As part of our ongoing commitment to you, we would like to remind you of the valuable support systems available through the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP). The AFAP operates through a structure of ten individual pilot councils, each supporting a distinct aviation sector that caters to the diverse roles and skillsets of the members it represents. Each council includes a number of nominated and trained AFAP welfare representatives who share your professional working environment and understand the unique challenges you may face on a daily basis.
These welfare representatives are often your first point of contact when welfare issues arise. Numerous personal and professional challenges can be effectively addressed through confidential conversations and sharing experiences, or simply venting to a peer who understands your work and home life balance.
Our welfare representatives receive comprehensive training from the psychologists at PeopleSense (our
Member Assistance Program provider). In order to be more rounded on various welfare topics, they also attend specialist briefing sessions during regular AFAP welfare committee meetings. These additional sessions have covered essential topics, including the
HIMS Program, a supportive monitoring program for pilots with alcohol and other drug problems and the
AFAP Resilient Pilot Program, a professional development and mentoring initiative designed for pilots seeking to enhance their skills and confidence. This program is co-ordinated by AFAP Safety & Technical Officer Naomi Radke (
naomi@afap.org.au).
CASA Principal Medical Officer, Dr Kate Manderson recently presented on CASA Avmed, outlining the significant changes that have occurred within the Department over the past few years. This presentation also addressed the Department’s evolving policies and the future ambitions, highlighting the fact that CASA Avmed’s approach in 2025 isn’t always about taking away your medical certification but providing, if possible, a return-to-work pathway (perhaps with some medical restrictions).
Laurie Shaw, a globally recognised A350 Captain with extensive knowledge and training expertise in welfare and mental health, has been secured to brief our welfare representatives during their May committee meeting. Laurie is currently doing amazing work in the areas of addiction and youth mental health.
While welfare representatives can offer one on one support, they can also help to connect you with professional psychological services when necessary. This includes the AFAP’s
Member Assistance Program (MAP), a free and confidential psychological service available to you and your immediate household family members. Many of your friends and peers have benefited from this service, and it remains a cornerstone of our welfare program.
Please find below a list of the welfare representatives who support your council. It is advisable to take some time to add their contact details to your phone. You may not necessarily require their assistance, it could be a pilot friend or colleague in the AFAP. Having their contact information readily available can significantly facilitate the process and accelerate assistance.
Please also find the direct link for the AFAP’s new MAP self-service direct booking portal.
Member Assistance Program (MAP) | PeopleSense Psychology and Wellbeing by Altius
Alternatively call 1300 307 912 (or if calling from outside of Australia: +618 9388 9000).
Links to further information about the AFAP’s welfare services are provided below:
AFAP Welfare Services
AFAP Welfare Reps
AFAP Welfare Articles
Please direct any questions to
welfare@afap.org.au or call 03 9928 5737.
Regards,
AFAP Jetstar Pilot Federation Committee
Andrew Ward, Ben Bollen, Chris Gibson, Christo Hailes, Clinton Baxter, Daniel Blakemore, Darren Fielder, Darren Davis, Dominic Corcoran, Ed Greenidge, Jake Gainger, Jordan Moras, Paul Hogan and Raj Krishnan