It occurs to me Sandy, that "We are all in this together" is the most incongruous statement ever made, maybe indicative of just how divided we are as an industry or more broadly we are as a nation, because for sure we are not all in this together.
A government, be it a democracy or totalitarian, does not rule without consensus, either by the people in the first case, or by whatever agency can threaten and cow the population. As we have seen through history, when the majority of the people get really pissed off your friendly neighbourhood despot doesn't last long, not too many tyrants get to ride off into the sunset.
As K alludes, which I have been trying to get in peoples heads, divided we lose, united we win. I just don't understand why in Australia, by and large, competing ego's continually frustrate all efforts to reach consensus and attack the real enemy instead of each other.
CAsA of course, as good tyrants do, manipulates this very well.
As far as GA goes the "We are all in this together" is bitter sweet. As the industry slowly collapses under the weight of bureaucratic impositions of CAsA and those of the Covid panic, our oppressors sit happily in their bubble, drawing full salary and all the perks. Not a single person within CAsA has sacrificed a brass farthing throughout the pandemic. Given the ever diminishing industry, how could any reasonable person say they are gainfully employed, especially when they are paid vastly more than their industry equivalents.
We as an industry are paying for our executioners to kill us, and they are not even doing that humanely, we are being killed by a thousand regulatory cuts.
One dose of reality - please.
Sandy -
"All the same agreed it would be ideal to have a single voice, but is it realistic to expect?"
Is it realistic? Good question Sandy. Let me (with your indulgence) rephrase it. Is it realistic to continue on as we are? The answer is a bloody great big, resounding NO!. History, facts and the state of the industry fully support the singularity - NO!
Gods know, full well every possible avenue has been explored, the tales from honest, competent, intelligent folk who weighed in thirty years ago match similar stories told by today's crowd of those who tried to penetrate the veil. Ergo:-
"Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.”
Sandy
"I can think of many other business groups that have their own associations, but few if any that encompass such a variety the likes of GA."
Aye: but - if one strips away the various uses of aviation - from regional airlines down to basic flight school; the parallels become remarkable. All have the same basic needs, all have the same bottom line - the use of aircraft, the need to remain 'out of the red' and to be able to legitimately conduct their business, whatever that may be.
From Big Q all the way down to Fred's one man Flight School all suffer from the same malady. All struggle under the existing system - the degree of suffrage varies - but, in essence, stripped of scale, the same old song is heard.
The industry has no one else to blame but themselves - they have allowed 'divide and conquer' to become 'the norm' subjugated through concession and a fear of taking a misstep on the tightrope they are obliged to walk to avoid being 'noticed', singled out and made an example of 'Mummy smack' if you talk back. Time to set aside fear and 'man-up'. United they form a powerful voice - as it stands now, they are seen as a rag-tag bunch of self interested, noisy amateurs, fractured and disjointed. Easy to beat. Take a long hard look at the Aerial Application outfit - united, under good leadership - and see how well they have done.
Aye well; that's my two bob's worth shout (FWIW) - but, the difference between an orchestra 'tuning up' and a well conducted symphony is remarkable. It is the symphony which earns the brass and the gains the kudos.
Ben Morgan (AOPA Oz) on Facebook live -
AOPA AUSTRALIA - KEEPING THE PRESSURE ON!
- Thank You for Support
- Senate RRAT Inquiry & CASA
- ATSB Investigation Discontinued
- Bankstown Airport North Redevelopment
- Destruction of Aviation History
- Upcoming Major AOPA Australia announcement
- Become a Member and Stand with Us
Senator Susan McDonald Barnaby Joyce Senator Glenn Sterle Senator Rex Patrick AusGov Infrastructure Civil Aviation Safety Authority - CASA 9 News 7NEWS Australia ABC Australia SBS News
Plus comments:
Quote:Sandy Reith
Government has also forgotten that GA airports are National security assets. Many, if not most of the most important were hurriedly constructed during World War 11. Why? Because airlift gives speedy transport for all sorts of crucial elements in time of war. Maintaining these assets for aviation is showing our strength and commitment to our security.
Building warehouses and factories over airports is like building across railway lines or half closing a freeway because the land is cheaper than the natural freehold market. Ring, write contact your MPs, media and State Senators.
Join AOPA too, it’s the only voice that represents all of us to government.
Andy Longmire
Biggest problem with GA is that it’s always been regarded as the poorer cousin to the “ glamorous “ airline industry. The government will spend billions on a new Western Sydney Airport but try to get even a small amount of funding to a GA airport, well good luck with that! I sometimes wonder where Infrastructure think the pilots that graduate eventually to the domestic and National airlines originally came from. Some from overseas, some from our Defence Forces but the majority from charter and low level RPT. They started in GA! I’ve been flying over 20 years now and have seen a big decline in GA over that time. From closure of small airports either council or private. To the encroachment of non-aviation at Sunshine Coast Airport and now at Bankstown. I guess history means nothing to these bureaucrats people?
Gary Weeks
Yep agreed. There are a lot of very long term public servants that do everything in their power to tin plate their own backsides. They are not interested in doing what could be done to reinvigorate GA. Yes I could name names but no point. Well done Ben, keep at it.
Shannon Baker
It's hard to get rid of govt. Beaurcrats who have been there forever .....
But .... If Pip Spence can re-assign Dr Aleck's role to that of "door greeter" where he has to stand outside all day, in the heat.... No doubt he would resign shortly after... Or.... He can be made redundant from that role as door greeter.
?
Shannon Baker
No GA = then we will be like Europe with 200 hour first officers in A320's / 737 etc.
Wonder how CASA and the politicians would feel about that.
Simon McDermott
It’s happening here on the Sunshine Coast Ben. Can’t secure a new lease if you tried for aviation. But if you are a non aviation you can sign up tomorrow
MTF...P2
The Morgan ensemble de jour; in technicolor.
Having sat through some 35 minutes of watching the Morgan shirt front, a couple of points made deserve some attention. Mind you, I would have really liked to see what is going at YSBK - alas, the change of scene morphed into a stunning view of the Morgan shorts. Say no more.
Point one: ATSB. I note that the bearded popinjay now running the shop has made a splash (no pun intended) by buying into the MH 370 debacle, strangely coincidental with the expected Sky News version shortly to be aired. Passing strange is that; time money, resources and effort spent on highlighting one of the most scandalous episodes in the ATSB history. Many of the outstanding questions still remain unanswered. That aside - how come the serious delays in reports on critical accidents, like the mid-air collision, or the Essendon DFO accident and etc are always so very late - lack of resource (and good old Covid) seem to presented as acceptable reasons for the extensive delays. Now they can't even bother investigating the fatal Jodel accident - where the safety case demonstrates some bloody big holes in the magical CASA safety net. But, the really hard part to swallow is that when a final report is actually presented, it is about as much use as a chocolate firewall. Yet our short wheel base Popinjay, intent on striking the big note (look at me) feels free to utilise scant resources, time and public money to go go public - claiming:-
"I guess me coming in with a due diligence and a new set of eyes, we are to taking a review of the data that we hold there and that’s being done in conjunction with Geoscience Australia,” he told News Corp Australia/Sky News.
BOLLOCKS.............!
Good to hear that AOPA is going to get some long overdue main stream media attention. Scepticism aside for the moment; it would be really good if something - anything good came from the effort. I wish AOPA the best of luck and hope that the carriage of the story makes a difference; even a small one. Industry needs all the help it can get. 'A' for effort Master Morgan - loved the cheese cake leg shots- pin up of the month?
Tea break over -
Ben Morgan's take on CASA meeting -
Courtesy LMH, via the Yaffa:
Quote:CASA understands Need for Change: AOPA
26 May 2022
AOPA Australia CEO Ben Morgan came away from a meeting with CASA executives earlier this month confident that the regulator understands the need for general aviation reform.
Morgan met with CASA executives including Chairman Mark Binksin and Director of Aviation Safety (DAS) Pip Spence to discuss the general aviation workplan.
"I had the opportunity to meet with the Chair of the CASA board and the DAS and her executive team, and we're always very appreciative of the ongoing meetings that we are having," he told Australian Flying. "It is clear that CASA understands that there is a need for change.
"At our last meeting it could not have been clearer that there was a consensus in the room that the privileges that are contained within the FAA regulations are something that we need to get done here in Australia.
"I was heartened to hear from the Chair that he held a view that there needs to be change."
Fueling Morgan's optimism is the performance of DAS Pip Spence, who took over as CASA boss over 12 months ago and has overseen the development of the GA workplan. Morgan says Spence is clearly prepared to listen, which throws the onus on advocates to get their arguments straight.
"I've been public in the past with a lot of support for Pip Spence, I think that's she's actually a great DAS," he said. "She's demonstrated that she's always willing to sit, listen and give a fair audience on issues, so I remain really positive in that respect.
"It's on us to advocate and prosecute our case; it's on us as an industry to make sure that we put our best argument forward if there is to be change, and I think there are great arguments for positive change and I think [CASA] understands that."
AOPA Australia, like several other GA lobby groups, has long advocated for the Australian CASRs to be replaced with the USA's Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR), which a succession of CASA Directors of Aviation Safety have resisted in favour of completing the regulatory reform program that began in 1988.
According to Morgan, CASA is still showing no interest in make such a substantial change, preferring to deliver new privileges with the architecture of the existing CASRs.
"Obviously there was a difference of opinion that CASA feels that they can get these changes done within the Australian regulatory framework," he said. "I'd like to believe that they can do that.
"In fact, I'd love nothing more than for CASA to get that done, because we aren't taking any pleasure in being in a position where we're fighting every day of the week to get sensible reform. We just want to get it done."
AOPA Australia clearly feels that the GA community is on the cusp of meaningful reforms; reforms that are the result of years of hard work by AOPA and other advocates. Morgan's campaign for change has been relentless, which he believes is only ever the result of long, hard fights.
"If you want to change the system, you have to have a continuous, tenacious battle, and I think that's what AOPA has been doing over the past five years," he said. "I think we've brought a sense of urgency and awareness around some of the critical issues that has laid a foundation so that change can happen.
"I'm seeing that change happen. The GA roadmap, which is being highly criticised by some in advocacy world, I actually see it as a reasonable roadmap ... if they are committed to getting it done.
"CASA time and time again say the right thing, but then fail to deliver, and I don't that's an out-of-line comment; it's factual."
Two of the key reforms currently in the pipeline are changes to CASR Part 67 to permit self-declared medicals for PPLs as well as a raft of other measures, and developing Part 43, which would introduce new engineering and maintenance rules for general aviation aircraft used in private and airwork operations.
Both parts stand to reduce regulatory burden for GA, and Morgan anticipates that both will go through despite the change of government in Canberra.
"CASA had the support of the Liberal/National government to do this," Morgan points out, "and I hope they've got the support of the Labor government to get this done, because it would not make any sense to stop these reforms.
"We're entering a very interesting time. We may very well be at a crossroad where there is a signal from CASA that the types of change the industry has been pleading for can be done."
Hmm...err no comment -
MTF...P2
""CASA had the support of the Liberal/National government to do this," Morgan points out, "and I hope they've got the support of the Labor government to get this done, because it would not make any sense to stop these reforms.
"We're entering a very interesting time. We may very well be at a crossroad where there is a signal from CASA that the types of change the industry has been pleading for can be done."
Sadly, no.
'Snookered'.
"If you are snookered by something, it is difficult or impossible for you to take action or do what you want to do."
Or, there's a hole in the bucket - the old favourite of children intent on torturing parents; in it's own way a poignant lesson in the way of avoiding work that needs to be done - Henry snookers Liza - game over.
Clearly the aviation industry in Australia is in the same boat - and, no matter what is done, be it Senate Inquiry, appeals to the minister, audits - domestic and international, for three decades now, no matter the logic, argument or appeal - nothing has changed for the better. The big question is - how does the industry 'fix it'? Nothing, absolutely nothing of substance has changed. Not even the lure of increased revenue through a profitable sector has induced real meaningful reform; not even a demonstrated hint that the FACT of adopting the international 'gold standard' of regulation will bring international acceptance and harmonisation has provided even a glimmer of hope for 'change'.
Morgan - "Obviously there was a difference of opinion that CASA feels that they can get these changes done within the Australian regulatory framework," he said. "I'd like to believe that they can do that".
Oh, for pities sake!
Morgan - "I'd like to believe that they can do that".
I too would like to believe I can end world poverty, hunger, disease and war; I'd be dreaming of course. When you work backwards from the latest 'audit' to the very first appeal for sanity in the first 'inquiry' - there is only one definable thread of truth running through the story. Should history bore you, then look no further back the Forsyth review and the Pel-Air brangle. There was over 60 recommendations made - not one change has been made within the spirit and intent of the recommendation - treated as 'opinion', whitewashed and flushed.
Morgan - "It's on us to advocate and prosecute our case; it's on us as an industry to make sure that we put our best argument forward if there is to be change, and I think there are great arguments for positive change and I think [CASA] understands that."
When ICAO, the Senate, the big guns of industry and some bloody good 'lobbyists' have been been danced around the table and shown the door; what chance does AOPA think they have of changing anything of substance, within our lifetimes? If an 'expert - like David Forsyth failed to make a serious impact what earthly chance does has the noisy, unqualified, inconsistent, Morgan with zero industry experience think he's got. AOPA is dreaming and no matter how much money they can throw at that dream - they just don't have enough clout or credibility to signify. Moreover, the latest missive from Morgan highlights but one simple fact - he has been carefully drawn into the web of deceit - captive and turned - now batting for the opposition. Had CASA any intention of changing - there have been bigger levers pulled, by better men with absolutely nothing to show for it.
If a good example of 'how to' bring in the possibility of change was needed; look no further than AMROBA and Cannane. There's a fellah who (a) knows what he is shooting at: (b) understands 'how' the system works and which buttons work best: © how to speak to those who matter; (d) has the background, credibility and expertise to actually get the ball rolling in the right direction. AOPA could well follow his (or Phil Hurst's) example.
If AOPA want to effect change, then expertise, experience, credibility, integrity and qualification is needed. The last thing AOPA need is their 'watchdog' scampering about, wetting itself, waging its tail and rolling over for a belly rub; amusing as it is to watch.
Morgan - "I've been public in the past with a lot of support for Pip Spence, I think that's she's actually a great DAS," he said. "She's demonstrated that she's always willing to sit, listen and give a fair audience on issues, so I remain really positive in that respect.
Toot toot...don't give a hoot.....
In Parramatta Local Court.
Since 2014 - one individual stood his ground against the CASA behemoth; it is quite a battle. Not quite over yet, there is another innings to follow; but the auguries are good for a righteous result - fingers crossed etc......MTF.
Please watch the AOPA video and the Morgan take on the proceedings. I believe this is the first taste Morgan has ever had of the way CASA operates and it has shaken him to the core. For those who've been through the mill - and learnt the hard way exactly what they face, then the 'shock' factor in this case registers about 50% on that scale, the 'surprise' count about 0%. For a neophyte virgin, like Morgan, the enormity of what he is challenging has finally dawned. Yes Ben, it is bloody dreadful, truly horrible yet they have been allowed to operate this way, unchecked, for donkeys years and getting away with it,Scot free.
https://ne-np.facebook.com/AOPAaustralia...794545429/
When this case is over a new landmark question over CASA credibility and integrity will be raised; no longer will the AAT be able to take CASA word as the gospel, unvarnished truth; not beyond reasonable doubt in a court it will won't..
Toot - toot.
Are you sure the courts are not as bent as CASA Kharon? As my old grandaddy used to say "the law is for everyone, justice is for them that can afford it".
Is this really ASIC Card Reform? Government Poised to Create New Issuing Bureacracy
In June of 2021 the Department of Home Affairs invited the aviation industry's ASIC Card Issuing Bodies to participate in a survey that sought feedback on five questions around the concept of a single issuing body.
Issuers took part in the questionnaire willingly, thinking the Department was seeking ways to improve the working partnership and relationships.
However, some months later they were caught entirely off guard by a government press release, which informed that on the 25th January 2022, the Minister for Home Affairs, the Hon Karen Andrews MP, had announced the Government’s decision to implement a single government issuing authority for the aviation and maritime security identification card (ASIC and MSIC) schemes.
And, just like that.... a new government-run bureaucracy and 'authority' is born, and in doing so removing competition and choice from the market.
No doubt, in the long term this will result in a more expensive system that will be plagued by delays and inefficiency.
AOPA Australia is not aware of any consultation undertaken with the broader aviation industry or aviation user stakeholders, seeking to understand what the impacts of such changes would be.
The government has since communicated that it will commence closing out the existing Issuing Bodies as early as March next year.
AOPA Australia will be making a formal submission to Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, The Hon Claire O'Neil MP, opposing the creation of a new government-run issuing body, citing a range of genuine concerns. A copy of our submission will be published online.
MTF...P2
What then, is 'Folly'.?...
To some, it is:-
“A costly ornamental building with no practical purpose, especially a tower or mock-Gothic ruin built in a large garden or park.”
Having defined what the building is – we need look no further than the Canberra edifice which houses our aviation “safety watchdogs” for example; - but wait, there's more. One has to wonder if living isolated from the real world, in 'a folly' does not induce some form external exhibition of the essence of 'folly': that of the political human side of the word?
“In politics, what begins in fear usually ends in folly.”
Seems Master Morgan of the AOPA has managed to provoke a response from not only the inutile DOIT but also from the leader of the CASA Fool-Aide club. Oh dear, oh dear: Oh deary me.
Well done Ben and AOPA – they took the time to not only read out, on face-book, those responses; then rather than curling up into a ball – Morgan took to the task of responding with not only gusto; but hard facts, logic and the opinion of most of the aviation world. It ain't just the locals who despair – there is some genuinely large international eye brows raised.
That will now be compounded; they should never, ever taken the bait and have responded to Morgan – talk about taking a knife to a gunfight – Holy smoke; there is real folly in responding, because now the gloves are off and it is a street fight, in the open, in public. It will take very little more bluff, bull-shit and bluster from Spence and crew to take the lid off the can of worms CASA have been trying to keep a lid on for years and years. The Genie of fact, supported by evidence, errors and mismanagement and possibly even malfeasance can very easily escape the bottle.
There are always two options in any bar room brawl; don't bite: say nothing and walk away or, take you jacket off – given the time of course. (Never happened in any brawl I engaged in by the way).
Watch and listen as Morgan fights his corner _ _
HERE _ _ on Facebook (no log in) just toggle the video – and stock up on the popcorn.
“Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other, and scarce in that.”
Toot – toot – (unlike Sydney ferries; the houseboat is always ready to roll).
Peace and Harmony – through parity.
What a good idea; well done the AOPA board and Ben Morgan. Their proposal will only make good sense to 'men of good will' – those who truly belong to and care about the international fraternity they belong to; all aviators: from big jets down to the puddle jumpers.
The big question hanging is will the RA Oz crew relinquish their commercial advantage; parity on self declared, no strings medicals and support the AOPA notion? It is a big ask; however, with mutual support and parity, perhaps RA could get equal parity in say take off weight and an ease of some of the restrictions which apply to their operations – never know, not until you ask; do you.
It is a national disgrace that ATSB have declined to investigate the Qld mid air; that makes two in recent history; one each (VH + Barcode). Given the drastic reduction in operating hours the 'statistics boffins' at ATSB should realise by now that these incidents represent a dynamic shift – ASA needs to get sorted out; and - CASA must get a shift on with VFR transgressing into IMC. On a ratio basis the number of 'fatal' events V the decrease in operational hours is significant.
I reckon vertiports and the latest outpourings of 'like me' twaddle from the CASA can take a back seat for a while. There are significant problems emerging in the very fabric of aviation safety, clearly evident. Time Spence got her skates on and started dealing with the very real, CASA generated increased costs without benefit they have imposed on a suffering industry. Or, (to put that another way) in the common vernacular – piss or get off the pot.
While I'm on the keyboard; I will express my disgust at the cowardly manner in which Spence wrote to the AOPA board – gutless. Expecting the board to fall about the place and show Master Morgan the door, rather than she confronting him directly is pitiful. That letter is, IMO a classic example of the cowardly bully who manipulates the brawl but never gets involved. Shame on Spence – resignation may not be honourable, all things considered; but, it could, at very least, restore some semblance of dignity and maybe even a modicum of respect to an agency which has traversed the void between the sublime to the ridiculous – at great expense to the nation. Ex-Spence there's a good thought.
Toot – toot.
BM on ATSB Gympie rejection; reply to precious Pip; & ASIC follow up. -
Via FB:
Quote:
Comments:
Eugene Meany
· 9:42
There is already an Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) which centralised security clearances under Defence. It would not cost anywhere near $30 Million to extend their remit to cover Aviation background checks and passes.
Dan Compton
· 17:26
Never heard of the possible changes. They never asked if we wanted a security card in the first place and they still don’t communicate with the industry.
Andrew Stewart Brumby
· 4:56
I did a federal security check a week ago took 10 mins and 90bux why is asic so hard
Gary Gould
· 0:00
Ben, The ASIC card is vital to the security of aviation. So vital in fact, that I flew for an airline, around the world, with an ASIC card that was NINE months out of date when I spotted the error!! In that time, I went through dozens of airport security screens. Not one single security person noticed! (That included a FAA ramp check!) I was horrified when, one day, I noticed it was well and truly non-valid. I had slipped through "the system". It's a joke! The Aviation Security Act is a poorly thought out set of laws. A knee-jerk created by jerks.
Dan Compton
· 16:20
It needs to go. It achieves nothing. Why do we have to renew it so often while we have a passport for 10 years. Why can’t we use our Licence? A real terrorist wants to cause a problem (as it was bought on through terrorism fear) they will do it without an asic. It’s a JOKE.
Bill Leighton
· 18:12
The ASIC card is totally irrelevant and ineffective. There is no provable threat from light aircraft pilots moving about an airfield. There is however a need for security clearances for baggage handlers and wharfies but that will also be a porous system.
Peter Phillips
· 14:19
It’s Australia remember, with a grubby corrupt Govt solely in place to keep the old mantra alive……jobs for the boys with rorts!
This ASIC card is the result of yet another government department making work for themselves.
Comment:
Walter Riley
· 3:05
I’ve said it many times, it’s Australia, a corrupt nation at every Govt level with an overriding mantra of jobs for the boys!
Should be an interesting Facebook live this evening at 7pm...
MTF...P2