AFAP - Chartair Members Update January 2026
Piston Engine – Addition to Salary
The Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) has not reached any agreement with Chartair regarding the application of the piston engine addition to salary, as per clause A.1.3 (a) of the Air Pilots Award 2020 (the Award).
As per the dispute resolution process in the Award, the AFAP on behalf of all members have applied for assistance from the Fair Work Commission (FWC).
The AFAP will update members on this matter before the FWC, and will report whether there is any progress in conciliation with the company.
Further updates to come.
AFAP Updates & Survey Queries
Thank you to plots that have completed the AFAP pilot survey late last year, the AFAP note we have seen some changes in Chartair over time to improve some issues.
Since the AFAP updates in 2025 Re the Federal Court of Australia outcomes relating to overtime hours under the Award (including standby hours), and the review of the Chartair pilots survey we have added some additional guidance below.
As some members are only paid $500 per annum above the Award, this provides about an extra $19 per pay period. That $19 above award does not go far to cover off any additional hours worked in a pay period. As your overtime as per the Award is to be paid at your usual rate of pay it doesn’t cover one hour of overtime in any fortnight (it may cover 15 minutes of overtime here or there). As there is no averaging of hours as per the Award, the entitlement to overtime pay occurs when you work more than 38 hours in that work week. If you have a paid leave day during the work week those hours of leave also contribute to the 38 hour week (but not flight duty hours). We hope this clarifies a few queries and some confusion in reviewing your hours and conditions.
The AFAP encourage members to monitor their work hours and contact the AFAP if you require any assistance.
If you have any feedback, queries, and/or updates please contact the AFAP via AFAP Senior Industrial Officer, Jason Newell via email on
Jason@afap.org.au.
Yours sincerely,
AFAP Industrial Team