[Kharon]

Walk a mile – In my shoes.

Now, I know times are tough and uncertain. The daily struggle to keep it all afloat, the dreams and hopes for the future and etc. These obstacles can be overcome; it is as 'tough-row-to hoe' now as it always has been. The only difference now being the ratio of dollars required to achieve the same goal – I can remember when $10 could fund a big night at the pub and the change was left on the bar for the barmaid. Costs and wages a never ending battle; but being young, healthy and qualified always helped – even if not in a 'chosen' profession; there was always 'work' – in one form or another, to do and get paid for.

But, what if there was no work available- to you, in your chosen field, because of an event; that employment was denied to you? Think about it; what if, your professional life was ended through something over which you had no control; responsibility for; or, were even 'guilt associated'. What then?  Let me tell you a story – a tale which could happen to any pilot.

Les Woodall, an industry long time professional with literally over 1500 beach landings accepted a day's work from an outfit which catered to the young backpacking fraternity – a joy flight to a beach and whatever came next. As per the 'book' a precautionary landing of the beach 'strip' was executed – low level, paying attention to the condition of the approved landing area. Piece of cake – on a fine day with a light load. Over-flight and inspection conducted (as scripted) – no problems noted – routine go-around next phase. Power up, clean up and - -  the bloody engine quit. Options limited; hours of experience kicks in and (arguably) the best 'option' (from experience) was the selected action. So far – so good. Water landing or Beach? Little time from a low level failure; decision made.

The result was tragic – no bones about it. But, IMO, the aftermath was even more so. A criminal conviction (strict liability) was parlayed from this event. CASA needed a peg on which to hang their safety hat – the rest history. A lay jury trial found him guilty; the Judge dismissed Woodall without goal time; now there is an appeal to be fought.  This costs more money than 'Woody' has ever laid his paws on. The CASA case was not based on any tangible 'rule' breaking – but rather in defence of their lackadaisical approach to 'real' safety oversight of procedures and operational standards. For example there was no forensic examination of the failed engine's history. The ATSB could find no fault; but, that engine had been 'illegal' for years.

Look, I could bang on here for pages about how fundamentally flawed the CASA 'approach' to this case has been. I won't – but I say it is flawed and remedy is required of the CASA 'crucify and close' approach to safety.

Les needs a few more dollars than he has to appeal this travesty; it could be you in the Dock next outing. So, if you can – spare a few bucks so Les can not only redeem his good name, be free of a criminal charge; but perhaps send a message to CASA that it's OK to be the school yard bully – until someone thumps you back. 

Enough said; but this ludicrous prosecution of the fiscally defenseless to justify CASA's existence and 'versions' safety through unlimited money prosecution needs to end. If you have a spare buck (or even two) in your back pocket – Kick the Woodall defense tin:-

https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-aopa-hel...conviction

You know you want to.

Toot – toot.