[Kharon]

Of urbane Daemons and great deceivers.

Lesser Daemons, those of the urbane, common or garden variety are not too difficult to spot when one knows where to look; they all owe allegiance to the same Master and willingly do his bidding.


Belial

Belial (also Belhor, Baalial, Beliar, Beliall, Beliel) is listed as the sixty-eighth spirit of The Lesser Key of Solomon. He is a King of Hell with 80 legions of demons, and 50 legions of spirits, under his command. He was created as the first, after Lucifer.[6] He has the power to distribute senatorships and gives excellent familiars. He must be presented with offerings, sacrifices and gifts, or else he will not give true answers to demands. (Wiki).

Power and Gold, an easy life avoiding responsibility, gathering kudos and having most of the heavy lifting done by minions and familiars is within the gift. Not a bad deal provided you are happy to trade in your soul, integrity and your complimentary ticket to the Pearly Gates to seal the deal.


Shakespeare Satire: Timon of Athens

Gold? Yellow, glittering, precious gold?...
This yellow slave
Will knit and break religions, bless th’ accursed,
Make the hoar leprosy adored, place thieves,
And give them title, knee and approbation
With senators on the bench.

Hah! (chuckle) Thorny has probably got thus far and will go no further unless I get back to plain speaking – sorry mate, but there is a need to set the scene before we delve into the Barry O’Estimates faery tales. 

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There is so much sugar coating on the bullshit, hidden in the smoke, that to strike any sort of a balance and make sense of the distorted mirror images, ‘twas the only tool I had at hand.



Aye, and even in gen-teel families, in high families, in great families ... and you have no idea ... what games goes on!”― Charles Dickens, Bleak House

The great ICAO audit scam was one ignored victim of the faery tale session. P2 has been doggedly chasing down some interesting leads and digging through the huge piles of mouldering paper which surround the great myth of Australian compliance.

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Welcome to the USOAP Continuous Monitoring Approach (CMA) website

ICAO

P2 – “Note that these 'make work' aviation safety bureaucrats are still trying to paint the image that our standing as the sixth most ICAO compliant State is only a recent occurrence facilitated by the great work of HVH and CC Wingnut - UDB!”

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There is evidence which, ‘prima facie’ at least, supports the notion that Australia’s long held belief that our standing in sixth place is due to results of ICAO audit. Not so according to research and the absence of the ‘audit report’. Australia’s self auditing process has, for a number of years now placed us at number six; which is fine on a homemade say-so. But, where is the actual audit report? Why is there a reluctance to publish it? Why has a Senator not put in a FOI request for the thing? Was the actual audit ever done? Even O’Sofullashit has questioned the reluctance to produce the document, done nothing about it of course, but his remarks are on the Hansard. Whatever it was McConvict did to bamboozle ICAO in his bid to become an important player on the world stage has worked very well; of course he had some assistance and a dab of voodoo magic thrown in.

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“There is not a crime, there is not a dodge, there is not a trick, there is not a swindle, there is not a vice which does not live by secrecy.”― Joseph Pulitzer

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Educated students of the Estimates show will understand; those unfamiliar will need to look back over many, many years worth of Estimates sessions to fully understand the collective fury within the BRB and IOS generated by the last session. How in all the hells we descended from serious, far reaching, deep questions demanding plain answers to sugar plums and dancing bears I’ll never fathom. But we did children, we most certainly did. It was all a bit like watching children queued at the Santa Claus booth in a big department store, all nerves and anticipation in case Santa found them unworthy of the coveted new bike or the latest Barbie doll; then being told they were very good, then skipping off back to Mum, all smiles and happiness.  

The CASA head Poo-Bah got the best gift – a ropey, dodgy old tyre. (like a Harry Potter port-key) ‘Tis true. Mark you, there was some potential for unpleasantness attached, but Barry O’Santa stepped in and made it all go away. There was a note attached to that old tyre, which, had the first team been present and had the Muff who held it in his hand read it all out; it would have been a different story, without a happy ending – alas.. 

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The relief on the CASA bench was palpable when only a part of the official (ICC) condemnation of their actions was read into Hansard. Off the hook by Gad, saved by O’Santa largesse and distraction tactics. The CASA front row must have danced the high fives dance, all the way down the ramps to the car park, to be whisked away to the nearest pub..

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Mr Jason Harfield, Airservices Australia
FOI letter from Airservices Australia to Air Marshal Davies
22 May 2018 - PDF 2104KB

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ASA did well out of the encounter and of course the ‘biggy’ was deftly avoided. The village Halfwit done strong, baffled ‘em all with Pony-Pooh and a sprinkle of financial faery dust. Easy enough to do when the umpire is one eyed and looking through a rose tinted monocle and the first XI is taking a ‘personal’ day or whatever. That’s the closest the match fit team ASA ever got to a free ride in a long time; they must have been relieved when Barry O’Santa opened the back door and whistled for a taxi.

ATSB had a turn at sitting on Santa’s knee. Master Foley, being bright and a little more well versed in the way things are was the only one who showed any sort of disdain for the happy horse pooh, mixed with rose petals being liberally distributed. He had also done his homework with a 9/10 result, so he had every right to look puzzled when the Elves and Clowns failed to grasp the bleeding obvious. No matter – he has an AP  Tim Tam and a Choc Frog to take home and Santa can keep the dross he passes out to his favourite children.

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“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don't believe in magic will never find it.”― Roald Dahl

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Here endeth the Happy Horseshit Estimates session – Much depends on which team you support whether you skipped home happy as a sand boy or grim as the Reaper himself (not a bad chap actually, just got a job to do).  

There’s not much else worthy of mention – except perhaps the slim hope of a couple of days in Wagga, now delayed to accommodate the minister’s schedule – a tactical mistake IMO, but as an innocent bystander, it’s not my indaba. We are advised that ‘Albo’ will be there; which could, if he has worked out that the wool was pulled over his eyes last time he was ‘the minister’ be ‘interesting’ to say the least. Aye, no doubt we shall see all in time.



Meanwhile – if you are interested in a quick course in fluent, multi lingual cursing, be at the stable this afternoon. I’ve a template to make – favour for a mate. He wants to use ‘traditional’ framing in the cottage he’s building – the long beams need a thing called – wait for it – 'stopped splayed table scarf joint with wedges and under squinted butts'. No kidding, they are the very devil to make if you’re out of practice. Tough to lay out and difficult to cut – get ‘em out of square by two thou and you get to start again, (that's a 9 x 9 timber beam @ a 12:1 ratio) . Much cussin’ anticipated; after breakfast methinks and perhaps, a second coffee. Much ribald comment from an elder BRB member related to 'under squinted butts' - going to be a long afternoon.

Toot toot.



P2 edit - On the road to Wagga...

[P7_TOM]

Rock and Roll; or, just Rolled?

The good thing about scribblings and ‘twiddles’ is that when you have to translate random thoughts or difficult concepts into written words of explanation it helps to sort out the stuff you need to get a firm grip on. The reform of aviation legislation and the administration of same being a big one, a classic example.  Boozing the evening away with P7 and a couple of others is another method which helps unravel the twisted skein; unless of course the evening winds up in a heated discussion about Rock’n Roll guitar riffs. Apart from a muzzy head the next morning I was left with only one firm question; will the current drive for reforms actually Rock or will it just get ‘rolled’ once again?  

Being Evil has a price…..

Warning - A ramble – feel free to ignore my out loud thinking; or, listen and read.

Have you ever noticed how ‘good music’ be it from Beethoven or Queen or even Heavy Young Angels stands out from the nearly, but not quite sets; it does. There is a certain texture and a clarity of sound which somehow, magically, separates it from the not quite so talented. Some paintings have it, some literature has it, even some aircraft have ‘it’. Some politicians definitely have ‘it’. Alas, many do not. It is with those unfortunate’s with whom we must concern ourselves, for a short while at least, this Sunday. Sorry and all that, but it must be done. Why? Howls the multitude. Why, is indeed a good question, to be sure..

I could, I expect rattle on for a while longer, but you get the picture; the Wagga running of the Reform Plate is almost upon us. The big question is, does this industry really want to be rid of the hand outs from CASA, the un-constitutional Act, the criminal liability and flourish; or, stick with what they have been allowed by a department that is demonstrably without accountability, conscience, a duty of care; or, any responsibility whatsoever? Ayup; ‘tis indeed time gentlemen to piss in the pot – or; get off it.

Take Friday's AOPA indaba with Albo for an example of why it is easier to run a tote odds board than second guess the result. Here lays my challenge:-

AOPA AUSTRALIA TO MEET WITH MR ANTHONY ALBANESE MP, FRIDAY 1st JUNE 2018The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia will meet with Labor's Mr Anthony Albanese MP, to discuss support for a change to Australia's Civil Aviation Act, tomorrow 1st June 2018.Attending the meeting will be AOPA Australia President, Ms Aminta Hennessy OAM, Vice President, Mr Marc De Stoop, and Executive Director, Mr Benjamin Morgan, along with Mr Dick Smith and General Aviation Summit Chairman, Mr Geoff Breust.
 
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia believes that;
1. Aviation regulations must be developed so that aviation safety is both affordable and sustainable; and
2. That the Australian aviation safety regulator be required to foster and develop aviation.

Mr Anthony Albanese MP has this week confirmed his attendance to the General Aviation Summit, which will be held in Wagga Wagga on the 9th and 10th of July.The purpose of the Summit is to bring together the leadership of Australia’s general aviation industry associations, seeking to develop a consensus proposal for a change to the Civil Aviation Act, to facilitate the economic recovery of Australia’s aviation industry. To date 31 aviation industry associations have confirmed their participation. NOT A MEMBER? WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT! Join today: www.aopa.com.au/membership
 
We need to take a long look at what the AOPA meeting with Mr Albanese (Shadow transport minister) a.k.a. 'Albo'  produced. The AOPA top brass ain’t saying much except that it was a very good productive meeting. I did manage to winkle out a couple of details and enough general information to get a ‘sense’ of what transpired. A short historical background is required here – Albo was ‘the minister’ responsible for a while, who generated a disgraceful thing known as the ‘White paper’ which was as complete a load of bollocks as you could find anywhere. I’ll stick my neck out here and say that IMO he was conned into signing off the ‘Soft White toilet paper’ document. Dreadfully deceived, by an agency in more trouble than ‘Speed Gordon’. It is a long, sorry tale but essential background for the punter to consider.

Albo to the rescue – what odds on a serious challenge to Status Quo/

Albo all piss and wind – what odds on a backbone being grown?

Albo realizing that McConvict played him for a fool and an epiphany?

Now, Albo is a clever man and a very smart politician, maybe even with a little integrity. His open support of the call for real reform, the savings to the Commonwealth through his support and the industry becoming viable again would leave the current hapless minster standing flat-footed at the starting gate. I’ll bet there is ‘paper-work’ being generated right now – in a hurry; I’ll lay odds that even if for no other reason than political point scoring Albo will give the call for reform a big push. But if he picks up the gauntlet with the intention of setting matters aeronautical to rights; then the AOPA did not waste one minute of their time. Albo will be a starter in Reform Plate, short odds on offer for a week or so, grab the each way place bet before it vanishes. One thing is certain, it will be an interesting race.
 
It would be a whole lot more interesting if the industry players all got in behind the AOPA battle plan and helped push the ailing industry into the workshop for a long over due major inspection and refit. It is, despite the self interest being laid aside for short while, a worthy cause.

 
That is it – some horrible germ has invaded, taken up residence and is playing merry hell with the operating systems.   
 
Toot - toot.

[Kharon]

Tacitus, Titanic and Tactics.



Well, we believe we have solved two of the aviation oversight safety systems big puzzles. The urgent need for much more funding and a very serious safety drive. ‘Tis true; the agencies have consultants working overtime to find crew with large thumbs – for the sticking into dykes thereof – (no - bad GD) –  those of the Dutch kind. Remember the story of the brave young fellah who stuck his thumb into a hole in a dyke (stop it !) and saved the village because his digit, applied appropriately, saved the day. Well same – same here, it costs big money to hire enough thumb plugs for to plug all the gaping, leaking holes in the protective walls.  Riddle solved.



Tacitus on the Costs of War | Harper's Magazine

“They have plundered the world, stripping naked the land in their hunger… they are driven by greed, if their enemy be rich; by ambition, if poor… They ravage, they slaughter, they seize by false pretences, and all of this they hail as the construction of empire. And when in their wake nothing remains but a desert, they call that peace.” ― Tacitus, The Agricola and The Germania

Its all getting to be a bit too much ain’t it; too much money; too much pony-pooh and far too much of the same sad old ‘safe’ results. Take the ASA monopoly syndicate which manages to loose money every year, despite not paying a red cent in tax. Top dog shuffled quietly out the back door, with only a big pot of ‘earned’ money and an even larger pot of not earned. attached to the golden parachute. 

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Who will protect the Electric Blue Halfwit (EBH) now? In keeping with the true Russel tradition, the EBH has managed to acquire a contract for an ATC system which will almost be obsolete by the time its working; and, to support this and save a few measly bucks, has cut back his crews, to the point where the few remaining only get home every second Tuesday. The real surprise is that an efficient, effective strong union has allowed the current situation to develop. But the jaw dropper is that CASA are, despite the many warning flags flying (and a long line of worn out thumbs presenting for re-tread); allowing the situation to reach a crisis level. Time the ATCO’s and Civil Air polished up their ‘courage’ badges and spoke out – before the inbound freighter meets the outbound air ambulance one dark and stormy; while the lone ATCO had a Nanny nap (bless ‘em).  

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Air traffic controllers are falling asleep on the job | The Man Post
The Man Post
Air traffic controllers on solo night shifts are reportedly falling asleep on the job

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Reference: REPCON AR201600052

...Additionally, International Civil Aviation Organization state letter AN 13/13.1 - 16/39 advises that from 5 November 2020, signatories to the convention will be required to implement FRMS for air traffic control services. CASA will be taking this initiative into account with regard to necessary updates to the Civil Aviation Safety Regulation 1998 Part 172 and the applicable MOS...


Ps In other words there is nothing to see here and we'll get onto this in about a decade's time -  

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But then, is it any good asking CASA to step in and sort it? Seems not, when you read the Repcons and responses. If it was pilots falling asleep there would be hell to pay, but as this is an ‘in house’, potential ministerial damage, the dust pan and brush are vigorously applied.-

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More; and more again of the same regulatory clap-trap must be produced. It has finally reached the ridiculous stage, rather than the sublime. When a fully qualified Safety Management System (SMS) expert must be subjected to a six hour (perhaps four – I forget) inquisition by non qualified CASA ‘experts’ who not only don’t understand the ethos of SMS, but seem to believe that compliance with the rules automatically begets safety. Utter rubbish at AUD $320 per hour. About time Master Cook got off his beam ends and published some more of his unassailable knowledge and expertise. Who knows, Carmody may even read it and get with the solutions team rather than generate more of the same problems; provided Aleck and Crawford don’t see it first that is.

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“The desire for safety stands against every great and noble enterprise.” ― Tacitus

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The High Viz crew over at ATSB HQ have managed to provide a report in a timely manner – wonders never cease. Mind you, it was a difficult; nay, deuced tricky one to nut out. A hot air balloon managed to get tangled in some trees – due fog. The report is a lively confection which neatly skirts around the radical problems to the extent of totally missing the whole point. Wunder-bah. 


Pokolbin hot air balloon crash to be investigated by Australian Transport Safety Bureau

One of the ‘real’ SMS problem management issues was totally ignored. The REQUIRED position (pilot responsibility) to ensure that before beating up an innocent tree, the passengers adopt the required posture and held on to the ‘handle’. Oh, they mention it alright – just fail to ensure that the message, just how essential this is, is driven home to the passengers through company pre flight briefing,. No matter, life in a wheel chair can be fun…

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“So obscure are the greatest events, as some take for granted any hearsay, whatever its source, others turn truth into falsehood, and both errors find encouragement with posterity.” ― Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome

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We all are aware of the ministerial role in the aviation safety rort – say little and do less. Toe the party line and enjoy the benefits of a protection racket – easy peasy. “Proof” asks the jury. Well, ask yourself, how many crown ministers have allowed the ongoing ICAO compliance smoke screen to persist? How many ministers have understood what it means?

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ICAO defines International Safety Problems, the US Government should ...

JDA Aviation Technology Solutions
... was established to set universal standards for the Civil Aviation Administrations that regulate the airlines and other forms of flight. ICAO is governed ..

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Dear Lachie - 

Correspondence from the Department of Infrastructure etc..etc:

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Mount Non-compliance & upcoming ICAO/FAA audit?
AuntyPru.com

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Never laugh at live dragons." | AuntyPru.com : Home of PAIN :

AuntyPru.com

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Then ask, how many understand the nett cost – the total sum invested in becoming one of the least ICAO compliant nations while the books are cooked to provide a false impression we are a model citizen. Not bloody many is the right answer. No matter which way we turn the research around, we always end up with the same answers and the inevitable conclusion. Australia is taking the Mickey Bliss out the spirit and intent of the ICAO system and spending a small, sweet fortune promoting the sale of snake oil as a cure for cancer…

Once upon a time there was a forum where these matters could be discussed and questions asked - Senate estimates– alas, no more. The dawn of the O’Sofullofit era has seen, at no less a venue than Budget estimates, the agencies lightly quizzed on such matters as bruised tyres, then given a sweetie, a swift pat on the head, quickly shown out of the back door, given a taxi voucher and waved by-bye. Stellar. Absolutely riveting stuff. The whole aviation industry is yoked by the toils of departmental frog-pooh, whims and fancies; while the Senate big guns have a night off – WTD; it was Budget Estimates – wasn’t it? No matter we’ll always have Wagga to look forward to; now there’s a pagans prayer looking for redemption.  

The Wagga Wagga tent revival. Pooh-fight, Watershed or just a further demonstration of ministerial deafness and departmental whispering? Will we have Chester posting ‘tweets’ of MCDonaught taking a leak; or will Darren 6D go for the big one – the minister perched on the throne after a curry and three beers. Well, that’s what we got from the Tamworth bunfight. Much will depend on industry cohesion and the ability to stick to a simple, paint by numbers plan which the minister can readily understand. A clear message, delivered at the Wagga gabfest based on across the board industry support could benefit every aviation enterprise.

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"Rarely will two or three tribes confer to repulse a common danger. Accordingly they fight individually and are collectively conquered.” ― Tacitus, The Agricola and The Germania 

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The message delivered must be simple, succinct and, above all, powerful. Once the Com-car whisks the minuscule away to the nearest cat-house, the whispering, the dividing and the obfuscation will begin. Remember – the minister will always play safe and the whispering ‘experts’ will be flat out convincing him that no one, bar themselves, know what is best. Sad, but proven far too many times in history to be anything else but true. 

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“The majority merely disagreed with other people's proposals, and, as so often happens in these disasters, the best course always seemed the one for which it was now too late.” ― Tacitus]

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Easy pickings for P2 today, all the quotes belong to one savvy gentleman – who saw it all, a long time before we pitched up. Amazing really how that which was then, haunts us still to this day. Speaking of which, DT has a list on the fridge; however, I have a great need of early morning sunshine, fresh air, a romp by the river with dogs and a bloody great big coffee when I get back. The furtive, hooded figure sneaking out of the stable back door and disappearing through the mist may or may not be me. Can’t stay way too long – P7 has found some amazing, ancient Walnut panels which will make a great chest (no GD) one for storing things; not one full of Ale ‘tuther of feathers (honestly).

Selah.

[Gobbledock]

Naughty Kharon,

Baiting the Gobbledock with the mention of breasts! That’s like waving a red flag in front of a bull, or placing a photo of J. Aleck on my car windscreen, or putting a politician in charge of staff travel!

Speaking of breasts (I know I know, the senior Moderators are holding their breath), the below Air Cunnilingus clip gets the Gobbledock’s blood flowing on a Sunday morning. ‘Women in uniform, with authority, and a love of flying’ - what more could a male want;

Kharon likes restoring wood on a Sunday. So do I...

‘Breast flying for all’

[Peetwo]

Some what relevant to this week's SBG, off the Mount NCN thread:

Three decades of Australia taking the piss out of ICAO - Part II

P7 said: "...Perhaps we can get the issue raised by Mike Smith at the Wagga pow-wow. Have a choc frog mate...My shout next time around..."

Bloody good idea Ol'Tom, after all (according to the MS CV) there is no more informed independent Aussie ex-pat that knows the inner workings of FAA's IASA program than Mike Smith...

Quote from AvMassi promo for MS: ref - http://www.avmassi.com/about-us/our-team...smith.html

...Since leaving the Australian Civil Service, Mike has been engaged as a senior consultant by airlines and aviation regulators around the world, predominantly advising clients in the areas of regulatory reform, ICAO USOAP and FAA IASA compliance and the introduction of Safety Management Systems and risk based oversight principles into their organizations. Recent clients include the World Bank and the civil aviation administrations of Singapore, the UAE, Nigeria and Bahrain. Mike led the World Bank funded program that gained IASA category one status for Nigeria in 2010, allowing that country’s airlines to operate to the USA. Nigeria remains one of only six African nations to hold that status...

I have no doubt that MS will have a passing interest in some of the seriously deluded and disconnected correspondence recently tabled with the Senate RRAT committee in Estimates hearings from the Dept.

For example from the Secretary to the Dept:

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And tabled from - the latest - Mr McFixit at Budget Estimates:

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So according to Lachie  ... cont/

MTF...P2

[Kharon]

Minister for Reality – Really?



I suppose, in a way, one must feel a little sympathy for a ‘minister’. The strange, alien world of politics and policy being far removed from the every day world of the man on the street; or on a flight deck, a ship’s bridge or the cabin of a ‘big-rig’. The minister is immersed in policy, cosseted by ‘advice’ and protected by a small army of departmental heads, without having a blind clue about; or, real life experience of the matters which affect mere mortals.

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The Challenger Disaster: What Happens When Politics Overrides ...
Challenger disaster - caused by politicians ignoring science

“Nothing ever becomes real 'til it is experienced.” ― John Keats

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The ‘minister’ may even be, at heart, a decent sort of chap with only the best interests of the nation at heart – unlikely, but; within the realms of possibility. Lets pretend the minister is a good egg just for a while and take a look at the difficulties faced to gain a measure of ‘reality’. There is little to no chance of a reality fix from within the closed circle of advisors, they have a different agenda – to protect the government and the minister from the ever present threat of a ‘cock-up’ affecting re-election. So we can rule them out of the reality stakes. May the minister then look to his department heads for honest, sage advice? This notion may be discarded. The top draw mandarins have an obligation to keep the political boat on track and not make a mess on the ministerial carpet; or, if they do, then they must clean it up and hide the evidence. The minister may not seek advice from those below the top dogs, simply because the minions will protect their rice bowls and support the top dog’s latest barking. So, in short, the honest minister is buggered, well and truly, when it comes to ‘reality’ – assuming a fix is wanted of course.

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"..Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one..."  ― Albert Einstein

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Take Australia’s compliance with ICAO as a fantasy: a confection of myth, legend and obfuscation, supported at huge expense from the public purse. Periodically, ICAO will ‘audit’ the Australian performance and compliance; one of these audits took Australia to the brink of the dreaded ‘downgrade’ to Cat 2 status – goodbye code share, goodbye Qantas. The diplomats dived into the murky water and saved the day – but: to do that, an 89 million dollar fix was needed. 

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Ref: FAA IASA audit, FRMS & an 'inconvenient ditching'? 

Review by the Director of Aviation Safety

...Technical training was identified as an issue by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in its 2008 audit and in the US Federal Aviation Administration’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) audit. We have responded by developing a comprehensive technical training and professional development program to enhance staff capability in areas such as leadership, regulatory skills and technical expertise...

...The Australian Government has provided a significant budget boost to aviation safety, with an additional $89.9 million in new funding allocated over four years. The additional funding will be used for a range of purposes, including employing additional safety specialists, safety analysts, airworthiness inspectors and other staff...

Address to TTF Summit: Leadership 2010

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
23 June 2010

...CASA, the nation’s independent aviation safety watchdog, will recruit almost 100 additional frontline staff with the $89.9 million in new funding provided by the Budget. This extra investment in safer skies will be funded via a small increase in the aviation fuel excise, from 2.8 cents per litre to 3.5 cents per litre. The Government considers this to be a reasonable and responsible step considering the industry’s continued growth depends on the public’s ongoing confidence in its safety standards. Following the ICAO and FAA audits this investment in CASA’s staff and training is critical, and will strengthen the organisation’s oversight of the industry. Aviation safety should be bi-partisan, and the Government puts the safety of passengers ahead of other interests...

From about 04:00 - 

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Ask yourself this, how much trouble was Australia in, when the ‘fix’ for departmental incompetency cost more than the contribution made to MH 370 search? The money was raised through a ‘temporary’ surcharge on aviation fuel, expected to last four years. That levy has never been rescinded, indeed, it now forms part of the annual CASA budget. Furry muff you say – if it keeps us ICAO compliant and ‘us’ out of the downgrade Do-Do and the FAA off our back. So, insofar as the minister is concerned - all’s well and hunky-dory with ICAO and Australia’s class1 category. Wrong assumption. It all appears to be well, but perhaps the minister, (not some hapless minion), could ask a couple of questions and study the answers himself – we have. Q1, why has the latest ICAO audit not been released? Q2 Why do we spend incredible sums to appear ‘compliant’ when, in reality, we are not? Perhaps a little time spent on Mount Compliance with P2’s most excellent research could help the minister find his way back into the real world, before it finds him.... 

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“Reality can be beaten with enough imagination.” ― Mark Twain

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The minister could reinforce the reality of a grim picture by taking a close look at an independent ‘expert’ analysis of the most inconvenient Pel-Air ditching of a medivac jet off Norfolk Island in 2009. At that time, both FAA and ICAO were seeking to downgrade Australia, which made the accident a seriously ‘hot’ political item. Major code sharing agreements hanging by a thread, diplomats working overtime, all hands to the pumps, then some idiot child lobs into the water, out of fuel, in the middle of the night. Despite, or more likely because of ICAO, FAA and public interest, there was a desperate need to divert any portion of blame falling on the CASA, the minister and his government. It is a long saga and now; many hope a forgotten one. But the ‘truth’ (whatever that maybe) has a habit of surfacing, much like a rotting corpse, to bring the evidence home to those who would have the truth.  

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“Cherish those who seek the truth but beware of those who find it.” ― Voltaire

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Australian Aviation is running a series of articles written by an expert; which provide a clinical, forensic, non aligned analysis of the Pel-Air ditching and examines the gaping holes in the very expensive ‘safety-net’ the Australian public pay for so dearly. Perhaps our minister could find a coffee and quiet corner to read the articles; and, perhaps get a foothold on the reality platform and actually make the major, desperately needed changes demanded by an ailing industry. We cannot possibly limp along in denial of crisis for very much longer: not the way we are. Sooner or later the FAA will become very interested in our little games, the stakes are high, the penalties unthinkable – but very, very real.

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  The information that democracy needs
By Bret Walker • 14/06/2018

"In order to build, sometimes you must first destroy".

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Before the minister dashes off to find his ‘advisors’ perhaps a little time spent – HERE – will direct him to the right advice. Who knows what he’ll do – but history is against his doing anything other than covering his own arse. Another Darren Chester clone, produced in a government sponsored 3D printer at public expense. 

Aye, ‘tis the time of grim reality – before the gab-fests begin and the layers of Teflon are reapplied to reinforce the myths and legends of Australian aviation reality as seen through the rose tinted glasses handed out by the sponsor.

Reality is a second coffee warming cold hands, by the stable fire; anything beyond that I cannot guarantee as real.



Toot – toot.

[Peetwo]

Minister for Reality – Really?



I suppose, in a way, one must feel a little sympathy for a ‘minister’. The strange, alien world of politics and policy being far removed from the every day world of the man on the street; or on a flight deck, a ship’s bridge or the cabin of a ‘big-rig’. The minister is immersed in policy, cosseted by ‘advice’ and protected by a small army of departmental heads, without having a blind clue about; or, real life experience of the matters which affect mere mortals.

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The Challenger Disaster: What Happens When Politics Overrides ...
Challenger disaster - caused by politicians ignoring science

“Nothing ever becomes real 'til it is experienced.” ― John Keats

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The ‘minister’ may even be, at heart, a decent sort of chap with only the best interests of the nation at heart – unlikely, but; within the realms of possibility. Lets pretend the minister is a good egg just for a while and take a look at the difficulties faced to gain a measure of ‘reality’. There is little to no chance of a reality fix from within the closed circle of advisors, they have a different agenda – to protect the government and the minister from the ever present threat of a ‘cock-up’ affecting re-election. So we can rule them out of the reality stakes. May the minister then look to his department heads for honest, sage advice? This notion may be discarded. The top draw mandarins have an obligation to keep the political boat on track and not make a mess on the ministerial carpet; or, if they do, then they must clean it up and hide the evidence. The minister may not seek advice from those below the top dogs, simply because the minions will protect their rice bowls and support the top dog’s latest barking. So, in short, the honest minister is buggered, well and truly, when it comes to ‘reality’ – assuming a fix is wanted of course.

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"..Reality is merely an illusion, albeit a very persistent one..."  ― Albert Einstein

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Take Australia’s compliance with ICAO as a fantasy: a confection of myth, legend and obfuscation, supported at huge expense from the public purse. Periodically, ICAO will ‘audit’ the Australian performance and compliance; one of these audits took Australia to the brink of the dreaded ‘downgrade’ to Cat 2 status – goodbye code share, goodbye Qantas. The diplomats dived into the murky water and saved the day – but: to do that, an 89 million dollar fix was needed. 

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Ref: FAA IASA audit, FRMS & an 'inconvenient ditching'? 

Review by the Director of Aviation Safety

...Technical training was identified as an issue by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) in its 2008 audit and in the US Federal Aviation Administration’s International Aviation Safety Assessment (IASA) audit. We have responded by developing a comprehensive technical training and professional development program to enhance staff capability in areas such as leadership, regulatory skills and technical expertise...

...The Australian Government has provided a significant budget boost to aviation safety, with an additional $89.9 million in new funding allocated over four years. The additional funding will be used for a range of purposes, including employing additional safety specialists, safety analysts, airworthiness inspectors and other staff...

Address to TTF Summit: Leadership 2010

The Hon Anthony Albanese MP
23 June 2010

...CASA, the nation’s independent aviation safety watchdog, will recruit almost 100 additional frontline staff with the $89.9 million in new funding provided by the Budget. This extra investment in safer skies will be funded via a small increase in the aviation fuel excise, from 2.8 cents per litre to 3.5 cents per litre. The Government considers this to be a reasonable and responsible step considering the industry’s continued growth depends on the public’s ongoing confidence in its safety standards. Following the ICAO and FAA audits this investment in CASA’s staff and training is critical, and will strengthen the organisation’s oversight of the industry. Aviation safety should be bi-partisan, and the Government puts the safety of passengers ahead of other interests...

From about 04:00 - 

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Ask yourself this, how much trouble was Australia in, when the ‘fix’ for departmental incompetency cost more than the contribution made to MH 370 search? The money was raised through a ‘temporary’ surcharge on aviation fuel, expected to last four years. That levy has never been rescinded, indeed, it now forms part of the annual CASA budget. Furry muff you say – if it keeps us ICAO compliant and ‘us’ out of the downgrade Do-Do and the FAA off our back. So, insofar as the minister is concerned - all’s well and hunky-dory with ICAO and Australia’s class1 category. Wrong assumption. It all appears to be well, but perhaps the minister, (not some hapless minion), could ask a couple of questions and study the answers himself – we have. Q1, why has the latest ICAO audit not been released? Q2 Why do we spend incredible sums to appear ‘compliant’ when, in reality, we are not? Perhaps a little time spent on Mount Compliance with P2’s most excellent research could help the minister find his way back into the real world, before it finds him.... 

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“Reality can be beaten with enough imagination.” ― Mark Twain

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The minister could reinforce the reality of a grim picture by taking a close look at an independent ‘expert’ analysis of the most inconvenient Pel-Air ditching of a medivac jet off Norfolk Island in 2009. At that time, both FAA and ICAO were seeking to downgrade Australia, which made the accident a seriously ‘hot’ political item. Major code sharing agreements hanging by a thread, diplomats working overtime, all hands to the pumps, then some idiot child lobs into the water, out of fuel, in the middle of the night. Despite, or more likely because of ICAO, FAA and public interest, there was a desperate need to divert any portion of blame falling on the CASA, the minister and his government. It is a long saga and now; many hope a forgotten one. But the ‘truth’ (whatever that maybe) has a habit of surfacing, much like a rotting corpse, to bring the evidence home to those who would have the truth.  

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“Cherish those who seek the truth but beware of those who find it.” ― Voltaire

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Australian Aviation is running a series of articles written by an expert; which provide a clinical, forensic, non aligned analysis of the Pel-Air ditching and examines the gaping holes in the very expensive ‘safety-net’ the Australian public pay for so dearly. Perhaps our minister could find a coffee and quiet corner to read the articles; and, perhaps get a foothold on the reality platform and actually make the major, desperately needed changes demanded by an ailing industry. We cannot possibly limp along in denial of crisis for very much longer: not the way we are. Sooner or later the FAA will become very interested in our little games, the stakes are high, the penalties unthinkable – but very, very real.

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  The information that democracy needs
By Bret Walker • 14/06/2018

"In order to build, sometimes you must first destroy".

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Before the minister dashes off to find his ‘advisors’ perhaps a little time spent – HERE – will direct him to the right advice. Who knows what he’ll do – but history is against his doing anything other than covering his own arse. Another Darren Chester clone, produced in a government sponsored 3D printer at public expense. 

Aye, ‘tis the time of grim reality – before the gab-fests begin and the layers of Teflon are reapplied to reinforce the myths and legends of Australian aviation reality as seen through the rose tinted glasses handed out by the sponsor.

Reality is a second coffee warming cold hands, by the stable fire; anything beyond that I cannot guarantee as real.



Toot – toot.

P2 comment - Read the Ben Cook PelAir Part 2 article here: The ditching of Australian aviation governance - Part 2

»» CASA’s procedures and guidance for scoping an audit included several important aspects, but it did not formally include the nature of the operator’s activities, the inherent threats or hazards associated with those activities, and the risk controls that were important for managing those threats or hazards.
»» Consistent with widely agreed safety science principles, CASA’s approach to conducting surveillance of large charter and air ambulance operators had placed significant emphasis on systems-based audits. However, its implementation of this approach resulted in minimal emphasis on evaluating the conduct of line operations (or ‘process in practice’).

Although there are pragmatic difficulties with interviewing line personnel and conducting product surveillance of some types of operations, such methods are necessary to ensure there is a balanced approach to surveillance, particularly until CASA can be confident that operators have mature safety management systems (SMSs) in place. [If CASA surveillance is too shallow how do more senior personnel (chief pilot, standards managers, check and training pilots) know whether their own practices are adequate and
aligned with best practice?]

Ultimately, inadequate regulatory oversight also contributed heavily to a false sense of security within Pel‑Air. How devastating it must have been post accident to have CASA inspectorate staff suddenly find so many systemic issues that had not been picked up during previous CASA surveillance.

Now watch again the '$89 million bucket' video (above). Anyone else get the impression there was no love lost between the former DAS McComic and BC

[Gobbledock]

P2;

Now watch again the '$89 million bucket' video (above). Anyone else get the impression there was no love lost between the former DAS McComic and BC

Indeed. The Screamer disliked Ben because the only people who count, in the Screamers eyes, are fellow Widebody pilots. On top of that, Ben’s ability to actually look at issues such as fatigue and human factors also upset Herr Fuhrer Skull, who much preferred to point a finger and just say ‘guilty as charged’. The Skull was not into the modern James Reason approach in which root cause and causal factors looked beneath the surface. Not our man Skull, his methodology was simply ‘blame the prick behind the yoke or the grease monkey who fixed the fucking plane’. Ben grew tired of the charade, asked for more coin, they said no, Ben said ‘up yours’. The rest, as they say is history. Ben went on to better things and Australian aviation and CAsA were worse off when he departed........ But don’t worry, Aleck is still there, as are other members of the Iron Ring.

[Kharon]

Restore, Repair; or, Replace


There comes a time when that question must be asked. The answer is subjective – it all depends on what it is, who values it, what the final cost will be and what worth or value will gained from the expenditure. Perception and ‘beauty’ in the eye of the beholder’ all count in total score – and whether the ‘thing’ will be of any practical or intrinsic value once the job is done. But with non material things, such as our ASA, ATSB and CASA, there can only be one answer to all the questions. 

Are they worth restoring? Clearly and unequivocally – No.

Are they worth repairing? Clearly and unequivocally – No.

For many practical reasons, standing alone, the answer must be a resounding NO. There has been incredible sums invested in both repair and attempted restoration. That infamous building company Bodgit and Leggit have made their families fortune with quick, cheap and nasty repairs; but no sane building inspector would rubber stamp their efforts as being up to specification. Which means of course we are only left with one option – replacement.

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Question for the 'notice paper'? http://www.auntypru.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=149&pid=8920#pid8920 … #PelAir

“In the present case it is a little inaccurate to say I hate everything. I am strongly in favor of common sense, common honesty and common decency. This makes me forever ineligible to any public office of trust or profit in the Republic. But I do not repine, for I am a subject of it only by force of arms.” ― H.L. Mencken

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I find it difficult to believe that an intelligent man, a born and bred bureaucrat, trained from the tit and schooled thereafter; like Carmody, is happy with his current situation. No sane person could be. Yet the poor bugger has to sit there, play nice with a thing like McDonaught; keep the current crop of swamp creatures happy; play marbles with Aleck, fight off Anastasi’s Eastern Bloc tendency to build Gulags; keep Crawford out of the axe cupboard and then, keep an industry ticking over. 

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Comments in reply to the invisible DPM Oz article

Worthwhile or Inutile – can’t decide. 

Secura fulsit. 

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The short answer is to get him out of the fire, give him some sane support to restructure the entire system. Minister (accidental capitalisation) the white ants have been through the building – it is buggered. Let it collapse around itself while we rebuild and refresh the primary spirit and intent of Australia’s ‘safety agencies’. The whole charade is coming unglued, more glue, tinsel and motherhood will not help. The Kiwi’s did it: did it very well indeed; and, look where they are now - at a third the cost. I ask you, when did throwing money into a fire ever help extinguish it? Or; more prosaically, when did setting fire to your feet help keep your hands warm? Clean sheet of paper, redefine what our agencies should be doing and get on with doing it. This is ridiculous.

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Drain Burley Griffin | The Spectator Australia
The Spectator Australia

“Seek not the favor of the multitude; it is seldom got by honest and lawful means. But seek the testimony of few; and number not voices, but weigh them.” ― Immanuel Kant

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I’m going to keep it short this week; there is only one letter which really matters. It is the one signed by the miniscule glove puppet to Barry O’Sofullashite, telling ‘em that all’s well and they can knock off inquiries into ‘aviation safety’ (whatever the hell that is). BOS will grab that get out of gaol card and go, like hells hound were chasing, to the end of his little pantomime at estimates. Does the minister seriously expect the industry to accept the last little group hug session of budget estimates as the new norm? Is he really going to leave the management of an important Senate function in the hands of a man who, IMO, is not to be trusted to fill out a breakfast order form.

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“Look at the orators in our republics; as long as they are poor, both state and people can only praise their uprightness; but once they are fattened on the public funds, they conceive a hatred for justice, plan intrigues against the people and attack the democracy.” ― Aristophanes, Plutus

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While on the subject of WOFTAM; how much has the Rice Pudding airspace debate cost – in time, money and effort? It is bad enough that we must sit through the wittering’s of this puling, time wasting fool’s off planet notions at estimates – but when a Bill is brought in, by a crowd who want a greener planet, proposing to add an additional 200,000 miles to the journeys of the Qantas fleet alone; it’s time someone put a stop to the loony left ideas of what is safe and good. That’s before there is a serious complaint made against the cost of an air ticket – by the same motley crew who don’t want the noise over ‘their’ place. Why not just have one airport in the middle, say at Alice Spring then folk can commute home from there by Shank’s Mare or, push bikes for those in first class? Ridiculous notion #2.

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Senate inquiry on flight path | Blue Mountains Gazette
Blue Mountains Gazette[/url]

“Our great democracies still tend to think that a stupid man is more likely to be honest than a clever man, and our politicians take advantage of this prejudice by pretending to be even more stupid than nature made them.” ― [url=https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/17854.Bertrand_Russell]Bertrand Russell

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Just in case there are still some who believe our ‘departments’ actually are honest and there to serve the national well being – think again. The truly dreadful performance of the DVA, sponsored, supervised and approved by none other than Darren 7D has been exposed through the tale of one lone man. Except he ain’t alone; there are many truly dreadful, sad but true tales of departmental embuggerance of individuals. Gods help the government if they ever all got together and mounted a serious campaign or a political party. Never happen of course, once mauled by the beast many shuffle off into obscurity, to lick their wounds and recover some semblance of dignity. Rollins story is not a one off, an aberration or even unusual – except like Karen’s case, it got heard by many. Disgusting. 

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The tale of Karen Casey.
AuntyPru.com

 “Politicians were mostly people who'd had too little morals and ethics to stay lawyers.” ― George R.R. Martin, Ace in the Hole

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Usually, I can find a laugh or two in the weeks take out menu, alas, not today. The deafening noise of ranks closing, stable doors slamming and drawbridges being hauled up prevents even a scrap of humour being heard. Aye; ‘tis indeed a strangle world when the only bit of good news came from the CASA submission to the Rice Pudding push for hush. Of course a cynic would say half of that submission was to let Halfwit know that CASA hold all the Aces and he can’t have control of airspace – (thank the gods for small mercies). 

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“The difference between a politician and a statesman is that a politician thinks about the next election while the statesman think about the next generation.” ― James Freeman Clarke

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Anyway: enough of my rambling; tempus fugit and there’s man’s work to be done.

Toot toot…….

P2 - A bit of R&R on the road to Wagga...

[Kharon]

A rustling – in the bushes?


The Piper at the Gates of Dawn - sustain

This passage from Wind in the Willows:-

Rat, who was in the stern of the boat, while Mole sculled, sat up suddenly and listened with a passionate intentness. Mole, who with gentle strokes was just keeping the boat moving while he scanned the banks with care, looked at him with curiosity.

`It's gone!' sighed the Rat, sinking back in his seat again. `So beautiful and strange and new. Since it was to end so soon, I almost wish I had never heard it. For it has roused a longing in me that is pain, and nothing seems worth while but just to hear that sound once more and go on listening to it for ever. No! There it is again!' he cried, alert once more. Entranced, he was silent for a long space, spellbound.

`Now it passes on and I begin to lose it,' he said presently. `O Mole! the beauty of it! The merry bubble and joy, the thin, clear, happy call of the distant piping! Such music I never dreamed of, and the call in it is stronger even than the music is sweet! Row on, Mole, row! For the music and the call must be for us.'

The Mole, greatly wondering, obeyed. `I hear nothing myself,' he said, `but the wind playing in the reeds and rushes and osiers.'

- has been hovering like a moth around the dim light of my feeble brain – it started while walking home from a BRB/ darts practice. Bemused by the unspoken, almost subliminal atmosphere of the indaba. I should explain – usually it is a frank, open, often ribald, occasionally heated exchange of information, ideas, notions; and, the all important ‘what-if’ scenario back and forth. You know the sort of thing – Fred says “What if the moon is made of green cheese” Charlie says “Well; if that’s so then how come etc.” It is a very useful tool for thrashing out - examining and clarifying situations and implications. None of that ‘tuther night though. It was almost as if we could all hear the ‘thing’ rustling in the bushes, but no one dare name it. I blame it all on Wagga myself – there is, we believe, some very welcome, important news to be released there (or so the stories go). The auguries are good:-

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“Today, to him gazing south with a new-born need stirring in his heart, the clear sky over their long low outline seemed to pulsate with promise; today, the unseen was everything. the unknown the only real fact of life.” ― Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows

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; and not so good. One of the great unknowns is how long political pressure can be maintained. Not the pitiful industry variety, which has long been ignored and dismissed for two generations – but the real thing. It troubles me when both major parties settle into a cosy ‘bi-partisan’ arrangement. The actions and decisions of a government need the challenge of grounded opposition – democratic like. One mob wants the ‘One Pie in the Sky’ air traffic system – furry muff; but, ‘tuther mob have (IMO) a duty to challenge, examine and evaluate the worth, merit and cost of that system. Same – same the Act, the Regulations and how the CASA apply and police those regulation; not to mention the regulations themselves. For example how the devil did strict liability gain ascendency; or, how did Part 61 ever get up: or, how did 48.1 come into being. What the hell were they thinking of – if they were thinking at all.  Why has none of it ever challenged? I ramble: – point is there needs to be a healthy tension between parties in the lower house. No problem at ‘committee’ or inquiry level, where they seem to be able to focus on a narrow ‘band’ in the true spirit and intent of a bi-partisan ideal; but elsewhere, it is not too good a thing methinks.

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But Mole stood still a moment, held in thought. As one wakened suddenly from a beautiful dream, who struggles to recall it, but can recapture nothing but a dim sense of the beauty in it, the beauty! Till that, too, fades away in its turn, and the dreamer bitterly accepts the hard, cold waking and all its penalties.

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But, the silence of those reading the wind and sniffing the breeze was more than concern for politics – they sense a danger lurking in the bushes, the stealthy approach of something unwholesome. They are right to be apprehensive; no matter what comes into reality at Wagga. The creatures of the deep swamps and denizens of the Sleepy Hollow dark lagoons will not willingly embrace change which they have not generated – not  if it don’t suit ‘em. Some call this the grip of Iron Ring; which many believe will never be broken. It is not in the nature of the beast to simply roll over and say OK minister; we’ll do just as you ask. Gods know, history is loaded with fact that proves categorically that ministers, senators, even top dog mandarins have been bully-ragged into submission by this element. 

Entrenched Iron ring examples:

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2013:

The Iron Ring back in control at CASA HQ

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CVD pilot saga..

The Empire Strikes Back! on Colour Defective Pilots

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2018:

FalconAir vs PelAir - Part II.

On chasing tales and washing spots http://www.auntypru.com/forum/showthr...

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Those are the noises we can hear on the breeze, rusting in the trees, furtive, stealthy disturbing whispers of sound, half imagined. Pulling the blankets up about your ears won’t chase this Bogey man away; there is only one way – confront the daemon and shine a bright light on the bloody and disgraceful past history. A history of circumvention, denial, deceit and outright refusal to acquiesce to the requests or demands of past harbingers of real change. Here is my ‘what if’s– RAAus fall deeper into dependency on CASA good will? Is the GAGA crew (or whatever) simply going to get in behind and push like hell to get the scrum over the line – or, will they just go along to get along while working against proper change to carry the ‘preferred agenda’? It is quite a band and it plays a merry tune for those who must dance at the devils own banquet. 

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Now then, did you ever watch a child in a high chair with a bowl porridge -trying to feed itself? No need to go to all that mess and trouble’ just bring up any one of the latest (properly aged and sanitised) ATSB reports – same thing. The AirAsia thing is an excellent example – but for a real close encounter of the appalling mess ATSB is making of it’s breakfast look no further than the Mt Hotham report. It is a masterwork of top cover, dogs breakfast and porridge besmirched toddlers let loose, unsupervised. I’ve no idea what, in the seven hells ATSB think they are doing, who they are doing for and why; but the time for educated adult supervision is now. I notice the stalwart, ever on the ball Old Akro has taken the Hotham shambles to pieces; which earns a Choc Frog – none of our crew can be bothered anymore; its simply easier not to bother reading - particularly when the facts the ATSB have ‘written around’ are known. I cringe every time ATSB eventually get around to actually releasing a report – hoping that its not spotted by a professional who cares. Maybe we could have Chester and O’Sofullashite placed on the board of the ATSB – all national disgrace in the one place, put ‘em in an unused shed in the back paddock and just let ‘em moulder away there – save a bloody fortune: while HVH Hood (aka Toga Toad) gives the Kool Aid club rousing, inspirational little insights.

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"Glorious, stirring sight!" murmured Toad. . . . "The poetry of motion! The real way to travel! The only way to travel! Here today - in next week tomorrow! Villages skipped, towns and cities jumped- always somebody else's horizons! O bliss! O poop-poop! O my! O my!"

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Speaking those happy to sit back in hairdressing salons while the electorate must eat beef imported from the EU, our old favourite Darren 7D is once again centre stage. But wait; there’s more, he’s now boss of the DVA to boot. Which brings a further delight, considering the amount of ‘military’ votes his electorate (them what can’t eat a local steak) which may just be ever so slightly upset about the treatment one of their own has received and how Darren 7D failed to step in and take the case head on. Local - “What about them ducks eh – Dazza?” “What about them glowing ducks eh – fark mate; can we eat ‘em instead?” “Quick, grab a selfie for twitter – Aunt Pru loves them – go on, you know you want to?

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Winter is upon us, as is the Wagga Reform Plate. There has been a mountain of work done, risks taken, bets made and some pretty ferocious stands taken. All of which has been done solely in an attempt to get ‘the industry’ into the race and on to the start line. Getting that far and having the Stewards accept the entry is, believe it or not, the easiest bit of the whole affair.  Easy – finishing? Ah, now  that is difficult, but; to walk off with the prize takes as much effort again and team work as the industry can muster. This is the start of a long, very long, brutal race against very tough, experienced competition – no room for slackers or those who just came along to watch.

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Aye, whimsical enough – but I don’t like the vibe any more than the BRB do; there’s something on the wind, my curiosity bump is off the scale and my thumbs are pricking – Anyway -  its freezing in the stable; time to reach for the axe and log splitter, get the stove going, shut the doors and settle down to a ‘sharpening up day’. Let’s see, there’s three saws need doctoring; a dozen chisels which could do with some attention, and half a dozen planes to tune up – that should keep me out of the kitchen until lunch time. Exeunt: Large hooded figure carrying an enormous axe, last seen heading for the wood pile melting into the early morning mists,

Toot – toot.

[Peetwo]

Old Akro's take apart of HVH VH-OWN FR - cont/- 

SBG 01/07/18 : "..I notice the stalwart, ever on the ball Old Akro has taken the Hotham shambles to pieces; which earns a Choc Frog – none of our crew can be bothered anymore; its simply easier not to bother reading - particularly when the facts the ATSB have ‘written around’ are known. I cringe every time ATSB eventually get around to actually releasing a report – hoping that its not spotted by a professional who cares..."

Gotta hand it to OA, much like the Canleyvale report, if you wanted a clear example of a professional systematically and factually pulling apart another 'bollocks' ATSB report, combined with the input from LB, you cannot go past the Old Akro posts on the UP...  

Old Akro - This thread is supposed to highlight that the ATSB have again released a sub-standard report, that does not appear to have considered all relevant facts, that the report is not "transparent" in providing all data that would allow a reviewer to work through the voracity of the report and that yet again, it has failed to diligently examine the role of other government departments - primarily AsA. In this instance it has stopped short of the old practice of blaming a dead pilot, but it certainly does cast aspersions on the pilot without having properly prosecuted its case.

The most fundamental tenant of a scientific report is that a peer reviewer should be able to pick up a report and using the tabled data and / or details of methodology used, work through the report and reach the same conclusions. Currently, the ATSB reports fail this test. In recent years that have adopted the practice of only presenting the data that supports the conclusion of the report. The 2005 report on VH-OAO is a good demonstration. The OAO report tabled all the flight path data of all aircraft involved, not selected flight data of only the subject aircraft.

Regarding ADS-B, after so many posts and so much communication, I cannot believe that we are still going over it.
1. CASA mandated ADS-B for all IFR aircraft at ALL levels and all airspace types by 1 Feb 2017. Something that was unique in the world and 3 years or more in advance of any other country - notably the US and requiring technology that was different than the main markets (ie the US).
2. Like all other recent major "reforms" at the 11th hour when it was patently obvious that CASA's mandate was not practically possible to achieve, CASA backed down.
3. In order to try and save face, it introduced a convoluted web of exceptions that have made the whole affair a mess. From CASA:

Quote:

The 2 February 2017 mandate still stands. CASA is introducing two instruments – one for domestic operators and one for international operators – that offer restricted, time-limited relief under specific conditions, which will come into effect on 2 February 2017. This is consistent with the action CASA has taken for every mandate introduced to help bring the aviation community on board and help address any concerns as new regulatory requirements are introduced.

Quote:

All operators of non-ADS-B equipped aircraft that currently operate under instrument flight rules (IFR) will still need to make a decision about whether to equip, fly under the visual flight rules (VFR) only, or retire any unequipped aircraft. These instruments will give a limited number of domestic operators more time to make this decision but the 2 February 2017 mandate will still impact them – they will be restricted to lower level, uncontrolled airspace (Class G/under 10,000 feet) and controlled airspace around regional and metro Class D airports. The most fuel efficient options may not be available to non-equipped aircraft flying under IFR.

Currently, aircraft cannot fly above 10,000 ft without ADS-B. Unless you have one of the many CASA exemptions because there is no approved ADS-B fitment option. Dick Smith's Citation was probably the most famous example.

There are also restrictions on flying into control airspace. But probably more significant than the CASA restrictions are the unpublished AsA flight priority allocations. If you don't have ADS-B you will have lower priority than a rubber band model aircraft. GA is treated badly enough by AsA, but GA without ADS-B is rock bottom.

The second factor are the PBN rules, which if the proposed fuel margin regulations are approved will become dramatically more onerous. If you fly in the J-curve then your sheltered existence won't get this. But for the rest of Australia a C129a GPS means you need to carry fuel for diversion to an airport with a ground based navaid approach plus holding fuel. After the great AsA navaid shutdown, this can mean that some IFR flights just can't be done and meet the fuel reserve requirements. If the proposed fuel regulations are adopted, infringe this by 1 minute and you have committed a strict liability offence. Neither a remote mounted TN70 nor a TXP with integrated WAAS receiver will satisfy the PBN requirements.

Unlike the US, Australia requires engineering orders for ADS-B installation. I'd suggest that for most aircraft its cheaper to put in a used 430 and a ADS-B transponder than fit a remote WAAS box primarily due to the cost of engineering orders and metal work surrounding a non rack mounted remote box together with the install cost of an additional (vs replacement) GPS antennae. The TN70 is about AUD$3,500. Add probably $3,000 - $4,000 for install plus $2,000 - $3,000 for engineering orders and a factory refurbished 430 (which still seem to be readily available) at $9,500 is looking pretty good - or a secondhand GTN650 for about the same price. The 430 will have lower install cost and lower EO cost than the TN70.

Specifically regarding VH-OWN, I believe that the GPS installation was a source of friction between the pilot and aircraft owner and that is why the pilot refused to operate VH-OWN after the Hotham incident and how he ended up flying ZCR on the fateful day. I also understand that the owner of OWN had the GPS upgraded and ADS-B installed soon after the Hotham incident.

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Lead Balloon
Quote:

Do they purport to be a scientific report?

They used to purport to be a report of the outcomes of a scientific process. Jumping to a convenient or comfortable conclusion then finding “facts” to “support” that conclusion is not a scientific process. (I can show you reports with “data” that “support” the conclusion that white people are smarter than black people.)

Quote:

I would have thought that the background investigation leads to a conclusion, then a report is prepared that states that conclusion and presents the data that leads to that conclusion.

Yeah - like the “background investigation” of the Whyalla Airlines Navajo that was based on old wives’ tales about piston engines and presented data that was hogwash. Many, many like that since then. 

At least back then it was just structural incompetence. Now it’s special interest interference as well. So many people providing “data” to “support” a conclusion that happens to be convenient and comfortable for them. Everyone, that is, but the deceased pilot.

If there is litigation in the wake of the Essendon tragedy, it will be interesting to see what a rigorous fact-finding process and causal analysis turns up.

---

Old Akro

Quote:

The OAO report tabled the flight path data of the other aircraft because it supported the conclusion, and was relevant. I would say that only the flight data of OWN was shown as it is the only one relevant. No other pilot on the day reported issues with their GPS or wandered about the sky trying to conduct an approach.

How is the flight path of the aircraft that VH-OWN allegedly infringed (VH-LQR) not be relevant?? I would have thought that was the very definition of only showing one side of an argument?

The pilot of VH-OWN reported that the GPS and / or autopilot did not function correctly. 
The following day, the pilot repeated the flight with a CASA test officer. The report notes that there were anomalies in the performance of the GPS / Autopilot, but not of the same severity as the flight in question. 

The ATSB did not conduct its own flight tests.

In this circumstance, especially since the report criticises the pilots procedure entry, I would think that the flight path of other aircraft and specifically the flight path of the aircraft that VH-OWN came into close proximity is a central and critical part of a proper investigation. How can you criticise the pilot of VH-OWN without demonstrating that VH -LQR and the other aircraft flew perfectly and did not contribute?

How can the ATSB say the other aircraft had no GPS issues without considering what GPS receivers they had fitted? ie, was VH-OWN the only one still using a C129a receiver? Older GPS units and especially older GPS antennae tend to "see" fewer satellites. Was this a factor? A diligent report would consider this before dismissing the performance of the GPS as an issue. 

Why is there no discussion about the closure of the Mt Livingstone VOR? It was pretty close to HOTEI and would have been a useful crosscheck for the GPS. Does the hostile terrain, poor radar coverage and pachy VHF coverage at Australia's highest certified airport deserve a review of whether the Mt Livingstone VOR should be added to the back-up network?

I also wonder if this report purposely omits some flight data, because if it showed all the flight data, it would demonstrate that there was better radar coverage than AsA has claimed and that AsA's inaction in warning either pilot would come under more scrutiny. 


Quote:

Why should this one be any different? Just because you disagree with it?

I don't disagree with the report. Its too bland to disagree with. But, I think its sub standard. 

It kind of sort of finds some maybe potential unspecified fault with a dead pilot. It raises failings with AsA but then laughs them off in the conclusion and it waves off any issues with the radar infrastructure by suggesting its all been fixed now by the implementation of ADS-B. And it fails to consider any contribution of the withdrawal of met services from Mt Hotham. I just think it fails any test of being a robust, diligent, objective report. And the only reason I care is because I'm concerned its going to falsely set a precedent of poor piloting for the Essendon report - which is the main game.

MTF...P2 

[Kharon]

One more sleep: wake up in Wagga.



Wagga set to host aviation leaders from around the nation | The ...
The Daily Advertiser
Wagga to host the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia's aviation summit next week

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When you awake on the morning of a hunt, you have choices. You may go along for the sheer thrill of hearing the hounds give voice, the surge of the animal you ride as it flies toward a thicket hedge and the adrenalin rush as you clear the thorns, to arrive back, dirty, tired and happy as the proverbial pig. Or, you may elect to adopt a more pedestrian role; amble along at the back, happy to ‘hack’ around and spend the day ‘a-chatting’. Lots of options, you can even stay home and watch MKR repeat episodes – up to you. However, if you turn out, then which ever way you decide to spend the day, you are involved. I’ve never been certain which came first – hunting or racing horses: you certainly ‘race’ when hunting; and you are effectively ‘hunting’ a prize when racing; no matter. The prize at Wagga is political understanding of the deep problems Australian aviation faces; the basic, fundamental, deeply entrenched, bitterly disputed, never ending or ever going away, AUD400,000,000 dollars worth and three decades old ‘troubles’. Racing or hunting, both demand courage, cunning, stamina, intelligence and ability - from both beast and man. The prize is elusive, the hunted a cunning dangerous creature. But as TOM say’s –Want a rabbit pie? – first you must catch your rabbit.

Now creatures like Creedy, Gibson and Hitch (and whatshisname from WA) ain’t ever going to take a chance; they are more the sit at home with a MKR replay type, a quick check to make sure their expenses sheets are filled out ‘correctly’, keep an eye on the old ‘super’ and check the gas bill against the meter, before writing, trite, nasty letters to the local council about next-door's cat. Can you imagine a fellah who could write a totally shambolic, negative, incorrect, party line statement like this:-

Hitch – “The requirement probably stems from the regulator's desire to protect the general public from perceived risk, but in demanding we tell passengers that we're on a lower medical standard is the equivalent of demanding we tell them we're not as safe”.

-ever saddling up to hunt a dangerous beasty like Crawford - at a gallop? Hah! I can just see old Fearless Phelan hurling his hearing aid at the screen on reading such a milk and water load of bollocks. It ain’t even factual, let alone up to the very high standards Paul created for Australian Flying. But I ramble, ‘tis but a small matter; of something nothing.

Our resident ‘wind-sniffers’, scouts and diggers have been hard at it; none have been able to create a clear picture; but, on balance, there is a cautious, underlying optimism. If I quiz ‘em too hard, the optimism diminishes – “hard to tell” they say and “perhaps, it all depends on XYZ”. With beer in their mitt and off the hook, they tend to smile and tell of matters aeronautical in a more humorous manner and there is many a true word spoken in jest.

But yet I pray thee be not wroth for game; [don't be angry with my jesting]
A man may say full sooth [the truth] in game and play.(Chaucer).

So, on the plus side: looks like O’Sofullashite is headed for the knackers yard, the PMO has lost a shouting match with Carmody, the minister seems to ‘get-it’, and both Fawcett and Forsyth are to be represented, along with other ‘heavies’ at the Wagga Reform Plate day. Big guns from overseas are due to attend along with some other notables, Doc Jane (legend) of the Secretariat will be there to provide the Senate committee with balanced, sane, sensible ‘feed-back’ (hate that expression). So, this is no light weight bun-fight; and, I can almost guarantee, there will be no pictures of the DPM taking a leak plastered around the internet social media.

How it will all end is anyone’s guess; much depends on the minister; but if he can just be made to see the economic benefits to the country alone, then it will have all been very worthwhile; and worth a damn sight more than the last half dozen seriously expensive reviews, investigations, reports and Senate committee merry-go-rounds.



Aye well; GD has tuned up the house boat, DT has stocked the fridge; I’ve loaded what I imagine will be enough beer, P2 is test flying his new elephant, so I reckon we are as ready as we’ll ever be. Well done AOPA, no matter the outcome; well done indeed.

Set course for Wagga GD – Yes; Full and By will do very nicely.

Toot – toot…………


P2 - Practicing my new party trick at Wagga....   



...& just for a laugh -

[Kharon]

Australia's general aviation unites in push for reform - Australian ...
Australian Aviation
Australian General Aviation Alliance (AGAA) summit delegates after agreeing to the communique to be...

---

The Audit prelude. 

Just deleted a three page Wagga twiddle – by my reckoning, everyone has a very clear picture of how it all panned out. One big test is what will happen now, another is whether the ‘commercial’ end of GA will see the logic, the light and the benefits the proposed changes will make across the board. The proposed changes with a bit of political will to help them along could be enacted this parliamentary session – before election paranoia settles in. Ministerial bollocks will need to be overcome. I can’t wrap up Wagga without some words about the thing which wears the ministerial hat; I tried to, but in the interest of making change happen, we need to look closely at the man who’s say-so holds the keys. Now my Grand Papa was a canny trader of horses; not only did he know horses very well indeed, but he was a close student of those as sold ‘em. I doubt he would buy anything the miniscule tried to sell him, how could he? When a fellah tells you four times, within four minutes how ‘genuine’ he is you have to wonder who he is trying to convince. 

---

References:

- DPM 4G from -22:00 minutes 
4G - Address to the General Aviation Summit (minus the 4Gs -  ) 
4G - Doorstop at the General Aviation Summit

---

When a supposedly clever ‘politician’ can be unmanned and left flat footed on the start line, you have to wonder if his IQ is the same size as his boots. Magic Minty stole the march and the miniscule never recovered. Left floundering in the mire, spending the next ten dreary minutes back peddling, unable to respond to a direct question. You have to wonder if there is any value in the man at all. This same fellah then went on to try and explain how, despite having bi-partisan support available (confirmed by Albo), how difficult it would be to get anything through the parliament – add bull-shit to bollocks. Hardly a great vote inspiring performance from the Darren 7D stable – Mike 4G - also ran……Genuine alright - Genuinely full of shite. 

---

---

To me, there were two stand out elements which are encouraging:-

Mike Higgins from RAAA spoke very well, in a supportive manner. If the RAAA throw their weight behind the reform agenda, the chances of it happening are greatly increased. It seems minister 4G is dependent on the GAG crowd; RAAA will provide a counterbalance against that handpicked, weighted and ‘considered’ advice. Higgins wanted to bring a whole reform package – finish the job while the tools were out. Ordinarily, I’d agree that would be the best course, makes sense – but. Time and looming elections are against wholesale changes. If the Act can be changed, now, it paves the way for major changes and is a vote winner; then once the election circus has left town, the rest can be hammered home.

While Mike 4G was preening in front of the TV camera after beating a hasty retreat; there were some experienced eyes watching the Senate table. It was after all, the only table which really mattered. Doc Jane was there, no praise is high enough for the diligence and work ethic shown by the Secretariat. The Senate committee will be provided a full, accurate briefing and, some clever insight, thanks to her efforts. That said, those attending stayed the whole course and listened and talked then listened some more. 

---

---

Fraser Anning impressed as much as Mike 4G failed to do. Anning’s short speech reflecting a genuine understanding of how far aviation has regressed. Slade Brockman another ‘man of the people’ who shared every coffee break with anyone who wanted to chat – WA has a load of aviation activity and the Senator seems to understand the burgeoning problem. Fawcett, Patrick and Forsyth were represented by folk who said little, listened carefully and were prepared to engage in conversation. A breath of fresh air and hope after the 4G dismal waffle session. Quite restored my faith in the Senate Committee. 

But, enough of Wagga – it is what it was and the results will soon be seen. There are some weighty matters to be considered. The really big story is the ANAO are (finally) on the march. Slated for audit the ASA, ATSB and CASA.  “About bloody time” howls the mob. Students of Estimates will see the need for the agencies to be given a thorough going over; the incredible amounts of money piped into these departments, for so little return and the almost unbelievable ‘wastage’ of resources deserves.

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INFRASTRUCTURE, REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT AND CITIES
The Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities portfolio covers a number of policy areas, including safety across the civil aviation, maritime and transport sectors; air navigation services; developing and administering the national capital; and road, rail and freight transport systems.
Find out more

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Expose them to the full scrutiny of the people, the parliament; and, to those involved in an industry which has been embuggered by one, betrayed by another and robbed by the third. It is time a line was drawn under the gross obscenities these uncontrolled departments have become.  

That’s it – some ‘orrible flu virus is doing the rounds and I can’t think with a head full of hot cotton wool. P2 has manfully carried all the weight this past week, thanks mate – I’ll catch up soon.

Toot – croak – toot: cough, splutter - where’s that bloody handkerchief?

[Kharon]

And so; down the rabbit hole.

As the desperate struggle for the ‘reform’ of matters aeronautical completes the third decade of the battle - and the umpteenth go around; more and more, the tale of ‘Alice’s adventures in wonderland’ seems an apt parallel.  

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“So she was considering in her own mind (as well as she could, for the hot day made her feel very sleepy and stupid), whether the pleasure of making a daisy-chain would be worth the trouble of getting up and picking the daisies, when suddenly a White Rabbit with pink eyes ran close by her.”― Lewis Carroll, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass

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There, aviation sits, basking in the warm sunshine, wondering if doing anything was worth the effort. As you can gather from the tale - even a truly remarkable event failed to arouse much in the way of breaking the hold of apathy. 

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General Aviation Summit 2018 – Wagga Wagga | Sport Aircraft ...
Sport Aircraft Association of Australia
Sincere thanks to the AOPA team, and in particular Ben Morgan, for an incredible effort rallying the troops. And special thanks to Geoff Breust, ...

“There was nothing so very remarkable in that; nor did Alice think it so very much out of the way to hear the Rabbit say to itself, `Oh dear! Oh dear! I shall be late!' (when she thought it over afterwards, it occurred to her that she ought to have wondered at this, but at the time it all seemed quite natural);”

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It was not until much later did the penny drop; the white rabbit was ‘late’. 

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“but when the Rabbit actually took a watch out of its waistcoat-pocket, and looked at it, and then hurried on, Alice started to her feet, for it flashed across her mind that she had never before seen a rabbit with either a waistcoat-pocket, or a watch to take out of it, and burning with curiosity, she ran across the field after it, and fortunately was just in time to see it pop down a large rabbit-hole under the hedge.”

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Indulge me; imagine; just for a moment, that the rabbit is the Wagga paperwork, disappearing into a large rabbit hole under the Canberra hedge. Aye, ‘tis whimsical, but that very  whimsy stands the test of oft repeated history. Once the documentation leaves the safety of the creators hands – it begins a very strange journey, down into the depths of a very strange mysterious place. Of course ! Alice need not have followed the rabbit; she could have left matters stand and been forever uncertain of really seeing where the rabbit led; or where the journey would end…

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“Down, down, down. Would the fall never come to an end! `I wonder how many miles I've fallen by this time?' she said aloud. `I must be getting somewhere near the centre of the earth. Let me see: that would be four thousand miles down, I think--' (for, you see, Alice had learnt several things of this sort in her lessons in the schoolroom, and though this was not a very good opportunity for showing off her knowledge, as there was no one to listen to her, still it was good practice to say it over) `--yes, that's about the right distance--but then I wonder what Latitude or Longitude I've got to?' (Alice had no idea what Latitude was, or Longitude either, but thought they were nice grand words to say.)”

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“What has the fool been drinking?” they wonder as toast and marmalade is left to cool. Well, it’s a very simple thing – industry cannot sit on it’s collective and watch as the paper work disappears down a large hole. The principals and tenets established at Wagga need to be pursued, guided, managed and promoted by all, if they are to be adopted. The adoption by the commercial interests would galvanize our confounded 4G minister and his ‘advice’; and, be to everyone’s advantage. As Alice found out – there are many strange and wonderful things which can occur to an innocent, not all of ‘em pleasant. The percentage chances of anything getting done are between skinny and borderline anorexic. History clearly elaborates this as irrefutable fact and needs no embellishment from me. There is a chance to have the changes to the Act made this session of parliament, particularly if advantage is taken of the bipartisan willingness to do so. But, make no mistake – this is not the time to be sitting back, thinking the job is done and dusted. Its nowhere near it. There will be ferocious opposition from the CASA; very real, very fierce, from a crew very practiced in the dark arts of dilution and delay. Much will depend on how Carmody responds; he is a difficult read and essentially remote from industry influence or persuasion, on account of having NDI about the realities of aeronautical life. The incumbent minister 4G does not inspire confidence and seems to be a creature held in the thrall of ‘official’ advice. Nonetheless, the industry, from Big Q down to the humblest flying club all suffer, yoked to the imposed burdens. A change to the Act – now -  will ease that burden; then, all that is left to do is the small task of rebuilding the industry. – Piece of cake in comparison to the task of following our white rabbit down the deep, dark, bottomless pit of reform.  – HERE - are some of the opposition swamp creatures just to introduce but a few of the entrenched opposition. And so children, will ye sit there, moribund, by the river dreaming of making Daisy chains; or, get off your arses and help see the job through?  

Ask not what the industry can do for you – but what can you do for the industry. (Nod to JFK).

Should there be any doubt remaining in the minds of Senators and lower house members of the dire need for reform, the dreadful tale of Pel-Air should eradicate any notion that the self governing bodies of aviation are the right place to seek advice or be involved in the drafting of ‘policy’. Australian Aviation has published a series of articles relating to parts of this disgraceful episode, there is a Senate inquiry supporting this disgrace; David Forsyth presented a report to the then minister detailing the mess and hinting at deeper, darker matters which could and should be dealt with in private. 

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John McCormick photo from CASA

...Confronted with reason to believe the flight crew was only a partial contributor to the accident, the Australian senators called the heads of both agencies into hearings. To John McCormick, director of Aviation Safety for CASA they ask the question, why did you not share with the ATSB, the results of the audit showing serious infractions by the operator of an airplane involved in an accident?

McCormick's astonishing reply - as reported by Australian aviation reporter Ben Sandilands  - was that McCormick did not consider the information relevant since, the accident was entirely the fault of the captain. 

Though you probably don't need them, let me repeat that with italics; entirely the fault of the captain... 

Flying Lessons: Upside Down Air Accident Investigation Down Under http://christinenegroni.blogspot.com/201...l?spref=tw

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IMO, the possibility of criminal charges being brought should have been discussed, privately, if not publicly. The entire McCormack era demands a no holds barred investigation. Why? Well, should the public ever become aware of the real story (and they just might) and the events which occurred during this period, running up to what is a very shaky election session, there will be some red faces left struggling to answer difficult, awkward questions related to ‘how come this has been allowed to be swept under the carpet – and why’?  When you’re in a hole – best to stop digging.   A verse for Kaz:-

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In the fell clutch of circumstance
     I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeoning’s of chance
     My head is bloody, but unbowed. -  Invictus by WILLIAM ERNEST HENLEY 

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Which brings us, neatly to a full stop by the ANAO office. Many believe the timing of the audits and the terms of reference are exquisite. With a bit of luck and if the auditors get a wriggle on, the results should be available before the next election cycle ramps up – won’t that be fun? 

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Efficiency of the investigation of transport accidents and safety occurrences
COMMENCED
CONTRIBUTE OPENING SOON
Due to table: April, 2019

Portfolio: 
Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities

Entity: 
Australian Transport Safety Bureau

Contact: 
Please direct enquiries through our contact page.


The objective of this audit is to examine the efficiency of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau’s (ATSB’s) investigation of transport accidents and safety occurrences.

Audit criteria

The ANAO proposes to examine:

1. Has the ATSB put in place efficient processes for the investigation of transport accidents and safety occurrences?
   
2. How well does the ATSB’s investigation efficiency compare to its own previous performance as well as relevant international comparator organisations?
   

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Someone needs to be held responsible for truly indecent sums of money squandered for little or no return to the industry which supplies the gelt, despite being fiscally punished by idiot rule sets and living under threat of a criminal record for misdemeanor offences, without benefit of trial or defence. Go hard ANAO, dig deep and tell those who are responsible why we waste the millions. Start with the total cost of Pel-Air and finish with One-Sky; you know you want to..

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Cymbeline - Wikipedia
Wikipedia
Imogen Discovered in the Cave of Belarius by George Daw

“But the comfort is, you shall be called to no more payments, fear no more tavern-bills.” - William Shakespeare, Cymbeline: Act 5, Scene 4

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Aye well – time to crack on – special order today from a Princess/ Artist who at the grand old age of two, has decided that nothing else but a table – made to very specific dimensions – painted ‘Rose pink’ – washable – robust – with no sharp corners – with a small well to hold paint pots and the like - must be made soonest. As it happens, there is some rather nice, seasoned Pine in the racks, which will be light and tough enough to withstand the beating. Mind you, the ‘Rose pink’ paint will have to be smuggled in – Tom is due for afternoon ‘tea’ – I can just hear in now; maybe I’ll paint tomorrow. Away to me dogs – coffee is brewing, muffins are cooked and the day is dawning, bright, crisp and just cold enough to merit a fire when we get home. (turns phone off, finds boots; exeunt through frosty, sleeping orchard. 



Selah......

[Kharon]

Shortage of pilots, engineers threatens aviation industry viability
The Australian

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There’s two ends to a plank.

No matter where the term originated; – or, how one manages it – there are always two ends to a plank. My great Grand Papa probably said it to his son, who said it to his son, and so forth. I was 11 y.o. the first time I heard it. ‘Twas a 2” thick, 8” wide, eight foot long thing. The ‘men’ on the job all stopped to watch – and yes, I paid the price for thinking that my only concern was the front end – while I forgot, entirely, the geometry of the thing; took a while to live that down. In my defence M’Lud, it must be noted that I only did it the once; and, thereafter, heeded Tom’s advice. It seems to me that CASA; or, the minister responsible; or, both, have not. So, I’ll reiterate – “there are two ends to a plank”. CASA have been so very busy, watching where the front end is going, being careful not to biff anything, they have completely forgotten that the arse end of thing is doing untold damage – all left behind in the name of forward progress. This level of juvenile, enthusiastic endeavour always has consequences – to wit – the current buggers muddle. The damage left behind, by the back end of the CASA plank is incredible; the minister is tied, haplessly dragged along, by the back end (as in last to know). Whoa – the front is turning left – what; pray tell, is the back-end smashing into? Watch and learn – as CASA manage ‘a plank’. (from 4.00).....

Hitch – “Not only has CASA not shown their working out on this, but the solution seems to create more problems than it addresses, which hints at guesswork. And if CASA really operated using sector information, they couldn't possibly have come up with the legendary debacle known as CASR Part 61. With all this in hand, the general aviation community is not listening anymore, but it is watching. Words aren't worth actions, and actions are what GA is looking for. There are signs that CASA is starting to take note of the damage its policies have caused in the past, but there's a long way to go yet. We need to get into a position where the GA community tells CASA they're goodfellas, not the other way around."

When (if madness grips you) you decide to kick off an air service, you need to do the homework very, very carefully indeed. Particularly the mathematics, large spoonful of true cost reality is essential. There is a need to factor in stuff that may be looming in the future, then, if it comes to pass – you’re covered – if not then, you are ahead a few pennies to save for a rainy day – not a new Porsche. Shit happens all day, everyday in commercial operations. The crap-list is long, varied and most of all – unknowable. The adage “how do you make a small fortune in aviation? – start with a large one” is an old one. Why? Well because it is often proven accurate. I know; I’m rambling – but, the point is - that if you think private aviation and non airline commercial aviation is taking a battering through the CASA imposed ‘safety costs’ then think how it must be hurting the bigger outfits – like Rex. 

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Airline ‘breakthrough’


BREAKTHROUGH: Rex national airports manager David Brooksby, general manager Warrick Lodge, Grant District Mayor Richard Sage and Rex deputy chairman John Sharp following the senate inquiry hearing and discussions around the “community fare” proposal in Mount Gambier yesterday.

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John Sharp is no mans fool and no whinger either – he understands the ups and down, swings and roundabouts; and, to boot, he has a board of directors to answer. There are only so many costs the financial model can carry before fares must go up. Dense politicians, resembling punch drunk sheep, living in the CASA dreamtime, just don’t seem to get the messages at all. What if the financial interests in Rex decided they’d had enough and shut the doors? A million on the overnight money market earns how much? A million! - in an airline operation, chump change – no brainer really. This government needs to wake up, take some responsibility, and set about earning the country some aviation money. Got to be better than throwing countless tens of millions away on a loosing gambit. You have to wonder – just what, in the seven hells, government is trying to do – apart from being re-elected (of course).

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Reality check from the Oz aviation safety 4 year twitch timeline: 

CASA under McComic reign - 2009-2014.

&..

CASA in 2018 with Deputy Dog Crawford:

KC quote from 2014 (reference closed UP thread: Truss: Aviation Safety Regulation Review - post #1559 ):

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

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"..The longer government, government departments & its agencies procrastinates over aviation the longer it will be before positive action is taken to stabilise rural Australia...

...A positive is the Department sets policy, Board will direct CASA, Government supports most of the ASRR Report...
...However, a badly structured Civil Aviation Act is still fundamentally what is wrong with the current system..."

&..

KC in 2018:

Ken Cannane, Author at AMROBA
AMROBA
Federal Aviation Acts Changes 6-18 · June 28, 2018 Ken Cannane

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Aye. While I’m ‘in-the-mood’ lets look at some of the everyday, drive you nuts items. ASIC s a good place to start; useless as a chocolate firewall – except to those who make a buck out of it – and plenty do. A feel-good placebo to placate the frightened masses of VOTERS. The ASIC will trump the bogey-man, every time– Bollocks. Then, there’s part 61 - a triumph in safety legislation; Bollocks. Part 142 which allows some schools to charge and charge again from the debt ridden hopeful who may have qualified – but took the next bus into town and never looked back.  We must not forget the almost imbecilic CAO 48.1. If ever a load of bollocks ridden ‘safety jargon’ was spun up to placate the public – this is it. The tales I hear – beggar the imagination. Minister - AUD $400,000,000 spent and thirty years taken to produce one of the worlds most unbelievably amateurish, idiotic, unworkable, expensive, non ICAO compliant, not safety friendly, not able to be complied with rules sets. Really? and then you want to ‘foster and promote' CASA as ‘friendly’, helpful and top draw. Pull, the other one, the one with bells. Law, scripted by idiots, enforced by one of the worlds most dysfunctional, dishonest, perfidious outfits – all to support a terminally useless minister, who could not give a flying rats arse if the next time Qantas really, not nearly, stack one in Mildura – provided the ministerial arse is covered. WTD I ask you – WTD do you think you are playing at? 

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Shamed – again.


https://www.facebook.com/lightstudiosaus...178671999/

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Fellahin like Truss, watz’is name and the latest ‘genuine’ punch drunk sheep look-a-like competition winner – him: yeah, him what went to Wagga (you know) and wasted a months pay for a working man doing SDA except try to convince an industry the he ‘was’ (past tense?) genuine, sure he is – genuinely full of it; and, 'it' shows. All same-same, weighed, measured and found wanting in the fundamentals. 

This pantomime CASA are defending costs a squillion to run, the budget of a small country; and for what? Crap systems, useless rules, criminal penalty for non-compliance (untested) without recourse. It is a national disgrace, it is injury and insult combined enough without the likes of Aleck and his few remaining marbles, aided and abetted by a creature like Crawford telling us ‘they are on the ball’ and all will be well. Sure it will - but only for those ministers protected by one of the worlds most lucrative protection rackets.



FCOL – enough with the smoke, no more mirrors; and, please, for pities sake, stop the unmitigated flow of slurry coming from the bowels of Crawford. FDS we are drowning and dying in the stuff. Three decades of it miniscule. The system is rooted, beyond redemption. Hire some professionals, stop the bullshit; and, change that bloody Act. FDS JUST GET ON WITH IT. 

Ooof – I feel for this keyboard – yup, that was quite a pounding. 



But sending the likes of Crawford out to try and tell us “what Good-fellahs” CASA are and how they are trying to control the back end of the plank – is simply at the giddy limit of even ministerial horse-pooh.

No matter, the old cast iron stove is glowing, the sandstone walls are warm, the hardwood workshop floor freshly polished, the brass gleams and the tools, quiescent in their safe homes, simply awaiting my beck and call to proper task for a man’s mind and hands. Timber, sanity, solitude and an Ale with Tom later beckons. All balm to a much offended soul. 

Selah….

P2 - AP this week has a definite sheep and sheeple theme happening, so for a laugh - 

[P7_TOM]

For Sale. (All reasonable offers considered).\

52,800 tonnes of steel – (52,000 long; or 58,200 short); either weigh, we, your government wish to be rid of the rusting pile of steel, currently spanning Sydney harbour. Now we do know that you, the public, paid for it, (several times) with tax and lotteries and tolls – but you see we ‘re-invested’ all that money and a little more of yours in a ‘you-beaut’ tunnel system. We made a small packet on that deal which we are re-investing in the future – well, our political future anyway.

It is most democratic that the old bridge be torn down and sold off – the gender confused want to paint it up as a rainbow; the indigenous crowd want to claim it and the returns as sacred; the average motorist just tries to avoid it unless they are carrying a bomb to destroy it. What we are saying is that we should just avoid all the conflicted ‘luv-it, hate – it, who only want it as a bargaining chip call and just be shut of the bloody thing forever. We are busy people, us in Australia’s second of three layers of government and we have important needs, big expenses and the threat of ‘an election’ (no Nancy - election) is always on the cards.

We always have your very best interests at heart, which is why we have decided to initiate a fact finding mission (at public expense) to do a two year study on the feasibility of using Russian cold war submarines to resolve the transport problems attached to the old, rusty, useless, slow bridge across the harbour. You won’t miss it and we need the doigh; and, the holiday and; the deceptive appearance that we, your elected government, are always and forever acting in your best interests.

If you think we are villains – think again; those who feed at the Canberra through are much more venal than we are. Check it out – do the math and then join one of the small minority groups favoured by all. Fair go for all? Sure, bid at the bridge auction, we’ll make sure your placated.

Vote 1 – for me (of course)………….L&K your local ‘member’ who you’ve never met.

“Two more here please” (aside) – it is going to be a long night; that’s an angry mob out there. “K” has the chair – I’m only here for the beer. Crickey – they’ve started with sheep pictures, not a good sign. Maybe I’ll just sit quietly here, at the bar, and wait a while, just until the fury dies down. A moments silence for a once great country should do the trick; it’s about all its worth at the moment.

[Kharon]

STOP THE LIE – UPDATE THE ACT: DICK SMITH | A&R Aviation Australia 
A&R Aviation Australia

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Come into my parlour; said the spider to the fly.



Do not react – Act. Angered one day by some foolish thing which troubles ‘teens’ TOM (bless) took the time to sit and listen; I rattled on – he sat quietly until I had gotten it all off my chest. “You done now?, says he. “Yes” says I – “But I’ll -. “What?” says he. So, off I went again, long, loud and angry. At last, when I’d run out of steam, the familiar, well liked smile appeared. I knew; right there, right then, that I was re-acting. “Act or put it aside – but if you decide act, think of the consequences; and importantly, the cost to you and those affected.”

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Without warning: the startle factor | Flight Safety Australia
Flight Safety Australia

‘Do you have the patience to wait till your mud settles and the water is clear?  ―  Lao Tzu

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In later years, the ‘art’ of transitioning from ‘re-action’ to action becomes part and parcel of flying an aircraft; one learns not to re-act, but to act, positively, correctly and with minimum consequence. It is the same with ‘fright’ – the first time ‘fear’ is allowed to enter the equation – that fear must be dealt with and quickly put aside. Fear and Reaction; two sinister, deadly, practiced killers. Pilots learn this at an early stage – nearly every professional airman I’ve met can always remember, in graphic detail – the time their immortality was lost. “ Shee-it you can get killed doing this stuff”. Gann (legend) remarks that pilots “wear courage as a comfortable belt” and I find, by and large, that this is true. There is a professional ‘need’ to face and stare down the ‘fear and reaction’ element - and get on with the job at hand; without external assistance. So much for my twiddle and ramble; I expect you want to know what the halfwit is on about. So. Con tu permiso e indulgencia - I shall attempt to clarify some deep thoughts.

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“Anyone can do the job when things are going right. In this business we play for keeps.” ― Ernest K. Gann, Fate Is the Hunter  

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Most folk, particularly those who have led sheltered lives, cocooned in a ‘bureaucratic’ haven, have never, not really, been ‘a feared’. They may have had the odd adrenalin rush, even sought it out – but they have never confronted stark fear at the same time as being responsible for an aircraft full of innocents. Set that aside, for it is not a situation they have been trained for and tested in. However, in the smug, snug, comfy world of politics, the things that ‘scare’ the pants off ‘em – like ‘the mystique’ surrounding aviation safety there can only be one response – they react. Ignorance and fear provide the rest. The first thing reached for is the old security blanket; for aviation ministers, this is the all knowing, wise, grown up voice and comforting CASA presence. By nature, idiots, the likes of Chester and McDonowt will scamper into the very parlour of the large, lethal, venal spider – for protection. There sits the CASA spider, offering every legal protective thread known to mankind (and spiders) and thus; the idiot miniscule is drawn into the web. Not for one second realising that the deeper they go, the more enmeshed they are. Safe, warm, cosy, protected and told there is nothing to worry about; – and there children, languishes our bemused ministerial fly.    

Fear and the promise of security have now completely robbed the miniscule of the ability to act, let alone think – such is the funk. He is now a captive. How many ministers have fallen into the silken, carefully spun web of deceit, of political protection and of do-nothing; (all will be well) without the spider’s whisper of it’s OK to pop out now; say only  this – but don’t stray too far.

It is time we all acted – we need to stop the procession of carefully tailored, impeccably manicured, craftily coiffured tailor’s dummy’s masquerading as responsible ministers of the crown. There is a mile of hard yards to dig if we are to put aviation back on a firm, commercially viable footing. To do this, the minster must act. “Ah, but how ?” wails the unfortunate incumbent. Well, ‘tis very, very simple. Put your brave boots on and have a cuppa with John Shape, David Forsyth, Mike Smith, Greg Vaughan, Ken Cannane, Ben Cook, Alan Strange; or, any one of the dozen, non CASA owned experts who actually know where the problems lay. Then, man up and take control of your portfolio – i.e. make it happen. It’s way past time to sack your CASA owned advice; get some real help.

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Small cross-section of what's being talked about this week on the AP forum:

First from the Drone Wars thread:

Senate Drone Inquiry report released

And from the Senate thread:

Mount Gambier Hansard now out

Next from 4G's thread:
 

TICK..TOCK goes the 4G aviation clock

And from CASA meets the Press:
 

LMH 03/08/18: Yarrawonga on the market, CASA needs Ockham's Razor and trading flight for life.

& from BITN:

TICK TOCK GOES THE PFOS CLOCK

On airports:

Yin & Yang on airport security

The Alphabets:

The life of a GA scenic pilot. 

Following on from the above, here is a snapshot of what pilots have to deal with from day to day in the GA scenic flight industry sector.

Via news.com.au:

‘You should love your job and shut your mouth’: Inside Australia’s aviation industry

ON THE surface, it looks like the coolest jobs in Australia but underneath, pilots are exhausted, unhappy and broke.

[b]Natalie Wolfe


[/b]
A chopper flight over the Whitsundays. Picture: Jason HillSource:Supplied

Finally from accidents domestic:

Groundhog day - Fuel exhaustion. 

And an addendum:

Point of difference: A captured Minister vs a Minister in charge?

Truss: Aviation Safety Regulation Review [Archive] - Page 5 - PPRuNe ...

PPRuNe Forums
Truss: Aviation Safety Regulation Review [Archive] - Page 5 - PPRuNe Forums

The following is a short but telling example of why IMO I believe our Minister of the Crown (like Truss in 2014 - above) is nothing more than a Muppet whose strings are being manipulated by the aviation safety bureaucracy.

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There are reasons enough now, on forum, to call for the current minister to resign the portfolio – #1 being he’s useless and #2 being he’s captive to a CAS (D) A stooge. Why add to a growing list? In my business, if you can’t do the job properly, then you only slaughter a few innocents – in your job minister, you kill off an industry and those who should be able to rely on it for sustenance, mortgage, life style and their children’s future well being.

The first time an engine quits, on a dark and stormy, in the middle of the night, far from home and hearth – there is only one person who carries the load. The first time is survivable – provided you act – not react – and don’t ring your Mama for advice.

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Why Thunderstorms Are So Dangerous for Airliners
Jeff Wise

“In reference to flying through thunderstorms; "A pilot may earn his full pay for that year in less than two minutes. At the time of incident he would gladly return the entire amount for the privilege of being elsewhere.”  ― Ernest K. Gann, Fate Is the Hunter.

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Should you ever read my ramblings and wonder what is the fool banging on about – I refer you to the excellent posts the forum crew have provided this week. Read ‘em – read ‘em all; then as P7 said, all those years ago - “Act or put it aside – but if you decide act, think of the consequences; and importantly, the cost to you and those affected by your actions.”

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“What's the use you learning to do right when it's troublesome to do right and ain't no trouble to do wrong, and the wages is just the same?” ― Mark Twain, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

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But, don’t mind me - or mine. I can only look around my dinner table and see a quarter million collective flight hours, 200 odd years of collective, professional, operational experience and at least 150 years of collective, coal face ‘management’ of aviation matters under the auspices of the CASA spider. Not counting the ladies, there are only ten of us here – and WTD would we know, when a creature like Crawford holds sway, – with a firm grip on a very frightened, confused, confounded ministerial ear.

Aye well – (nod to Churchill) tomorrow, I’ll be sober; but you minister will be forever known as the little, (miniscule) country journalist fly, trapped in web of deceit, by the big money spider. No matter – tomorrow will do – won’t it?

Aye, tomorrow will arrive –In shāʾa llāh - as they say. Sorry P2 – not too much to play with this week; but – you have kindly provided the incumbent miniscule with much to consider. One can, in reality, truly, only lead a horse to water; elephants of course is a different matter altogether, as we all well know.

Selah…

[Kharon]

The Ballard of Ringling Aerodrome.

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Ringling, Ringling
Slippin' away
Only forty people, livin' there today
Streets are dusty and the bank has been torn down
It's a dyin' little town
Church windows broken
That place ain't been used in years
Jail don't have a sheriff or a cell
And electric trains they run by maybe once or twice a month
Easin' it on down to Mussel shell

Ringling, Ringling
Slippin' away
Only forty people livin' there today
'Cause the streets are dusty and the bank had been torn down
It's a dyin' little town

Been a fan of Jimmy Buffett for may a long year now. One of the best albums he ever made was ‘living and dying in ¾ time. There is a small, poignant  offering there –  It is the tale of a small town – clearly one that failed to realise that an airport was an essential item, not an incubus; or, even a way to screw some extra cash out of the air services which operated there. This is not just a mile and half of ‘road’ – it is an artery supplying the life blood a growing, prosperous town needs.

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After a time, civil servants tend to become no longer servants and no longer civil.

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Mind you, as aviation continues its slow, but unpreventable descent into the tar-pits: to be discovered in millennia to come as a curiosity, the lack of airports, infrastructure to support aviation (like fuel pumps) will not trouble the current minister or his acolytes and advisors. At the current rate of extinction – and the historical increase in the CASA budget; there will be nothing to trouble those responsible. We’ll have robots who don’t get fatigued, aircraft pre programmed to self repair and the CASA rule books will be abandoned as there will be an utterly compliant ‘industry’ which will respond to the touch of a key board whim. Imagine a huge budget and nothing much to worry you. CASA nirvana, served up on a silver, ministerial donated, platter, by an ever grateful minister who thinks that his the best job in the world. Hell, the aircraft will probably all be vertical take –off ‘drone-like’ things which can silently depart the local cat-house and deposit the sated minster back home, in time to welcome the kids back from therapy. What a wonderful future government offers us. No matter, down by the river here, there will be a relic or two preserved, only to be illegally flown, by human hands (shock horror), on moon dark nights, when nobody is looking – is such is the ‘official’ version of the future?

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Although exactly what the future holds for this sun-burnt country ain’t clear. We have our Veterans getting shafted by slick bureaucrats, farmers with little to look forward to but the wrong end of a gun barrel, it’s a crying shame. Aircraft maintenance being done ‘off-shore’ and flying schools shutting down at a time when the world is short of trained pilots. – Particularly as we have, without a doubt the very best training conditions on the planet – bar none. We even used to train world class pilots with a well deserved reputation. Alas no longer, we are now even afraid of stalling an aircraft these days; (Mummy say’s it’s scary) cos if the GPS/Auto pilot quits – most of our ‘aviators are ducked. Thank you minister, thank you DoIT and bless all who toil, endlessly for ‘safety’ at CASA HQ. Great job; stellar. But enough of my ramblings; time for some brass tacks.

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“It could probably be shown by facts and figures that there is no distinctly native American criminal class except Congress.” ― Mark Twain.

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I note the miniscule paid an ‘unscheduled’ visit to Essendon aerodrome, no press, no announcement, just popped in on the off chance? Or was it to try out the latest taxi through Macca’s on the main taxiway. Happy coincidence, a crew from Sharpe was there and a photo op presented. This wool blind idiot, masquerading as a minister needs to become familiar with Essendon, for as sure as eggs, the USA interests in the King Air fatality – fireball – will be paying a lot of attention. Particularly to the infringements (liberties) of the runway WIDTH limitations, who approved them; and how, in the seven hells, was a DFO allowed to happen within the promulgated minimum limitations? Aye, Essendon Fields alright, a bit like Flanders fields – blood soaked and fire burned – all in the name of progress. 

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“The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.” ― Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome

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I’m staying away from matters aeronautical today. The problems aviation faces are government sanctioned, as is every other problem this country faces. Politicians, smooth talking, well dressed, manicured, Akubra wearing blow hard’s, with NDI of what it takes to farm, paying flying visits in the Gummint jet (tax payers drive now) to visit, for a nonce, farmers, who could last afford a new hat 10 years ago, and that bought from the pennies made by the Missus cleaning at the pub. Ministers with power being spoon fed ‘the right stuff’ by the experts who created the mess, with their own interests and rice bowls to protect. What happened to ‘government’ to the statesmen who actually gave a monkey’s? Where are the far seeing leaders and fearless policy makers? But, most of all I miss the ‘men’ who could dictate policy to the bureaucracy, not take dictation from it. They just seem to plough on into debt until the next ‘boom’ comes along, use that to catch up and keep the credit rating, then descend into the pit of debt once again. Aye, the lucky country indeed – farking lucky we can still send half a billion off shore while we have hungry, homeless folk sleeping rough and farmers at their wits end, and veterans tossed onto the scrap heap, humiliated, just to save a hundred thou. You do realize, that the Barrier Reef was here a long time before Cook bumped into it and will still be here long after we are gone.

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GBRF Announce Plans To Spend $444 Million Painting All The Coral ...
The Betoota Advocate

There is no worse mistake in public leadership than to hold out false hopes soon to be swept away. The British people can face peril or misfortune with fortitude and buoyancy, but they bitterly resent being deceived or finding that those responsible for their affairs are themselves dwelling in a fool's paradise ― Winston S. Churchill.

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Oh, bugger it all – One of my saddles is back from the Saddler; looks great, old, comfortable, but now repaired by skilled hands. Seems a shame to leave on the rack, it being such a nice day and all. Perhaps……………Slow fade - to a fine, hard bay, first cross  quarter horse being led out of the orchard gate, flanked by two four legged hooligans who know what comes next, a romp, a day away from this madness, fresh air and a shared muffin (or two), coffee from the flask by the river side.


Selah..

[Gobbledock]

Kharon;

“The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.” ― Tacitus, The Annals of Imperial Rome

Ferryman, I will meet your Tacitus and raise you a Cicero;

“The Budget should be balanced, the Treasury should be refilled, public debt should be reduced, the arrogance of officialdom should be tempered and controlled, and the assistance to foreign lands should be curtailed, lest Rome will become bankrupt. People must again learn to work instead of living on public assistance." - Cicero, 55 BC

Maybe the parasitic Government could apply that rule to its Governance framework for Australia and start looking after its people, their way of life, their futures, their livelihoods, their businesses.

Back to the Ferrymans post, the Essendon clusterf#ck was caused by someone allowing an airport to become a shopping precinct. Surely it can’t be too hard to navigate through the bowels of the CAsA TRIM system to see who signed off the construction of the DFO??

TICK TOCK

[Kharon]

SBG today is on the Blog -  HERE.

Squawk 7600...Toot.