Everyone can breathe easy now – bet on it

Squadron Leader Warren Bishop and Squadron Leader Mike Oram toast the successful repair of the pressure oxygen system in an HS748.

TWO Air Force Squadron Leaders at RAAF Base East Sale have settled a bet of breathtaking proportions.

Almost exactly two years ago a pressure oxygen system pipe on an HS748 aircraft broke, releasing the contents into the aircraft cabin.

While No. 32 Squadron attempted to get the system restored, portable oxygen bottles were introduced for the two pilots and one navigator to use in the event of smoke and fumes in the cabin. But the repair work took a little longer than anticipated – and that’s what prompted the wager.

In a bid to speed up the return to normal oxygen system operations, HS748 Operations Flight Commander Squadron Leader Mike Oram made a bet with Senior Engineering Officer Squadron Leader Warren Bishop that if he could fly an HS748 with its normal oxygen system before his posting to the Australian Defence College at the end of 2002, he would shout a bottle of fine French Champagne.

So when SQNLDR Oram flew aircraft A10-601, complete with the restored oxygen system, a month before the deadline for the bet, it was time for him to produce the bubbly.

He purchased a bottle of Moet, and presented the top drop to SQNLDR Bishop in front of those responsible for the system restoration.

When the cork was removed, everyone had the chance to savour the sweet taste of success.
But that wasn’t the end of the hard work.

As of the end of February, three aircraft have had the repaired oxygen system installed.
The remaining HS748s are scheduled to receive the system by April.

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