A Bilious Confection.
It is not very often that an urge to defend CASA surfaces; quite rare in fact, novel even, however. The story above, from the ABC smacks of the gutter press and unfairly criticises CASA. Gods know, there is plenty of ammunition, targets and scope for pot shots at CASA but I fail, utterly, to see what CASA could have done more to prevent either accident.
VFR into IMC, engine failures, carburettor ice, loud cloud and high ground and the rest of the long list of potential killers and a pilots response to same are totally and completely, beyond, their control. The standards CASA set for the various grades of pilot qualification are within the boundaries of international standards, the medical condition set for pilots are definitely wrong but they err on the side of caution, the maintenance of aircraft and the requirements for flight all reflect the same cautious approach. In short; CASA have made rules which are designed to prevent, as far as possible, any accident or incident. These rules govern all aircraft operations, Angel Flight and their volunteer pilots included.
The AF pilots operate under Private Pilot Licence regime; the Australian standard is comparable to the rest of the worlds. In my experience, our PPL holders fly for the sake of it, they enjoy flying and have enthusiasm for learning more and gathering experience. Compare the PPL to motor vehicle licences. Not everyone needs to hold a heavy vehicle licence and drive for a living but almost every adult has a driving licence; this does not mean they are incapable of driving a big rig – just simply means they have no need to. Same as PPL, nothing to say they could not fly a Jumbo, given opportunity and training.
Taking a slap at CASA, the quality of our PPL’s, Angel Flight or even the system on either accident is unreasonable, especially so when the cause of the accident has not been determined.
I will however take a shot at the erstwhile Mr Twigg – if he feels that he is due more compensation then he is free to argue his case in the courts. No easy task I’ll grant you, but that is the system – Karen Casey challenged it and proved, categorically just how pathetic and venal the compensation system for victims of air accident is. But attacking CASA, Angel Flight or the pilots in this manner is not the way to acquire the funds or support Twigg seems to feel he is entitled to. Emotive appeals of this nature, through the media for more money leave me stone cold. Others seek to prevent accidents reoccurring, others seek to define the reasons for accident, many grieve, many are left behind to wonder. But none that I know of have turned an interview into a ‘poor me – give me more money’ opportunity; yet they all suffer. From Lockhart to Canley Vale; not one single poor soul who has lost a loved one has made such a naked appeal. The system is flawed, we all know that, changing it a long, weary battle; one may either help or get off the paddock – but whining from the side-lines – is for spectators who live vicariously through the efforts of others, then go home.
Toot - toot.
It is not very often that an urge to defend CASA surfaces; quite rare in fact, novel even, however. The story above, from the ABC smacks of the gutter press and unfairly criticises CASA. Gods know, there is plenty of ammunition, targets and scope for pot shots at CASA but I fail, utterly, to see what CASA could have done more to prevent either accident.
VFR into IMC, engine failures, carburettor ice, loud cloud and high ground and the rest of the long list of potential killers and a pilots response to same are totally and completely, beyond, their control. The standards CASA set for the various grades of pilot qualification are within the boundaries of international standards, the medical condition set for pilots are definitely wrong but they err on the side of caution, the maintenance of aircraft and the requirements for flight all reflect the same cautious approach. In short; CASA have made rules which are designed to prevent, as far as possible, any accident or incident. These rules govern all aircraft operations, Angel Flight and their volunteer pilots included.
The AF pilots operate under Private Pilot Licence regime; the Australian standard is comparable to the rest of the worlds. In my experience, our PPL holders fly for the sake of it, they enjoy flying and have enthusiasm for learning more and gathering experience. Compare the PPL to motor vehicle licences. Not everyone needs to hold a heavy vehicle licence and drive for a living but almost every adult has a driving licence; this does not mean they are incapable of driving a big rig – just simply means they have no need to. Same as PPL, nothing to say they could not fly a Jumbo, given opportunity and training.
Taking a slap at CASA, the quality of our PPL’s, Angel Flight or even the system on either accident is unreasonable, especially so when the cause of the accident has not been determined.
I will however take a shot at the erstwhile Mr Twigg – if he feels that he is due more compensation then he is free to argue his case in the courts. No easy task I’ll grant you, but that is the system – Karen Casey challenged it and proved, categorically just how pathetic and venal the compensation system for victims of air accident is. But attacking CASA, Angel Flight or the pilots in this manner is not the way to acquire the funds or support Twigg seems to feel he is entitled to. Emotive appeals of this nature, through the media for more money leave me stone cold. Others seek to prevent accidents reoccurring, others seek to define the reasons for accident, many grieve, many are left behind to wonder. But none that I know of have turned an interview into a ‘poor me – give me more money’ opportunity; yet they all suffer. From Lockhart to Canley Vale; not one single poor soul who has lost a loved one has made such a naked appeal. The system is flawed, we all know that, changing it a long, weary battle; one may either help or get off the paddock – but whining from the side-lines – is for spectators who live vicariously through the efforts of others, then go home.
Toot - toot.