got married and could no longer afford the flying weekends. I did qualify on Ultralights whilst I was in Townsville. Great fun and a lot cheaper. Plus I was getting a lot of air time working in Aviation which helped scratch the itch.

Now I just pull out the logbook when I want a trip down memory lane