2 | nigel pogmore
2010/08/16 at 8:10 am

I understand that Kapadokya Balloons is part of your company.

With this in mind would you please be so kind to see that the directors Of Dorak Tourism are made aware of this mail.

Thanking you for your help

Yours sincerely
Nigel J Pogmore
Aviation Safety officer
Hot Air Balloon Safety

From: nigel.pogmore1@mac.com
Subject: Ending our Business relationship
Date: 15 August 2010 12:13:17 GMT+05:45
To: kailikidner@gmail.com
Cc: sevgi@kapadokyaballoons.com, levent@kapadokyaballoons.com

Dear Sevgi & Levent

Firstly many thanks for having the decency of affording me you’re reply. Yes, certainly I would like to visit you all again perhaps in better times once all this is sorted out, I shall try to come at that time of the year when you have all those chocolates on the table!

Turning my attention to your reference regarding your unwillingness to have any business relationship with me, leads me to the following:-

Initially I had been invited to Turkey by Anatolian Balloons for an interview They were willing to pay all my travel expenses plus accommodation costs. Once I received this invitation I felt it would be best to check them out by way of emailing your Chief Pilot Mike Green.

On 15 Nov 2009, at 18:23, mike green wrote:
Hi

Anatolian Balloons are relatively new here – set up in direct competition with us (Kapadokya Balloons) and Goreme Balloons, the two long established companies here in Cappadocia, the name of the region.

There are now around 7/8 other smaller companies here too, so approximately 40 balloons up daily in peak season. The company you are communicating with is run by a family with a ‘reputation’ in Turkey. I would not work for them – I know the only 2 european pilots who did and they didn’t get paid for long periods of time. All their other pilots are Turkish, family, young and inexperienced. You could talk to Simon Force at Lindstrands – he sold them their balloons (with difficulties) and has experienced first hand the morning roll calls and saluting expected from the staff!

Here at Kapadokya Balloons, we have new owners, Dorak Tourism, a large successful Turkish company, looks good at the moment, new balloons on order, new pilots being looked at for next summer, same staff but Lars and Kaili going into gradual retirement so I’ve been made Chief Pilot. I can’t guarantee you a job but I’m part of the decision making process. Our new management are hot on references so we’d need some from you & CV.

Our local airport is Kayseri, are Anatolian paying your flights? Might be tricky for us to meet while you’re here if so.

Mike

My reply to mike Please note that i made mike fully aware of all that had taken place before coming all the way from Nepal I had put my cards on the table, i am very much an open book for all to see, and nothing to hide away from.

Hi Mike

Well well well, its not such a surprise, thank you for all this.

Over the years I have had enough of companies that not only have that “reputation” that you speak off , I also have a collection of bounced pay checks from various location that includes Chicago, Sri Lanka still owed around £5000 from Tanzania in the from of withheld pension contribution. Feeling so disgusted with my last experience, I have been forced to start legal proceedings, plus money is still owed.

What is not that well known is that same company also had no less then three fatalities on there hands. Although before my time with this company, the first death was that of a ground crew that got crushed as a Balloon basket fell on top off him whilst it was been loaded back on to the trailer.

13th February 2008 brought another what I considered to be avoidable loss of life, as the company continued to fly a forty year old cessna 172 5H-FUN, that was well known to be most unreliable. Despite in the full knowledge of this, they continued to fly this relic whilst looking around for a urgently needed replacement. Their complacency finally caught up with them, or more to the point, with the four occupants of this ill-fated aircraft. For many months this aircraft suffered from engine vibration which went on to deteriorated into intermittent engine misfire.

On this particular day the situation deteriorated dramatically suffering complete engine failure. Both the local pilot and New Zealander Hayden Rowen were killed, two others, one South African along with a young lady from the UK Ms S Bolton sustained horrendous injuries. Interestingly the previous pilot was so fed up with the aircraft, that after experiencing engine vibration yet again, he dumped it at an alliterative landing area, he left the company very soon after. SBSs Skydiving operations ceased for a few weeks until a replacement pilot came along.

Enter Capt Barka who already lay claim to a distinguished “reputation” along with unauthorised landing in radio silence, he also had an obvious liking for carrying out wheels up landings to the extent that he repeated this activity exactly one year to the day of initial bone jarring landing in the very same aircraft. After this incident, his licence was suspended, according to AIB report that was leaked to me, it looks as if his CPL was reinserted many months after he was killed.

After the fatal crash SBSs hot air ballooning operation came under closer scrutiny from the civil aviation authority, months later this resulted in that company receiving a request! to appoint me as their safety officer. There was a lot of work to be done, been aware of deep-seated insecurities, I felt it prudent to address issues gently.

One would think that after such devastating history of complacency, a company would be eager to take on board safety issues presented to them, amazingly this was not the case. A few days after issuing my first rather tame safety advisory, all hell broke lose ” we’ve been doing it this way for twenty years, why should we change” came the cry from afar.

I feel that you will be horrified when I tell you that we had unqualified locals carrying out repairs on such things as broken/frayed flying wires that had resulted from windy inflation’s
Fore this same reason’ control ropes needed replacing on a regular basis. On one particular morning I was as one might expect displeased to find that I had not one, but two red lines yet no candy line, therefore in once stoke of innocent ignorance, sabotaging the normal quick and easy means in which to make the correct inflight identification of opposing controls.

Whilst I got on very well with the local Chief pilot and the hard working ground crew, it was very obvious that they lacked training to the point that they deemed okay to lash fuel tanks into the basket with knotted ropes rather than the manufacturers tank straps. Other safety breaches that gave me a case of sever irritation was when the inflation fans were repositioned whist the engine was running at full throttle. I had been voicing my objection on this particular potentially dangerous practice for some time.

Well, it was only a matter of time, one day with my sixteen preloaded passengers, basket laying on it side, we all received a height velocity delivery of fragments of propeller. I had one pice lodged between the back of my glasses and my right eye.

With the local chief pilot unmoved by my legitimate concerns, most would understand that I felt it necessary to fire off an e-mail to both Colin and Tony, in doing so, highlighting the urgent need to implement a long over due ground crew training program.

After explaining to the directors, of how lucky we all are not to have a serious incident on our hands, I found it disturbing to receive a reply pointing out that I was not been politically correct. In a following phone conversation, Tony Pascoe explained that I was not in a position to start changing things, “ you don’t rock the boat in Africa, just fly” I took it from this, that he had more concerns towards protecting the annual $5,000,000 turnover generated from the ten thousand passenger flown each year.

Keep in mind that five weeks prior to my first safety briefing, I’d already received written confirmation from one of the directors (fill in pilot Collin Mckinnon) that I would be required for a third consecutive season, going on to say in his words “ we have a good team and I do not want to change it”(held on record ) later with non-pilot director visiting Tanzania, the situation deteriorated to an abysmal low. It appeared that as far as he was concerned the position of safety officer was simply to pacify the civil aviation authority and that I was not expected to get involved in what he referred to as “company affairs”

To compound matters, after experiencing more often than not, a severe shortage of fuel in the 425 and 450 balloons, I had been insisting on carrying five fuel tanks rather than the legendary four that have lingered from the days of when they were flying 210s. This matter came to a head when after one of our customary windy inflation’s, and almost out of fuel, I had no alternative to land after just forty minuets of flight time. With a new UM 425 fitted with single operation parachute requiring two replace the parachutes due to leakage this flight endurance had become a common occurrence. This particular balloon was at 160 hours before we rectified this ill fitting parachute and achieved acceptable fuel consumption. On such occasion pilots were often and rightly subjected to passenger complaints, partially if they never got to see any wildlife.

The day came after the flight, imagine the scene, Passengers are assembled under the a acacia tree, having that renowned out of Africa experience of a champagne breakfast, my disgruntled passengers had got themselves organised. As they waited politely for me to finnish my end of trip speech, there was none of the customary round of applause or for that matter any thank you. Instead I was presented with the proceeds of a collection that amounted to around $55 The spokeswoman gave me precise instructions to put these funds towards the purchase of more fuel for the following morning flight. She went on to say that “I cant believe that I have spent $500 on a forty minute balloon flight” she was now the one receiving cheers and rapturous applause before walking off to her awaiting transport, was I embarrassed, she and her fellow 15 aviators had got it right.

Despite appealing not only to common sense but also the making reference to the companies flight operation manual “ regarding pilot responsibilities” Tony Pascoe made the provoking comment that as director of a company, he was quite within his rights to stipulate the amount of fuel carried “ it costs money to carry fuel”.

Three days later with the companies reverse osmosis water filtration system in a state of disrepair, fresh drinking water to be temporarily brought in. Now I know what you’re thinking, where is this leading?

It was during this time that I was reprimanded for drinking too much of the company’s water “due to the world financial crisis we are experiencing hard times, we have to be accountable for every dollar” at first I really thought he was joking yet in truth, he had shamelessly, deliberately set about a systematic program of provocation.

On 9 March 2009 Mr Pascoe terminated my contract, with the words “if you don’t go quietly I shall tarnish your reputation within the ballooning industry” going on to say “ if you’re thinking of going to the civil aviation authority you can forget it we have already pre -warned them that they might be hearing from you, we look after them we fill their pockets, you would be wasting your time.

Enough is enough.

Given what you have to say, I feel that it would be to my advantage to pay a visit under my and steam, once in town look around the cheap accommodation and spent some time visiting a few companies. With this in mind I expect that we can all meet up in the next week or two, but definitely before you depart for the UK I just need to check out flights.

Given that Mike had given Anatolian balloons a very bad report, i went along with Mikes recommendation and picked up the cost of going to Turkey at my own expense, True your company were good enough to pick up the cost of my food and accommodation)

Once in Cappadocia, I did indeed visit Anatolian balloons who appeared well set up with a relatively new fleet of new balloons including a 600.

Mike was keen for me to report back to him of my findings. Despite my view that they looked well set up, Mike labored on the the point that they overload balloons way above the norm. I found this unsettling as I did not want to be apart of this activity. Please note that Anatolian had offered me 400 Euros per month above your offer please see evidence of this below.

From: muluer@anatolianballoons.com
Subject: Re: Commercial Pilot paxs number
Date: 23 March 2010 03:16:24 GMT+05:45
To: nigel.pogmore1@mac.com

Hi Nigel,

Yes we do it with some good friends and using easiest ways for work permit. 1 month is nice. Sometimes less than a month.

I would like to be sure: You have a licence to fly 425s. And the valid is more than a year. Right? And your passport valid must be more than a year.

So, i would like to make an offer.

- 2.800 Euros net salary per month. No tax or charge for salary. As we talked before.
- Return tickets. It means 4 plane tickets totally: Abroad to Istanbul + Istanbul to Cappadocia and backs. Also i will arrange your pick up and backs to and from airport in the region.
- No pay for documents for procedures. We will organise and arrange everything for your working with us. (including health medicene class 2, work visa and etc).
- The salary will start when you come here with work permit and work visa. After that valudation and live permit takes about 1 week. After 1 week you will start flights but salary start.
- You will have health guarantee in law as employee. So, if you need, you can go goverment hospitals freely and private hospitals with discount.

I will help you to rent a house to live. The rent of a good place 200-300 Euros per month. Until find a house, you will be my guest, no pay for accomodation for these few days. And also i help you here for everything for your living here.

Thanks

Mahmut Uluer
General Director – Cheif Pilot

Anatolian Balloons Cappadocia & Antalya
Adnan Menderes Cad. No:34
Goreme/Nevsehir/Turkey
Tel: 0090 3842712300
Fax: 0090 3842712588
http://www.anatolianballoons.com

Now the next point is very important for you directors to understand. Despite a substantial higher cash offer, I remained totally committed to what we had agreed, I did not inform you that I had, had a better offers and did not use it to my advantage, I had given you my word and as far as I was concerned that was the end of the matter, I have morals and do not jump ship simply because of extra money

You shall see your emails below that assured me that although you aware of my situation, Kapadokya balloons were very confident to carry on with all that we had agreed that all was going ahead

From: sevgi@kapadokyaballoons.com
Subject: RE: any update
Date: 8 February 2010 22:28:30 GMT+05:45
To: nigel.pogmore1@mac.com
Cc: levent@kapadokyaballoons.com

Dear Nigel,
Recently Mike informed us about the things happening.
I just wanted to inform you that we have done your application to the Ministry of Labour. We are sure that soon we’ll receive the positive answer.
And, I’d like to mention that, all we know is, when we met you we found you very open hearted, cordial and friendly. Therefore we have no hesitation at all to work with you. We believe you’ll put all your efforts during your time here to make things easier, to make the life better to all of us and also we will do the same for you.
Please be prepared to be here on the 1st of April.
All the best,

Sevgi

Later with just one month to go No indication that your had changed your mind had you done so would have left me the opportunity to take the other work that would have produced and net income of 19600 euros as opposed to your 17500 Euros.

From: sevgi@kapadokyaballoons.com
Subject: RE: Missing Documents
Date: 1 March 2010 21:57:57 GMT+05:45
To: nigel.pogmore1@mac.com
Cc: levent@kapadokyaballoons.com

Dear Nigel,
Attached is your contract.
Levent is also sending his regards and he is sorry for the delay in sending it.
Best,
Sevgi

On the 3rd March you sent this!

From: sevgi@kapadokyaballoons.com
Subject: RE: Missing Documents
Date: 3 March 2010 15:27:29 GMT+05:45
To: nigel.pogmore1@mac.com

Dear Nigel,
We are in a hurry to go to Antalya.
I can not do the amendments before Monday.

Sevgi

Looking at the time line this was sent at the same time

From: sevgi@kapadokyaballoons.com
Subject: Our comments on your public campaign
Date: 3 March 2010 15:26:23 GMT+05:45
To: nigel.pogmore1@mac.com
Cc: kailikidner@gmail.com, levent@kapadokyaballoons.com

Dear Nigel,
We have read your comments / public campaign that is destroying of the good image of ballooning on internet and realised that your approach can easily damage the ballooning in general.
If you’ll continue acting this way we feel that this might harm the reputation of our company too.
Reading all these material, we are afraid that with this type of attitude you can cause many problems to us too.
We have no doubt that SBS has and had an excellent reputation for standards in both operations and safety.
We have to ask you to stop acting this way.

Regards,

Sevgi Peker (on behalf of Levent)

Please note that until Tony Pascoe Published his website, I had never been formally informed that Kapadokya balloons had, had a change of heart, you just stopped communicating with me! You shut the door in face.

Now we have this email
From: sevgi@kapadokyaballoons.com
Subject: RE: UPDATED http:/www.hotairballoonsafety.com/tonypascoeoutcry/kapadokya.html
Date: 12 August 2010 13:58:50 GMT+05:45
To: nigel.pogmore1@mac.com
Cc: levent@kapadokyaballoons.com

Dear Nigel,
Please just release us from your mailing list.
As you know during that period, we did want to work with you but your best friend Mike Green was the Chief Pilot and he didn’t want you so we took the necessary action.
If you come to visit us you are welcome but we are not willing to have any business relationship with you.
Regards,

Levent & Sevgi

Once all the circumstances above are taken into account I feel that many would agree that Kapadokya Balloons should face up to its moral responsibilities for all cost incurred by me in getting to Turkey along with loss of seven months salary that you had agreed to.

You are fully aware that I sent you an invoice some time back, as yet I have not received any response whatsoever.

I would ask that Kapadokya Balloons to remain professional and deal with this matter, only than can we all conclude with any business relationships that you make reference to, to do so would certainly go a long way to improving that good image of hot air ballooning.

With this in mind I would appreciate and expect to see a reply of sorts by no later than Tuesday 17 August 2010.

Your Sincerely
Nigel J Pogmore

Please find other emails below

On 16 Feb 2008, at 17:17, mike green wrote:
Hello Nigel
I don’t suppose you remember me from the days of old in oswestry, I’m the tall lanky pilot that used to own the company Blown away. Anyway now I am working for a company in turkey and have been asked by another firm to recommend a uk pilot, some time ago i saw your email mailed to
Kapadokya balloons so thought maybe you will be interested. Its a new company with two new balloons think they are 400 and 250, the season should be from april to oct and the flying is just so easy. If you have a intrest get back to me and I will get more details.
Because it is a rivel company we have to keep it between us.

But in any way it would be great to have contact with you again.

Mike Green

From: sevgi@kapadokyaballoons.com
Subject: RE: Thank you for your understanding
Date: 11 February 2010 15:12:04 GMT+05:45
To: nigel.pogmore1@mac.com

Dear Nigel,
I need your resident permit (small blue book)
Can you send me that book by UPS please.
Adress:Kapadokya Balonculuk -Adnan Menderes Cad. 14/A 50180 Göreme Nevşehir.
Take care
Mustafa Ağa

From: muluer@anatolianballoons.com
Subject: Re: none payment of pilot salary
Date: 25 March 2010 16:49:32 GMT+05:45
To: nigel.pogmore1@mac.com

Dear Mahmut

As much as I dislike having to bring this topic up, I feel that you will understand that as a few other companies have let me down when it comes to paying salaries previously, I feel, that we need to sort this out. I have on record from another balloon company that your company had difficulties on this mater.

Dear Nigel,

This is an impolitely text someone sent you. This is disgusting !! We do not affront to other companies by emails which send to another people.

I will not tell any bad things about other companies. This is not our mission. But there are some lie sentences. I would like to correct it firstly:
There are 12 Passenger Hot Air Balloon Companies in Cappadocia now(not 7-8). And 3-4 more coming. And there are up to 60 big balloons on air everyday.

We are the Largerst one in the region. We did in few years which someone couldn’t do it in more than 20 years! And we will be The Largest In The World in few months. Now We carry up to 250 passenger each flight everyday! It will be 350 soon.

We manage the company as family that is right. The chirman is my father (Mr. Halil Uluer). But this is not our only company. We have some companies at different sectors all over the worls. You can search us called Uluer Group (www.uluergroup.com). In aviation sector: we are the creator and manager of Turkish Balloon Club, Cappadocia Aviation Club, etc. We direct ballooning sector in Turkey. So we are enough stong to pay our employees salary. Sometimes would be a little delay about a week maybe. And i think it is normal out of the season!

We had not 2 foreign pilots in the past. We had 1 European pilot until 2008. And he left ballooning. Because he opened a Real Estate Agent in another city in Turkey. He run it for 1 years and our Law is changed last year. According to new law was hinder foreign people to be a owner or worker in an real estate agent. So he had to decide to back ballooning. And he started to work for another company. Maybe they offered more than us. This is normal. Now, we have 1 European pilot and he continue to work for us with nice relationship. This season will be second one of him. You can talk with him.

Our other pilots are Turkish, right. We have 10 Turkish pilot. And i would like to say that as answer of the insolent mail from a company. Our aviation law is changing. And new rules will be that: The pilot of a balloon company must be Turkish as +%50. I wonder, when the new rules come, what they will say their pilots? Because some companies’ pilots are mostly foreign. And they will have to change them with Turkish pilots after this season (maybe middle of the season). So the chance and success is having much Turkish pilot. Not foreign. Because there are few Turkish balloon pilots in the world.

Our pilots are experienced. Some of them are young right. And i am young also. But difficult to understand that why someone smear for our pilots. I think the reason is that: they have been experinced pilot in their age of 40-50. But some of our pilots have been experienced pilots at their age of 25-30. Also some of our pilots are older than 40. And this is not their business!

So, I have an advice for you. If you would like to work with Anatolian Balloons, search us via internet (www.uluergroup.com include everything), and answer me please. If you searching a job near of honest business friends, i will be happy to talk about details. I ll wait your decide. And please don’t excuse someone to affront us.

Best wishes.

Mahmut ULUER
General Director – Cheif Pilot

Anatolian Balloons Cappadocia & Antalya
http://www.anatolianballoons.com

Uluer Group
http://www.uluergroup.com