ANSETT AUSTRALIA plans to re-convert five of its six Boeing 767-200s to standard two-pilot-crew configuration, phasing out flight engineers on the type. The sixth 767, acquired from Monarch in 1994, and another about to enter the fleet, already have standard configuration.
The carrier has had to conduct "differences training", so that pilots can crew aircraft arranged in both configurations.
Ansett has been unique in carrying flight engineers on 767s since the company introduced the type in 1983, having bowed to union pressure for an extra crewmember on the aircraft, which were designed specifically for two-pilot operation.
The decision is estimated to have cost the company A$3.5 million ($2.6 million) annually.
Source: Flight International
