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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 matters
• The inner workings of IOC departments and reporting structures
• Real incidents handled by the team from Baku to the Maldives
• How the IOC reacts to PAN calls and emergencies
• What pilots should know about the support available behind the scenes

This 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 Remarks

Fly 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 words

Fly 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 - Outro

Fly 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 Retirement

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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 farewell

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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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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. 

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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. 

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Captain Stead joins us for an informative discussion about preparing for a training course, how to navigate the challenges during the course and valuable insights into how to manage things when they don't necessarily go to plan. We also cover the latest update on all things Evidence Based Training (EBT). A fascinating discussion.

Fly safe and stick with it.