PPRuNe - hiding behind false names

From time to time faxes are sent to me regarding a particular issue which appears on http://www.pprune.com/. I am also sent, from time to time, lists of the false names with their real name decodes – including the names of their employers. I’m not sure what I am supposed to do with this information, however I would like to make the following comment.

The fact that most aviators on PPRruNe (Professional Pilot Rumour Network) have to use a false name is an indictment of what is happening in Australian aviation. It is almost as if we live in Iraq or Yugoslavia where it is risky for a person to openly identify their views if they differ from that of authority or the Government.

It has been claimed that most of the PPRuNe contributors use false names because they are cowards. I don’t agree. These pilots have my sympathy as I understand their careers could be jeopardised if they identified themselves. I do not wish to know their true identities and I’m not sure that it’s constructive to distribute lists of who they are.

The way to solve the problem is to develop an aviation environment where people can openly tell the truth about what they believe using their own names.

I am fortunate as I can openly express my genuine beliefs and do not have to use a false name. Ever since I became financially independent and self-employed I have been able to say what I believe openly and with a full acceptance of the required accountability and consequences.

I realise that some of the PPRuNe contributors use false names and contribute false information that is sometimes the opposite to their real beliefs. Whilst they might believe that taking the mickey out of some professional pilots is good clean fun, I disagree.

I don’t read PPRuNe. Firstly because I don’t have the patience to spend time on the internet. Secondly I would never know if contributors were telling the truth and stating their real beliefs when they are not game enough to identify themselves.

I realise that some of the contributors are probably genuine and would truly like to be open and truthful. The current aviation environment precludes this. For example, anyone who works for the ATSB, CASA or the airlines and openly criticised one of these organisations on PPRuNe would have a very limited career path.

Having said the above, if readers of this web site want to ask questions about a particular issue raised on PPRuNe, send a fax with the full information to Nicki in my office (on 02 9486 3482) and I will come up with a constructive answer.

I assure you that I will do everything possible to work towards a future where professional pilots in Australia no longer have to hide behind false names to state their honest beliefs. After all, that is what our fathers and forefathers fought for.