“Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most.”

{“Taking a new step, uttering a new word, is what people fear most.”
― Fyodor Dostoyevsky, Crime and Punishment } – AP Forum version

Well; it seems the inhabitants of planet CASA have decided to return to Earth – just for a visit you understand. Of course, we hasten welcome the aliens in the approved and proper manner. Lots of catching up to do –

Eventually, when the formalities have been observed; it’s down to business. The new leader of planet CASA seems to be making some welcome, long awaited noises: one of the best heard in a long while is the ‘harmonization’ word. What a lovely, soothing sound that is. Earthling Cannane is delighted – having worked long and hard and waited a long, weary wait to hear the word spoken out loud.

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AMROBA’s Ken Cannane (left) and Senator David Fawcett (right) listen to industry
2014 a Year For Optimism: AMROBA – Australian Flying

“…As members will be aware, AMROBA has been lobbying to have harmonisation for the non-airline sectors with the USA general aviation regulatory requirements. Harmonisation with the Federal Aviation Regulations for all engineering (design, maintenance and manufacturing) would provide a safer outcome with economic benefits for each sector.

The higher safety standards with economic benefits will lower costs to private and commercial aviation. Exactly what government red tape reduction requirements demand.

CASA’s CEO Shane Carmody and his executive can take some accolades this time for announcing a CASR Part 21 “realignment” project at the 20th Asia-Pacific Bilateral Partners Meeting in Canberra, 6-8 March this year…

…Congratulation Mr Carmody, now apply the same ‘harmonisation by adoption’ policy to the GA operational regulations. Adopt FAR Parts 43, 61, 91, 141. Also, harmonise with FAR Part 145…”

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There is no accolade too great for Ken’s efforts on behalf of sanity and common sense. However it does take two to Tango and without the Carmody nod of approval harmonization with the FAR simply could not happen. There is no begrudging of a  ‘thank you’ offered to Carmody, there is however a bloody great shout of ‘Hallelujah’, well done and a “please Sir, I’d like some more”. It makes such good sense to ‘harmonize’ with our near neighbours, I’m surprised no one thought of it before – no matter; let’s hope we keep harmonizing like Billy-O for the next couple of years.

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Dick Smith – so close but no cigar

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Oz aviation, safety compromised by political and bureaucratic subterfuge ?

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What will a Quarter buy you? | AuntyPru.com : Home of PAIN

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Smith, Joyce and Albanese – a prosaic enough trio to have created a breach in the previously impenetrable curtain wall protecting castle CASA. Well, I get ahead of myself, the notion to modify the Air Navigation Act (the Act) with bi-partisan support is a very good one; indeed it an urgent ‘must do’. Alas, politics now raises some road blocks. “Why should it?” asks the crowd. To the unwashed masses, seems as though an agreement has been reached between the major’ parties – Albo would not be acting without party support; Joyce would not be acting without at very least the support of his own Nats – so it becomes a ‘party’ thing, not an individual whimsy. The new minister better pull his socks up and get on with it, its too juicy a bone to snatch from the jaws of a very hungry, fierce, pissed off industry. The symbolism associated with changing the Act is massive, it heralds the first faltering but real, tangible steps toward true reform. It is a powerful statement of much needed hope and release from the incredible fiscal burden the existing rule set imposes. Take a look at the table half way down the P2 post – HERE.

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This impost, standing alone is enough incentive to enforce a change in system – a reform. $400 million spent so far and not one skerrick of safety improvement gained; just mountains of paper-work and strict liability criminal offences. Value for money? I think not.

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“The consolation of fairy-stories, the joy of the happy ending; or more correctly of the good catastrophe, the sudden joyous “turn” (for there is no true end to any fairy-tale): this joy, which is one of the things which fairy-stories can produce supremely well, is not essentially “escapist,” nor “fugitive.”― J.R.R. Tolkien, Tolkien on Fairy-stories

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Whether a change to the Act and Carmody’s harmonization will affect the way CASA sets about doing it work is yet to be seen. The tentacles of Illich stretch far, wide and deep; it was his notion to ‘criminalize’ everything from licking a postage stamp the wrong way to failing to put the correct date on a letter. Reform of the existing regulation could begin by simply de-criminalizing everything not classed as ‘serious’. There are plenty of guidelines to assist with this small task and; then, to put some icing on the cake – CASA could consider revisiting ‘the intent’ element, which is enshrined in the law and the constitution. Three small steps for the new minister to win a gold star and the gratitude of the aviation community. IMO the new minister has had enough time to settle in – the gloves are off, the stakes are high – seconds away Round 1.

Speaking of things getting done – is the Senate committee ever going to resolve the ‘drone’ quandary – before someone gets hurt? O’Sullivan seems to have the brakes on – again. The article – HERE – focuses attention on what can happen without proper controls in place. It would be a great pity to see the law abiding general public deprived of the pleasure of operating a drone for personal use – but, history shows t is easier to outlaw the entire thing rather than get in early and manage the hooligan element spoiling it for everyone else. Aero modellers have, for generations, managed their recreation and associations without so much as a close call, let alone a close encounter. The professional drone operating outfits manage to set a good example – most sensible folk seem to manage a spot of weekend drone flying without creating a furore; so why has the Senate committee not finished pontificating? Seems a simple enough matter to me – Sen Alec Gallacher is on the right track – technology is the solution – well; that and some pretty hefty penalties for getting caught ‘at it’.

Lot’s to think about and some support for those trying to make things better is needed; its as good a time to speak up as you will ever have again – take 30 seconds to send an e-mail supporting ‘harmonization’ and a new Act.

For quite a long while now the bench seat by the orchard wall has need replacing; today I shall make one. Best crack on – before DT finds other, more mundane tasks which need to be done; I find a stack of timber on the bench, floor covered in shavings and sawdust a good deterrent. I can put those small jobs on the ‘to-do’ list, you know the ones – where it takes longer to get the tools out and put ‘em away than it does to fix the snag. Her wish list – my to do list – systematic excellence.

Toot toot

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