[Peetwo]

Best Betts?

The world of politics is a strange one, alien and hostile to those outside the bubble; but for those who exist within to 'serve' the system, 'tis paradise and safe haven far removed from the harsh realities of life at the coal face. Between the 'coal face crew and the 'bubble crowd' (in theory at least) stand the 'elected mob'. Two flavours, Senators and Members – meat in the sandwich. The average mug can, with patience, actually get to sit down with one of the 'elected' and raise a topic of concern. We get to see this system in operation best at the alleged pinnacle of interface -  Senate Estimates sessions. The simple fact that a mockery of 'system' was managed by Sterle , who should know better, almost destroyed the small amount of faith and respect the aviation world has for him and damaged the standing of all who participated in the travesty. Take time and consider the video evidence – for this is what the aviation industry must deal with, if it is to survive. Can one believe in impossible things?

I daresay you haven't had much practice,' said the Queen. 'When I was your age, I always did it for half-an-hour a day. Why, sometimes I've believed as many as six impossible things before breakfast.

One impossible thing is the adoption of what is now the almost world wide 'gold standard' for aviation medical certification. A must have for those outside of the 'Tupperware' world. During the last episode of the Estimates show, you may have noticed Sen. Roberts labouring a few points and getting nowhere. Like many uniformed others, the questions seemed 'off' until he patiently explained the strategy on the last AOPA video session. Tick the boxes for 'good idea', solid tactics and a good place to start next Estimates. How many 'good men and true' have we now seen try to batter down the walls surrounding the CASA paradise? Lots of, is the short answer. History supports this as unimpeachable fact.

“It has always seemed to me that so long as you produce your dramatic effect, accuracy of detail matters little. I have never striven for it and I have made some bad mistakes in consequence. What matter if I hold my readers?”

Perhaps someone could explain to the good Senator that despite three decades of 'fact' delivered through 'Inquiry' which accurately predicted the future, so clearly displayed today have preceded his gambit. Step back only a short time to the Forsyth review, read the recommendations of men like Fawcett, Xenophon, Heffernan and other members of that committee – then search for evidence to support those recommendations translated into reality. Or; if that is too far back; ask what has become of the 2020 inquiry, Sen. McDonald's dabble into 'reform'. History, good Sir is against your efforts, laudable though they are.

“Those who don't know history are doomed to repeat it.”

Perhaps it is time to change tack. Jim Betts seems to be an able, honest man open to reason and pragmatic. If the 'system' cannot be changed by external forces; then the solution must come from within. There are countless examples of ASA, ATSB and CASA wriggling off the hook and escaping to continue life as they please; but maybe internal pressure from the DoIT (Mandarins) and Betts, may rein in the unfettered waste and refusal to join the worlds leading nations in 'fostering and promoting' aviation as a valuable contributor to the national well being and the budget. There's gold in them thar wings – if you could but see it.

Toot – toot...E&OE...

Meanwhile it seems the miniscule remains on message to white paper over and use CASA to net zero GA and small businesses out of existence...

Federal Government hosts Sustainable Aviation Forum

28 February 2023



Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King cuts a ribbon to celebrate the first flight in Australia of a helicopter running sustainable aviation fuel at Avalon 2023. (Steve Hitchen)

The Federal Government today hosted a roundtable at the Australian International Airshow to discuss the design and goals of a Jet Zero-style council aimed at reducing carbon emissions in aviation and achieving a sustainable future for the sector.
Jet Zero is a UK initiative that partners government with the private sector to introduce at least 10% sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the UK by 2030.

The Avalon roundtable was attended by government, airline, aviation fuels, finance, research, manufacturing and other aviation industry representatives.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the roundtable was part of the Albanese government's determinaton to ensure the aviation sector supports the emissions reduction targets on the path to net zero by 2050, while remaining strong and growing jobs and innovation.

"We’ve recently signalled very clearly that we’ll establish a Jet Zero council here in Australia and I’ve just hosted a consultation meeting which included representatives of regional airlines, regional airports, including representative of general aviation as well, to talk about how do we look at developing a sustainable aviation fuel industry here in Australia," she told Australian Flying.

"A lot is happening. We heard from BP about developments over in Western Australia, and I think they’re incredibly promising. We’ve heard about the difficulties with feedstock, the difficulties with cost, and we’re really trying to look at how government can work.

"The aviation white paper definitely will include capacity for local development [and allow] us to consult widely. But the Jet Zero Council really is the body that’s been established to bring together all of the work in SAF and to try to see whether we can get a good domestic industry that is affordable.

"If we don’t, we’re going to be importing this fuel. It’s critical, particularly for large airlines, Qantas and Virgin, that they meet their net zero targets, and I also want to see the opportunities for SAF out in our regions, being able to produce feedstock, being able to look at how we can create a good income stream and maybe an export industry.

Whilst SAF is used purely in turbine engines, the minister said that all future aviation powerplants were put under the microscope, including those currently powered by 100LL avgas.

"There were certainly discussions about a whole range of things from synthetic fuels right the way through to electric aircraft. Rex [Regional Express] was talking a little bit about what they’re doing out at Wagga and the research there.

"There we discussions with the sugar industry about what they’re doing in relation to ethanol, so a lot of the early, preliminary discussions are about the future, but of course part of my job and part of the government’s commitment is to net zero by 2050 and we can’t get there without the transport sector and we can’t get there without the aviation sector also doing its bit, but the government has to help facilitate that."

The minister said that the work of the Jet Zero Council will complement the aviation white paper, which has a priority of how to maximise the aviation sector’s contribution to achieving net zero carbon emissions, including through sustainable aviation fuel and emerging technologies.

  

MTF...P2