The AOPA gold star.
AOPA – what a recovery! 12 months ago, after the Tamworth bun fight the organisations survival was balanced on a knife edge, a sharp one. No longer – safely over the bridge to becoming, once again, a major voice in the aviation choir. Bravo and well done.
The battle ain’t over yet, crossing the Rubicon a major stride forward; now they must consolidate that bridgehead. To do that they will need support. The notions of changes to ‘the Act’ are worthy of that support. It would be very nice if all of the necessary changes could be brought on, as the RAAA’s Mike Higgins proposed. Had ‘time’ (as in elections) permitted, the idea of finishing the job properly would have unlimited support – alas, we have to consider elections. A change to ‘the Act’; now, is very possible and politically ‘do-able’ within the parliamentary sitting. Anything else opens the doors to debate and ‘time’. We can afford neither. A change to ‘the Act’ as proposed, sends a very clear message. Breaking down the barriers afforded by the Act breaks the CASA stranglehold and paves the way for real reform – just a little further down the road.
But back to the AOPA; behind the scenes the enigmatic Marc de Stoop quietly but effectively manages to bond and apply the essential elements. The names are household words – Brecht, Cannane, Hennesy, Kelly, Lewis, Morgan, Smith – to name just a few; all at Wagga. But for my money the ‘big’ win was the International AOPA support. There was a time of conflict between the powerful USA group and the small Oz group – these bridges have been mended – thanks to the efforts, vision, common sense (and money) of M. De Stoop. More than anyone else Marc has welded a collection of spare parts and odd bits into a cohesive voice for the ailing industry. AP hall of fame place ensured – unanimous.
Every AOPA member and those attending the Wagga summit deserve a big thank you and a well done. It was a sterling effort and very nicely done. Bravo and well done. Well done indeed.
Some may not get a mention – the tireless, ever vigilant bus driver for example, who managed to get everyone there to where they needed to be. The volunteer pilot who kept the channels open and faithfully recorded the event for posterity and future use. The good folk who came thousands of miles to witness the ‘once in a life time event’ and to speak eloquently, effectively and sensibly.
What more can I say – bloody well done AOPA, good job Ben – a lifetime supply of Choc frogs and a key to the Tim Tam cupboard is our highest award.
Well; there’s movement at the stable keg – “K” is up and heading toward the tap with two glasses in his paws – seems recovery is imminent. Cheers…….
AOPA – what a recovery! 12 months ago, after the Tamworth bun fight the organisations survival was balanced on a knife edge, a sharp one. No longer – safely over the bridge to becoming, once again, a major voice in the aviation choir. Bravo and well done.
The battle ain’t over yet, crossing the Rubicon a major stride forward; now they must consolidate that bridgehead. To do that they will need support. The notions of changes to ‘the Act’ are worthy of that support. It would be very nice if all of the necessary changes could be brought on, as the RAAA’s Mike Higgins proposed. Had ‘time’ (as in elections) permitted, the idea of finishing the job properly would have unlimited support – alas, we have to consider elections. A change to ‘the Act’; now, is very possible and politically ‘do-able’ within the parliamentary sitting. Anything else opens the doors to debate and ‘time’. We can afford neither. A change to ‘the Act’ as proposed, sends a very clear message. Breaking down the barriers afforded by the Act breaks the CASA stranglehold and paves the way for real reform – just a little further down the road.
But back to the AOPA; behind the scenes the enigmatic Marc de Stoop quietly but effectively manages to bond and apply the essential elements. The names are household words – Brecht, Cannane, Hennesy, Kelly, Lewis, Morgan, Smith – to name just a few; all at Wagga. But for my money the ‘big’ win was the International AOPA support. There was a time of conflict between the powerful USA group and the small Oz group – these bridges have been mended – thanks to the efforts, vision, common sense (and money) of M. De Stoop. More than anyone else Marc has welded a collection of spare parts and odd bits into a cohesive voice for the ailing industry. AP hall of fame place ensured – unanimous.
Every AOPA member and those attending the Wagga summit deserve a big thank you and a well done. It was a sterling effort and very nicely done. Bravo and well done. Well done indeed.
Some may not get a mention – the tireless, ever vigilant bus driver for example, who managed to get everyone there to where they needed to be. The volunteer pilot who kept the channels open and faithfully recorded the event for posterity and future use. The good folk who came thousands of miles to witness the ‘once in a life time event’ and to speak eloquently, effectively and sensibly.
What more can I say – bloody well done AOPA, good job Ben – a lifetime supply of Choc frogs and a key to the Tim Tam cupboard is our highest award.
Well; there’s movement at the stable keg – “K” is up and heading toward the tap with two glasses in his paws – seems recovery is imminent. Cheers…….