A trifecta of contradiction.
Did you ever pour an Ale at the end of the day, sit, then smile wryly and shake your head as the thought of how contrary this world can be creeps in? Today, it was not raining, the workshop tidy, the dogs and I sat outside enjoying the sunlight. The happy first thought was I'd like to buy this fellah - Fred Clej - an Ale; or even two. The ABC story underscores much of what being 'Australian' means. From a past government who cared enough (and funded) to get Polio vaccine to the most remote areas to protect the communities there. To the lady who smiled as the sugar lumps were dished out and the reliable, solid, small aircraft who made it possible. It typifies what this nation was all about. Well done Fred Clej: Bravo and thank you for reminding us of just how good this nation and its folks can be.
“... history - the lamp which illumines national character...”
Of course, that reminded me of the aviation jungle and just how far along the road to perdition this land has traveled. The Croc Wrangler story is now in court and the ABC (bless 'em) have provided some first class coverage worth the time to follow. The 'problem' for those involved is bouncing off the top cover protection provided to the CASA who approved the operations; certified the procedures and organisational structure. Then simply ducked behind the ramparts and did nothing despite multiple warnings, episodes and information provided which screamed a clear warning. The only viable excuse for their lack of oversight is the involvement of 'other' agencies. Enough said; but, consider the extreme actions of CASA in some other cases taken against 'operators' guilty of minor infractions, compared to the CASA board visiting the Croc Wrangler operation. Not a 'balanced equation' is it.. Journalists???
“The Fates – or Moirai – are a group of three weaving goddesses who assign individual destinies to mortals at birth. Their names are Clotho (the Spinner), Lachesis (the Alloter) and Atropos (the Inflexible).
Australian Flying and Hitch 'on-song' again this week with some thought provoking reporting. I just wonder if it will provoke some 'serious' thought in the CASA circle of wooden-heads? For example:-
Hitch "I believe GA needs to calm the farm a bit on the Navigating Aviation survey report released this week. The survey polled 411 people about stress in the GA community, and the conclusions reached seem to indicate there is a serious mental health problem in GA."
No kidding: you need to be barking mad to begin with to be 'in-it'; and FCOL why survey 411 people; a pitiful, pointless number. Besides - define which 'stress' levels they are dealing with. The bloke who has his wife in hospiital and worried about the mortgage? The lonesome child, loading his own aircraft at 0530 before fuelling it and looking at the forecast; weighing 'legal' against the chances of not getting the job done; knowing that there is always someone behind him in the crew room who will do it? I could fill a page (or two) with the 'stressors' on the GA industry; all valid - stand alone - Stress goes fist in glove with any air operation, only the depth and recovery time varies. But, it is difficult to gainsay the CASA effect as the chief arbiter. The 'flexible' approach to subjective judgement, enforced as pleases, with strict liability leading and a criminal record to follow must be the number one stress factor. Conscious or sub-conscious; always there lurking. People can and do study the cases CASA present; they also listen to 'shop talk'.
Hitch - "There is no one solution, but there are common factors that we can combat. If you cross-check the survey conclusions with the ATSB database, a picture begins to emerge of pilots pushed over their limits in order to save money or execute customer demand. GA needs better tools to tackle this errant culture, because it is clear that regulations simply aren't enough."
“There are two kinds of idiots - those who don't take action because they have received a threat, and those who think they are taking action because they have issued a threat.”
Last, but not least - MOSIAC and the AF survey results; worth a read. There are definitely pro's and con's regarding fleet replacement and uptake. IMO it will be gradual, the price of 'old' warhorses will make them available to those who baulk at current prices; flight schools may up grade and private owners may trade up; the 'new' rules will change the face of GA; but not overnight,it will take a while. However:-
Hitch - "If there is any discord, this survey indicates it will be surrounding whether or not RAAus should be able to administer aircraft with MTOWs over 760 kg, which will become ubiquitous when CASA green-lights the new LSA standard."
On this matter there simply must be a ruling, clear and unequivocal; NO WAY. Beyond the appeal of an 'easy' CASA free road there are some serious holes in the RA knitting. which will become apparent as time goes by. Won't affect those who are happy playing in the non commercial world; but a professional flight line is a whole other world. 'Nuff said.
Evening now, dark settled in. Bit late this week; started this early on; but been busy, catching up after this bloody endless rain. Yet, when the pot belly is using the Gum off cuts providing a welcome warmth and glow, a lamp is lit and quiet descends on sleeping animals, I smile at the cat curled up at the big dog's feet; then; a smoke and a welcome Ale seem to make the world a much better place.
Selah....
Did you ever pour an Ale at the end of the day, sit, then smile wryly and shake your head as the thought of how contrary this world can be creeps in? Today, it was not raining, the workshop tidy, the dogs and I sat outside enjoying the sunlight. The happy first thought was I'd like to buy this fellah - Fred Clej - an Ale; or even two. The ABC story underscores much of what being 'Australian' means. From a past government who cared enough (and funded) to get Polio vaccine to the most remote areas to protect the communities there. To the lady who smiled as the sugar lumps were dished out and the reliable, solid, small aircraft who made it possible. It typifies what this nation was all about. Well done Fred Clej: Bravo and thank you for reminding us of just how good this nation and its folks can be.
“... history - the lamp which illumines national character...”
Of course, that reminded me of the aviation jungle and just how far along the road to perdition this land has traveled. The Croc Wrangler story is now in court and the ABC (bless 'em) have provided some first class coverage worth the time to follow. The 'problem' for those involved is bouncing off the top cover protection provided to the CASA who approved the operations; certified the procedures and organisational structure. Then simply ducked behind the ramparts and did nothing despite multiple warnings, episodes and information provided which screamed a clear warning. The only viable excuse for their lack of oversight is the involvement of 'other' agencies. Enough said; but, consider the extreme actions of CASA in some other cases taken against 'operators' guilty of minor infractions, compared to the CASA board visiting the Croc Wrangler operation. Not a 'balanced equation' is it.. Journalists???
“The Fates – or Moirai – are a group of three weaving goddesses who assign individual destinies to mortals at birth. Their names are Clotho (the Spinner), Lachesis (the Alloter) and Atropos (the Inflexible).
Australian Flying and Hitch 'on-song' again this week with some thought provoking reporting. I just wonder if it will provoke some 'serious' thought in the CASA circle of wooden-heads? For example:-
Hitch "I believe GA needs to calm the farm a bit on the Navigating Aviation survey report released this week. The survey polled 411 people about stress in the GA community, and the conclusions reached seem to indicate there is a serious mental health problem in GA."
No kidding: you need to be barking mad to begin with to be 'in-it'; and FCOL why survey 411 people; a pitiful, pointless number. Besides - define which 'stress' levels they are dealing with. The bloke who has his wife in hospiital and worried about the mortgage? The lonesome child, loading his own aircraft at 0530 before fuelling it and looking at the forecast; weighing 'legal' against the chances of not getting the job done; knowing that there is always someone behind him in the crew room who will do it? I could fill a page (or two) with the 'stressors' on the GA industry; all valid - stand alone - Stress goes fist in glove with any air operation, only the depth and recovery time varies. But, it is difficult to gainsay the CASA effect as the chief arbiter. The 'flexible' approach to subjective judgement, enforced as pleases, with strict liability leading and a criminal record to follow must be the number one stress factor. Conscious or sub-conscious; always there lurking. People can and do study the cases CASA present; they also listen to 'shop talk'.
Hitch - "There is no one solution, but there are common factors that we can combat. If you cross-check the survey conclusions with the ATSB database, a picture begins to emerge of pilots pushed over their limits in order to save money or execute customer demand. GA needs better tools to tackle this errant culture, because it is clear that regulations simply aren't enough."
“There are two kinds of idiots - those who don't take action because they have received a threat, and those who think they are taking action because they have issued a threat.”
Last, but not least - MOSIAC and the AF survey results; worth a read. There are definitely pro's and con's regarding fleet replacement and uptake. IMO it will be gradual, the price of 'old' warhorses will make them available to those who baulk at current prices; flight schools may up grade and private owners may trade up; the 'new' rules will change the face of GA; but not overnight,it will take a while. However:-
Hitch - "If there is any discord, this survey indicates it will be surrounding whether or not RAAus should be able to administer aircraft with MTOWs over 760 kg, which will become ubiquitous when CASA green-lights the new LSA standard."
On this matter there simply must be a ruling, clear and unequivocal; NO WAY. Beyond the appeal of an 'easy' CASA free road there are some serious holes in the RA knitting. which will become apparent as time goes by. Won't affect those who are happy playing in the non commercial world; but a professional flight line is a whole other world. 'Nuff said.
Evening now, dark settled in. Bit late this week; started this early on; but been busy, catching up after this bloody endless rain. Yet, when the pot belly is using the Gum off cuts providing a welcome warmth and glow, a lamp is lit and quiet descends on sleeping animals, I smile at the cat curled up at the big dog's feet; then; a smoke and a welcome Ale seem to make the world a much better place.
Selah....