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PIA management assured of support |
Business
Recorder
KARACHI (May 27 2008): Pakistan Airline Pilots' Association
(Palpa) has assured the new PIA management of its
unstinting support in lifting the national carrier
out of its current quagmire.
First Officer,
Arif Majeed, General Secretary, Palpa in a statement
to the press issued here on Monday said that pilots
community would always support and work for the betterment
of the national flag carrier as it has always done
in the past. Particularly at this point in time when
the airline is headed with one of its senior colleagues,
Palpa would ensure that it touches new peak and a
great airline to fly with.
Referring to Palpa's
relationship with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA),
he said the association has always upheld the rules
and regulations, promulgated by CAA and it enjoyed
good working relationship with the regulatory body.
He regretted that
recently a private TV channel used derogatory words
against the association and PIA pilots. These were
uncalled for and in bad taste. This sort of slander
was based on unsubstantiated information, he said.
Majeed assured
the general public that Palpa has worked with devotion
to promote flight safety in the country, a fact acknowledged
internationally in the aviation industry and went
on to explain that Palpa is a professional body associated
with International Federation of Airline Pilots Association
(Ifalpa) since 1954. The association is Ifalpa's key
member and a PIA pilot is elected as Regional Vice
President (RVP) Asia West, covering the region comprising
Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India,
Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal and Sri Lanka.-PR.
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PALPA Elections 2008 |
Exercise
your right of vote to elect the Executive Committee.
More importantly, vote for those contestants who would
devote their time for PALPA and uphold the community’s
interest upper most. Whatever direction the PALPA
takes in the next 2 years is depend on your choice
now. |
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PENSION:
Pending since 01 Jan., 2003 |
From Circular#
31/2007 on dated 24th March 2007.
Revision of Pensionable heads
of salary and percentage for Pilots shall be carried
out by the Management by 23rd April, 2007.
A committee has been formed to carry
out the necessary ground work to finalize the heads
and the formula to calculate the pension. The conclusion
shall be communicated to you as and when it is concluded.
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Membership
of Contract Pilots |
PENDING SINCE
APR 2003.
From Circular# 31/2007 dated
24th March 2007.
The Clause in the Service
Agreements of contractual pilots regarding non-membership
of professional Association / body shall be deleted
by 30th March, 2007.
This is a major break through as
this professional body could not afford to leave so
many pilots employed in Pakistan International Airline
on contract, out if its fold. The necessary amendment,
in the PALPA Constitution as approved in the Annual
General Meeting 2007, is being vetted and would be
circulated to you for your formal approval after inclusion
of this clause in the PALPA Constitution the contract
pilots will become permanent members of PALPA. Besides
enhancing our numbers, the future of the Association
shall also be secured. The letters to individuals
have already been issued indicating deletion of clause
8 of their contracts.
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Acceptance
of Resignation and early retirement |
From Circular#
31/2007 dated 24th March 2007.
A Pilot’s request for
early retirement or resignation from service shall
only be entertained, if the Pilot has served PIA for
minimum 20 years and shall be subject to recovery
of expenses incurred on training and under-supervision
flying. Recovery shall only be made in the case of
Pilot who has less than two years productive service
on respective equipment and shall be on prorate basis
by counting each completed month.
This arbitrary action on part of
the Management had created a feeling of ‘bondage’
amongst the pilots. Having contributed productively
for a period of 20 years, the pilots have now an option
open to switch Jobs in any other airline, if they
so desire. Another discriminatory clause of changing
training cost from the pilots leaving on early retirement
has been ‘clipped’ to 24 months of productivity
on that particular equipment.
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From Circular#
31/2007 on dated 24th March 2007.
In case of leave travel of
Pilots on international routes, booking of seats against
NS-I tickets shall be made in Economy Plus / Economy
Class and shall be confirmed in Club Class within
36 hours instead of 24 hours, prior to schedule departure
time, subject to availability of seats.
This Executive Committee had got
an assurance from the Management that seats in Club
Class will be confirmed 36 hours prior to departure
of the Flight. This was circulated through the INFO
and COCKPIT, but sadly the true implementation could
not be done for lack of will on the part of the concerned
departments. Inspite of repeated reminders to the
Management and reference to cases brought up by Pilots
to PALPA Executive Committee, the CRC was not instructed
adequately. Although assurance of implementation has
been given this time but we have to practically see
it happen to believe that necessary instructions have
been passed to all concerned.
PALPA Executive Committee is pursuing
the NS-I Domestic Travel and rebated tickets on domestic
sectors in Club Class subject to load with the Management.
The latter, if agreed to, will give the crew a much
better chance of travel on domestic sectors.
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From Circular#
31/2007 dated 24th March 2007.
Pilots have already been
given increase in basic pay at a uniform rate of 10%,
effective 1st January 2007 vide Circular No.02/2007,
dated 09-01-2007. Annual increase in basic pay @ 10%
shall also be allowed to them in the year 2008, subject
to announcement of merit increase for other employees
of the Corporation.
The Annual Increase negotiated by
this Executive Committee @ 10% had been given to the
pilots from 1st January 2007. The amount earlier taken
by the Management out of our kitty of Rs. 225 million
for year 2007 for the Annual Increase has been adjusted
back in the Pilots Disturbance Allowance. The table
in the circular 31/2007 shows an amended Pilots’
disturbance allowance (this is what the Executive
Committee had suggested before disbursement of Rs.
225 million for year 2007). Therefore the matter now
stands resolved.
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From Circular#
31/2007 on dated 24th March 2007.
Rs.225 million will also
be paid in the year 2008 w.e.f. 1st January 2008 in
addition to above.
The circular 02/January 2007 did
not specify the amount payable to the pilots for year
2008. The same has now been added in the Circular
31/2007 issued on 24 March 2007.
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Accumulation
of Privilege Leave |
PENDING SINCE
AUG 2005.
From Circular# 31/2007 on
dated 24th March 2007.
Pilots shall be allowed to
accumulate Privilege Leave upto 365 days during entire
service, as per rules existing prior to Circular No.
31/2005, dated 30-08-2005.
The accumulation of leave has been
reverted back for the pilots and the earned leave
can now be accumulated upto 365 days. However, the
Executive Committee strongly suggests that you must
ensure that proper procedure is followed by the Flight
Operations Human Resources Department to accumulate
your earned leave. Generally the pilots do not bother
as to how their leave is carried over to the next
year and accumulated and/or cancelled.
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The career plan is
being negotiated with the Flight Operations Department.
The Circular of 31/2007 has linked the career plan
with the removal of clause 8 in the contract of the
contract pilots. The Executive Committee has to weigh
the options fully and will keep the larger interest
of the community supreme. The final outcome shall
be communicated to you, when finalized. |
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As a tradition at
annual dinners, we present commemorative shields to
members who have retired from active service as pilots
or have been medically grounded. These shields are
given in recognition of their meritorious services
to PIA and the PALPA, and to the out-going Executive
Committee members.
This year PALPA is also planning
its Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony very soon at
PALPA CLUB HOUSE.
This Dinner shall be a family affair;
spouse and children are cordially invited, as soon
as the date is finalized, it would be intimated to
all members.
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A delegation comprising
Capt. Nayyar Nazir, Vice President, PALPA and F/O.
Officer Janjua, IFALPA Director, represented PALPA
at the 62nd IFALPA Annual Conference at DUBROVNIK
CROATIA, from 16th to 20th March, 2007.
The conference was well attended
and numerous issues relating to the pilots world wide
were discussed and solutions proposed. PALPA representatives
updated the delegates about the current status and
the progress made in the recent past.
On the final day of the Conference a Gift, Presentation
took place. PALPA gave a hand woven carpet to the
hosts-Croatian-ALPA. A nice gift was presented to
the out going IFALPA President, Capt. Dennis Dolan,
also.
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PODF Elections were
held on 24th February, 2007 and a new Board of trustees
has taken over the charge. Following are the new trustees
of the PODF.
1. Capt. Imran Usman Chairman
2. Capt. Atif Ullah Vice Chairman
3. Capt. Zarak Khan Secretary
4. F/O. Abid Hussain Treasurer
5. Capt. Pervez Islam Trustee
6. Capt. Ilyas Najmi Trustee
We congratulate all the newly elected
trustees on their election to this prestigious organization.
We wish them the best of luck in their assignment.
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Mr. Zafar Ahmed Khan
has taken over as the Chairman PIAC. PALPA welcomes
him in the Airline. Following felicitation letter
has been sent to him by the President PALPA:
“It is with great pleasure
that we welcome your appointment as the Chairman of
Pakistan International Airlines. The Airline, as you
are aware, is going through the worst crises in its
history and there exists a general feeling of anxiety,
frustration and insecurity amongst its employees.
We are fully confident, that
under your able guidance and leadership these crises
can be surmounted. With your appointment to this august
office, we have no doubt in our minds that your experience
and clear vision to run the affairs of the Corporation
would restore the confidence and morale of its employees,
which is imperative for the smooth and efficient functioning
of the Airline.
Please accept our sincere
congratulations on your appointment as Chairman PIAC.
We at PALPA, the professional body of Pilots in Pakistan,
assure you of our full support and cooperation at
all times and hopes that all efforts would be made
by the Management to take the Airline out of the current
dismal situation.
We wish all the success and God speed in your new
assignment.”
Capt. Khalid Hamza
President
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Resignations:
Capt. Farooq Ahmed and Capt. Jan. |
Capt. Farooq Ahmed
has resigned as Joint secretary-1 from PALPA, the
reason is best known to him. Capt. M. A. Ameen was
placed 4th in the declared election waiting list of
2006 Election Results for the post of Joint Secretary.
As per Chapter VI, Article 1, of PALPA Constitution
he has been nominated as joint Secretary-III by the
Executive committee in its meeting held on 3rd April,
2007.
Earlier, Capt. Eizad Ali was also
nominated as an Executive Committee Member in place
of Capt. Jan who had also resigned due to his personal
reasons.
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In the year 2006
/ 2007, following of our senior Pilots have retired
from the service of the corporation after having served
the Airline for many years with honour and dignity.
01. Capt. M. Rafiq 02. Capt. Munir
Akhtar
03. Capt. Zaidi 04. Capt. Najam
05. Capt. M. R. Mirza 06. Capt. Farrukh
07. Capt. Irteza 08. Capt. Akram
09. Capt. Khalid Pervaiz 10. Capt. Jehanzeb
11. Capt. Humayun Raza 12. Capt. Jamil Gill
13. Capt. Zafir-ul-Haq 14. Capt. Syed Suleman Nabi
15. Capt. M. Zubair 16. Capt. Zabih
17. Capt. Anjum 18. Capt. Mazhar Ahmed
19. Capt. Syed Naqi-ur- Rehman 20. Capt. Baig
21. Capt. Hanif Ameen 22. Capt. Khalid Mufti
23. Capt. Pervez Saeed
On behalf of the entire membership,
we pray to the Almighty Allah for their and their
family’s well-being and success in everything
they venture to do in future. We hold all of them
in high esteem and assure them of our fullest cooperation.
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| URGENTLY
REQUIRED B-707-324 CAPTAINS, CO-PILOTS AND FLIGHT ENGINEERS |
WE HAVE RECEIVED A REQUEST FROM “EASY AVIATION”
FOR THREE SETS OF CAPTAIN, CO-PILOT AND FLIGHT ENGINEER
OF B-707-324 CH. FREIGHTER, MAXIMUM AGE LIMIT 65 YEARS.
THE EMPLOYEES WILL BE BASED IN SHARJAH AND WILL BE
PROVIDED ACCOMMODATION WITH ATTRACTIVE SALARY.
THE CANDIDATES
MUST HAVE VALID LICENCE/DOCUMENTS ETC.
MEMBERS WHO ARE WILLING
TO DO JOB, KINDLY CONTACT:
MR. M. A. LODHI
PAX & CARGO SALES MANAGER-PAKISTAN
“EASY AVIATION”
GULSONS TOWER
1/1-2P, BLOCK-6, PECHS, KARACHI
TEL: 439-2714/15
FAX: 439-2715
CELL: 0300/210-2859
F/O. Arif Majeed
GENERAL SECRETARY
MARCH 21, 2007 |
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| Resolutions
for AGM |
Following
resolutions were put up before the House during the
Annual General Meeting of the Pakistan Airline Pilots’
Association held on 24th February 2007.
The Resolutions
received from the members were put up for an open
discussion. The members present expressed their views
on each resolution and a healthy debate followed.
The outcome of each resolution is enumerated below:
RESOLUTIONS NO. 1:
Proposed by Capt.
Nadeem Choudhry and Seconded by F/O. M. Khalid:
“AS PER INCOME
TAX ORDINANCE 2001, FINANCIAL YEAR IS FROM 1ST JULY
TO 30TH JUNE EVERY YEAR, WHEREAS PALPA’S FINANCIAL
YEAR IS FROM 1ST JANUARY TO 31ST DECEMBER. THEREFORE,
PALPA SHOULD ALSO CLOSE ITS ACCOUNTS ON 30TH JUNE
ACCORDINGLY, AS PER THE REQUIREMENTS OF INCOME TAX
ORDINANCE 2001.
AS ADVISED BY OUR
TAX CONSULTANTS M/S ARSHAD MALIK & CO. PALPA ACCOUNTS
SHALL ALSO BE CLOSED ON 30TH JUNE 2007. (SIX MONTHS
THIS TIME ONLY).
UNDER THE
CLAUSE 58 OF PART-1 OF THE SECOND SCHEDULE OF THE
INCOME TAX ORDINANCE 2001, PALPA BEING A WELFARE ORGANIZATION
DOES NOT FALL UNDER TAX NET, BUT THROUGH FINANCE ACT
2006, AN AMENDMENT HAS BEEN MADE IN THE SECTION 114
OF THE INCOME TAX ORDINANCE 2001, AS SUCH, PALPA IS
LIABLE TO FILE ITS RETURNS OF INCOME EVERY YEAR. HOWEVER,
AS PER THE CURRENT LAW THERE SHALL BE NO LEVY OF ANY
TAX.
IT IS, THEREFORE,
PROPOSED THAT PALPA’S ACCOUNTS SHALL BE CLOSED
ON 30TH JUNE EVERY YEAR AND RETURNS OF INCOME SHALL
BE FURNISHED AS PER FINANCE ACT 2006. THE AUDIT REPORT
SHALL STILL BE PRESENTED IN THE AGM IN FEBRUARY AS
PER THE CONSTITUTION”.
As there was an
amendment required in the Constitution, the AGM authorized
the Executive Committee to carry out the necessary
work of getting 2/3 majority of the membership to
make the requisite change.
RESOLUTIONS NO. 2:
Proposed by Capt.
Riffat Saeed and Seconded by F/O. Sadiq Rehman:
BIFURCATION OF ACCOUNTS
– PALPA & PALPA CLUB HOUSE
“AS ADVISED
BY M/S. ARSHAD MALIK & CO., THAT AFTER AMENDMENT
IN INCOME TAX ORDINANCE 2001, ALL PERSONS/ORGANIZATIONS
ARE REQUIRED TO FILE THEIR INCOME RETURN IRRESPECTIVE
OF THEIR INCOME TAX RETURN WHETHER IT IS TAXABLE OR
EXEMPTED FROM THE TAX W.E.F. TAX YEAR 2006 (FINANCIAL
YEAR ENDED 30TH JUNE 2006).
IT IS, THEREFORE,
PROPOSED THAT ACCOUNTS OF PALPA AND PALPA CLUB HOUSE
SHOULD BE BIFURCATED W.E.F. 1ST JULY 2007, AND THE
FINANCIAL YEAR OF PALPA CLUB HOUSE WILL ALSO BE FROM
1ST JULY TO 30TH JUNE EVERY YEAR. ACCOUNTS, INCOME
AND EXPENSES OF PALPA AND PALPA CLUB HOUSE SHALL BE
SEPARATED W.E.F. 1ST JULY 2007.
PERCENTAGE OF EXPENSES
SUCH AS THE CONSUMPTION IN RESPECT OF UTILITY BILLS
OF GAS, ELECTRICITY, TELEPHONE, COMMON SERVICES ETC.
SHALL BE:
1. PALPA 30%
2. PALPA CLUB HOUSE 70%
IT IS FURTHER PROPOSED
THAT FOLLOWING ASSETS ARE HEREBY TRANSFERRED FROM
PALPA BOOK OF ACCOUNTS TO PALPA CLUB HOUSE ACCOUNTS:
PALPA:
1. LEASEHOLD LAND
2. BUILDING ON LEASEHOLD LAND
3. OFFICE PREMISES
4. FURNITURE FIXTURE, OFFICE EQUIPMENT, COMPUTERS,
LIBRARY BOOKS ETC.
5. VEHICLES
6. AUDITORIUM
7. CONFERENCE ROOM
8. PREMISES PRESENTLY OCCUPIED BY PODF TRUST
PALPA CLUB HOUSE:
1. SWIMMING POOL
2. TENNIS COURT
3. GYM EQUIPMENTS
4. LAWNS
5. CAFETERIA
6. GUESTS ROOMS
7. LOUNGE
OVERALL ADMINISTRATION
OF BOTH PALPA AND PALPA CLUB HOUSE SHALL BE UNDER
THE ELECTED EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE, PRESIDENT, GENERAL
SECRETARY AND WITH A DEDICATED/NOMINATED CLUB SECRETARY
TO RUN THE DAY-TO-DAY AFFAIRS OF THE CLUB”.
The House discussed
the matter and some minor changes were made to the
proposed resolution but the one that has been written
above is what the House had consensus on. However,
Capt. N.A. Bucha suggested that a PALPA lawyer should
be consulted before bifurcation of the accounts and
the assets of the PALPA and Club House. The House
then authorized the Executive Committee to carry out
the necessary legal work and do the needful after
professional advise.
RESOLUTIONS NO. 3:
Proposed by F/O
Arif Majeed and Seconded by Capt. Khalid Hamza.
“NO PILOT
BE HIRED ON CONTRACT FROM ANY OTHER AIRLINE, LOCAL
OR FOREIGN, AND ARMED SERVICES EXCEPT THOSE WHO HAVE
SERVED IN PIAC AND ATTAINED SUPERANNUATION”.
There was
no discussion and the House approved the resolution
unanimously.
RESOLUTIONS NO. 4:
Proposed by Capt.
Khalid Hamza and Seconded by F/O Arif Majeed.
“ANY PERSON
WHO IS PAKISTAN NATIONAL AND IS A REGULAR AND CONTRACTUALLY
EMPLOYED OR RETIRED/MEDICALLY GROUNDED PILOT IN PAKISTAN
INTERNATIONAL AIRLINES CORPORATION AND WHOSE PURPOSE
IS ALIGNED WITH THOSE OF THE ASSOCIATION SHALL BE
ELIGIBLE FOR MEMBERSHIP OF THE ASSOCIATION SUBJECT
TO THE COMPLETION OF THE PROCEDURE PRESCRIBED HEREIN”.
A long discussion
took place and finally the House agreed to add “AND/OR”
before “CONTRACTUALLY” and “HIRED
CADET PILOT” after “CONTRACTUALLY”.
Capt. Bucha was of the opinion that this resolution
should also be vetted by a lawyer before it is sent
to the membership for a Constitutional amendment.
RESOLUTIONS NO. 5:
Proposed by Capt.
Khalid Hamza and Seconded by Capt. Nayyer Nazir:
“THE PILOTS
RETIRING SHOULD PREFERABLY BE RE-EMPLOYED ON CONTRACT
ON THE EQUIPMENT LAST FLOWN AND CANNOT BE ASSIGNED
ANY SUPERVISORY ASSIGNMENT.”
A heated discussion
took place and a number of suggestions were put up
before the House. Capt. Omar Ishaq and Capt. Sarwat
discussed the pros and cons of the Resolution. F/O.
Najib Ameen and F/O. Jehangir objected to the resolution
and were of the opinion that they were not being promoted
in spite of the fact that they have more then 15 years
of service in PIA.
Capt. Bucha said
that we must pay full respect to our seniors who are
being taken on contract after superannuation, they
should continue to be PALPA members and should have
right to vote in the PALPA elections.
Seeing the
ensuring rift, the General Secretary said that the
discussion taking place in the House tantamounts to
under mining the seniors and to avoid creating any
rift, the matter be left to the Executive Committee
to take the decision in the larger interest of the
community.
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| Termination
of Membership |
The
following letter was written to Capt. Anwar Zaidi
as decided by the AGM held on 24th March 2007.
Since you decided
not to avail relief under clause 3.3.13 of the PALPA
Constitution in the AGM of 24th February 2007, your
membership of PALPA stands automatically terminated
as per the Constitution.
This is for your
information.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
F/O Arif Majeed
GENERAL SECRETARY
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| Court
Case Capt. Anwar Zaidi v/s PALPA |
COURT CASE
CAPT. ANWAR ZAIDI V/S PALPA:
Following is the
letter written by PALPA counsel to the Association
on 11-03-2007.
Mr. Arif Majeed
General Secretary
Pakistan Airline Pilots’ Association
ST-31, Block-5, Kehkashan, Clifton,
Karachi-75600
Subject:
(SUIT NO. 113 OF 2006 Filed byCaptain Anwar Zaidi
V/s PALPA).
Dear Sir,
PALPA filed an
application Under Order VII Rule 11 CPC or rejection
of plaint of subject suit. The plaintiff filed objection
to the application thereafter it was fixed for hearing
of the application. After hearing arguments of both
the counsel, the matter was reserved for order. The
court has been pleased to announce order on 03-03-2007
rejecting the plaint of subject suit filed by Capt.
Syed Anwar Khursheed Zaidi.
Thanking you,
Yours faithfully,
(MOHSIN TAYEBALY
& CO.)
An extract of the
judgement is reproduced below for your perusal.
I
agree with the contention of learned counsel for defendants
that suit is barred by the provisions of Section 42
of specific Relief Act 1877. Moreover in this suit
all relieves claimed by the plaintiff are related
to the proposed election of Executive Committee of
PALPA which was already held on 18.02.2006 making
this suit infarctus.
Under the circumstances
stated above defendant’s applications under
Order 07 rules 11 of Civil Procedure Code are allowed
and plaint is hereby rejected being not maintainable
with no order as to cost.
Announced
in Open Court.
Given under my hand and seal of this Court.
This 3rd of March 2007
(MUQTADAR ALI KHAN)
VITH CIVIL JUDGE AND JUDICIAL MAGISTRATE
SOUTH KARACHI:
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Unresolved
issued discussed with the Chairman PIAC |
Following
points were taken up with the Chairman PIAC on 13th
March 2007.
1. Resolve and
implement the Pension Heads and formula for the pilots.
2. Permit PIA contractual
pilots to become PALPA members by removing the repugnant
clause in the contract.
3. The passage
facility on Annual leave should be reverted to its
previous status and confirmation of seats done 36
hours prior to departure.
4. Circular No.
02/2007 dated 9th January 2007 to be re-issued with
the following correction.
(a) 10% annual
increase on basic salary as per previous Circular
No. 36/2006 dated 26th May 2006.
(b) Other provisions
of above circular for Rs. 22.5 million as defined
for year 2008 should be retained. (Addendum with circular
no. 36/2006 dated 26th May 2006).
5. Removal of restrictions
to opt for retirement and imposition of financial
penalty by the Corporation after completion of the
requisite number years of service laid down in the
Service Rules governing retirement.
6. Leave
Accumulation/Enhancement.
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Appointment of Auditors |
The
General Secretary suggested to change the auditors
as PALPA was facing difficulties in getting audit
done on time. The House agreed to his suggestion and
authorized Executive Committee to appoint new Auditors
for the coming year. |
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PALPA Transport at Islamabad |
A
multipurpose PALPA Transport has been arranged for
our esteemed members based at Islamabad/Rawalpindi.
This facility has been provided for the benefit of
families specifically when the members are away on
flights. The modalities of its usage are being worked
out and once finalized would be communicated to you.
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| 62nd
IFALPA Conference, Croatia |
The
62nd IFALPA Conference was held in Dubrovnik, Croatia
from 16th to 20th March 2007. PALPA was represented
by Capt. Nayyer Nazir and F/O Janjua. A comprehensive
report was presented highlighting the PALPA affairs.
A carpet was presented to the Croatian ALPA, which
has been our tradition as a token of goodwill for
hosting ALPA. |
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| Membership
Offer |
Sysmax
(Pvt) Ltd. has offered a discounted rate for membership
of DA Country and Golf Club for PALPA members. The
members who are interested to avail of this opportunity
may contact PALPA for details and related information.
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To
put things in the correct perspective, the incumbent
Executive Committee managed to have a substantial
pay rise after a break of almost five years. A 20%
rise on Basic Pay only was given by the previous Chairman
on his own, while PALPA had no say or consulted about
it. This meagre increase in amount was virtually negligible
or to put it more appropriately given as a token money.
The Working Agreement signed in 1995,
which lapsed in 1998, was the last time any PALPA
Executive Committee had a negotiated pay rise. It
would be pertinent to point out that at this juncture
the Working Agreement is suspended and the Government
at the central level is anything but a civilian government.
We are pleased to inform the membership that the second
tranche has already been included in the salaries
effective 1st January 2007. There are, however, a
few anomalies, which have been taken up with the Management.
We are sure to clarify this issue with the Management
and seek redressal of any wrong interpretation at
their end. Once settled you shall be informed through
an INFO/NOTICE.
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Tax on flying allowance |
The
salary raise took place in May 2006 and within a month
the Flying Allowance was taxed by the Central Government.
This has been an aspect, which has been a touchy one
for the crew. With the budget session approaching
this subject came up every year and created an unnecessary
anxiety amongst the membership. A heavy tax ranging
from 13% upto 20% was clamped on the Flying Allowance.
This became a major challenge for the Executive Committee,
as the entire pay rise after restructuring would have
been neutralized.
With great difficulty and through
our personal efforts and contacts, the Executive Committee
could convince the higher ups in the Finance Ministry
and the CBR to annul/review this arbitrary decision.
A flat rate of 2.5% was agreed to by the senior government
officials and an amendment made in the Finance Bill
2006. This change was communicated to the membership
and a Special General Meeting was convened. Barring
a few individuals, an overwhelming majority agreed
to the reasons and logic the government had on levying
this tax. Although this exemption was always there
but the pressure on government from the world monitory
bodies was so intense that nothing lower than this
tax would have been acceptable at any level. We thank
the vast majority of our membership to have understood
our predicament and approved our stance on this sensitive
tax issue. |
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Deduction of PALPA subscription |
Just
when we had handled the Flying Allowance Tax issue,
the Human Resource Department of PIA put up another
spanner in our way by getting an approval though ELT
regarding non-deduction of PALPA monthly subscription.
The reason floated was that the Unions and Associations
were suspended; as such, the deduction at source is
not justified. The Executive Committee took up this
matter with full vigour and managed to convince the
Chairman to reverse this decision. The reason given
was that this deduction has no repercussions for the
Airline and that it has traditionally been there.
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During
the first year of this term, numerous issues, which
affected the members because of their own doing or
otherwise were handled by the Executive Committee.
As the representative body we standby our members
whenever they need our support and would do our best
to get them justice. However, certain situations in
which our crew gets trapped are avoidable.
Inter departmental personnel or authorities
at the airports should not be given any reason for
complaint and all efforts should be made to avoid
or handle tactfully all such scenarios. These cases
not only bring a bad name to the community but also
become an impediment in the way of Executive Committee’s
dealings with the higher management. It is requested
that every one of us should keep the honour and prestige
of PALPA supreme. |
| |
|
|
With
the financial package almost done, the Executive Committee
is committed to strive to improve the Pilots’
Working Conditions. Not that we have not tried but
many non-issues have taken up a fair amount of our
time and energy. It is also important to highlight
here that all welfare/admin issues have been left
for PALPA to handle and our Flight Operations Department
neither acts nor supports PALPA’s efforts to
remedy the deteriorating conditions. This stance of
our Department does not deter us from taking up the
matter robustly with the Higher Management. WITH YOUR
SUPPORT, WE ARE CERTAIN TO ACHIEVE THE BEST POSSIBLE
RESULTS.
For our members and their families
following issues are on our priority list:
• Pension Heads and the governing
Formula.
• International Travel on Annual Leave.
• Leave Accumulation/encashment.
• Medical Facilities for Serving/Retired Pilots. |
| |
|
•
PALPA Club House Update
|
It
is very heartening to report that the members and
their families are using the PALPA Club House facilities
extensively. The main Lawn and the guest rooms have
earned us a handsome amount in the last quarter of
2006. The tempo is continuing in year 2007 as well.
Needless to emphasize our guest rooms at times becomes
the only available accommodation when the Management
fails to provide hotel accommodation to the crew for
onward duties.
The contract pilots of PIA have been offered the Club
House membership on a reasonable charge. A few individuals
have responded while others are expected to contact
us. This will enhance the membership of the Club and
would hopefully encourage and pave way for contractual
pilots to become permanent PALPA members.
The Club House up gradation work
is going on at a reasonable pace. The flooring of
the top roof is being re-done because of the shoddy
work carried out in late nineties. The cracks, which
have developed were leading to seepage in the third
floor rooms. Once the roof is done the
Masonary work will then the undertaken on the third
floor. We hope to the complete the remaining guest
rooms by the end of 2007. |
|
•
Annual General
Meeting Reminder
|
Members
are once again reminded that the Annual General Meeting
of PALPA shall be held on Saturday 24th February 2007
at 17:00 hrs. at the PALPA premises.
The AGM will be followed by a Dinner.
All members are requested to attend the meeting. |
|
•
Bi-Monthly Tea Party for Retired Pilots |
| Through
this Cockpit we once again want to remind our senior
colleagues about the Tea Party which will take place
on the 1st Tuesday of March 2007. This is an activity
which is introduced by this Executive Committee, which
has had a very healthy response from the Retired Pilots.
The event takes place every two months on the 1st
Tuesday of the month.
|
|
| •
CHAIRMAN
PIAC - Kirmani's Salary Package |
| |
ISLAMABAD:
Defence Minister Rao Sikandar Iqbal shared
with senators the salary package of PIA chairman
Tariq Kirmani, which showed that Kirmani was
the most expensive employee of Shaukat Aziz
government when PIA was crumbling under Rs
4.1 billion domestic and $ 454 million foreign
loans. Defence Minister told the Upper House
during the question hour that PIA has also
borrowed over $300 million from the Citibank
to sustain its operations. |
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|
| |
But
on the other hand after going through the
details of package given to Kirmani, it does
not look PIA was running in losses or it owed
massive loans to both local and foreign banks. |
| |
|
| |
His
basic salary is Rs 322,000 per month and he
entitled 26 perks and allowances - including
drivers, medical bills, traveling, free utilities,
insurance for members of family, two cars
and furniture making him one of the most expensive
employees of PIA running on borrowed loans. |
| |
|
 |
Kirmani,
in addition to salary is getting Rs 155,000
as house rent, 10 percent of basic salary
as entertainment allowance, 20 percent of
annual basic salary as leave fare assistance,
Rs 25 per month as cost of living allowance,
Rs 200 as dearness allowance, Rs 200 technical
allowance per month, Rs 4,000 servant allowance,
two company owned and maintained cars (1600CC,
1300CC). |
| |
|
|
He has two official
drivers and each is given Rs 6000 per month
by PIA. There is no limit on the fuel expenses;
PIA also pays the bill of domestic electricity,
phone, mobile phone, domestic gas, water and
conservancy, reimbursement of entrance fee
of a club and monthly subscription for two
approved clubs. |
| |
|
| |
He
is entitled to have four air conditioners
from PIA account, refrigerator, deep freezer,
cooking range and generator and has the right
to get them replaced. |
| |
|
 |
Kirmani
is also entitled to performance-based reward
equivalent to four basic salaries per annum
(Rs 1.3 million). He will also get Rs 25,000
in the name of painting of his house. As far
as furnishing of his residence is concerned,
he is entitled to fixed amount of Rs 150,000
as residential furnishing; minor repairs and
maintenance of residence involving actual
expenditures, security cover at all times
both while mobile and at residence, medical
benefits include full treatment for parents,
self, spouse and children. On voluntary retirement
before completion of term of service, he will
get one month gross salary of Rs 330,000 for
each year of service with maximum of 20 months
salary. When he attains the age of 60, he
will be entitled to 30 days gross salary for
each year of service completed. He will also
get pension. As he was MD Pakistan State Oil
(PSO) before his elevation to PIA chairman,
his new contract includes a clause that PSO
will transfer all funds accumulated in respect
of long term benefits of Tariq Kirmani to
PIA, which will continue to maintain and manage
these until his appointment at PIA. For the
purpose of computation of period in respect
of any benefit, his period of employment with
PSO shall be added to his employment with
PIA. |
| |
|
| |
Defence
Minister Rao Sikandar also told the House
that on the other hand, PIA had taken a loan
of Rs 4.1 billion from local banks to help
PIA operate in the country. |
| |
|
| |
Source: The News (August
3, 2006) |
|
|
| PAK
Rupees
|
US
Dollars |
| Per Month |
Per Annum |
Per Month |
Per Annum |
900,000/- |
10,800,000/- |
15,050/- |
180,604/- |
| |
|
|
|
|
|
| •
Pending
Issues |
| “In
spite of the dedication and selfless contribution
by PALPA members, the Management has not sorted out/resolved
the issues, which are related to the working conditions
and were essential elements of the MoU signed in November
2005. The Committee representing Management had assured
the PALPA Executive Committee that the genuine demands
would be met within six months starting 1st April
2006, but it was not to be. The letters sent out by
PALPA on varying subjects at different times have
not been given due emphasis whereby the Executive
Committee had to bear the brunt of its membership
while requesting them to cooperate and help run the
operation smoothly.
“The copies of the letters
sent out during this period are attached herewith
for your perusal and ready reference. Most of these
subjects will have negligible financial impact on
the Corporation and if rectified urgently would help
enhance the level of motivation, besides removing
unnecessary irritants, which the pilots face on regular
basis. Urgency in solving these issues is requested
to satisfy the just demands.
The patience of the membership and
that of the PALPA Executive Committee has reached
its threshold. For many months the attitude adopted
by the concerned departments i.e. Flight Operations,
Marketing, and Traffic etc. has forced us to bring
these issues to your personal attention once again.
The issues, which need immediate attention, are once
again enumerated below:
“PENSION FORMULA:
The formula to calculate the pension enforced before
the restructuring of the Cockpit Crew salaries be
implemented with immediate effect. Capping of pension
amount is against the fundamental rights of the employee
and challengeable in the Court of Law.
“ACCUMULATED
LEAVE: The Circular Nos. 31/2005 dated 31st
April 2005 and 039/2006 dated 5th June 2006 should
either be withdrawn in toto OR the pilots be given
their accumulated leave OR encashed as per the Corporation’s
rules.
“FAMILY
TRAVEL: The seats for international travel
in particular for serving/retired pilots should be
confirmed as per the instructions sent out from the
office of Director Marketing on the subject of Booking
in `D’ class, dated 21st April 2006, which should
not be left at the mercy of programmers in the CRC.
The system should be so programmed that no personal
intervention at any level is required. Once confirmed,
the traffic staff should have no authority to deny/degrade
the boarding. Company travel is our privilege, as
such it should not be taken as loss of revenue.
“DOMESTIC
TRAVEL: Serving/Retired Cockpit Crew should
be allowed to travel in the Club Class when travelling
on their own, as has been the practice in the past.
The travel is `Subject to Load’ as such; nonavailability
of seat in the Club Class would automatically be down
graded to economy plus/economy class as applicable.
“RETIREMENT:
Voluntary retirement should not be impeded provided
the criteria laid down in the relevant policy is fulfilled.
This again tantamounts to the right of the employee,
which cannot be tampered with. In the business of
aviation, a disgruntled pilot is a Flight Safety hazard
as such he is likely to cause incidents/accidents.
“MEDICAL:
The current dichotomy in the medical policy for Serving/Retired
Pilots needs to be reviewed. The pilots who have served
with dedication for decades cannot be maltreated at
this stage of their lives. Majority of them have never
availed any medical facility while they were in service
and when they need it most, they are being deprived
unfairly”.
Signed
GENERAL SECRETARY
PALPA
OUTCOME:
In the meeting with the Chairman it was concluded
that all these issues should be discussed at the earliest
and resolved amicably. The Executive Committee has
principally decided that the issues like Pension or
Retirement, if not agreed to by the Management, will
be taken up in the Court of Law. It has been emphasized
adequately to the Management that these issues are
our rights and cannot be taken lightly. The Management
has also been apprised to take up these points on
urgent basis to eliminate unnecessary irritants. The
Executive Committee will communicate to the membership
of the latest on these subjects as and when concluded.
|
|
| •
Boeing-737
Incident PK-257 dated 3rd September, 2006 |
| Capt.
Shayan & F/O. Faisal Janjua’s professional
act of saving a B-737, which had its elevator blown
off during the flight PK-257 to Doha, Qatar, is highly
appreciated. The cool manner in which the emergency
was handled deserves utmost appreciation and commendation.
The Management showed an indifferent attitude by not
projecting it in the manner it deserved to have been
portrayed in the media. A brief summary of the incident
is mentioned as under:
PK-257 EMERGENCY LANDING
IN DOHA, QATAR:
“Capt Shayan Haqqee and F/O
Faisal Janjua were detailed on PK 257 (KHI-DOH-KHI).
When they came on the aircraft they found engineers
working on the aircraft and then after a little while
aircraft was released for the flight to Doha. There
were 2 Ground Engineers on board also. During all
phases of flight, crew was experiencing airframe vibration
and the same was reported to the Ground Engineers
on board. While descending into Doha, there was a
very loud bang and the aircraft started shaking badly.
The crew declared an emergency. On the approach when
they extended the landing gear there was no indication
in the cockpit. The crew discontinued the approach
and made a low pass at 1000ft to get a verification
from the tower for landing gear extension and then
did a visual check through cabin too. They made another
approach and landed safely. The ATC of Doha were very
helpful. They were no injuries and passengers were
all safe”.
|
| **************************************
|
Through
this write up, PALPA Executive Committee acknowledges
the manner in which a very serious emergency was handled
by the crew.
Capt. Shayan and F/O Faisal Janjua
deserve genuine appreciation for the professionalism
they displayed in salvaging an extremely tricky situation,
thereby saving valuable lives and the PIA aircraft.
You have made all of us proud. (Well done) |
 |
BOEING-737
AFTER LANDING. |
|
|
| •
Contrubution
of PALPA Members for Capt. Hamid's Family |
| An
amount equivalent to 4% of the gross salary of all
pilots members as per the PALPA constitution, has
been collected and the cheque is ready to be given
to Mrs. Hamid.
The PALPA Executive Committee has
also decided to collect 2% for F/O Abrar Chughtai
from the salaries of all pilots in the month of December-2006.
The Executive Committee also concluded
that the contribution would be subject to approval
from individual members. If anyone does not agree
to contribute for this noble cause may communicate
his decision to PALPA in writing, the last date being
the 20th November, 2006”.
|
|
| •
Writ
of the Captain |
In response to our letter on the subject of Authority
of Captain on board the aeroplane, the Management
has issued and distributed the following, dated
16th October, 2006 to maintain the writ of the Captain.
The same is reproduced below for your perusal.
Subject: ADHERENCE TO SOPs AND
CARS.
“The authority of operating captain of a flight
is established in accordance with Civil Aviation
Rules and company regulations. The commander of
a flight is responsible for safe conduct of the
flight and has full authority to issue instructions
whenever deemed necessary.
Cabin crew on duty, are
required to follow all commands of operating captain.
If at some point it is felt by the Senior Purser/Lead
Cabin Crew or any operating crew that a certain
instruction is not within the norms of laid down
procedures, he/she shall not create any situation
on the flight but report it after the flight for
Management’s information and action as deemed
necessary. It is important to understand that the
laid down chain of command must invariably be followed
strictly as it is a mandatory CAA requirement for
safe conduct of any flight. The
captain’s authority must not be questioned
at any stage. Strict adherence is mandatory
to these instructions”.
Signed
General Manager,
Flight Services.
It need not be emphasized that the writ of the
Captain is unchallengeable but to preclude any untoward
situation, the members are requested to exercise
utmost caution in exercising their authority while
in command.
|
|
| •
Salary
Enhancement |
| The
Executive Committee has initiated the process of enhancement
of salaries in January 2006. The Management will be
informed about the distribution of the amount it concluded
with PALPA Executive Committee to be disbursed in
January 2007. The PALPA Executive Committee fully
appreciates the way membership is cooperating and
hopes that we don’t reach a situation where
we have to withdraw this extra cooperation.
|
|
| •
On
Assuming Office |
| PALPA
Executive Committee welcomes Capt. Furqan as the new
Senior Vice President (Flight Operations) w.e.f. 1st
November, 2006. The Executive Committee also congratulates
him on his new assignment and hopes to work with him
for the overall benefit of the pilot community. Through
this write up we assure the new incumbent of our support
and hope that Capt. Furqan will reciprocate
accordingly.
|
|
| •
Foreign
Consultant |
| The
PALPA Executive Committee is closely monitoring the
developments taking place on hiring of a foreign consultant
into the Flight Operations Department. The Chairman
had been apprised about the serious repercussions
such an induction would have on the overall working
conditions in the Department. This unprecedented change
is a serious reflection of mismanagement that prevailed
and a sober review needs be taken by those holding
various posts there.
These gentlemen have collectively
brought the Flight Operations Department at a juncture
which has humbled and humiliated the entire pilot
community. This era and the one before this will go
down in our history as a period which brought huge
embarrassment to everyone connected with the Flight
Operations.
PALPA Executive Committee will do
its utmost to salvage the situation by finding an
amicable and principled solution in consultation with
the Senior Vice President (Flight Operations). We
are open to any positive change but let this be absolutely
clear that any reform which would adversely affect
our Working Conditions will be resisted robustly. |
|
| •
Serious
Sickness |
Till
going to the press, Capt. Ali Khan is seriously ill
and fighting for his life in the Kidney Centre, Karachi.
He is going through dialysis on regular basis which
can only be corrected through a kidney transplant.
The members are requested to pray for his health and
recovery and it would be much appreciated if anyone
could help him find a donor. This needs to be done
on emergent basis as Capt. Ali Khan doesn’t
have any other option available except this one.
|
|
| •
Disbursement
of Rs. 225.0 Millions for 2007 Revision of Pilots Salary |
| |
LAST
BUT NOT THE LEAST
Reproduced below is a letter dated
7th November, 2006 written to the Chairman PIAC, regarding
Revision of Pilots Salary.
Subject:- DISBURSEMENT
OF RS. 225.0 MILLIONS FOR 2007 REVISION OF PILOTS
SALARY
“Reference is made to the above-mentioned
subject and Circular No. 36/2006 dated May 26, 2006
notifying revised salary structure of Pilots.
The approval of staggered increase
of Rs. 225.0 millions each in years 2007 and 2008
to be given to the pilots by the Management is due
by January 2007. Disbursement and distribution of
the said amount amongst the pilots has been done by
PALPA Executive Committee, which has to be communicated
to the concerned officials in the Management.
As we are already in the last quarter
of the year 2006, your directive in this regard to
the concerned officials will be highly appreciated,
so that a smooth transition from year 2006 to 2007
is achieved.
We hope you would appreciate the
gravity of the situation and would personally intervene,
if required, to expedite the finalization and disbursement
of Rs. 225.0 millions for the year 2007”.
President
|
|
| |
| |
| 1.
BEATING STRESS: Beating stress when flying
can be very difficult. Relax, take a deep breath and
de-stress. The following tips should help you to enjoy
a more relaxed and stress
free flight.
Ensure that you get a decent night's
sleep before flying, as tiredness can compound stress.
Planning ahead can help avoid many
situations which contribute to a stressful flight.
Always leave plenty of time to complete
all the formalities like customs, immigration, security
checks etc especially at large busy airports. It is
vital that you provide additional time to accommodate
these possible obstacles.
When waiting for the flight, try
to relax your mind, rather than getting wrapped up
in any delays or crowds, which may begin to cause
nervous energy released as stress.
Time permitting; dissipate excess
energy by taking a brisk walk or doing physical exercises
before the flight.
Avoid alcohol as this will only disorientate
and tire you further.
Drink plenty of water the night before,
during the flight and even afterwards to avoid dehydration.
2. ACTIVITIES TO BURN
100 CALORIES
| Activity
|
Duration in (Minutes) |
| |
Fast Running |
09 |
| |
Fast Walking |
15 |
| |
Walking Normal Pace |
23 |
| |
Gardening |
24 |
| |
House Work |
27 |
3. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR NORMAL BLOOD
PRESSURE & CHOLESTEROL:
(According to WHO Guidelines)
BLOOD PRESSURE:
<140/90 mm hg and <130/80 mm hg for patients
with diabetes.
CHOLESTEROL:
According to ATP III Guidelines (Revised 2006)
| Lipid Profile |
Normal |
With Known
Heart Disease |
Cholesterol |
<180 mg/dl |
<160 mg/dl |
LDL Cholesterol
|
<100 mg/dl |
< 70 mg/dl |
HDL (Males) |
>35 mg/dl |
> 35 mg/dl |
| HDL (Females) |
>45 mg/dl |
> 45 mg/dl |
4. CLASSIFICATION OF WEIGHT BY BODY
MASS INDEX (BMI) IN ADULT ASIANS
Formula:
BMI= Weight in kgs divided by height in meter square.
| Classification |
BMI |
Risk of
Co-morbidities |
| Underweight |
<18.5 |
Low |
| Normal range |
18.5-22.-9 |
Average |
| Overweight |
>23 |
|
| At risk |
23-24.9 |
Increased |
| Obese 1 |
25-29.9 |
Moderate |
| Obese 11 |
> 30 |
Severe |
| The Asia-Pacific Perspective WHO
2000 |
5. DAILY CALORIC REQUIREMENTS:
Non-Active: 1500 Kcal approximately.
Active: 1800 + Kcal (depending
on the type of activity).
REMINDER : Membership
is requested to show utmost care & professionalism
as the CAA(Pak) is carrying out random checks regarding
various aspects of Flight Safety.
|
|
| •
Residences |
| Mangla
View Resort Residents, portray class, charm and space.
You will find one to suit your requirements and that
of your family. All designs have the view of the commanding
lake and your room, needless to say will have the
best.
The houses are made to withstand
natural disasters such as earthquake and are built
according to the highest safety standards possible.
“Room With A View”
Those PALPA members who are interested
in the project may contact PALPA.
Arif Majeed
General Secretary
|
|
| •
Fokker
Crash near Multan |
This
issue comes after the tragic accident of Fokker at
Multan in which we lost our colleagues. It is beyond
words to express the grief through which the families,
friends and colleagues had to go through. The crew
of the ill-fated F-27 aircraft, Capt. Hamid and First
officer Abrar Chughtai are no more physically with
us but their memories will always stay alive. This
accident has exposed numerous loopholes, which should
have been plugged before the tragedy. Any corrective
action taken now will not undo what has happened but
for collective good of all our colleagues in future,
we have to take up all issues related to the accident
on priority basis.
The Executive Committee has taken
up various issues, which are either ignored by the
Management or are irritants, which inflict undue anxiety
in the minds of everybody. These seemingly small issues
end up resulting in tragedies such as the one we have
gone through on 10th July 2006.
It is our request that you pray to
Allah to shower His blessings on the departed souls
and grant them the status commensurate with that of
a ‘SHAHEED’, Hadith from Mishkah Shareef
quoted by Imam Malik says
“Anyone who dies while carrying
out his duty diligently and honestly is rewarded appropriately
by Allah”.
Therefore, let us all pray that
the Almighty Allah bestows our colleagues with the
highest levels in the Heavens. Ameen! |
|
| •
Accident
Investigation |
The
natural course of action after the crash was to conduct
an inquiry to determine the causes of the accident
and to apportion blame, if any. The irony was that
all relevant agencies in the CAA and MOD started blaming
the crew for the accident while a full blown media
trial was undertaken by the Press. It was an extremely
sad reflection on the part of the concerned authorities.
Keeping this in the background, PALPA approached IFALPA
for opinion and guidance.
IFALPA President appreciating the
urgency of the situation, sent a letter the DGCAA
(Pak) promptly highlighting the Industry practice
while conducting such inquiries. Extracts of the letter
are reproduced below for your perusal.
|
|
| •
Letter
addressed to Director General CAA (PAKISTAN) by President
IFALPA |
“The
Federation believes that the participation of active
commercial pilots who are fully qualified as air safety
investigators on official investigative boards will
always be of paramount importance.
Such pilots should be entitled to
participate in the investigation of commercial aircraft
accidents, incidents and serious incidents, whenever
they occur within their own State, or when they occur
in another State and involve pilots and/or commercial
aircraft of that State.
In conjunction with the accident
of the F-27 PK-688 at Multan on 10th July 2006, and
in accordance with ICAO Annex 13 paragraph 5.24, the
Federation would like to offer assistance to the investigation
by sending one of our accredited investigators to
Pakistan.
Your positive consideration in this
matter will be a substantial contribution to the continued
improvement in aviation safety. Please contact me
if I can be of assistance”.
Yours sincerely,

Capt. Dennis J. Dolan
President
|
|
| •
Change
of Guard |
The
Executive Committee has decided to nominate F/O. Ayaz
Akbar to look after the affairs of the PALPA Club
House. This change has been incorporated owing to
the restoration of flying status of F/O. Arif Majeed
who was managing the Club House affairs for almost
a year. However, F/O. Ayaz Akbar will be assisted
by a Club Committee comprising of the General Secretary
F/O. Arif Majeed, Joint Secretary Capt. Farooq &
Treasurer Capt. Sadiq Rehman. Besides the Club House
telephone numbers, F/O. Ayaz Akbar can be
contacted on his Cell No. 0300-9266083.
|
|
| •
Summer
Events |
The
Club Secretary F/O. Arif Majeed arranged summer events
during the school holidays. A history was made when
movies were screened in the Club House Lawn. The other
events arranged were Magic and Puppet Shows, and thrice
a week `Religious classes' for the ladies. The response
was encouraging but it could definitely have been
better. The plan is to persist with the weekly or
bi-monthly movies with a hope that you will encourage
the Club Committee by making yourself
available along with your families.
|
|
| •
Suspension
of PALPA Membership |
With
regret, we announce that Capt. Anwar Zaidi’s,
Membership No.246, PALPA membership has been suspended
under relevant clauses of the PALPA Constitution,
by the PALPA Executive Committee in its meeting on
20th June 2006.
|
|
| •
Tax
on Flying Allowance |
PALPA
Executive Committee had approached the concerned senior
officials in the Government on the arbitrary imposition
of tax on Flying Allowance, which ranged between 13-18%
for different categories of pilots.
With untiring efforts, PALPA Executive
Committee could get the tax down to 2.5% on Flying
related allowances. Some members have reservations
about this but it was the maximum we could extract
from the Government. Nevertheless, the Government’s
positive approach helped us in off setting the serious
financial implications the earlier slapping of tax
would have had on our salaries.
Following is the amendment made by
the Government regarding imposition of Tax on Flying
Allowance. This is for your information:-
(A) In clause (1) a new sub-clause
(1) shall be inserted, namely:-
(i)
Any amount received as flying allowance by:
(ii) Pilots, Flight Engineers
and Navigators of Pakistan Armed Forces, Pakistani
Airlines of Civil
Aviation
Authority; and
(iii) Junior Commissioned Officers of
other ranks of Pakistan Armed Forces” Shall
be taxed @ 2.5% as
a
separate block of income.
|
|
| •
CDs
on ETOPS, NAT, MNPS, JFK approaches & performance
of boeing Aircraft |
| General
Secretary, PALPA has acquired two CDs which have the
ETOPS, NAT, MNPS, JFK approaches & Performance of
Boeing aircraft respectively.
Those interested may contact PALPA/Mr. Noman to get
a copy of the same at Rs. 100/- each.
|
|
| •
Cockpit
Leisure Reading |
LENDING AN ATTENTIVE EAR:
The common misconception is that if you are
opinionated, you will be considered a genius. Our
culture and norms perpetuate and put those people
on a certain pedestal who are opinionated and consequently
they are the ones who are sought after. In our villages,
or for that matter even in our cities, there are people
who are followed by everyone for their opinions.
People become loud and obnoxious,
rude and angry, and are often seen at each other's
throat while arguing. We express our opinion based
on our feelings rather than knowledge. People become
vociferous, loud and self-imposing. The problem with
us is that we tend to believe that if we disagree
with someone, we become superior to that person. Everyone
has preconceived ideas, rather than going about things
in a logical manner. The problem gets more aggravated
when people become rigid in their opinions and beliefs.
Disagreements should never be allowed to escalate
into an ego trip. Disagreements can be based on facts
and experiences. We believe that while disagreeing
with a man we become superior to him.
If opinions become beliefs then people
eagerly blame others for their mistakes. Such people
will always disagree with others; moreover, they try
to impose their opinions and beliefs on others forcefully.
We must try to understand reality. We can extract
interest out of any subject depending on our approach
to that subject or issue. It requires patience and
willingness. And it can be done by listening, questioning,
and speculating.
(An extract from a daily newspaper)
HEALTH
TIPS
Want to wake up feeling great?
Sleep, researchers say, the best way is to go to bed
a little earlier than usual. But wake up at the usual
time. This little change in sleep habits only works
once in a while, but the effect is said to be dramatic.
Give it a try.
GO TO BED A LITTLE
EARLIER
You know that exercise is
good for your muscles, bones and heart. It makes them
all stronger.
But did
you know that exercise is good for your health? Regular
exercise increases the volume of plasma, which is
the liquid portion of blood. As this increases, the
proportion of red blood cells and other blood components
to total blood volume decreases, making the blood
thinner.
EXERCISE YOUR BLOOD
Not only do people who didn't
exercise have thicker blood, their platelets are more
“sticky”.
But did
you know that exercise is good for your health?
Regular exercise increases the volume of plasma, which
is the liquid portion of blood. As this increases,
the proportion of red blood cells and other blood
components to total blood volume decreases, making
the blood thinner.
Not only do people who didn't exercise
have thicker blood, their platelets are more “sticky”.
So remember, when you exercise, even
your blood benefits.
AVOIDING AIR
RAGE
To avoid air rage during a
flight, it is vital to relax. Tiredness is a major
constituent of stress and rash, irrational action.
By ensuring that you get plenty of sleep on the night
prior to flying, will automatically ensure that you
are relaxed and less likely to be irritable.
If you are delayed, accept it as
a given. Shouting and violence will make not get you
to your destination any faster.
Go for a short walk, or read a magazine
or newspaper. Don’t dwell on the situation,
as this will only intensify your feelings on anxiety
and stress.
IMMORTAL GEMS
1. Nostalgia is a
file that removes the rough edges from the good old
days. (Doug Larsen)
2. What lies behind us and what lies before us are
small matters compared to what lies within us. (Ralph
Waldo Emerson)
3. An ounce of don't-say-it is worth a pound of the
didn't-mean-it. (L.M. Boyd)
4. He who builds according to every man's advise will
have a crooked house. (Danish Proverb)
5. Often good and bad come in the same package. No
one can be deemed totally honest, nor totally despicable.
Human beings are not like the keys of a piano: black
or white. (JavierTomeo)
MEDICAL
/ ALCOHOL RELATED INCIDENTS ABROAD
Of late, there have been a few incidents of medical
/ alcohol related incidents abroad in which our members
got into situations which could have easily been avoided
by adequate constraint and precaution on the individuals’
part. Such occurrences are extremely humiliating to
the entire community besides being a huge embarrassment
to the individuals caught in the act. With such happenings,
the PALPA Executive Committee gets a severe set back
in sorting out membership issues of serious nature
with the Management.
It is, therefore, earnestly requested that none of
us should bring the community into disrepute by such
callous acts. Your cooperation in this regard shall
be highly appreciated.
ARIF MAJEED
General Secretary |
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45
Dead in PIA fokker crash : |
| MULTAN:
A Pakistan International Airlines plane crashed into
a field near Multan Airport in a ball of flames on
Monday and all 45 passengers and crew were dead, officials
said.
The plane bound for the eastern city of Lahore came
down a few minutes after it took off.
Flames were rising from the scene of
the crash at Suraj Miani, near Multan, where the plane
appeared to have hit an electric power line while
crashing.
The wreckage was
in an open field. Police had cordoned off the scene
and rescue operations were underway in the area.
Operating
Cockpit Crew were Capt. Hamid and F/O. Abrar Chughtai.
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PALPA Club House Identity Cards |
PALPA
Club Secretary has decided to issue new Club ID Cards
to the members and their families. To prepare the
same, individuals are requested to furnish the data
on the form enclosed herewith. The pictures of lady
wives or grownup daughters are optional. Kindly respond
back as soon as possible so that the project can be
taken in hand.
Members are also requested
to procure the new car stickers from the PALPA office
to facilitate identification at the entrance.
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Nomination Forms |
On
scrutiny, PALPA Executive Committee has discovered
that most of the members have not filled up their
Nomination Forms at PALPA, PODF and with the Admin
Manager, Flight Operations PIA. Experience shows that
unnecessary complications arise when the Nomination
Forms are not completed. We urge all those members
who have not yet updated / filled in their nomination
forms to do so at the earliest. PALPA Nomination Form
is enclosed herewith for your convenience. |
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Hospital Lists |
For
your convenience, the PALPA Executive Committee has
procured the current list of hospitals, which are
on the PIA panel. The list for each base is being
enclosed herewith for your record. In an event of
any emergency, kindly inform your families to keep
the PALPA Executive Committee and respective RVPs
in the picture especially so when you are away on
flights. There have been instances when the families
have gone through tough times handling the problems
themselves. |
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IFALPA
Annual Conference Istanbul (Turkey) |
PALPA
Executive Committee was represented at the 61st IFALPA
Annual Conference at Istanbul by the President, General
Secretary (officiating IFALPA Director) and Joint
Secretary-III. The Conference was as usual an ideal
forum for interaction amongst the participants of
Pilots Associations from around the world. Many pressing
issues affecting Aviation Industry were discussed,
which included Fuel Price Hike, ULR challenges, impact
of Low Cost Carriers and emerging technologies.
The Country Report on Pakistan was presented by
the IFALPA Director with the emphasis on the following
issues:
>>
POLITICAL & ECONOMIC SITUATION.
>> SUSPENSION
OF WORKING AGREEMENT.
>> NEGOTIATIONS
WITH THE MANAGEMENT.
>> WORKING
CONDITIONS.
>> FLIGHT
DUTY TIME LIMITATIONS.
>> CREW
SHORTAGE.
>> ULTRA
LONG RANGE.
>> PILOT
EXODUS.
In concision it was emphasized that
the Association hopes to get an agreement
signed with the Management which would
be a precursor to solving numerous other
issues. The Working Conditions, sorting
out of ULR operations, hiring/employing
pilots on permanent basis and many other
outstanding pending problems could be
solved amicably which could encourage
pilots to stay on and disregard seeking
jobs abroad.
In the concluding session, the PALPA
Chief delegate Capt. Khalid Hamza presented
a Pakistani Carpet to the host Association,
the Turkish ALPA. This presentation
of Pakistani product is a tradition,
which PALPA is carrying on for more
than a decade now.
PALPA Executive Committee would
like to thank the Chairman PIA who authorized the
expenses involved in attending the subject Annual
Conference. |
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| •
Medical Groundings |
PALPA
Executive Committee is immensely concerned at the
alarming number of medical groundings, which have
taken place in the recent past. As a representative
body, we have highlighted this state of affairs to
the Chairman PIAC, besides higher ups in the Government.
The plausible reasons were brought to their notice
with a request to correct the situation by inducting
more pilots, improving working conditions and enhancing
financial compensation to restrain pilots from flying
excessively. We would also like to request the members
to look after their health for their own sake and
that of their families.
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Summer
Events |
PALPA
Club Secretary is planning to have an eventful summer
during the school holidays this year. The Swimming
Pool is already functional. We wish to see larger
numbers using the facility as a lot of efforts, time
and finances have gone into maintaining the pool and
other Club facilities in top order.
The planned events would be in-house
movies, tambola, BBQ and Musical Evenings etc. Your
response would determine the frequency and success
of these events and their subsequent continuation.
A thrice a week Dars-e-Quran
for girls, housewives and their friends is being
conducted since 1st June 2006. Ladies interested
in this religious programme are requested to register
themselves in the PALPA Club House at the earliest
to enable us to make adequate arrangements.
Your suggestions and participation
will be highly welcomed.
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PALPA Dinner
at Islamabad |
A very well attended PALPA dinner
was arranged in Best Western Hotel, Islamabad. The
occasion was graced by Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi,
Junaid Jamshed and Saeed Anwer. The members and
their families attended the function in fairly large
numbers.
The evening was started with
the Recitation of Holy Quran. Mr. Junaid Jamshed,
Mr. Abbasi and Dr. Arshad, gave talk on Islamic,
Industrial and Medical issues respectively.
The President PALPA gave
a brief overview of negotiations concluded recently
with the Management without elaborating the details
of the discussions; he emphasized the importance
of Executive Committee's absorbing the entire pressure
and working selflessly in achieving what it eventually
succeeded in getting. He also appreciated the efforts
of the Executive Committee besides highlighting
the cooperation and patience shown by the membership.
The address was followed by the presentation of
PALPA shields to the members based in Islamabad.
Thereafter, a sumptuous dinner was served which
was enjoyed by all.
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Kidney
Donation |
It
is with extreme sadness that we announce the permanent
grounding of Capt. Ali Khan. He has a seriously impaired
kidney function and is undergoing dialysis. The doctors
have recommended a kidney transplant to improve his
quality of life and avoid related complications.
Members are requested to
help him out by finding a willing donor on payment
or otherwise or with any information that might
be beneficial for him. His blood group is B negative
which is rare group; the reason for this appeal.
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CDS' for Transition Training |
PALPA
has the requisite CDs required during the transition
training of B-737, A-310 and B-777s. The same are
available at Rs.100 per CD and can be bought from
Mr. Noman Ahmed at PALPA. The cost includes the price
of blank CD, the downloading and associated wastage,
if any. Members may avail of this for their benefit
before they embark on any transition training.
Price non-negotiable.
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Additional Loss of Licence
Insurance from PICIC in US Dollars |
We
have been often asked by the membership of the Association
to arrange insurance coverage in respect of Loss of
Licence Insurance in addition to the Loss of Licence
Insurance of PIA and PODF Trust. Whereas, PIA provides
cover to a limited extent, which is obviously not
enough when compared with the other airlines providing
the same to their pilots. PIA has not enhanced its
Loss of Licence Insurance since 1995.
Recently, we approached PICIC Insurance Company
for Loss of Licence Insurance in US Dollars and
received a positive reply. They have asked for some
information, which shall be provided to them very
soon.
As soon as we receive their rates of premium and
amount of coverage, we shall let you know the progress.
In the meantime, we are looking forward to your
valuable suggestions.
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|
| • PICIC
Car Insurance |
Membership
has appreciated the rates offered by the PICIC Insurance
Company for comprehensive insurance of their cars
@ 3.5%, which is the lowest, as compared to other
reputable Insurance Companies.
For the convenience of
members, and those who are interested in getting
their cars insured through PICIC, we are once again
providing the contact numbers of Mr. Khalid Jameel
Mobile Nos. 0320/4060333 and 0321/2432646 or they
can contact PALPA office during working hours.
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|
| • PALPA
Website |
| A new elaborate PALPA
Website has been developed and is functional in PDF
format (Acrobat Reader).
You are requested to sign-up the form and submit
it back to PALPA so that your User ID and Password
may be communicated on your given e-mail address.
Kindly furnish your suggestions/comments for further
improvement of the Website.
|
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| •
PALPA
Annual Dinner & Awards Ceremony |
The
PALPA Annual Dinner and distribution of Awards/Shields
Ceremony was held on Saturday 15th April 2006. Air
Marshal Nur Khan was the Chief Guest.
Guests from PIA, Civil Aviation,
representatives of fellow Associations and Unions,
other distinguished guests and number of dignitaries
attended the dinner. A large number of members including
retired members with their spouses graced the occasion.
After the recitation of Holy Quran;
F/O. Arif Majeed General Secretary PALPA welcomed
the guests.
He praised the presence of the distinguished guests,
and members, which made the occasion memorable.
The Annual Dinner and distribution
of Shields, which should have been arranged every
year was held on Saturday 15th April 2006 after ‘leap'
year. The last time it was held in the tenure of 2000-2001
Executive Committee. This year's Annual Dinner was
very well attended and the legendary Air Marshal M.
Nur Khan graced the occasion. The Chief Guest noted
that it was after a lapse of almost three decades
that he has been invited to attend any function of
PIA or any association affiliated with PIA. We feel
proud to inform you that PALPA broke this long spell
for him by inviting the Air Marshal as the Chief Guest,
which was indeed our privilege and honour.
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