In a significant employment ruling, a veteran pilot with nearly three decades of experience has been reinstated to her position after being dismissed for alleging that her superior harboured a bias against women. Cassandra Cooke, a 54-year-old First Officer with National Jet Express, was terminated on May 26, 2025, following comments she made about Chief Pilot Wayne Ovens.
The Incident That Sparked the Dispute
The controversy began during a discussion concerning a medical certificate for a broken toe. Ms Cooke was deemed fit to fly but unsuitable for simulator training, resulting in her removal from the roster. Subsequently, she was reported to have told Crew Training Coordinator Victoria Portelli that Mr Ovens 'hates women' and was 'clearly having marital problems' due to 'obviously fighting with his wife'.
Investigation and Initial Dismissal
Another employee, Shannyn Van Heerden, overheard the exchange, prompting Mr Ovens to lodge an internal complaint. National Jet Express launched a formal investigation, concluding that Ms Cooke had breached its Harassment, Discrimination and Workplace Bullying Policy. As the sole provider for her family, the experienced pilot was summarily dismissed.
The Fair Work Commission Deputy President found the witnesses credible and the misconduct proven, rejecting Ms Cooke's explanations. However, the Commission identified critical inconsistencies in the airline's handling of disciplinary matters.
Inconsistent Disciplinary Practices
While acknowledging a valid reason for dismissal, the Commission deemed the punishment excessively harsh, considering Ms Cooke's age, her 27 years of service, and the severe financial impact on her family. The airline's immediate initiation of a formal investigation into Ms Cooke was found to deviate from past practices.
In a prior incident, Ms Cooke had complained that Mr Ovens used profane and misogynistic language during a simulator session, allegedly telling her to 'shut that f****** barking b**** up'. That matter was dealt with informally, with no investigation or disciplinary action against the senior pilot. In contrast, Mr Ovens' complaint triggered a full investigation and Ms Cooke's dismissal.
Reinstatement Without Back Pay
This inconsistency heavily influenced the Commission's decision, which ruled the sacking disproportionate and ordered Ms Cooke's reinstatement. Nevertheless, it was not a complete victory for the pilot. The commissioner declined to award back pay for the months she was unemployed, stating that doing so would not appropriately reflect the consequences of her conduct.
'I do not consider it appropriate, in the circumstances of the present matter, to put the Applicant into a position where she has suffered nothing out of this exercise,' he remarked. 'By not making an order for the restoration of lost pay, a very clear message is given to the Applicant as to the consequences that flow from her own conduct.'
Airline's Position and Background
National Jet Express, which celebrated 35 years of air services to the Australian resources industry in 2025, described Mr Ovens on its website as 'a highly accomplished professional pilot with a distinguished career spanning military service'. The airline also noted he is 'well-regarded for his appreciation of the dynamic nature of his work, which involves collaborating with a diverse range of individuals'.
The decision to forgo back pay represented the airline's sole win in the case, underscoring the complexities of workplace disputes and disciplinary fairness. The outcome highlights the importance of consistent application of policies in employment law, particularly in high-stakes industries like aviation.
