[Peetwo]

AOPA Oz CEO Ben Morgan from Cirrus CX 2023 -  

Via AOPA Oz FB:

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Australia

CIRRUS CX 2023 CONFERENCE LAS VEGAS



Wonderful to be joining the Cirrus Australia team and AOPA Australia Directors Ross Harrison and Marc De Stoop at CX2023 Conference in Las Vegas this week.  An impressive line up of speakers today, including aviation safety ambassador and aerobatic champion Mike Goulian.

MIKE’S HEADLINE TIPS FOR A LIFE FLYING
- Know your personal limits and don’t break them
- Build routine and never break it
- Professional pilots, it’s all about attitude

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CIRRUS CX 2023:  GLOBAL AIRCRAFT MAINTENANCE PARTNERS

Kicking off today at a major Cirrus Aircraft Maintenance Centre Providers from around the world  at CX 2023 Las Vegas, with over 770 participants from 22 countries in attendance.

It has been a great opportunity to meet the global leadership team, learning more about the Cirrus business and the worldwide opportunity the SR and SF series aircraft are providing.

9,365 Cirrus aircraft have been delivered globally, with the SR series rated the best single engine light aircraft for 21 years consecutively.

Cirrus are rightfully excited about the future of their company and product which are at the forefront of general aviation worldwide.

---

FORMER FAA ADMINISTRATOR, STEVE DICKSON:  AVIATION REGULATORS OUTSIDE OF THE US NEED TO REFORM TO GET GA GROWING

Today’s panel discussion with former FAA Administrator, Steve Dickson, was an incredibly refreshing experience, hearing how the US FAA has moved from away from an enforcement culture to that of a proactive voluntary disclosure environment, seeking to improve aviation safety through mutual respect and encouragement with the aviation industry.  Mr Dickson went on to discuss how essential regulation reform has delivered a resurgence in general aviation participation.  He also discussed how the US is leading the world in aircraft manufacturing and innovation, all driven by reform!

He went further, publicly calling out aviation regulators (external to the US) as failing to reform away from enforcement cultures that have proven not to work, failing to reform key regulation that has resulted in hindering GA activities in those countries!

Cogent observations and sensible advice from the former FAA Administrator of the worlds largest, most complex and most successful aviation economy!

Imagine how Australian aviation would look, if Mr Dickson was in charge of CASA?  Australia needs this kind of experience, thinking and vision!

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

AOPA Oz LIVE: 07/02/23

Via FB:

Via Youtube:

AOPA AUSTRALIA LIVE - 7pm, 7th Feb 2023

Join AOPA Australia tonight at 7pm as we catch up with our panel and discuss the latest aviation events across the industry.

- Benjamin Morgan:  Lessons from CX2023
- Paul Rushton:  Intro to new AOPA Director
- Clinton McKenzie:  CASA & Canberra Airport FOI
- Aviation White Paper:  Will this benefit GA?

We invite you to be part of the discussion, by posting your questions and/or comments during the live broadcast.

MTF...P2 

[Wombat]

Ben Morgan makes excellent points about the illogic of CASAs behavior and the economic costs this has entailed.

There is jusT one problem Ben; The Labor Party views GA and recreational flying as easy and cheap sacrifices on the alter of climate change. It’s obvious from this circumlocution in the terms of reference for their Aviation white paper:

ie.: how to maximise the aviation sector’s contribution to achieving net zero carbon emissions including through sustainable aviation fuel and emerging technologies”.

That is code for the phaseout of fossil fuel consuming GA and RA aircraft - immediately for recreation and minimisation of use for GA except for emergency services.

There is no way in hell that the Government wants aviation to expand unless by electric aircraft. As far as the ALP and Greens are concerned, CASAs behavior is a feature not a bug.

[Peetwo]

AOPA Oz live: 14/02/23 

Via Youtube:

AOPA AUSTRALIA LIVE - TUES, 14TH FEB 2023

Join us tonight as I introduce AOPA Australia Director, Marc Sibun, learning more about his aviation background and role with the association.

I will also be discussing yesterdays Senate Rural Regional Affairs Transport Committee hearing with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, exploring the appointment of a new Director to the Board of CASA and Part 67 Pilot Medical Reform.

And, l will also provide updates on the Department of Infrastructures invitation to AOPA Australia to participate in the Aviation White Paper consultative review.

PANELISTS TONIGHT:
- Benjamin Morgan: CEO, AOPA Australia
- Marc Sibun: Director, AOPA Australia

MTF...P2

[Wombat]

Ben, CASA don’t give a fig for aviation and the general public, they care for their jobs and that is all. They will do nothing that lessens their power and security.

I could quote Weber and a dozen research papers on dysfunctional bureaucratic behavior as applied by CASA but it’s not worth the effort.

[Peetwo]

AOPA AUSTRALIA LIVE - TUESDAY 21ST FEB 2023

Via Youtube:

AOPA AUSTRALIA LIVE, TONIGHT 7PM
TUESDAY, 21st FEB 2023

Come join AOPA Australia LIVE tonight from 7pm as we discuss the week in review, gaining insights into the work of the association and more!

PANELISTS TONIGHT INCLUDE:
- Benjamin Morgan: CEO, AOPA Australia
- Shawn Kelly:  President, AOPA Australia
- Lorraine McGillivray:  Director, AOPA Australia
- Paul Rushton: Treasurer, AOPA Australia
- Dom James:  Director, AOPA Australia
- Clinton McKenzie: Director, AOPA Australia

HOT TOPICS FOR TONIGHT
- Pilots being banned from airports by ARO’s
- Fire threatens Cootamundra community and local airport shines
- Tenterfield Airport community success
- CASA Form 420 and a mysterious process
- Glenn Buckley update
- Member & Supporters Questions and Answers

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

CASA Flight Examiner Debacle: Courtesy BM AOPA Oz CEO -

Via Youtube & FB:

Some comments in reply: https://www.facebook.com/AOPAaustralia/v...3124104804

---

Steve Curtis

CASA have destroyed a system developed over many years. CASA told the federal govt the flight crew licencing reforms would streamline processes and not impose any further regulatory burden on the industry. CASA have successfully destroyed a once viable industry.

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Ian Tucker

What a disgraceful situation, the CASA regs are a dogs breakfast. Australia’s good aviation safety record is despite CASA not because.

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David Ian Grant

Ben, I consider myself so fortunate that when I first began my journey on the way to an aviation career back in the early sixties, my mentors and teachers, including my own father, had their roots in the old Empire flying schools, set up from the imperative to train pilots quickly and efficiently for war. When I think back over the incredible people who were instrumental in stuffing knowledge and honing skills, and imparting a desire to excel into a half wit teen I wonder at their patience. But teach they did, because it was part of them. CASA have pretty much destroyed the teachers. Today its ticks in boxes, students are not encouraged to think outside the box, just comply. Back then there was mutual respect between the regulator and these veterans, by and large the regulators examiners were also teachers. Today I believe the teaching has been replaced by rigid ticks in boxes, there are very few actual teachers.

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Sandy Reith

Ben, what you have described in your video is a CASA induced situation of total irresponsibility to Australia because General Aviation is such a valuable sector, it has capabilities and utility that cannot be replaced.

When I started instructing in the 70s CASA (or predecessor) put me up to Grade 11 on the basis of my hours, from memory 200 ab initio. I applied for my own school and they had a look at my facilities and approved my school and myself as CFI. Then when I had more hours they gave me Grade1, did not apply for upgrades, and then they gave me RPPL and PPL and NIGHT VFR testing approvals without me applying. I had put up one or two for the Restricted PPL. I had design feature teaching and sign off for those features that I was qualified for myself, except for twin training which was done after about 30min flying following an IFR rating renewal, plus some briefing by my CASA FOI.

There were no fees payable because it’s the Government that requires standards for the benefit of the Australian public and therefore the public should pay, public good. Public purse.

In the USA we have the example of a rational system, independent instructors. No need to apply and pay exorbitant fees and spend months or years waiting for an Air Operators Certificate.

Times up well and truly, this CASA madness has to stop. Well done for raising the issue, no instructors equals no GA, no maintenance, no Angel Flight, no ag operators. aerial firefighting, aerial flood relief and the list goes on.

And do not forget that for the security of the Nation aerial mobility is a crucial factor, a factor that goes to our defence posture and strength.

Sandy in reply:

Sandy Reith

BigAl Hoggy the only way we can get change is through our MPs, the bureaucrats have no incentive to change because reform would lessen their roles, power and threaten their enormous salaries.
We really lack media exposure which could help draw attention to the disgraceful state of affairs that is the worsening environment for our GA sector which is entirely due to a completely irresponsible independent regulator. CASA should be disbanded and the administration be put back where it belongs in the Westminster system, into a Department of Government with Minister at its head.

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Paul Tyler

The Rockhampton Aero Club recently closed after 93 years of flight training in regional Queensland purely because of the inability to recruit a CFI - CASA regulations didn’t help - very sad indeed

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Alan Williams

The bureaucracy is absolutely destroying the GA industry.
General aviation is no longer a pleasurable experience anymore.

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Peter John-Francis

Unfortunately due to the overly complicated & expensive system in place, wholly & solely due to CASA’s burdensome process instigated with Part 61, we now are saddled with this woeful system.

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Trent Robinson

This is an incredibly frustrating situation and has been going on for years. I feel CASA think everyone works in a 200+ student flight school and tests are available each week hence shouldn't take more than 6 months to complete!! It's a joke. The FPC by CASA requirement was a brick wall. I have now mentored several Flight Examiner Applicants and the only way this works is for me as the mentor to be 100% invested in the applicants training. Otherwise if left to the applicant they have no control over access to tests, planning ahead and having them made available for their mentoring. And thats assuming the test even goes ahead as scheduled.

Finally AOPA Oz Members Weekly Newsletter is back...

Link: https://mailchi.mp/aopa/aopa-australia-e...ZMhlVeB7WU

MTF...P2 

[AOPA_Aus]

AOPA AUSTRALIA LIVE, 7PM TUES 28TH FEB 2023

Join us tonight at 7pm this Tuesday 28th February as we cover off very a big week in review, catching up with the Moorabbin Chamber of Commerce President Mr Rob Simpson to discuss the ongoing airport master-planning situation which is due to fall back onto Minister Catherine King MP's desk. The Moorabbin Airport Corporation are seeking to once again expand their non-aviation footprint placing further increased pressure on aviation tenants. The Moorabbin Airport masterplan was rejected by the former Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Barnaby Joyce MP back in April of 2022, a move which was widely supported by the aviation industry.

WATCH LIVE VIA:

Facebook:  www.facebook.com/aopaaustralia
YouTube:  www.youtube.com/@aopaaustralia

I will be joined by Senator Malcolm Roberts to discuss the work of the Rural Regional Affairs Transport Committee and his take on some of the major issues facing our general aviation industry and community.I will be discussing the closure of the Rockhampton Aero Club's flight training facilities, after they surrendered their CASA Part 141 approval this year. Club representatives have no illusion as to the situation they found themselves in, a case of either dumping the CASA system or facing bankruptcy as a result of unworkable rules.

Flight Instructors have started coming forward over this past week calling for help and action for those seeking Flight Examiner Ratings, detailing what they describe as yet another CASA disaster in the making. Instructors have detailed their personal experiences in trying to obtain Flight Examiner Ratings, with years of delays, tens of thousands of wasted dollars and a CASA regulatory system that is vastly understaffed and argue that it's broken beyond repair.

The Avalon International Airshow is around the corner, marketed as the greatest aviation event in Australia. Run every two years, the event has been an outstanding defence and military aerospace engagement for decades, however it's value as a leading general aviation industry showcase remains uncertain. I will discuss what I believe is a genuine lost opportunity by ADMA and how Avalon could be playing a major role in driving general aviation reform and recovery. Take a moment to review the AVALON2023 Event Program before our broadcast: https://www.airshow.com.au/.../AVALON-2023-Event-Program.pdf

For our members, I will also be introducing our new Secretary, Mr Keith Gray, aircraft owner, pilot and passionate general aviation supporter. Keith is already working hard behind the scenes, and I am looking forward to introducing him to everyone!

PANELISTS TONIGHT:
- Benjamin Morgan: CEO, AOPA Australia
- Queensland Senator, Malcolm Roberts
- Rob Simpson, President MACCI
- Shawn Kelly: President, AOPA Australia
- Keith Gray: Secretary, AOPA Australia

BE PART OF THE DISCUSSION
We invite you to join us LIVE and to post your comments and questions. We will do our best to cover these off during the broadcast.

NOT A MEMBER? WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
Join today: www.aopa.com.au/membership

AOPA Australia | Your Freedom to Fly!

[Kharon]

By the numbers.

$159 / 365 = $0.44 per diem.  Or about a months worth of Macca's coffee – (yuk)...

That is the modest amount it will cost you to join AOPA. Personally, I don't like their banner of 'needing your support'. While that is true enough, it fails to to bring home the real message. Count the number of people and causes AOPA are 'supporting'.

“Need support?” Call AOPA – that's better - and has traditionally been a keystone reason for the existence of the 'body'.

The support AOPA provides to members costs money to provide; those dollars come from the membership. It may not be you who needs 'support' today; but, your membership fee will be part of that support provided to some unfortunate trapped within a maze of medical pony-pooh; or, a brangle with the administration; or, to fight your corner when the bulldozers move in to your paddock.

Like it or not, AOPA is the only outfit independent of 'agenda' other than to see GA prosper and at least try to bring attention to the train wreck. They may not win every battle, the odds against are enormous; but without mutual support they cannot even put a team on the paddock. So, as they say in the classics; put up or shut up. $127 per annum – two cartons of beer - to help GA survive and thrive. It ain't a lot to ask.

Toot – toot....

[Peetwo]

AOPA AUSTRALIA LIVE - Tuesday 28th Feb 2023

Via Youtube:

Some comments in reply, via FB:

Lorraine MacGillivray

When we keep discussing the constant dishonesty of CASA then why is this redundant organisation of self serving not disbanded. Regurgitate it back into a worthwhile organization that actually cares about supporting aviation industry growth. With so much political unrest in the world we need pilots.

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Debi Jefferson

I for one do not tell AVMED everything. If my GP is happy with my medical condition then so am I.

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Mal Bruce

The problem is back at Avmed causing everyone problems it cost me $949 just for the specialist. Is it the same person. I have CASA review

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Paul Tyler

One of the big issues is that CASA, Airservices and Avmed departments etc are driven by beauracarts who are too scared to make decisions in case something happens and politicians go looking for a head to chop

MTF...P2

[Kharon]

Best Betts?

The world of politics is a strange one, alien and hostile to those outside the bubble; but for those who exist within to 'serve' the system, 'tis paradise and safe haven far removed from the harsh realities of life at the coal face. Between the 'coal face crew and the 'bubble crowd' (in theory at least) stand the 'elected mob'. Two flavours, Senators and Members – meat in the sandwich. The average mug can, with patience, actually get to sit down with one of the 'elected' and raise a topic of concern. We get to see this system in operation best at the alleged pinnacle of interface -  Senate Estimates sessions. The simple fact that a mockery of 'system' was managed by Sterle , who should know better, almost destroyed the small amount of faith and respect the aviation world has for him and damaged the standing of all who participated in the travesty. Take time and consider the video evidence – for this is what the aviation industry must deal with, if it is to survive. Can one believe in impossible things?

I daresay you haven't had much practice,' said the Queen. 'When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.

One impossible thing is the adoption of what is now the almost world wide 'gold standard' for aviation medical certification. A must have for those outside of the 'Tupperware' world. During the last episode of the Estimates show, you may have noticed Sen. Roberts labouring a few points and getting nowhere. Like many uniformed others, the questions seemed 'off' until he patiently explained the strategy on the last AOPA video session. Tick the boxes for 'good idea', solid tactics and a good place to start next Estimates. How many 'good men and true' have we now seen try to batter down the walls surrounding the CASA paradise? Lots of, is the short answer. History supports this as unimpeachable fact.

“It has always seemed to me that so long as you produce your dramatic effect, accuracy of detail matters little. I have never striven for it and I have made some bad mistakes in consequence. What matter if I hold my readers?”

Perhaps someone could explain to the good Senator that despite three decades of 'fact' delivered through 'Inquiry' which accurately predicted the future, so clearly displayed today have preceded his gambit. Step back only a short time to the Forsyth review, read the recommendations of men like Fawcett, Xenophon, Heffernan and other members of that committee – then search for evidence to support those recommendations translated into reality. Or; if that is too far back; ask what has become of the 2020 inquiry, Sen. McDonald's dabble into 'reform'. History, good Sir is against your efforts, laudable though they are.

“Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.”

Perhaps it is time to change tack. Jim Betts seems to be an able, honest man open to reason and pragmatic. If the 'system' cannot be changed by external forces; then the solution must come from within. There are countless examples of ASA, ATSB and CASA wriggling off the hook and escaping to continue life as they please; but maybe internal pressure from the DoIT (Mandarins) and Betts, may rein in the unfettered waste and refusal to join the worlds leading nations in 'fostering and promoting' aviation as a valuable contributor to the national well being and the budget. There's gold in them thar wings – if you could but see it.

Toot – toot...E&OE...

[Peetwo]

AOPA AUSTRALIA LIVE, 7pm Tuesday 7th March 2023

Join AOPA Australia LIVE tonight from 7pm as we discuss the future of Aero Clubs across the nation, the health of general aviation industry, along with learning more about the challenges facing Instructors seeking to become Flight Examiners.

OUR PANELISTS TONIGHT:

- Benjamin Morgan:  CEO, AOPA Australia
- Trent Robinson:  Trent Robinson Aviation
- Alan Middleton:  Committee Member, RAFAC & Candidate for NT
- Geoff Breust:  President, Wagga City Aero Club

BE PART OF THE DISCUSSION

We invite you to join us LIVE and to post your comments and questions. We will do our best to cover these off during the broadcast.

[Peetwo]

AOPA AUSTRALIA LIVE - 7PM, TUES 14TH MARCH 2023

You don't want to miss this AOPA Australia LIVE session tonight!  Join us as we delve into some 1,400 pages of documents obtained under Freedom of Information, detailing the Department of Infrastructures communications recommending the approval of the Canberra Airport Masterplan to the then Minister, Michael McCormack MP.  See first hand how the Department have abandoned their responsibilities and how they have become a rubber stamp for property developer interests.

WATCH VIA:
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/aopaaustralia
YouTube:  www.youtube.com/@aopaaustralia

PANELISTS:
- Benjamin Morgan: CEO, AOPA Australia
- Clinton McKenzie:  Director, AOPA Australia

BE PART OF THE DISCUSSION
We invite you to post your comments and questions LIVE during the broadcast, our panelists will attempt to respond to as many as possible during the evening's discussion.

[Peetwo]

AOPA AUSTRALIA LIVE - 21ST MARCH 2023

Come join the conversation tonight as we meet Maddy Johnson, Chair of the Australian Flight Training Industry Association, as we discuss the challenges facing flight training providers nationwide.

WATCH LIVE:
Facebook:  www.facebook.com/aopaaustralia
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@aopaaustralia  / @aopaaustralia 

AOPA Austrtalia Director, Clinton McKenzie will join us again this evening to discuss the soon-to-end ADS-B for VFR rebate scheme and the challenges facing aircraft owners seeking to upgrade before the deadline.

We will also be discussing the unfolding ARO crisis at Mudgee Airport in New South Wales, with local aviators at the airport filing serious complaints for what they argue are breaches to aviation safety.

GUEST PANELISTS:
Benjamin Morgan:  CEO, AOPA Australia
Clinton McKenzie:  Director, AOPA Australia
Maddy Johnson:  Chairperson, Australian Flight Training Industry Association

[Peetwo]

GlenB embuggerance update: AOPA to take up the cause?? - 

Remember this??

Unfortunately it would appear that GlenB has finally succumb to the relentless mental pressure that is required to fight vicious, vindictive, vexatious legal injustices metered out to individuals who dare to challenge the supremacy of the CASA Iron Ring...  

Via the UP: https://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-a...st11414277

glenb

Magnum PI

Good Morning Magnum,

Thanks for the feedback, and sorry for the delay in responding. Regarding a website, i take on board what you say, and certainly a consideration going forward. One thing that I will say about PPRuNe is that i very much value the interactive nature of it and the feedback that i get from people. Something that could get lost if I was to set up a website. The other concern that i have is that people may not visit it, as its a single purpose destination unlike PPRuNe where people go to to look at a range of topics. Saying that i do agree and i think that will be the next logical step.

To be transparent, I have had my "one flew over the cuckoo's nest moment", and i am currently in a psychiatric facility, after a family intervention. The cumulative toll of this over the last four years finally caught up with me, and here I am. Its actually been very good for me, and i anticipate being out in two to three weeks, ready to dust myself off and move forward. First thing is to get myself into a new job.

Appreciate you following the story, and sticking by my side. Cheers and thanks Glen.

---

Ahh, the value of the local MP

As you may recall for those that have been folowing prior to the last election we had Liberal MP, Ms Gladys Liu who refused to even meet with me during her tenure. Prior to the election i spoke to the Labor Candidate Ms carina Garland who assured me that the would assist me if elected. I received this rather brief correspondence from her office the other day.

If there was any doubt in my mind about the importance of independent representatives, it has been dispelled.

Hi Glen,

Apologies for the delay in getting back to you.

As agreed, we have raised your case directly with Minister King’s office and they have advised that we are unable to assist further with this matter.

I’m sorry I don’t have better news.

Kind regards,

Jarrod Panther

Office of Dr Carina Garland MP

Federal Member for Chisholm

---

MagnumPI

That's an outrageous reply from one of her staffers.

Do I take it that they are unwilling to assist you further in any way?

Glen, I'm glad to hear that you are getting help, but saddened that this saga has driven you to this point.

---

aroa

Glen, Sorry to hear where you are at, and I’m sure the outcome will be extra positive
Getting totally stressed out mentally doesn’t do your physical condition any good either and when your are run down to the max that’s when one becomes vulnerable to infections and your immunity is under strain.

I speak for experience here, currently still unwell. SO as I found out too late a good physical condition is imperative for mind AND body.

Go well.

Responses from Pollywafflers…had the same. Not worth a cracker.

---

Sunfish

we are unable to assist further with this matter.

That is because CASA has been set up at arms length from Government. It was done this way to shield the Government of the day from any liability for air accidents; We have an independent Reserve Bank for exactly the same reason; to shield the Government from peoples rage over interest rate increases. The Minister has only marginal involvement through her statement of expectations.

It's called a Faustian Bargain*

Successive Governments are protected from aviation liability by CASA in return for allowing CASA to rape the aviation industry at will.

I hope Glen Buckley makes a full recovery. He says, I think, that he is currently in a psychiatric ward courtesy of CASA. This apparently also explains the non appearance of AOPAs Tuesday youtube broadcast.


*Faustian bargain," a deal with the devil trading a soul for diabolical powers; eg. eternal youth.

---

Global Aviator

AND THIS IS HOW IT goes, the powers that be don't give a fcuk about Glen, the people he thinks he's let down, or anyone. They just want to push him until well....... They will think they have succeeded.

I for one will start by throwing a measly $100 into a gofundme campaign for Glen, be it for survival or to put to a solicitor. I have no idea how they work but know how to click the buttons to donate.

This really is outrageous.

---

MagnumPI

Meanwhile, this just in - more vomit-inducing rubbish from the top mandarin at CASA:

Director of Aviation Safety, Pip Spence

Safety is CASA's key objective but it depends on much more than simply being a regulator.

We're keenly aware that every passenger who boards an aircraft in Australia expects their safety authority and industry to work together to ensure they safely reach their destination.

It's a sector-wide responsibility that would get nowhere without the cooperation and actions of individuals, aviation operators and the companies that support them.

That's why we recently reviewed and endorsed the regulatory philosophy that guides us in making our decisions and, we hope, supports you.

That philosophy commits us to approaching our regulatory functions consultatively and collaboratively while taking into account relevant considerations such as cost.

It also requires us to communicate meaningfully with stakeholders, build trust and respect and fairly balance the need for consistency with flexibility.

As a safety authority, there are occasions when we need to take legitimate action against people flouting the rules.

When this happens, our regulatory philosophy tells us to employ a rational 'just culture', proportionality and discretion as well as natural justice and fairness in exercising our powers.

Having a regulatory philosophy is a good start but we also need to be seen to be applying it.

A practical example of the regulatory philosophy in action is our General Aviation Workplan aimed at reducing the regulatory burden on the general aviation sector and some of the specific initiatives we are working to.

Where was just culture, proportionality, discretion, natural justice, and fairness applied in Glen's case?

---

Clinton McKenzie

There was no Youtube broadcast from AOPA last night (Tuesday 4 April) because Ben Morgan and I were in Mudgee at an aerodrome user's meeting with the aerodrome operator (the local Council).

However, lots of work has continued, in the background, on the arrangements for broadcasts (plural) that relate to Glen's plight. I expect Ben will make an announcement later today about the broadcast planned for next Tuesday (11 April).

MTF? Definitely! - P2   

PS:

 

[Peetwo]

Appendix: Next week's AOPA Oz live presentation; & Dept Whitepaper -    

STOP PRESS: YOU WILL NOT WANT TO MISS THIS INTERVIEW

Plus: 

DEPARTMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE, WHITE PAPER OR WHITE WASH?

Benjamin Morgan provides some insights and thoughts with respect to this weeks visit to the Department of Infrastructure.

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

Ben Morgan's GOOD FRIDAY rant! - 

Via FB today:

BOILING FRUSTRATION:  HOW MANY MORE YEARS BEFORE CASA WILL ACHIEVE SAFE AND SENSIBLE OUTCOMES FOR AUSTRALIAN GENERAL AVIATION?

I thought I would share some thoughts today, following this week’s fantastic announcement to general aviation industry in the US.

The United States Federal Aviation Administration’s Vintage Aircraft Replacement and Modification Article (VARMA) program has been unveiled to a jubilant GA industry, giving aircraft owners access to safe and affordable off-the-shelf parts for type-certified aircraft in the USA.

Sadly, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia has been calling on the Civil Aviation Safety Authority in Australia for over 7 years to implement this very outcome - and many more key reforms - with the regulator refusing to take action at every turn.

Had CASA taken action 7 years ago, it could have led the global aviation industry with safe and sensible reforms that would have served to improve general aviation industry sustainability for decades to come.  They could have achieved global recognition for something genuinely great.

Instead, they have done nothing and have sat back watching Australian general aviation decline.

CASA have pushed back on calls for reform and dug-in defending themselves and their busted frankenstein regulatory ideology, utterly ignorant to the needs of the industry to which they are responsible under the Civil Aviation Act for managing.  Determined to have their way regardless of how much damage it inflicts.

So here we are… CASA is at the back of the global regulatory pack again, stumbling and struggling in last place, wheezing and gasping for air as those around it move ahead.  CASA are continuing to sink under the weight of their own incompetence and bureaucracy, all the while blind to it all.

Think I am exaggerating?  Let’s test my experience and CASA’s reality;
I encourage everyone to start your stop-watches today and let’s all count-down how many years it will take CASA in Australia to play catch up to the US FAA on it’s VARMA reform.

Let’s all start counting the months and years and take note of how many TWG’s and regulatory consultations and reviews it takes before CASA is able to announce an intention to deliver a VARMA like reform.

Then keep counting the months and years until CASA deliver a result into regulation…. Then when that occurs, lets all assess how CASA will have twisted and contorted the VARMA reform so that it looks nothing like what the US FAA delivered, neutering any benefit it provides to the Australian industry.

My prediction is that CASA is incapable of simply adopting what is successful, they have an inherent and somewhat mischievous determination to bugger and bastardise everything they touch.

But don’t worry, their patchwork quilt version of any future Australian VARMA reform will be justified all in the name of ‘safety’ of course… because CASA know more than the worlds largest, most diverse and most complex aviation regulator and economy.  They’re experts.

Meanwhile in other more important news… CASA claims to be the world leader in Vertiports regulations for drones that do not exist anywhere in the world at this time and are unlikely to be anytime soon.

Well done CASA for prioritising and pioneering such important work ahead of less significant red-tape reductions and reforms for the existing manned general aviation industry which has been in significant decline now for several decades.  A world class regulatory philosphy indeed.

Just some thoughts for the day…

Happy Easter everyone and safe flying during this holiday break!

BENJAMIN MORGAN
CEO, AOPA Australia
Mobile: 0415 577 724
Email:  ben.morgan@aopa.com.au

---

EAA - The Spirit of Aviation
5 h
  ·
Thanks to years of EAA’s advocacy efforts, the FAA has unveiled a new program for the use of off-the-shelf parts in type-certificated aircraft. This is the first approval granted under the new Vintage Aircraft Replacement and Modification Article (VARMA) program, the next big step in keeping vintage aircraft flying.

Read: http://discover.eaa.org/fRV250NCN2r

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

AOPA flight safety education in another hemisphere - 

Via YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AirSafetyInstitute/about

Recent Accident Case Studies:

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[Peetwo]

BM is back?? 

Q/ What happened to the UNMISSABLE INTERVIEW?

From GlenB off the UP, somewhat of an explanation...  

glenb

The AOPA broadcast

Although I am not aware of the details, I believe that Sunfish could slide that $10 donation that he offered back into the wallet for now. A disappointing turn of events for the time being. My hope is that I will be proceeding without that witness at this stage, although I am awaiting confirmation from AOPA, Cheers. Glen.

MIA since his Good Friday rant, I see that BM has suddenly got busy...

Via FB:

CASA ANNOUNCES INDIVIDUAL INSTRUCTOR PART 141 FLIGHT TRAINING CERTIFICATE PATHWAY

Published on the CASA website;

We’ve made it easier for individuals who don’t employ other staff to apply for a Part 141 flight training certificate.

Our new streamlined application and assessment process means individuals can apply to provide non-complex flight training for the issue of recreational, private, commercial pilot licences and certain operational ratings.

The initiative is part of our General Aviation Workplan to make it easier for flight instructors that want to operate independently to obtain a Part 141 flight training approval. It is aimed at making it simpler and less expensive to gain approval if you are a single instructor providing non-complex training.

This step is similar in concept to the ‘independent flight instructor’ path available in the United States but it is not the same. A single-person instructor that wants to provide flight training for licences or ratings must still operate under our Part 141 framework, but we’re making that easier for individuals.

To be eligible to apply, a single flight instructor must be authorised under Part 61 of CASR to conduct the flight training they have applied for.

Applying under our new streamlined path for a Part 141 certificate:

- is available if you are a single-person operation and don’t employ any other staff
- requires you to use our sample operations manual and sample syllabi
- an application fee of $1,560 is payable.  This is based on an abbreviated assessment pathway to significantly reduce the cost if the sample operations manual and sample syllabi have been used.
- a reduced turnaround time if you meet all the criteria.

Remember that training for Design Feature Endorsements and/or Flight Activity Endorsements does not need a Part 141 approval certificate and an individual that holds a Flight Instructor Rating (with the relevant training endorsements) can do this already.

Ref: https://www.casa.gov.au/licences-and-cer...C5nQbDuPk#

A comment:

Steve Curtis

More CASA smoke and mirrors!

This isn’t IAW ICAO guidelines, how does CASA justify the requirement for individual instructors to hold a training certificate?

I’ll guarantee it will cost more than $1560 to process and how many months will it take to process?
CASA can’t issue a PPL or new issue medical in under 2 months. If a handful of instructors take up the “streamlined” 141 pathway you’ll be waiting many months.

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Sandy in reply:

Sandy Reith
  · 0:23

As I read the fine print certainly a step in the right direction but we still have a long way to go if we want to compete with the USA and truly make GA great again. We must keep up our support of AOPA because CASA is having to look at its shameful treatment of GA and its fee gouging ways because we are keeping on keeping on.

About individual instructors, and I gained my rating in the 70s and fairly soon was CFI of my own school, you only have to read the Part 141 CASA ‘process’ to see that we have been given yet another Clayton’s reform, yes better than nothing but still shades of BasicMed.

Say no more, except to repeat that the independent monopoly corporate concept of governance via a statutory authority is a failed experiment and there’s no substitute for the Westminster system of responsible government which means Ministerial control and accountability. Would you countenance palming off other important areas of government administration? How about the Department of Defence for example?

What is the point of representation government if the arms of government are pushed out to taxpayer funded independent institutions that will invariably look after themselves and never take the slightest risk about anything?

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PART 67 PILOT MEDICAL CERTIFICATION, TECHNICAL WORKING GROUP KICKS OFF 23RD APRIL

AOPA Australia CEO Benjamin Morgan provides a quick update on the upcoming Part 67 TWG for recreational/private pilot medical reform.

Sandy again...

Sandy Reith

RAAUS medical experience of the self declared fitness to fly is now 40 years of no problem, and the Gliding Federation of Australia has been successfully flying on self declared certification since inception, 1949.

GFA pilots fly in CTA, but RAAUS cannot. Why not?

In the USA their BasicMed m, which has certain compromised parameters designed to appease a strong medico lobby, nevertheless got 17,000 pilots flying in GA quite quickly and I hear lately that around 70,000 private pilots are now taking advantage of the BasicMed. In reality we should have self declared for all aspects of private flying including IFR and instructing.

Note that USA instructors need no medical if teaching those who have soloed. This has been in existence for years before today’s statistics have been assembled.

 
Finally BM on that interview...

FORMER CASA FOI INTERVIEW POSTPONED

AOPA Australia CEO Benjamin Morgan provides and update on the upcoming former CASA FOI interview.

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[Wombat]

Sandy

Say no more, except to repeat that the independent monopoly corporate concept of governance via a statutory authority is a failed experiment and there’s no substitute for the Westminster system of responsible government which means Ministerial control and accountability. Would you countenance palming off other important areas of government administration? How about the Department of Defence for example?

Actually, large chunks of Defence are sub contracted out to what are effectively "mini CASAs". because they are allegedly more efficient.

The net effect has been to lobotomise the engineering and support capabilities of the services. The fire and deaths on HMAS Westralia for example were a direct result of a dumb engineering decision by a contractor and not one EO caught on to something that any trained marine engineer would know was lethal.