Benjamin Handsley

Currently employed by GAS working FIFO for Jet Aviation Cairns. Providing maintenance co-ordination and certification of Q400 and classic C checks. Predominantly running an afternoon critical path crew or zonal co-ordination depending on the needs of the project management office. A challenging yet rewarding role utilising large proportion of international contractors and Jet Aviation personnel with limited type experience.

Following the birth of my first child and the early medical challenges we faced, I returned to Tamworth for more family friendly working hours. I became a Supervisor soon after and then Team Leader in 2009 with the introduction of the Base Maintenance program for the Q400. It was an extremely challenging and rewarding role meeting the needs of the airline and my team. Our teams delivered the first few Q400 C checks on time and budget with limited certifying engineers, experienced and resources. Over time we became one of the world’s top Q400 Base Maintenance operations. One of the first to remove the horizontal stabiliser to address the internal tail plane corrosion issues. Other companies sent representatives from overseas to learn from us. We worked collaboratively with the manufacturer and airline to resolve many of the early Q400 issues. Following on from the GFC and series of unfortunate events outside of my control, I witnessed the final demise of the program post COVID. I did not give up as many of my colleagues did, but was unable to make the facility a success it once was. I was eventually made redundant along with the majority of the production team in September 2024. It was a very sad and taxing time to be part of its ultimate demise. I did however gain valuable experience, wisdom and knowledge from the roller coaster ride it was.

Line Maintenance activities on the company fleet of Dash 8 100,200 and 300 series aircraft and in 2006, the Q400. I worked primarily permanent night shift, occasionally filling in for day shift roles.I gained my Engine rating on the PWC 120 series engines in 2005 and then a Q400 license with electrical restrictions, in 2006. I gained valuable experience by taking on roles that others rejected and was fortunate enough to be selected as the fly away engineer to take receipt of the companies seventh Q400 from the Toronto Canada to Brisbane.

Beginning as an AME, carrying out all duties assigned to me in the Heavy Maintenance of the Dash 8 100,200 and 300 series aircraft in the Mechanical field. Gaining my first type license as an Airframe Lame on the Dash 8 in 2000, then transitioning to Supervisor shortly thereafter.

Mechanical apprentice in a General Aviation based company operating fixed wing aircraft in the bank run, charter, flying school and later on, RPT operations of Metro 3 and 23 aircraft between Tamworth and Sydney. I carried out all the duties of an old school apprenticeship. Self studied and completing CASA approved exams under the CAR 30 system, gaining a license in the Airframe categories 1,5,6 and 10.