[Peetwo]

AOPA and the punters choice.

There is a thread running on the UP, related to the ‘cost’ of doing business with CASA. Shan’t bother to put up a link – the thing is hardly worth the reading, however this statement caught my eye:-

“Can I ask what AOPA are doing? I was under the impression they represented pilots, have they no power?”

The short answers in reverse order:-

“I was under the impression they represented pilots, have they no power?”

AOPA can, will and do represent their member owners and pilots, they have even been known to assist folk who are not members. The old AOPA became mired in politics and survival, it is a long story, without a happy ending, best kept for a rainy day. The ‘new’ AOPA is (IMO) an entirely different animal. ‘We’ have watched with interest the progress; think of it as a kid learning to fly – rough, uncoordinated, lacking finesse – as everyone is at first. This is to be expected, with first class assistance there is always ‘improvement’ but the litmus test is the change in attitude and approach to task; this is always the thing looked for. The changes over the last half year have been remarkable. Even through hard, cynical eyes the improvement is impressive all that is lacking now is membership. AOPA is truly ‘independent’ and have set about reducing both the cost and regulatory burden on their members. They cannot achieve this without the support of the members. Combined with AAAA and AMROBA they could, with support from the aviation community, become an effective voice for real reform – in real time. The minister’s minions know this; if you want to help – join up, get involved and be part of the solution. That boys and girls is real power.  

“Can I ask what AOPA are doing?”

Since the Tamworth stockade a frightened, do-nothing minister has hidden behind the CASA and departmental barricades. The shock tactics brought into sharp focus the anger, disgust and disappointment left in the wake of the brutal treatment the Rev. Forsyth received. Industry hopes for real reform were high after his report was tabled, almost everyone believed there would be significant improvements: there were not. That fool ‘whatsisname’ completed the heartbreak; anger levels were palpable – expressed at Tamworth. Through the efforts of the Senate and industry bodies, the minister has been forced to actually  ‘do something’. His advice dusted off the tried and true ‘gab-fest’ with industry representation and gifting time to sooth the troubled waters. It is a proven strategy, the only wrinkle this time is that there will only be ‘select’ representation.

Ask not what AOPA are doing; ask why are they being prevented from participating; the more asking that question, the more likely it is the answer will be provided. The only axe AOPA has to grind is yours; they cannot do this if you don’t bring it along to the workshop. Join up, give it a twelvemonth – not much to loose; much to gain.

Toot toot.

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A question for the bleating sheep K.

Are you a member of AOPA? if you are, do you make any effort to contribute your opinions or experiences to strengthen AOPA's advocacy on behalf of your industry?

Its stated there are 35,000 pilots in Australia, a debatable figure perhaps better described as "There are 35,000 licences issued in Australia". The question is how many of them are active?

AOPA has only 2000 or so members of that 35,000. 2000 voices in the cacophony of noise that assails the political class from all the other interest groups is hardly likely to be heard, especially when self serving bureaucrats actively work to suppress and undermine that voice.

2000 members also does not generate a great deal of financial resources with which to fight the good fight, as well as provide other services to their members. AOPA's weakness in the past could be attributed to the apathy of the owners and pilots in Australia who, it would seem prefer to sit on the fence and bleat, rather than mount the barricades and fight.

The bureaucrats who run CASA, know this very well, they are without doubt cunning and devious opponents, there is nothing they won't stoop to to protect their bailiwick and they have an army of lawyers and the contents of the public purse to support them.

Its a political game of thrones they play, its not a fair fight, without numbers, which brings finances, it requires involvement, without which there is very little AOPA can do except pray for one or two dragons maybe.

Yet they do have successes that largely go unsung.

I was not an AOPA member yet they went to bat for me and broke through a road block I was experiencing with CASA.

I know also of a young engineer who's career and livelihood about to be destroyed by CASA for a simple mistake, was spared because of AOPA's advocacy. He was also not an AOPA member. Bet he is now.

In the past couple of years AOPA has undergone some radical change. It is no longer prepared to tow the CASA line. Its board now has some serious expertise in its ranks and it is, despite the attempts of the bureaucrats to stifle its voice and exclude it from contributing to the debate, gaining some traction as it learns the art of politics.

Membership costs less than you'd spend on a Friday session at the pub, but of far greater importance, involvement of members, if there is to be any chance of success.

So we can sit on the fence and bleat, while CASA goes about its nefarious project of pricing us out of business or enjoyment of our hobby, or contribute. Google AOPA in the USA and see just what can be achieved.

This seems like an appropriate place to regurgitate some commentary from frankus45,   Sandy & jenseninterloper440 to last week's LMH... :

frankus54 • 7 days ago
Re the representative body and CASA, a vigorous orginisation with a significant membership will be likely to get its nose out of joint if they are feeling their agenda and voice is not being promoted with sufficient vigor by the peak body. I'm impressed with AOPA's motivation and sense of action (as a member) but their method of constant (and by history justified) banging CASA over the head for the regulator's issues, and then not publicly acknowledging CASA when there is positive progress, is only not only poor diplomacy but penalizes them for constructive collaboration (should it happen). CASA won't take the GA industry seriously united peak body can speak on its behalf.



Sandy Reith frankus54 • 6 days ago
Frankus54, with respect and as an AOPA member since the 60s, and as GA owner operator airport aircraft CFI and Chief Pilot including my own RPT ops, I've watched with dismay the unnecessary destruction of what should be a vibrant and productive industry.
The blame for this can be sheeted home to successive governments who have abrogated their responsibilities by creating a regulator independent of government.
You feel that its up to the GA industry to correct this appalling situation by being all at one voice to government. I must say that this is not correct. We pay our MPs to govern for everyone. It is their responsibility, not ours. As for CASA and expecting this dysfunctional body to undermine its enormous feather bed this is a completely forlorn hope.
Its a concern of marginal consequence that the laughingly named ASAP (as soon as possible!) does not have a proper representation of the various segments of GA. It is of course just a studied insult to AOPA and AMROBA and should be called out for that.
ASAP will not accomplish anything except some excuse for Minister Chester and government generally to do nothing 'while discussions place'.
The unforgiving truth is that CASA is simply a dragging anchor while the ship of GA is being hammered on the rocks and CASA will never reform itself.
Only political action will accomplish this therefore CASA has no role in reform whatsoever and to expect different is to fly in the face of history, some 30 years of a slowly unfolding industry disaster with the loss of thousands of jobs and businesses.

• • 
    jenseninterloper440@glail.com Sandy Reith • 5 days ago
    No argument there. I have had my own experiences with Casa that could only be described as maddening. In the day job I deal with government through a peak body and the more you learn about how it works, the less confidence you have. The buck stops at the Minister and at that level, we have has a succession of 3rd rate leadership for some time (not just GA). The proof is in the stats. My point was that with new top management at Casa, a collaborative approach from a cohesive GA peak body would be a "reset button" to a more constructive relationship. This includes publically recognising progress as well as naming and shaming. As soon as we have multiple interest groups taking on individual issues, our power to force change is deminished. This assumes that the peak body has its collective act together. The weaknesses emerge in a peak body when ego and self interest take over. (As we see in the government every day). All the same, I happily entertain and support all options that will improve the situation. Including vigorous action and banging the table rather than just sitting there and copping it (The revolution will not be televised)
    

MTF...P2