[Kharon]

How it should be done.

Phil Hurst and his AAAA crew are impressive. They represent a vibrant industry providing a vital ‘general aviation’ service to this country, from farming to fire fighting. Not the most ‘glamorous’ arm of aviation, little in way of discussion about uniform shirts; or career paths; or, the usual clap trap surrounding ‘aviation’. Just a quiet acceptance that their work is dangerous, difficult, often dirty and unacknowledged. What is most impressive is the way AAAA is leading the way in the ‘safety stakes’; not only in the air, but environmentally. To me it is a classic demonstration of how industry expertise can lead the way, rather than blindly follow. Improvements generated through industry experience and expertise should form the basis of not only ‘regulation’ but operational standards. Enough of that; congratulations AAAA, well done all. A gold key to the Tim Tam box is AP’s highest award, thanks Phil. What else needs be said:- Bravo..



AAAA Convention 2017. (From Phil Hurst on 'Twitter').

Hurst – “And that's a wrap! AAAA Convention 2017 finishes with a great session on tech & safety. Thx to speakers, sponsors, exhibitors and delegates!”



ATSB Commissioners Greg Hood and Chris Manning working with AAAA on safety. Expert panel established to boost ATSB capability. Great work!

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Matthew Cossey CropLife Australia
Very much looking forward to speaking at the Aerial Application Ass of Australia National Convention today. A critical sector for #ausag

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Final session convention 2017. Joe Urli Pres of Certified UAV Operators telling us about RPA 'drones' potential and how we can work together

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Long term aerial application and drift management expert Nick Woods outlining the research program driven by AAAA and NWPP

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Chair of National Working Party on Pesticide Application Gavan Cattanach outlining the science drive to improve APVMA & chemical regs

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CEO of Croplife Matthew Cossey - strong message on stewardship, leadership and the critical role aviation plays in feeding the world

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Chris Manning, fmr chief pilot of Qantas and ATSB Commissioner launching our Powerline Safety Program-big safety initiative with landholders

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QBE Aviation Insurance joins our Powerline Safety Program as Foundation Safety Partner with great sponsorship support. Let's mark wires!

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Ergon Energy announces progress on mapping & marking & Foundation Safety Partner support of our new Powerline Safety Program

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Winners of 2017 Leland Snow Innovation Award, Essential Energy announce Foundation Safety Partner support of our new Powerline Safety Progrm

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Final day of Convention 2017. Our AAAA Program Manager Adam Hooper talking safety and our new Powerline Safety Program launch.

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Jim Wolfe from the Commonwealth Dept of Infra outlining airspace protection, GA review, skills report and GA Advisory Group. Positive stuff.

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Bruce Peterson, owner of Aerospread in NZ, taking delegates through emergency response and the importance of preparation

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Convention day 2- inspiring talk on resilience to a packed room by Stacey Copas

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Panel at 'fire' part of Convention 2017. Safety, quality, training,cooperation. Welcome reception thanks to Vector Aerospace!

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Technology rich ops. Andrew Matthews explains ARENA - tracks aircraft for safety, speeds tasking,cuts workload. Great system in use now.

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Assistant Commisioner Jason Heffernan of NSWRFS explaining significant improvements in agency/industry relationships and performance

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We're back! David Pearce from CFS SA on rapid initial attack to keep fires small - airborne in minutes to make a real difference.

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Ray Cronin, Vice President of the Australian Helicopter Industry Association, outlying the issues being addressed for that sector

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'The importance of aerial firefighting' from Wayne Rigg of the CFA Victoria. Great presentation on the very real positive impact of aircraft

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Setting the scene for Australia's aerial firefighting 50 years of operations - Richard Alder CEO of National Aerial Firefighting Centre.

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That, boys and girls is an impressive line up of expert speakers; all on the same song sheet, leading from the front.  There's a lesson there for other 'wannabe' important outfits.