[Sandy Reith]

“ Regional Aviation Policy Issues Paper release

Regional aviation must be at the front of innovation and technology advances in order to soar to new heights.”

Is this Minister McDonaught’s idea of a joke? If so we are finding it difficult to laugh. Obviously whoever wrote such drivel is totally ignorant of any matters General Aviation (GA), even to use the word ‘soar’ invites derision. Let me explain to this ignoramus, presumably a paid Public Servant.

Soar Aviation was a large flying training organisation that was touted in person by the Minister Michael McCormack, complete with back up from MP Tim Wilson. They met Soar management and had some great photos which were released to media and got some good attention. Those of us that follow GA have been warning for years that the training model, allowed by CASA and used by Soar was flawed. This being due in principle to a wrongheaded set of regulations and the artificial split of an unrealistic low weight category and the remainder of GA. Not to make things too complex for someone with no grasp whatever of any matters GA related, the unfortunate facts are that just a short couple of months ago Soar Aviation spectacularly ended its business which gained some considerable publicity. Publicity that was the more potent due to a number of crashed aircraft of the low weight category and a couple that were allegedly owned and operated by the said Soar Aviation.

So much for that
SOAR

Here’s another one for you my dear Iggy (Ignoramus).
SORE

Describing the GA industry, what’s left of it, which has been crying tears of blood for years, hamstrung and battered by an out of control regulator which is bent on a regulatory program that attempts to perfect even the most minute aspect of flying into a bureaucratic model of inhuman beauty.

Iggy, look at it in practice; GA has been jammed into a straight jacket which is absolutely inimical to your rubbish call for innovation. The rules have been migrated inappropriately into the criminal code with strict liability for ease of prosecution.
Altogether with the most impractical set of rules that a bureaucratic mind could devise resulting in thousands of jobs lost, hundreds of ‘regional’ flying schools regulated out of existence, a process that’s been gathering pace for more than thirty years. As for someone boarding a small charter aircraft, very funny, such charter flights have all but disappeared from ‘regional’ Australia, regulated and fee gouged out of existence.

Iggy another one, this time an old
SAW

An inquiry! Have you got any idea how many there have been? Obviously not or you couldn’t possibly tell us there’s another one with a straight face.

Iggy, everything the industry has contributed to government inquiries is sitting there on your computer. You lazy devils, open your eyes, sit down and do some work for a change. Read all of the Forsyth report and submissions then recommend to your Minister to actually cause some worthwhile changes.

We need someone to wield a SWORD and cut through the thickets of obscurantism and chop through the bureaucratic maze. No more inquiries, nothing will satisfy except action.

Don’t think I’ve ever read a more pathetic excuse of a government policy position, truly disgraceful, and we want to know how much money has been wasted on putting forward this silly show of government concern for ‘regional’ aviation.

[thorn bird]

I gather you're a tad pissed off Sandy?

[Sandy Reith]

Thorny, correct, I think anyone following the scandalous mismanagement of GA would be disgusted with this latest tripe served up to the public of Australia at the taxpayer’s expense. Apart from the extreme insult and annoyance to the GA community, the wording and descriptions like “great big country” are childishly condescending, a wordy and ultimately meaningless charade of concern for regional people.
Lack of sincerity is conveyed by every sentence, implicit throughout. We should all feel some shame that our government could be the author of such a dishonourable statement, dishonourable because there’s no genuine intent behind the fanciful words.

[Kharon]

“Here is what we can do”.

On BRB mandate - I read 'it' through – all the way - the latest advertorial from Wagga’s lost Village idiot. Even brought my own bucket to ‘the office’ (pre warned). It was needed. I would like to meet the clot who wrote that ‘confection’ – just so I can identify exactly what an arrogant, parsimonious, smug, self satisfied writer of platitude and condescension looks like – although the urge to rearrange those features would become overwhelming – so that is out of court (preferable result)…

Why – and I ask in all serious, sober (stone cold) honesty can the fool masquerading as a minister not release a simple statement – “we know what industry requires; there are many limitations on what we can do; however, the following is ‘what we can do – immediately; this in six months and this next year.

How very refreshing it would be have that sort of approach: no magic wand, no faery dust – just a practical approach to untangling the awful mess that the Bipatinsane, Bipartdeaf, Bipartdumb and Bipartblind approach combined with total denial of government responsibility, has landed us all in.

Part 61 for example, could be repealed tomorrow – everyone back to the old system. Many will have wasted thousands and tens of thousands in compliance costs – but; what price sanity? Anyway, the court system will cost out damages and ComCare has plenty of money (good luck with that)– so why not?

The answer is of course it ain’t that simple. BUT!........

A straight forward acknowledgement that 61 is a dog’s breakfast – and – (international embarrassment) the government could/would (with the right help) within a half year, have the wrinkles, kinks and sharp edges of the Weeks lunacy sorted out and a new draft for industry inspection - sans Bullshit - ready by Christmas. Then at very least industry could relax a little knowing that there was, at very least, some sort of ‘ministerial’ acknowledgement that perhaps things could be managed a little better.

Even that would be piss weak but at least it would not be an insulting, mealy mouthed sleight to an industry; an industry which demands at least a degree of intelligence. The next missive from the DPM should be an apology for the insult to that intelligence and the pubic destruction of this disgraceful advertorial, slyly released under carefully hidden wraps.

This minister has repeatedly made a pigs ear of his care of aviation mandate – an apology for the disrespect shown will save public humiliation. It is known that his ‘advice’ was rotten to the core, maybe even politically motivated, most certainly CASA generated. The man has a political career to think on; consider, if a DPM can be so mislead and manipulated in this portfolio – what else is getting shagged? Is this nation to depend on a man who can be lead about by his foreskin, with his fingers in his ears singing all things bright and beautiful at the top of his lungs. No! is the short answer. The long answer is no ducking way; that backed by 1107 professional votes.

Toot –(cranky? Just a bit) toot..

[P7_TOM]

Grab a coffee and read – THIS – from the ABC. The Soarly pressed minister and Mildura and ILS and strange doings – again.

[Peetwo]

ScoMo/Mick Mack Govt pork barrels & rorts - Part IV

Ref:

Grab a coffee and read – THIS – from the ABC. The Soarly pressed minister and Mildura and ILS and strange doings – again.



...Even in the pilot academy's infancy, Mildura mayor Simon Clemence described it as "probably the biggest investment in Mildura's future that has been, ever".

That was in April 2019, when Mr McCormack was joined by then-Nationals candidate for Mallee Anne Webster as the Government announced it would partially fund the installation of an instrument landing system (ILS) at Mildura Airport to the tune of $2 million.

At the funding announcement, Mr McCormack said Dr Webster had "continually" lobbied for the ILS and that she had told him: "We need it so that pilot training schools can relocate to Mildura."...

..."If these allegations turn out to be true, this is a major scandal," Professor Hamilton said.

"Many people in Mildura will have egg on their faces, the Deputy Prime Minister will have egg on his face and will have questions to answer in parliament."

The professor said he was "quite astonished" Mr McCormack stood with Mr Zhang at a funding announcement.

"If the allegations that this businessman is linked to fraud in China, and that there are some people in China who are very unhappy with him, then he should've known about that," Professor Hamilton said.

"It does seem that dollar signs have the ability to blind federal politicians, local councils, Australian investors to doing what they should do, and that is ask questions — hard questions — about these investors."

And to reinforce the above bollocks statement in the lead up to the election:

Ref: https://www.michaelmccormack.com.au/medi...n-clemence

...Our government is also making an investment in regional Australia and this is part of our overall decentralisation, if you like, because what we're going to see as a result of this Instrument Landing System is better, safer airways here at Mildura. A system by which planes can land in low visibility, planes can land much safer in all sorts of conditions. But what we're also going to see is pilot training schools from metropolitan cities relocate to Mildura.

We've already seen that there's going to be a lot of interest in this. And for every dozen or so pilot trainees, that's pumping about a million dollars into the Mildura economy each and every year. And I know that for a fact because Wagga Wagga has a pilot training school. Wagga Wagga has an ILS and I've seen the difference that the ILS makes in pilot training, in those sorts of training schools and in the future of aviation at Wagga Wagga.

So if it's good enough for Wagga Wagga, it's certainly going to be good enough for Mildura and I know the local Mayor has said that this is going to be such a difference, make such a difference for Mildura, for the airport, and for the pilot training future of this particular region...(blah..blah..blah)

...Which brings me back full circle to the strange duplicitous actions/statements of Mick Mack bizarrely favouring the dodgy Soar operation; while under his watch the attempted embuggerance by CASA of Glen Buckley's fully compliant APTA (Part 142) operation (that was ironically designed to enhance aviation safety outcomes while facilitating the continued existence of small town aeroclubs and flying schools) was being carried out??   

From the school of 'passing strange' coincidences??

The future of Mildura Airport has been further strengthened, with the appointment of two highly-credentialed new Directors to the Board of Mildura Airport Pty Ltd, the body which operates the regionally significant transport hub.

Stephen Angus and Brooke Curtin join four continuing Directors on an expanded six-member Board.

“The quality of candidates who applied to be non-executive Directors was exceptional,” said Chairman, Mr Peter O’Donnell.

“We received interest from across the country, which I believe is a testament to the high regard people within the aviation industry hold Mildura Airport and what we’re doing here.”

Ms Curtin has exceptional commercial experience in many leading businesses including Qantas. She has been a senior executive at the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, a senior aviation adviser to the Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and was an F-111 Navigator in the RAAF.

Mr Angus is Airservices Australia’s Executive General Manager of Air Navigation Services, managing 1,800 staff to deliver safe and efficient air traffic management services. He is a qualified Air Traffic Controller with 27 years’ experience in the industry.

ScoMo/Mick Mack Govt pork barrels & rorts - Part III

Pigs might fly: electioneering an airport at Cohuna

by Jommy Tee | Feb 23, 2020 | Featured, Government

An unregistered lobbyist, a ministerial breach of the Lobbying Code of Conduct and a $2.6 million grant awarded during the election campaign minus pesky guidelines. Jommy Tee and Ronni Salt clear the pigs for take off.

The deputy prime minister, Michael McCormack, struck a pre-election deal with an unregistered political lobbyist and former Howard Government adviser, Andrew Gibbs, for a $2.6 million airport upgrade ahead of the launch of the Regional Airports Program (RAP). McCormack’s direct intervention mirrors Senator Bridget McKenzie in using taxpayers’ money for electioneering. He also breached the Government’s Lobbying Code of Conduct...

MTF...P2   -   - 

[P7_TOM]

This SBG quote:-


“You are thought here to the most senseless and fit man for the job.” ― William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

Has many ‘puzzled’, so I’m told. It is a simple matter – back in Will’s day ‘here to’ was the norm; these days, folk would say ‘hereto’ which pulls the whole thing into frame. If I had the brains to write such a quip, I’d say – “You, hereto are thought the most senseless and fit man for the job”. Or words to that effect. Which sums it all up very neatly – IMO. 

You take a senseless man who really wants ‘the job’ and surround him with ‘advisors’, to keep him on track. Now the Muppet has NFI whatsoever, so his advice becomes his sole source of survival. No matter how terminally dumb a minister is, most politicians have an instinct for self preservation, I have noted that the less they know about a subject, the more likely they are to keep quiet and/or throw any advisor who caused ‘embarrassment under the next bus and do a neatly executed back flip. Not this fellah though.

‘They’ were gifted a perfectly senseless man, who, as they viewed it was extremely ‘fit’ for the job; and look where that led. Photo opportunity with some very clever folk.

Sat quietly on the back bench, or even managing ‘flowers and candy’ for the front row, McDonaught may have had a chance of a political career – not a stellar one – considering the way his ‘seat’ was preordained; but a comfortable living for a while. Beats the hell out of being a third rate journalist on a country rag. But no – he took the offered bait and now lies on the river bank, a short step away from the frying pan.

Of course unmanaged fear can provide the ‘shrinks’ with ammunition and no doubt a load of self excusing clap trap; which may assist in the recovery from being the most useless, senseless, egotistical, inutile creature to ever damn the future of a once thriving, world leading industry to rack and ruin.

We must hope that some wise mandarin steps in and takes a hand to lead the incumbent to greener pastures. This government is so deep in the Do-do that any form of bright light or straw must be grasped. The damage this minister is inadvertently doing is terminal, not only to industry, but to his own future peace of mind. Get him real of be shut of him. Two choices, no options. What say you!

I say my glass has mysteriously emptied itself; unacceptable. “Barkeep – if you could – thank you”. It is the only concession I have - PWP (posting when pissed).

[Peetwo]

Mick Mack to Rex's rescue?

Ironsider on Twitter:

Regional Express (Rex) in trading halt pending announcement to ASX.  Yesterday airline wrote to Deputy PM urging swift action to ensure regional aviation was not irreversibly destroyed.

And via the Oz:

Rex pleads for government help in face of coronavirus downturn

ROBYN IRONSIDE
AVIATION WRITER
@ironsider



Regional Express Airlines is in a trading halt pending an announcement to the Australian Securities Exchange on Thursday that’s expected to reduce flying by 25 per cent.

The trading halt was requested on Tuesday morning, following the release of an “open letter” to the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack by Rex chief operating officer Neville Howell.

The letter highlighted the collapse of UK regional carrier Flybe, and urged Mr McCormack to take “vigorous, swift and unprecedented action” to ensure that regional aviation in Australia was not destroyed by the impact of the coronavirus.

Mr Howell said the Rex board had initiated a suite of measures to reduce costs and conserve cash and would soon announce “drastic schedule reductions as well as dropping some routes altogether”.

“Rex, like most businesses in Australia is already seeing the severe impact of the drop in business due to COVID-19. Just this past Friday we saw our passenger numbers dropping 13 per cent year-on-year,” Mr Howell wrote.

“One cannot even begin to comprehend what the economic impact will be if the infection rate rises to high double digits.”

Among the measures Rex wanted the federal government to take, included a waiver of all Airservices charges for services like terminal navigation, fire fighting and meteorological services.

Mr Howell said the fuel levy should also be lifted for the time being and airports should suspend all passenger and baggage security screening costs.

“While these measures will provide a lifeline to regional aviation, they will still be insufficient to allow the regional carriers to survive the next six to nine months due to the very negative cash flow expected,” he said.

“In these unprecedented circumstances they will need additional lines of credit from the banks
which will be almost impossible to obtain.”

To that end, Rex also called on the federal government to provide “a sovereign guarantee for any new line of credit or banking loan taken out, to enable regional carriers to continue operations through to the end of the pandemic”.

“We look forward to your immediate attention on this matter,” signed Mr Howell.

On Monday, Mr McCormack said he was having ongoing discussions with airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia and Rex.

“These are difficult times. We will get through them but we need to get through them in a calm and rational manner,” Mr McCormack said.

Since January 24, when the Chinese government banned outbound group travel, Rex shares have slumped from $1.16 to 83 cents, a three-year low.

The airline operates a fleet of 43 Saab 340 aircraft with an average age of 25-years.

Last month Rex announced it would pull out of routes to Ballina and Kangaroo Island because it was unable to compete with Qantas.

“These are difficult times. We will get through them but we need to get through them in a calm and rational manner,” - Oh FFS go back to Wagga and bury your head in the sand you useless tool! - 

MTF...P2    

[Peetwo]

Mick Mack kowtows to his Masters -   

Ironsider on Twitter:

Regional Express (Rex) in trading halt pending announcement to ASX.  Yesterday airline wrote to Deputy PM urging swift action to ensure regional aviation was not irreversibly destroyed.

And via the Oz:

Rex pleads for government help in face of coronavirus downturn

ROBYN IRONSIDE
AVIATION WRITER
@ironsider



Regional Express Airlines is in a trading halt pending an announcement to the Australian Securities Exchange on Thursday that’s expected to reduce flying by 25 per cent.

The trading halt was requested on Tuesday morning, following the release of an “open letter” to the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack by Rex chief operating officer Neville Howell.

The letter highlighted the collapse of UK regional carrier Flybe, and urged Mr McCormack to take “vigorous, swift and unprecedented action” to ensure that regional aviation in Australia was not destroyed by the impact of the coronavirus.

Mr Howell said the Rex board had initiated a suite of measures to reduce costs and conserve cash and would soon announce “drastic schedule reductions as well as dropping some routes altogether”.

“Rex, like most businesses in Australia is already seeing the severe impact of the drop in business due to COVID-19. Just this past Friday we saw our passenger numbers dropping 13 per cent year-on-year,” Mr Howell wrote.

“One cannot even begin to comprehend what the economic impact will be if the infection rate rises to high double digits.”

Among the measures Rex wanted the federal government to take, included a waiver of all Airservices charges for services like terminal navigation, fire fighting and meteorological services.

Mr Howell said the fuel levy should also be lifted for the time being and airports should suspend all passenger and baggage security screening costs.

“While these measures will provide a lifeline to regional aviation, they will still be insufficient to allow the regional carriers to survive the next six to nine months due to the very negative cash flow expected,” he said.

“In these unprecedented circumstances they will need additional lines of credit from the banks
which will be almost impossible to obtain.”

To that end, Rex also called on the federal government to provide “a sovereign guarantee for any new line of credit or banking loan taken out, to enable regional carriers to continue operations through to the end of the pandemic”.

“We look forward to your immediate attention on this matter,” signed Mr Howell.

On Monday, Mr McCormack said he was having ongoing discussions with airlines including Qantas, Virgin Australia and Rex.

“These are difficult times. We will get through them but we need to get through them in a calm and rational manner,” Mr McCormack said.

Since January 24, when the Chinese government banned outbound group travel, Rex shares have slumped from $1.16 to 83 cents, a three-year low.

The airline operates a fleet of 43 Saab 340 aircraft with an average age of 25-years.

Last month Rex announced it would pull out of routes to Ballina and Kangaroo Island because it was unable to compete with Qantas.

“These are difficult times. We will get through them but we need to get through them in a calm and rational manner,” - Oh FFS go back to Wagga and bury your head in the sand you useless tool! - 

Via the Border Mail: https://www.bordermail.com.au/story/6684.../?cs=17267


Via the ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-03-17/c...x/12064316

From Mick Mack, via Twitter: https://twitter.com/M_McCormackMP/status...1399424000

Michael McCormack
@M_McCormackMP

The Federal Government’s Aviation Assistance Package demonstrates our commitment to supporting the aviation sector as we put Australia in the best position possible to deal with the COVID-19 outbreak.

DETAILS  https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/m...n-industry

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

Meanwhile in the forgotten Faerie tale land of GA - 

Via Oz Flying:

---

Many GA operators rely on overseas tourists for business, and the COVID-19 calamity has some in deep trouble. (Air Adventures)

GA Industry feels the Pinch of Coronavirus
18 March 2020
Comments 0 Comments


Australia's general aviation community is under pressure from a severe downturn caused by COVID-19, which has prompted AOPA Australia to call for government action that it says is desperately needed.

Minister for Infrastructure Transport and Regional Development, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, yesterday announced relief measures for the aviation industry, but the announcement appears to limit the $715 million to domestic and regional airlines.

“Our airlines run on tight budgets at the best of times and these past few weeks have been particularly tough," McCormack said. "I’ve been speaking with Australian airline executives every day and will continue to work with them to make sure they receive the support they need.

“Providing this assistance not only helps our airlines but also the entire aviation industry, regional Australians in particular and other industries such as tourism and trade, which depend on aviation."

AOPA Australia CEO Ben Morgan says that more needs to be done to help out the general aviation industry, which is struggling under the weight of a severe down-turn caused by a lack of international visitors to Australia.

"We are deeply concerned for many general aviation charter, maintenance and flight training operations," Morgan told Australian Flying. "We've been contacted by a number of operators who have explained that they've already taken tough decisions to lay off pilots and staff and have extremely large leasing arrangements for aircraft and rental contracts with airports.

"These businesses are under enormous financial pressure right now and it's not likely that pressure will ease because tourism has almost ceased for some operators, and there's not enough work in the charter market to sustain operations.

"We are facing the most unprecedented challenge for our industry. Never in the history of general aviation have we faced a challenge so significant with such clearly devastating outcomes in the short to medium term."

Morgan said that AOPA had contacted a number of organisations asking for temporary relief from costs to help the industry get through the COVID-19 episode.

"AOPA Australia has communicated to the Deputy Prime Minister's office that we desperately need relief and support. We've called for CASA to waive and suspend many fees and charges to the GA community. We've done the same with Airservices. We also asked for GST and payroll tax relief and asked CASA to halt work on any new regulations and suspend the new fatigue management rules for charter until the broader economic situation stabilises.

"This is a very serious and dire situation for the sustainability of our industry. We are going to need federal, state and local governments to all start taking a direct hand in assisting the industry."

Morgan believes the future of GA in Australia depends upon co-operation to find an industry-wide solution.

"We are all in this together, regardless of how we got here," he said. "To successfully navigate our way through, we are going to need the entire aviation business community to work together. We must come through this, so at the end we still have an industry. If we don't manage this properly, the damage may be catastrophic."

Geelong-based Air Adventure runs outback trips using third-party air operators. The company flies hundreds of tours each year, relying on both domestic and international passengers. With the bread-and-butter coming from outback trips in the dry season and golf tours to Tasmania in the summer, it is understandable the company is under pressure.

"We we've been impacted in that we have international people who come to Australia to join our tours, and with them coming in and not being able to satisfy the need to self-isolate for 14 days makes it not feasible for them to go ahead, so we've been seeing a lot of postponements," said Managing Director John Dyer.

"Our objective is to not lose the business but defer it. We're trying to do the right thing by both our customers and ourselves to protect our long-term future.

"We've got a combination of individuals and tour groups that are pulling out. We do a lot of work for groups, and that can be a 14-day extensive trip right across Australia. We've had a couple of instances high-revenue jobs like that have had people on board that are from overseas, so it's just not possible for us to go ahead on the set date."

Dyer says that around 60 people have already withdrawn from trips, equating to about $A200,000 in business. That loss has a knock-on effect thoughout both the tourism and aviation sectors.

"We're not using the aircraft, we're not burning the fuel, we're not paying the landing fees ... all of those things are getting put off."
Dyer, too, believes the solution lies in industry-wide steps to ensure future viability, fueled by help from the government.

"Everybody is in this together and that includes the ground operators. There's going to be short-term pain, but in the long term, if we can retain the business, the customer still wants to do the trip, then that's a win-win.

"In the short term, we have fixed costs that we have to cover and our cash flow is going to be interesting. Any assistance that the government can give us to help pay people wages would obviously be welcomed."

Sources at the Department of Infrastructure and Transport have told Australian Flying that further announcements on the aviation assistance package will be made early next week when the measures go before parliament.

---

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

Meanwhile in the forgotten Faerie tale land of GA - 

Via Oz Flying:

---

Many GA operators rely on overseas tourists for business, and the COVID-19 calamity has some in deep trouble. (Air Adventures)

GA Industry feels the Pinch of Coronavirus
18 March 2020
Comments 0 Comments


Australia's general aviation community is under pressure from a severe downturn caused by COVID-19, which has prompted AOPA Australia to call for government action that it says is desperately needed.

Minister for Infrastructure Transport and Regional Development, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack, yesterday announced relief measures for the aviation industry, but the announcement appears to limit the $715 million to domestic and regional airlines.

“Our airlines run on tight budgets at the best of times and these past few weeks have been particularly tough," McCormack said. "I’ve been speaking with Australian airline executives every day and will continue to work with them to make sure they receive the support they need.

“Providing this assistance not only helps our airlines but also the entire aviation industry, regional Australians in particular and other industries such as tourism and trade, which depend on aviation."

AOPA Australia CEO Ben Morgan says that more needs to be done to help out the general aviation industry, which is struggling under the weight of a severe down-turn caused by a lack of international visitors to Australia.

"We are deeply concerned for many general aviation charter, maintenance and flight training operations," Morgan told Australian Flying. "We've been contacted by a number of operators who have explained that they've already taken tough decisions to lay off pilots and staff and have extremely large leasing arrangements for aircraft and rental contracts with airports.

"These businesses are under enormous financial pressure right now and it's not likely that pressure will ease because tourism has almost ceased for some operators, and there's not enough work in the charter market to sustain operations.

"We are facing the most unprecedented challenge for our industry. Never in the history of general aviation have we faced a challenge so significant with such clearly devastating outcomes in the short to medium term."

Morgan said that AOPA had contacted a number of organisations asking for temporary relief from costs to help the industry get through the COVID-19 episode.

"AOPA Australia has communicated to the Deputy Prime Minister's office that we desperately need relief and support. We've called for CASA to waive and suspend many fees and charges to the GA community. We've done the same with Airservices. We also asked for GST and payroll tax relief and asked CASA to halt work on any new regulations and suspend the new fatigue management rules for charter until the broader economic situation stabilises.

"This is a very serious and dire situation for the sustainability of our industry. We are going to need federal, state and local governments to all start taking a direct hand in assisting the industry."

Morgan believes the future of GA in Australia depends upon co-operation to find an industry-wide solution.

"We are all in this together, regardless of how we got here," he said. "To successfully navigate our way through, we are going to need the entire aviation business community to work together. We must come through this, so at the end we still have an industry. If we don't manage this properly, the damage may be catastrophic."

Geelong-based Air Adventure runs outback trips using third-party air operators. The company flies hundreds of tours each year, relying on both domestic and international passengers. With the bread-and-butter coming from outback trips in the dry season and golf tours to Tasmania in the summer, it is understandable the company is under pressure.

"We we've been impacted in that we have international people who come to Australia to join our tours, and with them coming in and not being able to satisfy the need to self-isolate for 14 days makes it not feasible for them to go ahead, so we've been seeing a lot of postponements," said Managing Director John Dyer.

"Our objective is to not lose the business but defer it. We're trying to do the right thing by both our customers and ourselves to protect our long-term future.

"We've got a combination of individuals and tour groups that are pulling out. We do a lot of work for groups, and that can be a 14-day extensive trip right across Australia. We've had a couple of instances high-revenue jobs like that have had people on board that are from overseas, so it's just not possible for us to go ahead on the set date."

Dyer says that around 60 people have already withdrawn from trips, equating to about $A200,000 in business. That loss has a knock-on effect thoughout both the tourism and aviation sectors.

"We're not using the aircraft, we're not burning the fuel, we're not paying the landing fees ... all of those things are getting put off."
Dyer, too, believes the solution lies in industry-wide steps to ensure future viability, fueled by help from the government.

"Everybody is in this together and that includes the ground operators. There's going to be short-term pain, but in the long term, if we can retain the business, the customer still wants to do the trip, then that's a win-win.

"In the short term, we have fixed costs that we have to cover and our cash flow is going to be interesting. Any assistance that the government can give us to help pay people wages would obviously be welcomed."

Sources at the Department of Infrastructure and Transport have told Australian Flying that further announcements on the aviation assistance package will be made early next week when the measures go before parliament.

---

$715 MILLION SUPPORT FOR AIRLINES: LET’S NOT FORGET GENERAL AVIATION NEEDS HELP TOO

March 18, 2020 By Kreisha Ballantyne




Wednesday, 18th March 2020: The Federal Government has today announced a $715 million coronavirus support package for Australia’s domestic and international airlines, waiving aviation fuel excise, air service charges, along with domestic and international security charges – but no mention of our struggling general aviation sectors.

Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack has described the support as a “major relief package” that would be back-dated to apply charges from the 1st February, refunding some $160 million in charges to the industry.

“Providing this assistance not only helps our airlines but the entire aviation industry, regional Australian’s in particular and other industries such as tourism and trade, which rely on aviation”, Mr McCormack said.

Whilst the package delivers direct and meaningful financial support for the airline industry, Australia’s struggling general aviation (GA) charter, maintenance and flight training sectors have gone without mention.

“The general aviation sector is as vital to regional Australian’s as our domestic and international airlines are, serving to connect some of Australia’s most remote and inaccessible communities “, Benjamin Morgan CEO AOPA Australia.

“The GA sector is already reporting significant financial losses, with operators informing AOPA Australia that they are facing closure if relief cannot be provided in the short term.

“AOPA Australia has today written to the Deputy Prime Minister on behalf of the general aviation charter sector, requesting that they be included in the relief package, along with additional measures, including; the waiving of all CASA charges to assist smaller operators, tax relief and government-backed loans.

“Our association also calls on privatised and local government airport operators to be proactive in providing direct leasehold/rental and user charge relief, to assist smaller operators with their operating cashflow.

“I invite general aviation business that are experiencing difficulty during this time to reach out and make contact with AOPA Australia, our association is at the ready to work with operators in seeking relief and support on their behalf.  Call 0415 577 724.” he said.

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Addendum: Dear St Commode...L&Ks BM

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18th March 2020
Mr Shane Carmody
Director of Aviation Safety
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
GPO BOX 2005
Canberra ACT 2601, Australia

The Hon Michael McCormack MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
PO BOX 6022,
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600, Australia

AOPA Australia Calls on CASA for General Aviation Industry Support

Mr Carmody,

I write to you on behalf of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia (AOPA Australia), seeking your direct assistance and support for Australia’s general aviation industry and community during this unprecedented time.

The corona virus pandemic has set off a devastating financial chain-reaction throughout the Australian aviation industry. Our International, domestic, regional and general aviation sectors are now all under extreme financial stress and require direct and meaningful assistance for them to survive.

AOPA Australia is calling on CASA to provide the general aviation industry with all measures of support available, including;

– Waver all CASA charges for general aviation participants;
– Waive all CASA charges for pilot medical applications;
– Suspend the Implementation of any New Regulations until the situation has stabilised; and
– Suspend the new Flight and Duty / Fatigue Management Regulations for general aviation operators until the situation has stabilised.

There may be additional measures available to CASA to assist the general aviation industry, AOPA Australia and our Australian General Aviation Alliance offer our assistance to meet with CASA via tel-conferencing at the earliest possible time to discuss options.

Thank you in advance for your assistance and I look forward to speaking soon.

Yours Sincerely,
BENJAMIN MORGAN
Chief Executive Officer | AOPA Australia

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And: https://aopa.com.au/aopa-australia-open-...-business/


MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

#SBG post-editorial dots & dashes??

Ref: https://auntypru.com/sbg-29-03-20-if-you...today-etc/

“and the lawyers have been at it with both hands.”

The boys are on a learning curve and its quite a journey. Will it change anything? Will the likes of SOAR have to reassess the 'suitability', integrity and fitness for purpose of the aircraft they use to train future pilots. I doubt it. Will CASA put the heavy boot of 'safety' down and return RA Oz to its proper design function? Will airworthiness step in before something comes apart in the air – fatigued beyond design intent?

Instructing a person to 'fly' a particular type of LSA is one very acceptable thing. Extending the notion to teach flying to many, using a fleet of LSA is an entirely different matter. Maximum fees for a tick-a-box service, minimum costs for provision of same in a high risk fleet. When used for design purpose,  (light sports and recreational)  LSA such as the Bristell will safely serve for the life of the aircraft, the accident survivabilty quotation seems to be robust. The question mark hangs over whether or not the aircraft can survive  long term the beating served up as a training aircraft, intensively used. Let me explain:-

Charlie buys a LSA and is taught to fly it by an experienced instructor – Off he goes to enjoy his sport and recreational flying, having been made very aware of the limitations and margins the aircraft has. In a normal situation, Charlie will perhaps practice one or even two 'forced landings' leading up to a check flight – low risk exercise – he understands the need for accurate speed control and is practised on type. Young Spotty on the other hand is a student with NDI. Sent Solo and maybe even to practice forced landings- or whatever. Engine fails or, more likely – during practice the aircraft is high and slow – in short, at the critical, minimum speed for landing 30 or 50 feet above the ground – it quits flying about then – crunch. When you have many such students practising similar exercises, in a speed critical, unforgiving, high risk aircraft the mathematical chances of a smash increase. This, even before you consider the fatigue life of an airframe being subjected to rough' handling day in day out. The percentage chances of accident increased, without doubt, the accident rates prove this. 

“K” - The first question being, where was the accident report? I did look long and hard – but nary a sign of that elusive document did I find. It may well be lurking in some festering pile or another –

We may safely identify that particular festering pile – the 'Privacy Act'. The current FOI request from AOPA is (IMO) an odds on bet to be knocked back. 'Enthusiastic' compliance with this 'Act' provides all manner of protection and to legally challenge that, particularly when ministerial support is a foregone conclusion, firmly closes the door on any chance of investigating the 'investigation'. Anyway, the 'book' is open on the AOPA FOI request; no doubt 'K' will set the odds shortly. Grr8 system though – RA Oz in breach of that Act, deemed illegal if they open the books. Wow! How good a defence is that?.

“K” - Much of this comes into the 'certification' of aircraft. An aircraft may be designed and 'certified' for a specific role and that role only. Much depends on whether the aircraft is to be used for 'commercial' purpose or private use or both.

Ah, yes but: “manufacturer” certification is the name of the game, particularly for LSA. Its a game of thrones and once again, the terrifying 'legal' costs involved to nail down a departed manufacturer will serve those avoiding responsibility for certification. Of course CASA is at the bottom of this pile of nonsense, but anyone with a spare million or two could probably win the verdict – which would change absolutely nothing. When next the Monday comes around the same crew will be seen washing their hands at the trough of plenty. 

IMO “K” there is no hope of sanity. Not while the minister appears to be happily held in thrall by the glamour and seductive advertorials which allow self promotion. Hearing 'advice' which will not burst his happy bubble. I wish you well on the quest and I doubt not that you fellahs' will plumb the depths of this 'wrong thing'. But then what? I can't see this current village idiot, posing as a well informed minister, caring about ensuring flight training is properly conducted in aircraft suitable for the purpose. Can you....?

“The powers of Evil can take many forms. Remember that, Sir Henry, when you're at Baskerville Hall. Do as the legend tells and avoid the moor when the forces of darkness are exalted.” 

Handing over -.-.  .-.  .-  –..    -.--

"..We may safely identify that particular festering pile – the 'Privacy Act'. The current FOI request from AOPA is (IMO) an odds on bet to be knocked back. 'Enthusiastic' compliance with this 'Act' provides all manner of protection and to legally challenge that, particularly when ministerial support is a foregone conclusion.." 

Hmm..interesting P7?? That kind of gels with some disturbing scuttlebutt of my own, where apparently it is common knowledge that the Hooded Canary's ATSB are also similarly frustrated in their endeavours to obtain RA Oz completed investigation reports. This includes reports where the ATSB have provided technical assistance to RA Oz in the course of an active investigation??

See examples here: https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/inv...2018/aair/

Coming back to the Bristell fatal accident at Clyde north in 2017, I was able to find the RA Oz A&D summary for that accident on page 44 which included an email notification link: 

Fatal Accident involving RAAus member. RAAus accident consultants are assisting police in determining the causal factors that led to the accident. A special Enews was published https://www.vision6.com.au/em/message/email/view.php?id=1318469&u=70000&k=BFZ_zOiIGN9edXzz0Jx9HMNp3FjLiptKwR-IHlhWLWs   

..RAAus accident investigators are working with Police and preparing a written report. At this stage it is too early to speculate as to the cause of the accident however if anything of an immediate safety concern is identified during the course of the investigation we will advise members...

This would indicate to me that the Victorian Coroner is also investigating this accident? Perhaps it would be worth submitting a request to the Coroner for a copy of the RA Oz written report? Especially in light of the fact that there are now two active ATSB investigations, related to that aircraft type and in similar flight path/ flight ops/ etc, which also occurred in the Coroner's jurisdiction: https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/inv...-2018-066/ & https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2019/aair/ao-2019-071/

More dots? Pondering the above and all the strange disconnections got me poking about un-user friendly ATSB occurrence data base to see if a) the  2017 accident was recorded; and b) were there other recorded accidents or serious incidents related to the Bristell as a training aircraft; and c) were they similarly recorded in the RA Oz A&D summary records?

Here is what I have discovered so far - 

1)  https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...-3817.xlsx

..During the training flight, the aircraft entered a spin and collided with terrain. The aircraft was substantially damaged. One occupant sustained serious injuries and the other occupant was fatally injured..

Comparing this to the basic RA Oz summary above, one wonders how it is possible for the ATSB to make such a hypothesis given that they weren't a party to this investigation: see - https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/inv...2017/aair/ - WTD?   

Next:  4th entry here - https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...23718.xlsx 

 "..During training operations, the engine failed and smoke was observed emanating from the engine. The crew conducted a forced landing resulting in minor damage..."  

This is an interesting one because the ATSB list/categorise (as they should) the occurrence as a 'serious incident' that occurred on the 23/07/18 and yet the RA Oz A&D summary listed the incident as occurring a full week before on the 16/07/18? This was the summary from page 28: 

 During a training flight the instructor and student were conducting a forced landing lesson in the Bankstown training area. As they practiced the first sequence, they were flying at 2100ft and engine started running rough and smoke entered the cockpit. The Instructor and student completed the emergency checklist and choose YKST as their landing spot if engine completely stopped. As they made a mayday call on Sydney centre frequency 124.55 and squawk 7700, the engine suddenly stopped working and propellor stopped. They continued following the forced landing procedure and glided to a safe landing at YKST.

   
Finally (for now) here is the ATSB summary for the October 2018 Bristell accident near Stawell aerodrome: https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...51018.xlsx

The aircraft collided with terrain resulting in substantial damage and serious injuries to the pilot and passenger. The investigation is continuing.

For some strange reason there would appear to be no RA Oz A&D summary for this accident; or indeed the 12 December 2019 accident at Moorabbin??

MTF? Yes definitely - P2 

[Peetwo]

Karma home to roost for St Commode and the Hooded Canary -


"An Angel's Karma"

Quote from machtuk off the UP thread :-  https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zea...st10736985

..1st Aptil was yesterday, today it's real, CASA will continue on making the industry difficult to operate in even in the new world when the sun hopefully rises again over what's left of Australian aviation! When it's all done & dusted it will go on in some form but it won't go one for all of us!

Then via the Alphabets thread:

Plus via Airspeed Aviation on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AirspeedAv/status/12...0682215424

Yesterday we received a call from the NSW Police stating that we were in breach of the Public Health Act and must cease flight training.
We received this from Senior NSW Police last night and confirmation this morning by email.

---

Although we are still operating Flight Training and charter, it is far from Ops Normal and rigorous medically-reviewed controls have been put in place from before you even enter the premises.

---

We have sent our protocols to every client and flying student, and trained all our staff on how to follow and enforce these greatly increased requirements.

---

In the meantime, we will continue to provide critical transport and education services to those clients who need us.

Speaking of continuing to provide 'critical (essential) transport services' - 

 

Angel Flight joins Battle against the Virus
2 April 2020
Comments 0 Comments

Angel Flight will turn its extensive network of volunteer pilots and ground workers toward moving medical samples, equipment and people as a way of combatting COVID-19.

CEO Marjorie Pagani said today that Angel Flight would step in to help remote communities where regional airline services are not available.


"Due to the increasing need to help isolated communities, we are extending our free volunteer flights to include vital medical or health supplies and extended compassionate flights where needed," Pagani said.



"This has become a substantial need and will increase with the closure of many regional flight services. We are also working to assist people to get to remote clinics where no commercial regular public transport activities or charter flights are available."  Luv it -   Eat your heart out Godlike...   



Angel Flight has played a vital role for 17 years in assisting rural and remote families to travel to city hospitals for non-emergency medical appointments. More than 100,000 people across Australia have taken advantage of the organisation since it was founded.



"The benefit [of Angel Flight] has, and continues to be, inestimable in both welfare and financial aspects," Pagani said. "We do not ask for government funding, or fund-raise, although the value to the community–without any call on public monies–exceeds $70 million."


Inquiries as to the extent of the assistance Angel Flight can render, without cost to government or the recipients of the travel or equipment, can be directed to the Angel Flight office on (07) 3620 8300 or email mail@angelflight.org.au.

Empty Skies are safer skies for Angels - 

[P7_TOM]

Now I lay me down to sleep etc

Before you blow out the candle tonight; no matter which pagan god's ear you whisper into – say a little something to keep the small ray of sunshine shining into the grim world of aviation bright – that Susan McDonald retain her new role as the aviation voice of hope, with horsepower, lots of.

Seems Mick of the seven 'W's” (Witless, Wandering, Woebegone, Worthless, Wagga, Wannabe, Waste of space) has bottled out and prefers to let someone respected and untarnished do his talking. THAT is the best decision he ever made; and, the only one that matters or redeems.

It McDonald can harness some of the 'savvy' Senators – even informally – Like Fawcett and a few other worthy minds, with the impediment removed along with his fatuous advice; and, a practical, common sense head of the DoIT; maybe, just maybe, when we emerge from the COVID days, things may improve.

A new Act would be a wonderful stimulus to both industry and, importantly investment in industry. A lean, professional CASA would be a gift from the gods; and, the crowning glory – an independent ATSB.

I reckon that is worth a private word with your god – you never know. I'm writing to Santa  right now – post early for Christmas etc. I've sent Karma a text already.

Mind how you go; avoid the crowds, and wash your mitts before picking your nose. Remember-

[Peetwo]

O&O: Under the cover of COVID-19? - Part II

O&O: Under the cover of COVID-19? (complete the post -   )

Following on from the above post yet another example coming out of the Hooded Canary's avery, from 0tto L off the UP: https://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-a...st10734067

---

From the ATSB website today (bolding is mine): https://www.atsb.gov.au/publications...r/ao-2017-118/

Update published: 31 March 2020
The ATSB investigation into the collision with water involving a de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver aircraft, VH‑NOO, at Jerusalem Bay, Hawkesbury River, NSW, on 31 December 2017 is continuing.

The ATSB external review process commenced on 20 December 2019 and provided directly involved parties (DIPs) the opportunity to comment on the draft investigation report and present any evidence in support of their comments for incorporation into the final report. During the report review process period, some additional evidence was obtained by the ATSB that requires further research and analysis to ascertain its relevance and influence on the accident.

This has required an extension to the intended timeframe that the ATSB will be able to complete the final report. The ATSB intends to complete this analysis and provide DIPs with the opportunity to consider and provide comment on the new information if deemed relevant.

The additional work is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2020.

Plus LB response post: 

The additional work is anticipated to be completed in the second quarter of 2020.

That means some time maybe in 2021.

Three and a half to four years. Six dead.

About par for ATSB.

MTF...P2 

I thought it an April Fool's spoof. 

“Based on a review of the available evidence, the ATSB considered it was unlikely that further investigation would identify any systemic safety issues. Additionally, in the context that the investigation examined a time period associated with the early implementation of an SMS, it was also assessed that there was minimal safety learning that was relevant to current safety management practices. Consequently, the ATSB has discontinued this investigation.”

It is not.

The event occurred October 2017.

Report released March. 2020.

Cost – unknown.

Benefit to industry – Zero.

The event.

“As part of the occurrence investigation into the In-flight upset, inadvertent pitch disconnect, and continued operation with serious damage involving ATR 72, VH-FVR.”

Opinion: Please carefully consider those events; in operational terms and then tell me what any of that has to do with SMS. Piss poor operation of an aircraft; dreadful crew coordination, seriously flawed inspection and continued operation of an aircraft with a seriously damaged tail section? It is bullshit; pure, undiluted, cynical, irresponsible crapola.

(AO-2014-032) investigators explored the operator's safety management system (SMS), and also explored the role of the regulator in over sighting the operator's systems.

Disgraceful and dangerous.

"also explored the role of the regulator in over sighting the operator's systems."

In other words, "Dear Saint Carmody, did your outfit oversight the operator?"

Answer "yes"

"Thank you, obviously no case to answer here, is that okay?"

P2 Addendum: I find it passing strange that given the ATSB incoming aviation incident/accident workload has suddenly dropped, due COVID-19, to a miniscule flow, that the VARA/Virgin Australia SMS review investigation, could not now be completed? I have a sneaking suspicion that this industry important investigation was somehow mislaid?

Here is why - when you go to the discontinued investigation page you will note that next to the heading 'Anticipated completion' it says... 1st Quarter 2019?? That suggests to me that either the investigation was mislaid or the final report was considered not worthy for industry dissemination - 

Along with the flurry of activity of updates for other O&O'd investigations, like the Essendon DFO approval inquiry; or Rossair AAI; or the Sydney Seaplanes Beaver investigation, once again one wonders what the hell the Hooded Canary is playing at? 

Anyway for those curious and possibly in the interests of helping complete the ATSB case study...  i.e

Case study: implementation and oversight of an airline's safety management system during rapid expansion

The following is extracted from the convoluted, un-user friendly ATSB aviation occurrence database for all pax carrying ATR incidents/accidents from 2013 till now -   : https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...lts-7.xlsx

Hmm...spot some trends in that lot??

MTF...P2 

[P7_TOM]

P2 - “Hmm...spot some trends in that lot?? “

Well, Sunshine seeing as you've asked the question -it deserves an answer. One 'trend' jumps off the pages – like Hoody at a press conference – Oh, pick me”. (See Shreck). It is that of alleged wind-shear upset. I call Bollocks.

'Statistically' there is an almost unprecedented number of 'wind-shear' events associated with the Muppets operating Virgins ATR fleet on any given day. No Dash 8's, no Conquests, Metro's or even a Chieftain report having the same problems. Then, there are the actual conditions on the days when 'wind-shear' affected Virgin aircraft but no one else. Bit of variance in the wind; a little temperature here, and little inversion there – but nothing; not in any reported weather condition was 'wind-shear' mentioned. Inversions and the vagaries of wind occasionally require an 'adjusted' (thinking) descent rate and a modicum of 'speed consciousness'. – Routine – another day in the office; discussed before TOD. Adjusted as required during descent to ensure a standard approach profile – speed and descent rate managed into the circuit and a stable approach to landing. Bog standard stuff for a professional aircrew.

I cannot find in the Met data, on any given 'reported' day any reason to be calling 'wind-shear' as an excuse for poor assessment of the prevailing condition – certainly not proper 'wind-shear'. I have, for my sins, experienced the real thing – and it ain't funny. But forewarned (as we were) and prepared (as we were) the aircraft arrived, without a go-around from a balls up approach to land 'safely' – if not quite as elegantly as I would have wished.


FAA - “What happened, indeed? How could two experienced pilots let themselves get so far behind the aircraft that they crashed into the approach lights on a perfectly clear day? A few years ago, the answer would have been a simple “pilot error.” People would shake their heads and go on as usual. Now, thanks to increased research and experience, we are more aware of the complex problem of wind shear. This document explains the wind shear phenomenon. Learning about the dangers wind shear can present might save your life.”

You will note the steep drop off in 'wind-shear' events over the last years from the ATR crew. Maybe they've finally managed to work out how to fly the bloody aircraft; better late than never I suppose.

But what of the ATSB accommodating, as part and parcel of this bollocks being perpetuated?

There are; or were, deeply seated operational problems with the Virgin version of ATR operation. There is a long list of potential accident scenario's which have not been 'officially' addressed. Skipping off an inversion at red line, expecting the AP to sort it and using the FD/AP all the way down speaks of a heavy jet mentality being inflicted on flight crew as SOP. Dangerous stuff – proven.

Aye well: FWIW : here is a link to explain exactly what 'wind-shear' is. It is a bit like 'turbulence' or 'icing'. There are, some very clearly defined expressions which are often misused to define what the preceding crew encountered. Take turbulence as an example – often reported as being a couple grades higher than the 'official' definition.

No matter:- there are are some links which may just help the crew stop calling wolf when there's a sheep at the door. I rest my case M'lud.

[thorn bird]

The old coffee cup definition of turbulence:

Light = coffee slopping about inside the cup

Moderate = coffee slopping out of the cup

Severe = can't find the cup.

or the old "the wind was that strong there were white caps on my coffee".

[Kharon]

Playing Two Up – with the national economy.

Whichever way you look at it; there is going to be a period of 'readjustment' once this pesky virus has finished it's reign of panic. Aviation, as an essential Australian industry – grass roots – to big air frames will need to garner the support of investors. A tough job at any tick of the clock – let alone when markets and even national economies are struggling to come to grips with the clean up.

The national debt our grand children will inherit is phenomenal. The quickest way to resolve 'debt' is with 'income'. For the government (nations) coffers, this means taxable income. This, IMO, means everything working, hammer and tong, with both hands, from Coffee shops to Airlines.

"Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure nineteen [pounds] nineteen [shillings] and six [pence], result happiness. Annual income twenty pounds, annual expenditure twenty pounds ought and six, result misery."

There is an old, oft proven adage; if it floats, flies or fornicates – hire it. This is particularly true of air operations. We need folks to 'hire' the services the industry provides. But – (Aye, there's always a but) to reinvigorate the industry, we need investment. How does one 'attract' investment? In principal, it is easy enough – produce a better mouse trap and the world's your oyster. But how?

Take a massive organisation – like Australia Post. Add in the fillip of mass 'on-line' buying; then look at say Amazon – running their own fleet of jets to ensure delivery. Now there is an investment worth the risk. So why has an outfit like Australia post not have control of a 'fleet'? This is a big country, this is a country with many remote communities. Those communities, farms, live stock producers, stations and people, plus the tinkers, tailors, rich men, poor men, beggar man - and thief – all depend on reliable service of their needs. There is vast scope for 'investment' right there. So where is it?

The answer (for aviation) is firmly stuck in the endless mud of a CASA approval being issued. For ever and - a fortune. That is because of the incredible 'legal' brangle of the liability cage CASA has created – for itself – in the interests of more power (for ministerial protection of course). The incredible cost and unbelievable time for any sort of 'operational acceptance' is thrice fold when the man (or woman) who signs off on an approval is potentially 'liable'. I will not quote the many instances of money, time and opportunities which have been lost for these reasons – but, for a simple example I'll spend a moment on a simple thing – like; a manufacturer approved check list being accepted.

Actually, I won't. Now that I think about it. The difference between a 'recommended' procedure and a 'vital' action is enough to kick off a riot. For example, a simple aircraft, like the Cessna Mustang, come s with both featured. This is subject to individual CASA officer 'opinion' and the brawls have been many. This costs time, money, shakes investor confidence and 'faith'; while achieving bugger all in the way of 'safety', except for a quasi 'legal' level of disconnection for the CASA Mutt stuck with 'accepting' the FAA sanctioned checks, procedures and data provided by the legally bound manufacturer. Best not to get me started; lest I be at it all night.

What government should IMO be doing is removing many of the artificial, time wasting, invented, expensive impediments to getting a 'new' operation up and running. Look at Qantas, for an example. They had develop a CASR 14# (whatever) as it was deemed as a flight school. The minister should examine that small expense and draw the obvious conclusions. Don't believe me – ask the boys and girls at Qantas about the sheer bloody frustration and cost of getting that little waste across the CASA line. Qantas training – Automatic acceptance – you could believe it to be so. Alas.....

You know the Kiwi's can and do 'approve/ accept an operation in about 12 weeks; they have even been known to give a refund on a quote, should all the ducks line up. Should Australian aviation fail to recover and attract new investment, there's only one place the blame can fall. Once this current threat has passed, investors are going to be needed. It is now up to the government to ensure – and mean it – that the artificial impediments and constraints CASA place on aviation approval (acceptance) are removed. It is a simple enough thing – make the responsibility an operators liability – not CASA's. Let the legal eagles sort it out – at the end of the day – they do anyway; no matter what CASA say, do or slide out responsibility for. It costs the earth to keep their collective arses out of the flames – then another motza to defend it – then; even more rules to protect themselves from blame.

Would you invest in such a shambles? I know full well - I, categorically, would not. Please someone tell this minister Ra Oz ain't the answer to a pagan's prayer – not by a bloody long, long shot.

Toot – bloody – toot.

[thorn bird]

Watched a report on the goggle box last night how Australia post was having terrible problems getting packages to their intended recipients in reasonable time, especially to regional communities. Seems like with airlines going broke or severely restricting operations there's a bit of a shortage of space for air freight.

I cast my memory back to the seventies and early eighties before CAsA began their regulatory pogrom against general aviation that has decimated the whole industry.

Back then you could get an AOC in a couple of months for a few thousand bucks or less, now it runs to six figure sums and takes years.

Remember the bank runners, Wards express, et al, belting around the countryside delivering freight, overnight paper runs, hell after the war the Sydney Morning Herald owned aircraft that delivered newspapers all over, even dropping them by parachute to regional towns with no airports, all maintaining connectivity from region to region from capitol to capitol. Commercial aviation in Australia had its beginning carrying the post against heavy opposition from the states anxious about losing revenue from their railways.

We are in a time of National emergency, GA could very quickly gear up to carry freight alleviating Australia Post and many others problems of getting their products to their customers.

That could only happen if a Minister had a brain and directed CAsA to release the choke hold on the industry and let it fly.

[Peetwo]

Mick Mack sacrifices a Virgin for a REX?? - 

A fascinating and potentially politically revealing AFR article on the VA timeline of destruction... 
(ps love the Cartoon - )

Chaos on Virgin's last flight

Every time the company analysed a new federal government support package for the airline industry, Virgin seemed to come off second best.
Apr 24, 2020 – 12.00am

During the last four weeks of Virgin Australia's life as a public company the team inside the airline's war room never ceased to be surprised by the federal government's apparent bias against the company.


Every time the company analysed a new federal government support package for the airline industry – there have been about four of them – Virgin seemed to come off second best.

This did not destroy the optimistic view within the rescue team, led by chief executive Paul Scurrah, that a rescue package could be negotiated. The company remained positive about avoiding insolvency because of the strong support from key figures in Canberra.  



Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has defended his aviation rescue packages as being fair to all.  David Rowe

Multiple sources within the Virgin advisory team say that Treasurer Josh Frydenberg expressed support for some sort of rescue as did secretary of the Department of Infrastructure Simon Atkinson, Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy and other unnamed cabinet ministers.

Virgin had a strong team of advisers including Julian Peck from Morgan Stanley, Nick Brown and Geoff Davis from UBS, retired UBS executives Guy Fowler and Matthew Grounds, Jim McKnight from debt restructuring specialists Houlihan Lokey and influential political adviser Ian Smith.

But all this intellectual firepower could not overcome the deep-seated opposition within Prime Minister Scott Morrison's office to a government rescue.

"The Prime Minister never engaged with us," said a source involved in rescue negotiations. "We could not even get into his office."

Philip Gaetjens, the secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, always made it clear to the Virgin advisers he did not support a rescue.

But Virgin's board, led by Elizabeth Bryan, and Scurrah and his team were given enough encouragement from influential players in the government to keep reworking its rescue plan.

Voluntary administration suits private equity because it means about $2 billion in unsecured debt can be written off or be slashed in value.

By the time the board decided to call in Deloitte on Monday night there had been a total of seven different rescue packages. The final rescue package put to the federal government last weekend needed a government debt guarantee of about $200 million.

What irked the company and its advisers were the loud public statements from the government that it was supporting the entire sector when Virgin believed this was far from the truth.

When Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Michael McCormack announced a $715 million package on March 18 it was billed as an industry-wide solution to help get airlines through the coronavirus pandemic.

But when Scurrah looked into the details of the package he found Virgin would only get about $71 million in cash flow benefit from the waiver of landing fees normally paid to the government. Based on Virgin's analysis the bulk of the money was going to the two government bodies.

A spokesman for McCormack says the $715 million package was open-ended and could cost much more if the virus lockdown of airlines continues for longer than expected.

Virgin's board and advisory team were shocked when McCormack announced a Regional Aviation Rescue Initiative, which included $198 million to maintain regional air services and a $100 million to cover a cash squeeze at small regional operators.

Virgin heard from multiple sources in the government that the bulk of the $198 million would go to Regional Express Holdings (REX), a company controlled by interests in Singapore.

At a time when the government was saying it would not bail out Virgin's foreign shareholders it seemed the government was making a cash grant to a foreign owned airline without asking its shareholders to tip in any money.

A REX spokesperson refused to comment on how much of the $198 million the airline was receiving because the details were "commercial in confidence".

A spokesman for McCormack says while the details of the rescue package are confidential, less than half the money is going to REX.

Virgin's next big shock in terms of its perception of the government's apparent bias came on April 10 when Scurrah obtained a copy of an email circulated to staff at Qantas by Nicholas Bull, head of customer experience.

Bull's email told of arrangements for federal government funded services to ensure airline services were maintained between capital cities and regional areas.

Scurrah got straight on the phone to McCormack to demand why Virgin had not been included in the program which he had only learned about through the leaked Qantas email. McCormack allegedly referred Scurrah to his department for clarification.

A spokesman for McCormack says Virgin was included in the $165 million program from the beginning and it had not been left out. He did admit that the idea for the program came from Qantas.

Scurrah was pleased to be included in the program given Virgin was suffering a run on its frequent-flyer program and he was trying to preserve cash flow.

But when Virgin joined the program it found it was going to get only 21 per cent of the money but was providing 40 per cent of the flights, according to sources at Virgin. This led to another complaint to McCormack's office which triggered another referral to his department.

Virgin knew the company was destined for voluntary administration late last week when the government's political messaging switched to the need for a "market solution".

"When we heard that we knew we were dead," said someone involved in the final negotiations for a Virgin rescue package.

The "market solution" was repeated over and again in the days leading up to the appointment on Tuesday of Deloitte, which is trying to find a buyer for an airline with 10,000 employees and $5 billion in debt.

The market solution phrase was used by Frydenberg, Finance Minister Mathias Cormann and Morrison.

This unified government position was at odds with what had transpired in the previous few weeks.

There is a belief within the Virgin bunker that this phrase came from a senior executive at a private equity fund who had been lobbying the government late last week to stop the government rescuing the airline.

Needless to say voluntary administration suits private equity because it means about $2 billion in unsecured debt can be written off or be slashed in value to 10¢ in the dollar.

A senior person in the Virgin rescue team said the dissonance in the evolving situation over the past month came from the gulf between the statements made by government ministers and the facts as Virgin saw them.

At no stage did the airline ask for the government to bail out its foreign shareholders, but this was an easy political message to sell.

Virgin never went as far as to remind the government of past rescue packages such as the $3.5 million federal government loan to Kendell Airlines to keep it flying regional routes in 2001 and the $4 million federal grant to National Textiles by the Howard government in 2000 to cover workers' salaries.

The collapse into administration of Virgin Australia has presented a perfect opportunity to work out who in business and politics supports government bailouts.

Nothing divides the political and business community more deeply than the idea of using government money to support a particular company.

Clarification: While Virgin's advisers could not meet Prime Minister Scott Morrison, Virgin chief executive Paul Scurrah met him two weeks before the company collapsed.

Multiple sources within the Virgin advisory team say that Treasurer Josh Frydenberg expressed support for some sort of rescue as did secretary of the Department of Infrastructure Simon Atkinson, Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy and other unnamed cabinet ministers. - Hmmm...interesting, so Mick Mack is directly in conflict with both his current and former Department Secretaries?? 

Next, yet another 'passing strange' story of  dissonance and possible political conflicts of interest with still more Murky Chinese connections...

Swissport airport ground staff member Martin Bates working at Brisbane Airport. Picture: Jen Dainer

ROBYN IRONSIDE
AVIATION WRITER
@ironsider

SIMON BENSON
NATIONAL AFFAIRS EDITOR

10:12AM APRIL 23, 2020
67 COMMENTS
Airport ground operations company Swissport has been accused of misrepresenting its role in the aviation industry by suggesting airlines would be unable to operate if it was forced to significantly downscale its services.

The company, which is owned by Chinese conglomerate HNA Group, has demanded a $125m rescue package from the federal government, due to a dramatic loss in revenue as a result of the coronavirus crisis.

Swissport warned that without government assistance, it would have to axe 80 per cent of its workforce who perform ground operations for aircraft including security and baggage handling.

The company would also look to sell baggage-loading equipment and aircraft-towing trucks, stairs and container loaders.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack told The Australian he would seriously consider the request and urged Swissport to access the JobKeeper program to help maintain 2000 jobs.

But concerns have been raised within the aviation industry that Swissport was overstating its role in the sector, and others would step in if the company was unable to continue.

Aviation consultant Neil Hansford said Qantas Handling, dnata and Menzies could replace Swissport tomorrow.

“It’s not as if it’s even a duopoly. There are plenty of players,” Mr Hansford said.

Qantas and Jetstar are also understood to be unconcerned by the impact on their operations of a potential reduction in Swissport’s services.

Speaking to Alan Jones on radio 2GB on Thursday, Swissport executive vice president for the Asia Pacific, Glenn Rutherford denied he was under pressure from the company’s Chinese owners to lean on Australian taxpayers.

“I’ve never once spoken to a member or an employee of HNA, not once, and there’ve been no instructions whatsoever,” Mr Rutherford said.

“There are some concerns about HNA’s (financial) position but what I can say is that Swissport in Australia has been operating for almost 30-years and has been profitable in every year of its operation.”

He would not say if Swissport had approached HNA for financial assistance, as its revenue dried up.

“At this point, we’re not requiring any money. We have got a good balance sheet as it stands,” said Mr Rutherford.

“What I do have is a revenue crisis that will run out. In normal circumstance when a business loses all of its revenue it has two levers – find new revenue which is not available to us, or it reduces costs. I don’t want to take that course of action.”

The HNA group is also a major shareholder in Virgin Australia that went into administration on Tuesday with more than $5bn of debt. The company is believed to owe Swissport millions of dollars that may never be recovered. 

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack told The Australian he would seriously consider the request and urged Swissport to access the JobKeeper program to help maintain 2000 jobs. - Hmm...when you refer back to this March 2019 Ben Fordham 2GB interview transcript with Mick Mack you begin to wonder which Chinese Triad the miniscule is actually beholden to??

BEN FORDHAM:

You’ve spoken about regional areas just now and to be fair to you that’s the reason I asked you on today. We know that Chinese companies and airlines are taking over regional airports and building these flight schools for Chinese pilots; China is using our airspace and our airports to train their trainee pilots. At the same time, we know that there’s a huge shortage of Australian pilots and I know that Dick Smith says there are fewer places now for Aussie pilots to train. Look, I’m going through the list here and it’s hard to get our head around it but when we talk about these Chinese training facilities at our airports, there’s one at Port Macquarie and Kempsey – I know you’ll correct me if I’m wrong – run by the Australian International Aviation College which is owned by China’s HNA Group, that’s Port Macquarie and Kempsey. You have a training facility at Moorabbin Airport in Victoria, owner China Eastern Airlines; a training facility at airports in Perth owned by China Southern Airlines; plans for one at Frogs Hollow airfield in Bega Valley; Virgin has announced a training facility at Tamworth Airport run by Australian International Aviation College which is owned by China’s HNA Group; Mareeba Flight School in Queensland, the owner Shanghai Jiao Tong University; an international flight school just opened at Mildura Airport to train Chinese pilots: Are we seeing a trend here, Minister?

MICHAEL MCCORMACK:

Look you’ve just named four that were probably owned by Chinese interests; they would be possibly part-owned by Chinese interests. Look, despite a lot of speculation there’s no evidence of substantial foreign ownership of regional airports and aviation training facilities or indeed the training of foreign pilots. At the end of the day too, the ACCC, the Foreign Investment Review Board – they have a big say in these sorts of things. The Foreign Investment Review Board was given additional powers back in 2015 to investigate ownership by foreign state-owned enterprises, whether it’s aviation or whatever, regardless of value, to ensure that it’s in Australia’s national interest.

BEN FORDHAM:

Is it in the regional interest, of these regional areas, when you consider that these regional airports are being taken over by foreign-owned companies?

MICHAEL MCCORMACK:

I don’t think they’re being taken over. I think a lot of the speculation is unfounded. The fact is….

BEN FORDHAM:

Is anything incorrect as far as what I just ran through there about Port Macquarie, Kempsey, Moorabbin Airport, a couple in Perth, Bega Valley, Tamworth, Mareeba, Mildura – is any of that incorrect?

MICHAEL MCCORMACK:

The fact is if it was against the national interest, the Foreign Investment Review Board would have stopped it. The fact is they have to comply with ACCC. The fact is, there’s always going to be speculation when Chinese investment, when Chinese money comes into Australia, but at the end of the day you look at CASA – CASA has actually recorded an increase in the number of flying schools on its register from 210 in 2012 to 235 in 2014. So to actually even say that there are less and less training schools is wrong. The number currently sits at 250…

BEN FORDHAM:

…and you’re not concerned about the increasing presence of Chinese ownership of these airports?

MICHAEL MCCORMACK:

Of those that you mentioned there were four that are currently run and either fully owned or part subsidiaries of Chinese interests.

BEN FORDHAM:

What are the four?

MICHAEL MCCORMACK:

The ones that you mentioned; you ran through the list; it was the first three you mentioned and then the fifth of the sixth one, Mareeba. So of those, yes there is some Chinese interest in it. Foreign investment has made this country what it is, and whether that’s in agriculture, whether that’s in aviation, the fact is they see that Australia is a good place in which to invest. They are actually training pilots, some of whom may well take up residence and may well be flying in Australia. I come from Wagga Wagga where we have the Australian Airline Pilot Academy, run by Rex. It’s actually training Vietnamese pilots. Now if anyone around Wagga Wagga suggested well that’s a bad thing, the fact is it’s actually putting $1 million into the Wagga Wagga local economy through accommodation, through petrol, through…

MTF? - Yes much! P2