VIPA is run by an elected Committee of Management, who stand for election each year. The CoM meets each month to attend to major decisions that the organisation makes in order to operate.
The day-to-day operations are overseen by the Executive CoM members and the Executive Director. The Executive consists of the President, Vice-President, Secretary and Treasurer. These members are also responsible for ensuring the organisation operates within the regulations set out in the current industrial relations legislation.
The VIPA Executive
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Captain John Lyons President Virgin Australia Captain – B737 – Melbourne I am one of the founding members of VIPA, of which I am currently the President. My flying career commenced in 1967 and in the ensuing misspent 40+ years I have accumulated a range of experience initially in general aviation and in latter years in major overseas airlines. Immediately prior to joining Virgin I flew the B767 in Japan and before that I spent 16 years overseas, based in the UK. Over the years I have operated a range of aircraft types including the Fokker F27, BAe146, B737, A320/321, B757 and B767, the latter on long haul operations.
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Captain Karl Davis VIPA has proven a rewarding and enriching experience for me - working with a great team of people to make a difference to the working lives of Virgin Group pilots and the wider airline profession.
I started flying early, continuing my flight training through 5 years of university earning degrees in Business and Information Systems. Initial commercial flying hours were gained in various general aviation aircraft, including night freight operations in De Havilland Doves, before joining Virgin Australia in 2002.
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Captain Andrew Hunt I believe VIPA is the best organisation to further the interests of Virgin Australia Group pilots, and I want to be involved in shaping the future of our profession as a whole, and within this company.
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Captain Michel Durand Prior to Virgin Australia, I have flown with Horizon Airlines (Sydney), Australasian Jet (Melbourne), Wimray (Darwin), and as an Instructor at Civil Flying School out of Moorabbin. I spent some time with the Australian Army in the Infantry and I completed a Science degree at University.
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The VIPA Committee of Management
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Captain Tim Archibald I became involved with VIPA in its infancy and have enjoyed watching the growth of the organisation and its ability to deliver outcomes for its members. Prior to joining Virgin Blue in 2002 I was a First Officer with QANTAS, Ansett and SkyWest. My General Aviation experience includes Coast Watch, Aerial Survey and Instructing at Archerfield. |
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Captain Guy Bator I’ve been with Virgin Blue for 7 ½ years, having now notched up 17 years of commercial flying. My days off are filled with renovating and building an RV-7 in my garage.
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Captain Tony Dodd I started flying in 1980, gaining my commercial licence in 1983. In 1986 I joined the RAAF, spending 12 years flying HS 748, C130E Hercules and B707 strategic transport, air to air refuelling and VIP transport. From 1998 I worked with Emirates on the B777 for 10 years. Leaving as a Type Rating Instructor, I joined V Australia as a B777 Check Captain. Before becoming a professional pilot, I was a motor mechanic.
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Captain Craig Martin I am proud to be a member of the VIPA CoM, and a member of both the V Australia, and the Flight Safety, Technical and Regulatory Compliance Sub-Committees.
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The VIPA Staff
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Simon O’Hara BA (Hons) LLB GDLP I have been a Solicitor for over 8 years. My experience includes working for a Royal Commission, employers, unions and an Industrial Relations Commission.
My role within VIPA ranges from EBA negotiations to individual member matters through to providing strategic advice regarding the direction of the organisation.
In my time working for VIPA, I have been impressed by VIPA's focus on improving the terms and conditions of employment for the membership and also the selfless work of those at VIPA trying to make a tangible difference for Virgin Group pilots.
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Rachel Davis The majority of my role is taken up with managing the growing membership group, answering queries and keeping the database up to date. In between I settle in new members, handle the administration tasks, and organise the overworked but dedicated group of pilots called the Committee.
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Francisco Briceno VIPA Office Support My name is Francisco. I am originally from Colombia in South America and I have been living in Australia for nearly 6 years.
I was recently employed by VIPA to assist with the administrative functions in our new office in Sydney. My role is to help our members with enquiries, assist the Executive Director and Executive and also to provide assistance relating to VIPA’s finances.
My commitment is to give 100% to facilitate the daily tasks of our VIPA team and members, and to try and ensure we achieve better working conditions and job satisfaction for our VIPA members.
I am looking forward to working for an organisation that represents such an important part of Australia’s aviation sector. |
