[Kharon]

The sticking point?

Not altogether sure if Mathews has been sniffing the glue or whether it was slipped into the Kool-aid.

Mathews - "The Board is very pleased with what Mr Carmody has achieved during his time as CEO/DAS,

Yep, you can see why; Angel Flight embuggerance being one of the many fine accomplishments; Buckley another stellar example of quality industry management amongst the many tales of what will go down in aviation history as the one episode taught – as how not to do it. There are many such periods to choose from, but the Commode Era stands apart from the rest; never in the sad, sorry history of aviation oversight has so many duck ups and examples of sheer incompetency been recorded. The simple fact that RAOz is not only allowed to exist but actively assisted by CASA and a purblind minister should be enough for a royal commission (if we could spare the time – again). Ask only one question – why are reports into RAOz fatal accidents not published? Those of a curious nature could pursue the case a little further, dig a little deeper and ask why the 'divide' between traditional GA and RAOz has been carefully crafted into a chasm; and to what purpose, by whom?

I, for one would like to know why Mathews is so bloody chuffed. He should be hanging his head in abject shame.

Mathews - “[particularly] the resolution of CASA’s long standing Regulatory Reform Program and much improved stakeholder confidence in CASA as a safety regulator,"

Ever heard of a building company “Bodgeit and Leggit'? A quick coat of paint over the repair, grab the money and disappear, like a puff of smoke. Technically, the job appears done, finished as per spec. Looks OK from a distance; but upon close, expert inspection you discover every cheat and quick patch used to persuade that the job was righteous.

'This' is what Mathews is praising? – But the real evil resides in the fact that he knows, very well indeed, that the regulations are nowhere near complete, nor are they fit for purpose. Which stand alone is bad enough; but to cynically promote this fraud as an exemplar of good corporate governance is enough to trigger a long, loud call for his resignation.

It is time the regulatory Gravy Train pulled into the station.

Toot – toot.

[Peetwo]

The sticking point?

Not altogether sure if Mathews has been sniffing the glue or whether it was slipped into the Kool-aid.

Mathews - "The Board is very pleased with what Mr Carmody has achieved during his time as CEO/DAS,

Yep, you can see why; Angel Flight embuggerance being one of the many fine accomplishments; Buckley another stellar example of quality industry management amongst the many tales of what will go down in aviation history as the one episode taught – as how not to do it. There are many such periods to choose from, but the Commode Era stands apart from the rest; never in the sad, sorry history of aviation oversight has so many duck ups and examples of sheer incompetency been recorded. The simple fact that RAOz is not only allowed to exist but actively assisted by CASA and a purblind minister should be enough for a royal commission (if we could spare the time – again). Ask only one question – why are reports into RAOz fatal accidents not published? Those of a curious nature could pursue the case a little further, dig a little deeper and ask why the 'divide' between traditional GA and RAOz has been carefully crafted into a chasm; and to what purpose, by whom?

I, for one would like to know why Mathews is so bloody chuffed. He should be hanging his head in abject shame.

Mathews - “[particularly] the resolution of CASA’s long standing Regulatory Reform Program and much improved stakeholder confidence in CASA as a safety regulator,"

Ever heard of a building company “Bodgeit and Leggit'? A quick coat of paint over the repair, grab the money and disappear, like a puff of smoke. Technically, the job appears done, finished as per spec. Looks OK from a distance; but upon close, expert inspection you discover every cheat and quick patch used to persuade that the job was righteous.

'This' is what Mathews is praising? – But the real evil resides in the fact that he knows, very well indeed, that the regulations are nowhere near complete, nor are they fit for purpose. Which stand alone is bad enough; but to cynically promote this fraud as an exemplar of good corporate governance is enough to trigger a long, loud call for his resignation.

It is time the regulatory Gravy Train pulled into the station.

Toot – toot.

P2 - Mick Mack aviation shitlist update...

Somewhat related to the bollocks statement from the CASA Chair Tony Mathews, note the latest Glen Buckley correspondence to the CASA ICC Jonathon Hanton and Legal head Dr Hoodoo Voodoo Aleck, is also cc'd to TM ... : Letter to Dr Aleck

..I have also included the CASA Board in this correspondence as they are responsible for the good governance of CASA, and most especially, Mr Anthony Mathews in his role as the Chairperson of the Board of CASA...

Next I note the comments in the following Australian Aviation article... QANTAS UNDER FIRE OVER ‘PREDATORY’ SYDNEY-ORANGE ROUTE

Finally I note the A4ANZ response to the AAA winge picked up by Patrick Hatch in his Monday SMH article titled 'Planes are flying again but airports say bills are going unpaid'

A4ANZ reply: https://auntypru.com/wp-content/uploads/...g_fees.pdf

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

The Ken, Tony and Steve show -   

Via AOPA Oz: (Again unfortunately no links for YouTube -   )

Chocfrog  comment:

Mary Brown  · 13:16 You have an extremely experienced panel here tonight, who have seen arguably the best times in the GA sector. It speaks volumes that the consistent message that comes through all these panelists over past three weeks, is that the GA sector is in absolute decline. The question really is how the hell do we get the decision makers to understand just how important this sector is and how it is not airlines and needs it’s own set of regulations?

MTF...P2 

ps VOTE 1 for Ken Cannane as DAS! 

[Peetwo]

AOPA Oz step into the BRM Aero v CASA brouhaha -  

Into a corner – painted am I.



Hitch - “Regardless of what you think of the stall/spin characteristics of the Bristell, CASA's handling of the issue has once again been poor and unprofessional.”

Not to mention it is slightly embarrassing to watch a Bantam weight amateur squaring off to an internationally recognised heavyweight pro, with a solid track record.

ASTM – American Society for Testing and Materials. Take a moment to read a few paragraphs of the Wiki blurb; enlightening ain't it. The ASTM have a long history and some serious 'clout'. They don't just dream up 'standards' – take a wee peek at -THIS – or for the more legal mind – there's 'the Rools'.

Now you have to wonder why CASA is taking on this crowd. The ASTM 'testing regime' for the Bristell aircraft has been internationally accepted. The manufacturer has 'tested' the aircraft, gained approvals and in good faith marketed and sold the airframe, acknowledging the limitations and providing 'cautions' within the Aircraft Flight Manual. 

Hitch - CASA has been threatening to ban the aircraft from spinning because they say they don't have sufficient evidence that the aircraft complies with the ASTM rules for LSAs.


Aye, CASA can do whatever it likes in Oz – until the court battle. That will 'interesting' particularly when the comparison between 'like and like' is made and the ASTM step up to bat in defence of their 'standards' and testing regime. The burden of proof, expert international opinion, the FAA and EASA acceptance on the one hand; CASA's fluffy duck, unsupported opinion on the other:-

HITCH - CASA is pointing at several crashes and a somewhat mysterious local test as proof the aircraft doesn't comply ... which is a statement not included in the local test results and not listed as a contributing factor by the ATSB in two of the accidents.

Mysterious 'local' test flights – proof positive – court standard? Fine, publish the results. Let's see 'em. If this aircraft is a substantive danger to the public and those who operate them; the CASA test flight results must support the statements made. ASTM will no doubt be delighted to have their errors pointed out.

Hitch - At the time of writing, the issue has not been resolved and people representing the manufacturer BRM Aero are saying that CASA has become unresponsive.

Perhaps someone with a functioning brain has had a quiet word and advised CASA to back up a little bit and tone down the 'opinion' level to at least credible deniability; lest they are , once again, the subject of much international head shaking. 

The accident reports we have seen so far, involving this aircraft, are sketchy at best. Accident rate to world wide hours flown on type would be handy, as would an analysis of who, why and what were they doing prior to accident. The aircraft may well be 'sensitive' in the CoG range – as advertised; limited in the latitudes allowed for pilot error; it may even be not suitable for 'training' – but that's no crime. Many aircraft fit into that slot; horses for courses and all that.

There are sensible, realistic steps CASA could take – provided they could back up their claims with real evidence. But so far all we have is some fairly 'wishy-washy' rhetoric from an authority which can't analyse flight test data; nor make up their collective minds. Perhaps its time to collect the marbles.

Toot – toot.

Via AOPA Oz:

Join the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia for an open and candid conversation with the representatives of BRM Aero (manufacturer of the Bristell LSA) and Anderson Aviation (Australian and New Zealand importer), responding to CASA's recent moves to impose 'unjustified' safety restrictions.

THIS WEEKS PANELISTS

- Benjamin Morgan: Chief Executive Officer, AOPA Australia
- Gerard Kitt: Director, KG Aviation
- Lorraine McGillivray: Representative, BRM Aero
- Bob McGillivray: Representative, BRM Aero
- Brett Anderson: Director, Anderson Aviation

JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION - LIVE

AOPA Australia invites you to post your comments and questions during the live panel broadcast

Hmm...very disturbing - about time there was a loud call for a Royal Commission into the administration of aviation safety in this country...

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

Nothing to see here - move along! 

Via the bollocks Fort Fumble monthly propaganda newsletter: https://www.casa.gov.au/publications-and...-july-2020   

...Earlier this month I announced my time with CASA will draw to a close at the end of 2020. It has been a privilege to lead CASA and I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported me personally, as well as our organisation, over what will be more than four years. I have really appreciated the many personal approaches throughout my time as Director of Aviation Safety, and the willingness of the aviation community to work collaboratively with CASA to achieve the best possible safety and regulatory outcomes. It is my view that CASA is in a strong position and is well equipped to meet the challenges of the future. An executive search is underway to find the best candidates to take CASA forward...

New CASA Board members

Two new appointments have been made to the CASA Board. Ms Elizabeth Hallett and Ms Marilyn Andre have been appointed for three-year terms. They replace Ms Anita Taylor and Ms Cheryl Cartwright, whose terms have been completed. Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the appointments ensure CASA will continue to deliver the high standard of aviation safety that the Government, travelling public and broader community expect. “Ms Andre has a strong aviation background with more than 20 years of senior leadership experience across various sectors of the industry and is actively involved in encouraging, mentoring and promoting women as the future leaders of aviation,” the Deputy Prime Minister said. “Ms Hallett has an extensive background in legal, regulatory and corporate governance, risk management and strategy development which will be so valuable to the CASA Board. I look forward to continuing to work closely with CASA to ensure Australia maintains our enviable position as a world leader in air safety and continues a safety regime that meets worldwide best-practice standards.” Mr McCormack acknowledged and thanked Ms Cartwright and Ms Taylor for valuable contributions to the CASA Board.

Hmm...no comment - 

MTF...P2 

ps

[thorn bird]

Caught with our pants down.

"Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."

(Attributed to writer and philosopher George Santayana.)

As the world struggled to cope with the great depression in the nineteen thirties, clouds of war were gathering over Europe.

lessons learned from the end of the war to end all wars in 1918 were quickly forgotten.
The axiom “Plan for the worst, hope for the best” lost in the desperate times of the great depression.

In 1939 Australia was ill prepared for conflict, other than providing a pool of cannon fodder as it did in 1914 to defend the empire, we had little to add much else.

Manufacturing industries in Australia were in their infancy and struggling to gain a foothold against the might of the “Motherland”. Buy British was the mantra and most of our manufactured goods came from Britain strongly supported by government we survived from the wool off our sheep’s backs. Australia was not bereft of innovators or entrepreneurs but taking an idea from conception to a finished marketable product was almost impossible.

The Australian aviation industry, shackled by self-interested interstate squabbling, regulated by an authoritative defence department didn’t lack in enthusiasm. However, nobody in the ruling class or in defence saw much value in it. It was barely tolerated and never encouraged, unlike the USA which was rapidly developing a vibrant growing aviation industry.

Way back in 1939 my dear old Dad enlisted in the RAAF when war appeared imminent hoping to head off to Europe to fight. Australia was woefully unprepared for war; pilots were very thin on the ground. Already a licenced pilot and instructor dad was immediately tasked with training pilots for the coming war as a burgeoning bureaucracy developed within defence to administer the Empire training scheme. In the USA training was tasked to private industry funnelling vast amounts of money into development which paid enormous dividends for the civilian aviation Industry at wars end. In Australia vast amounts of money was spent but at wars end the civilian side of aviation saw little in the way of dividend.

Into the sixties Flying training was positively encouraged, the lessons from the war still at the front of the political elites’ brains. Airports were protected as vital infrastructure, scholarships provided for pilot training, pretty much everything was free of charge.

On the commercial side of the industry the pre-war shackles were replaced, industrial development and manufacturing stifled.

lessons of the war faded into history, from being vital for national security, aviation became a liability and as the user pays philosophy developed within the bureaucracy, aviation and its necessary infrastructure became viewed as surplus to requirements or potential cash cows by bureaucrats with absolutely no understanding of how the industry worked. Competing interests of non-aviation entities seeking to push aviation aside in pursuit of the holy dollar has gradually taken precedence and aided by an at times complicit, self-interested, totally incompetent regulator, aviation in Australia is descending into a third world abyss from which it may never recover.

Given the current crisis facing aviation are we again standing on the precipice?

The drums of future conflict are almost audible, will we once again regret ignoring the lessons of history?

[Peetwo]

AOPA Australia

REFORMING CASA:  THE KEY TO SPORT AVIATION SUCCESS

Join the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia for an open and candid conversation with theSport Aircraft Association of Australia and the Gliding Federation of Australia, discussing how a lack of CASA reform is damaging Australia's sport aviation sectors.

THIS WEEKS PANELIST

- Benjamin Morgan: Chief Executive Officer, AOPA Australia
- Tony White: President, SAAA
- Gary Weeks: Director, SAAA
- Peter Cesco:  President, GFA

JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION - LIVE

AOPA Australia invites you to post your comments and questions during the live panel broadcast.

JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION - LIVE

AOPA Australia invites you to post your comments and questions during the live panel broadcast.

Via Youtube:

&/or via FB:

Comments:

David Young  · 1:21:13 The funding provided by CASA to the sports aviation organisations is quite simply inadequate to enable those 9 organisations to conduct their required compliance activities that those bodies need to conduct on behalf of CASA. This is particularly astounding when compared to the amount of funding available to CASA to essentially do the same task. The inequity is astounding.

Mark Newton  · 1:02:12 Before the South African CAA disbanded their equivalent of RAAus, they also regulated to destroy their equivalent of GFA and force all their glider pilots to join the RAAus-equivalent body. Now it’s all collapsed, so there are _two_ sports aviation organizations that were torn up, achieving nothing.

MTF...P2 

[Peetwo]

Ref: https://auntypru.com/sbg-23-08-20-the-ba...age-idiot/



Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association Australia

DAYSL AVIONICS: CASA INCOMPETENCE UNDERMINING INDUSTRY

Join the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia for an open and candid conversation with Daysl Avionics founder, David Prior, and former CASA Manufacturing Inspector, Wayne Moore, discussing how CASA incompetence and failure is undermining Australia's aviation industry and opportunity.

THIS WEEKS PANELISTS

- Benjamin Morgan, Chief Executive Officer - AOPA Australia
- David Prior, Managing Director - Dasyl Avionics
- Wayne Moore, Former CASA Manufacturing Inspector
- Ken Cannane, Executive Director - AMROBA


JOIN IN THE DISCUSSION - LIVE

AOPA Australia invites you to post your comments and questions during the live panel broadcast.

NOT A MEMBER? WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!

Join today: AOPA Australia | Your Freedom to Fly

[Sandy Reith]

There are so many CASA induced disasters its difficult to turn to any area of Australia’s aviation community or businesses and not find examples of extremely overbearing, time wasting and expensive bureaucratic machinations that are inimical to employment, aviation business development, technical advances and Australia’s reputation. Furthermore rather than increasing positive outcomes in pursuit of safety, safety suffers through lack of practice and a decline in participation, experienced personnel and career paths.

The government’s irresponsible lack of direction to CASA, and turning a blind eye to the most obvious and blatant disregard and disrespect to a whole industry, is truly astounding and a blot on the whole country.

[P7_TOM]

Sympathy? – No way. Understanding – perhaps, just a little.

The smart thing bright people do is acknowledge their limitations – subject to what they aspire to and their ability to realise 'reality'. For instance I can, by hand, accurately trim almost any type of timber to within a thousandth of an inch; I can with some certainty land an aircraft on almost any runway at a speed, on a spot, pre selected. Can I do brain or heart surgery; can I drive a race car? No: that is the short answer. Could I learn to do these things; No: is, once again is the answer. Well, howzabout the law, or international competitive skiing; or, Olympic gymnastics; or, Americas Cup sailing; or even Red Bull racing; or, championship shooting; or, even climbing one of the 'big' ten mountains? Within my limitations I can understand and manage aviation law - on a practical level, I can ski; gymnastics not too shabby. I can sail a boat, I can manage aerobatics, I can shoot; and I have in my time climbed some 'named' mountains. All jolly good fun; but, I learned my limitations; and, to be happy with them and accept them. The reason for that happy acceptance is I tried, tested and decided what I could do very well. And what I could not – evidence based.

Now then – a Pinocchio Class Puppet (PCP); like McDoNought, who weaselled his way into a political job (well he did) – with precious little life 'experience' bar being a third string 'journalist' on a local rag and living in a make up world of Elvis imitation – (FCOL) suddenly becomes not only a federal politician; BUT the deputy leader of this nation, ultimately responsible (by law) for aviation. What possible grounds or qualification can there be for that extravegance? Experience; transport background; natural intellect; a natural leader, statesman of note? BOLLOCKS. 

I would love to see an independent, impartial examination of just who holds the strings operating this puppet. Aviation is a 'strange' - to other business models – animal. Much like all the other 'world class' disciplines; if you can't breathe it and revel in just getting near an aerodrome – then you will never; not ever, understand it. Fair enough, but so it is.

To be suddenly thrust into that world as 'minister' it is understandable that 'advice' from experts must be obtained. Much like climbing the Eiger; or, racing in the America's Cup; or doing brain surgery – remotely, but on Wi-Fi, through Google.

Yes; the older fool does have a point; one which is easy enough to fathom. The AOPA series of 'interviews' is slowly, but very surely, revealing just how far a crown minister has been led astray. I can understand that – but the thing which evades me is how come someone can be so fundamentally 'dopey' and easily led. What happened to native whit; self survival or even his 'bull-shit' meter? How much longer can this aimless, noisy village idiot keep living in absolute 'denial' of the evidence placed in front of him? Will whoever owns this stray, lost, bemused owner of the 6G's (for genuine) award please collect him and spare Australia the embarrassment and aviation the heartburn of frustration (in the legal sense). Impeachment – on the cards – and soon.

Just my thoughts and opinion – well perhaps not just mine – but I will stand for them. That's why they pay me the big bucks – Ha, ha Ha. (Ahem, excuse me).

[Peetwo]

The village idiot alive and well inside the Can'tberra bubble -  
(WARNING: High probability that a bucket will be required -  )

Ref: https://auntypru.com/sbg-30-08-20-de-battle-of-denial/

After watching several hours (now) of video and reading the many accompanying comments, all singing from the same hymn sheet, from the AOPA Facebook video conversations, the following Oz article so incensed me into an overwhelming murderous rage, that I had to take time out to bay at the full moon...         



Via the Oz:

---

Submissions sought on drones policy

By Robyn Ironside


The federal government is taking the first step towards introducing a national policy for drones and autonomous aircraft to encourage greater uptake of emerging aviation technologies.

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack will release a national aviation policy issues paper on Thursday seeking submissions on everything from the level of regulation needed, to the extent Australia’s approach should be harmonised with other countries.

Mr McCormack said new aviation technologies had applications across a range of industries including mining, construction and agriculture, and presented alternatives to traditional methods of transport.

“We want to enable a co-ordinated, flexible and efficient operating environment to foster innovation, while making sure the sector is safe, secure and considerate of communities and local environments,” Mr McCormack said.

“I am encouraging industry and interested parties to engage with this consultation process, because we know forming collaborative partnerships will be critical to successfully managing this technology.”

The paper covered a wide variety of topics relevant to the sector including the sensitive issue of noise, suggesting a “hard cap” on the number of (drone) flights was not conducive to growth.

“Work will commence to transition to an approach to noise regulation that is sustainable for

operators, facilitates industry to innovate and develop, while balancing the needs of the community in respect of noise impacts,” said the paper.

Electrical vertical takeoff and landing vehicles (eVTOLs), likely to become operational in Australia in the next few years, providing the infrastructure and regulation existed.

Uber Elevate named Melbourne as a launch city for an “aerial taxi” service last year with the first flights now expected in 2023.

Early eVTOLs were expected to have a pilot, eventually moving to autonomous operations in an entirely integrated airspace.

The paper said one of the challenges for government was to ensure early adopters of eVTOLs, did not unduly restrict the entry of other market operators and existing airspace users.

Australia’s suitability as a “flight test site” for new aircraft prototypes was also covered, due to a wealth of open space, good weather and low sovereign risk.

Australian Association of Unmanned Systems’ president Dr Reece Clothier said the development of a national policy would help realise the full potential of the sector.

“Industry collaboration and a whole-of-government approach will be key to the success of the industry and we welcome the opportunity to work with the Australian government to develop an approach that enables the innovation of these aircraft while appropriately addressing the risks and impacts,” Dr Clothier said.

Eric Peck, chief executive of drone-powered health logistics firm, Swoop Aero, welcomed the government’s commitment to supporting emerging aviation technologies.

He said it recognised that innovation was needed to creates and build a sustainable sector.

Submissions to the issues paper were due by October 31.

---

Ref: https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/drones/ & https://minister.infrastructure.gov.au/m...e-aviation

“..I am encouraging industry and interested parties to engage with this consultation process, because we know forming collaborative partnerships will be critical to successfully managing this technology...” - 

How absolutely insulting for the rest of a vital but ailing aviation industry - can someone please take back their village idiot?? 

Next REX has nothing but praise for the village idiot...

Via the Oz again:

Regional Express Airlines thanks government for ‘saving’ regional aviation



Regional Express Airlines has lavished praise on the federal government for “saving the regional aviation industry” with more than $62m in grants for the carrier.

Announcing Rex’s results for the 2020 financial year, chairman Lim Kim Hai said the airline’s loss of $19.6m after tax was eased by grants from the Commonwealth, including the JobKeeper allowance.

He said the airline was “brought to its knees” by the COVID-19 crisis, with passenger numbers plunging 90 per cent in the last two weeks of March.

“On behalf of all regional aviation, I would like to place on record our gratitude to the

Morrison government and to the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack for their swift and decisive actions that have saved Australia’s regional aviation industry,” said Mr Lim.

“If they were to lose their essential air services, remote and regional communities would have been dealt yet another mortal blow following the devastating effects of drought, bush fires, floods and now the pandemic.”

The federal government grants included $53.8m from the $100m Regional Airlines Funding Assistance scheme.

Rex also picked up $3m from the Australian Airlines’ Financial Relief package and was in line for a further $40m under the ongoing Regional Airlines Network Support scheme between July and September.

The funds almost covered a $65m shortfall in passenger revenue, and a small decrease in freight revenue.

Mr Lim said Rex promised to give back to the community in the future “when it was strong again” in the form of new domestic routes servicing the “golden triangle” of Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane.

“In relation to our recently-announced plans to commence domestic jet operations in March 2021, we are excited at this next big chapter in Rex’s history and we see this as our way of paying back to the community,” Mr Lim said.

“We believe that Australia deserves an alternative domestic carrier that is safe, reliable, convenient, affordable and, most importantly, one that can go the distance against the Qantas group.”

The operations would be funded by either a “sale and leaseback of aircraft” within the existing Saab fleet, or by other interested parties.

“Discussions with interested parties are continuing but are not yet finalised,” said Mr Lim.

In June the airline announced the board had approved plans to raise $30m for a fleet of five to ten narrow body jets to be based out of Sydney, to service Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane.

The significant grants paid to Rex were not received well by Virgin Australia, which went into administration in April with debts of $6.8bn after the federal government refused its repeated requests for financial help.

In June Virgin Australia CEO Paul Scurrah wryly noted that Rex was “the only airline in the world to go from the brink of bankruptcy to announcing expansion plans during COVID-19”.

MTF...P2 

[thorn bird]

Words just words P2.
How many platitudes, touchy feely statements have been made to appease the GA industry over the years only to do the exact opposite. Waste of time getting your knickers in a knot over.
Think of all the statements made about Australia's exciting move into the space industry.
I said at the time that bureaucracy would finish it before it got started and it appears to be doing just that.
You'll be able to catch a drone from Aukland to Wellington long before Australia even gets a "policy" let alone a flyable drone.

[Sandy Reith]

Thorny thank you, you’ve really said it all but I can’t help but make comment on this quote from Minister McCormack :-
“I am encouraging industry and interested parties to engage with this consultation process, because we know forming collaborative partnerships will be critical to successfully managing this technology.”

—-Ha Ha Ha.

Except that your jokes are not that funny because there has to be an element of surprise for a joke to be a joke.

[thorn bird]

Sandy,

see K's cartoon.

Trouble with Political jokes....

They sometimes get elected.

[P7_TOM]

Better yet - watch this for a couple of minutes - just about covers all the bases - Bullwinkle and Rocky - the plot impeccable....

[Kharon]

As the knitting unravels (with a lot of poetic licence)..

Oh where, Oh where can our idiot have gone'
Oh, where Oh where can he be be;
His ears are blocked and his nuts cut off
Oh where Oh where can he be?

Lost in space is where he be ;
He decided to piddle on the wrong bloody tree;
a fine, upstanding industree.
In ignorance, he opted for Chinee

Oh, The money if flowed like a river
With never a thought that giver
May want just more than a river
But the whole sodding county

When the Qld election is over
There'll be a place for old rover
In his best Elvis suit, along with the fruit
He'll be buried in style, to my merry Toot- toot – toot.

Ayup - that works -

[Peetwo]

Luv it 'K' - 

Next - REX Chair Lim Kim Hai claims ownership of the Village Idiot?? 
(WARNING: High probability that a bucket will be required -   )

Via the Oz:

---

Regional Express Airlines thanks government for ‘saving’ regional aviation



Regional Express Airlines has lavished praise on the federal government for “saving the regional aviation industry” with more than $62m in grants for the carrier.

Announcing Rex’s results for the 2020 financial year, chairman Lim Kim Hai said the airline’s loss of $19.6m after tax was eased by grants from the Commonwealth, including the JobKeeper allowance.

He said the airline was “brought to its knees” by the COVID-19 crisis, with passenger numbers plunging 90 per cent in the last two weeks of March.

“On behalf of all regional aviation, I would like to place on record our gratitude to the

Morrison government and to the Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack for their swift and decisive actions that have saved Australia’s regional aviation industry,” said Mr Lim.

“If they were to lose their essential air services, remote and regional communities would have been dealt yet another mortal blow following the devastating effects of drought, bush fires, floods and now the pandemic.”

The federal government grants included $53.8m from the $100m Regional Airlines Funding Assistance scheme.

Rex also picked up $3m from the Australian Airlines’ Financial Relief package and was in line for a further $40m under the ongoing Regional Airlines Network Support scheme between July and September.

The funds almost covered a $65m shortfall in passenger revenue, and a small decrease in freight revenue.

Mr Lim said Rex promised to give back to the community in the future “when it was strong again” in the form of new domestic routes servicing the “golden triangle” of Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane.

“In relation to our recently-announced plans to commence domestic jet operations in March

2021, we are excited at this next big chapter in Rex’s history and we see this as our way of

paying back to the community,” Mr Lim said.

“We believe that Australia deserves an alternative domestic carrier that is safe, reliable, convenient, affordable and, most importantly, one that can go the distance against the Qantas group.”

The operations would be funded by either a “sale and leaseback of aircraft” within the existing Saab fleet, or by other interested parties.

“Discussions with interested parties are continuing but are not yet finalised,” said Mr Lim.

In June the airline announced the board had approved plans to raise $30m for a fleet of five to ten narrow body jets to be based out of Sydney, to service Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane.

The significant grants paid to Rex were not received well by Virgin Australia, which went into administration in April with debts of $6.8bn after the federal government refused its repeated requests for financial help.

In June Virgin Australia CEO Paul Scurrah wryly noted that Rex was “the only airline in the world to go from the brink of bankruptcy to announcing expansion plans during COVID-19”.

---

 - “In relation to our recently-announced plans to commence domestic jet operations in March
2021, we are excited at this next big chapter in Rex’s history and we see this as our way of
paying back to the community,”


MTF...P2 

[P7_TOM]

Value for money?

Has anyone given serious consideration to the amount of money paid to the departing, evangelistic patron Saint of aviation safety – Commode has been picking up half a million bucks – plus - every year; for what? The list of achievements is bloody light on weight and performance. Completed the world's worst rule set – bollocks; it is a shambles of conflict and loopholes. Reduced accident numbers – no. Made industry vibrant and profitable – no. Eased the burden on the operators who pay for the services of the CASA – no. So what the duck has he actually achieved – apart from paying off a house in less time than it takes a hard working couple to save up a deposit for a 20 year mortgage? The 'nutshell' analysis below pretty much maps out the current situation – not one of the 'characters' involved has missed a day's work or a penny in benefits – while every other poor sod is wondering how to meet their obligations. Halfwit is on a cool million a year – read the Hansard from his appearance at the RRAT; then ask the question – is that 'real' value for money? Our money? I reckon it is time for a performance based accounting – and some resignations.

“zealously advocating a particular cause; campaigning. - “an almost evangelistic zeal for the product" - describes the current crop of snake oil salesmen to a 'T'. Time methinks to put a full stop at the end of this period and make a fresh start – try and get it right – while there is still a spark of life in the industry and we still have the odd useful airport.

“k” - SBG - “[a] whimsical waste of bandwidth – but, to be honest, I can't begin to get my head around the current mess we face – or the lack of any hope to have the direst of situations resolved. ASA's million dollar Halfwit in the RRAT Estimates talking complete bollocks; ATSB with multiple 'directors' talking crap and (insult to injury) bringing 'the ghost who walks' back to the forefront after his treatment of KC; CASA in a leaderless tail spin gearing up to take on the Buckley debacle and drag it out as long and hard as possible; minister MIA; airports being built over; maintenance in disarray, pilot training an expensive, counterproductive shambles etc. The few who are trying to talk sense shut down, industry to terrified (with good cause) to say 'enough' and good men deserting the ship – even the RRAT inquiry is shaping up as the biggest non-event in a long history of 'inquiry'.”

I reckon it is time for this industry to fight back – tell 'em - NO MORE - mean it and make it stick..

[Peetwo]

Update to the timeline of miniscule corruption.

References: Timeline of miniscule corruption - Part II

From the school of 'passing strange' coincidences??

Sunshine & Daylight Hours in Mildura, New South Wales, Australia

• There is an average of 2938 hours of sunlight per year (of a possible 4383) with an average of 8:02 of sunlight per day.
  
  
• It is sunny 67% of daylight hours. The remaining 33% of daylight hours are likely cloudy or with shade, haze or low sun intensity.
  

Hmm...says it all really??   

However you never know when you might just have another Mildura fog duck up...  

Ref: The great Mildura Fog and fuel duck up. & https://auntypru.com/forum/showthread.ph...12#pid1012 & https://auntypru.com/forum/showthread.ph...96#pid3696

Been meaning to get back to this for sometime because IMO it really needs some serious scrutiny...

Via the other Aunty...

Pilots question location of $4m landing system upgrade at Mildura Airport

ABC Mildura-Swan Hill
 / 
By Christopher Testa and Cherie von Hörchner

Posted Friday 31 July 2020 at 10:31am, updated Friday 31 July 2020 at 11:30am


Drought conditions and high winds create dust storms in Mildura, reducing visibility.(ABC Mildura-Swan Hill: Christopher Testa)

There are concerns $4 million worth of equipment being installed at a regional Victorian airport to make low-visibility landings easier for pilots will be put in the wrong place.

In the lead up to last year's election, the Federal Government promised it would spend $2 million installing a category 1 instrument landing system (ILS) at Mildura Airport.


However, the final piece of funding needed was only secured this week when Mildura councillors agreed to allocate $1 million in the city's 2020-21 budget.

It is touted as a boon for the commercial aviation sector and a recently established pilot training academy, but some are questioning whether the airport will maximise the benefits from the equipment, due to be switched on next year.

Key points:

• Pilots question Mildura Airport's decision to put an instrument landing system on its east-facing runway
  
  
• Mildura community members are concerned cost saving is behind the choice of location
  
  
• Questions have also been raised on how the airport will cover $120,000 in yearly maintenance costs
  

...However Qantas captain Shane Loney, the safety and technical director at the Australian and International Pilots Association, warned the positioning of an ILS "has to be determined by prevailing conditions and need, rather than saving money".

"If you put the ILS installation in such a position that it minimises cost only, and doesn't take into effect what direction does the wind blow from, where does the fog appear, then you can be forcing aeroplanes to have to land with a tailwind," Mr Loney said...

..Charter pilot Andrew Mason, who runs a private flying school and commercial operation in Mildura, said the ILS would be "useless" if not positioned correctly.

"It's going to be lined up on the runway that faces east [09] where predominately the weather comes from the west — especially high winds and dust storms," he said.

"Effectively from a weather point of view, all the weather that comes from the west, the aeroplanes will have to land into the wind, which is what we have to do and the ILS will be facing the wrong direction for that."...

..When he announced the federal funding for the ILS in April 2019, Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said he had been told Mildura needed the equipment "so pilot training schools can relocate to Mildura"...

And/or read the comments/posts in reply on the subject via the UP: https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zea...way-4.html


MTF? - Definitely!...P2 

[Peetwo]

Miniscule McDonaught aviation shitlist update -   

First this week's SBG via the AP blog: https://auntypru.com/sbg-27-09-20-mere-p...-practice/



Via AOPA Oz:

 

Orlvilleb Wright  · 1:14:56 There is only two names which are consistent – Eastern Bloc Illich and his acolyte Aleck 'rules for safe conviction' of pilots. Rod just another victim of system.

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Stuart Hutchison  · 1:05:24 It's an intrinsically corrupt public service regime ... secure jobs for the sake of job numbers; no realistic KPI's, no-one else with the time, money or inclination in the Government or senior leadership to challenge the systemic issues and inadequate performance management for anyone who sets a really low bar and consistently manages to achieve it.

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Orlvilleb Wright  · 1:03:59 Smoke and mirrors rule – the 'facts' are a movable feast; always.. Rod joins the IOS, a badge of honour. Never, ever quit.

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Debi Jefferson  · 1:12:17 it's easy for an authority from the comfort of their armchair to judge someone's decisions in a crisis where the outcome is a testament to good training and good airmanship well done captain Rod

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Stan Van De Wiel  · 19:53 The re-write of regs was identified more than 33 years ago. I thought they were completed months ago and now only needed the MOS to some parts. Does this mean the part 43 re-write, based on past performance, will be ready for the next generation. USA and Canada have had them since last century.

Wally Sturgeon  · 43:12 That is an abominable situation, when it would be too easy to adopt the NZ Part 43 Rules which came into force on 01 July, 1995, and have been progressively improved through to the present day.

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Stan Van De Wiel  · 1:11:29 Bureaucrats hold the elected parliamentarians to ransom. CASA are in an ideal position as they are the so called experts, but in CASA there are only a handful of real pilots and they are in the backroom silenced by fear as happens in GA. -

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Clinton McKenzie · 41:30 Your sin, Rod, was not to achieve, in 46 seconds, the perfection which a bunch of Monday-morning Quarterbacks in the CAA reckon you should have.

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Clinton McKenzie  · 58:58 Many later BASI and current ATSB reports are, sadly, and sometimes through incompetence and sometimes deliberately, works of fiction.

Plus:

We continue to support aviation.


We’re ensuing that major domestic routes are maintained and that our regional and remote communities right across the nation are continually provided essential air services.

Planes in the air = jobs on the ground.

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Andrew Kr Rubbish. While we have CASA we will never have true Part 135 and Charter will be too expensive. Thus there will be no competition and airlines will set the price.
McCormack is truly a weak fool!!

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Hedley Harding This is a very well rehearsed McCormick media release.. MR. PUPPET or MUPPET

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Ric Wilson Thanks McCormack for not responding to my input and the standard rubbish reply. Not happy Michael. You demonstrated that you don't care about a billion dollar industry. Attempts to talk with you and/or any key people within your office were gagged/fended off/ignored. Very bloody pissed off as a taxpayer.

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Peter Callil Ain't that just like politicians? They create the problem out of thin air, then ride to the rescue with our dollars to solve the problem they just created out of nothing.

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Higgins John You sold Bankstown and would not let the aviation industry there buy it! Why was that? How was that supporting aviation? Michael , you are lying every time you open your mouth!

A Game changer? - Or more Onepie in the Sky? 

From P.W.Hatch, via the Age:

---

Massively concerned': Essendon Airport crash sparks Senate probe push

By Patrick Hatch

September 28, 2020 — 11.14am

The chair of the Senate transport committee is chasing a sweeping inquiry into commercial developments around Australia's airports amid concerns that new office blocks, retail developments and hotels are jeopardising the safety of critical transport infrastructure.

The push comes as part of the ongoing fallout from the 2017 Essendon Airport DFO crash, which has raised serious questions about government oversight of the rapid commercial development taking place at the nation's privately run airports. NSW's new airport at Badgery's Creek is also still in the middle of the planning process.



Five people died when a light aircraft crashed into the DFO retail complex at Essendon Airport in 2017. CREDIT:NINE NEWS

Queensland Nationals senator Susan McDonald, who chairs the Senate Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport Committee, said she was "massively concerned" about what happened at Essendon Airport, in Melbourne's north, as well as other developments in and around major, secondary and regional airports across Australia.

"We can’t risk aviation safety over commerce," Ms McDonald said. "We need to shine a spotlight on the decision making for infrastructure within air spaces and ensure that there is a clear understanding that maintaining airspace is a priority."


Ms McDonald said every airport in the country was under commercial pressure to build non-aviation infrastructure such as retail buildings and office blocks around their airfields. But those developments were potentially jeopardising the safety of people in the air and on the ground, and threatening airports' primary obligation to function as critical transport infrastructure, she said.



The Essendon Airport crash has raised questions about government oversight of developments around the country's airports. CREDIT:JASON SOUTH

Five people on board a Beechcraft B200 King Air died in 2017 when the light aircraft ploughed into the rear of the DFO retail complex built at the southern end of Essendon Airport's main runway in 2005.

The Age and Sydney Morning Herald revealed last year that Essendon Fields Airport had built the DFO closer to a runway than recommended under international and Australian safety guidelines.

The airport – run by the families of trucking billionaire Lindsay Fox and businessman Max Beck under a 99 year lease from the federal government – has since proposed narrowing the technical "width" of its runway so it can construct more buildings around the airfield.

The Australian Airline Pilots' Association (AusALPA), an industry group that represents commercial pilots on safety and regulatory issues, has had long-standing concerns about commercial buildings encroaching on airspace that were heightened after the Essendon Airport crash.

"There’s been this crack in the regulation that’s been allowed to open up what favours the commercial interests of an airport rather than the pure safety interests," said Captain Marcus Diamond, an AusALPA safety and technical representative.

"Our legislation is not fit for purpose, we’ve got to have a legislation review to close that gap."

Responsibility for approving new buildings around airports is split between the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the Department of Infrastructure and private third-party contractors.

Captain Diamond said CASA needed to be made the sole responsible body for reviewing and approval new buildings to ensure transparency, accountability and that safety is put first.


The Australian Transport Safety Bureau is yet to release the findings of its investigation into how Essendon's DFO building was approved, which has been expected since January 2019. The report was released in draft form to the airport and other interested parties almost a year ago.

Ms McDonald said that if supported by other senators, the inquiry would look at examples of developments already built at airports around the country and examine CASA's role in reviewing and approving developments.

P2 image footnote -



&..



MTF...P2