[Sandy Reith]

K raises one important matter about any hope of reform, will the Opposition formulate reform policies to take to the next election?

All too often we hear, from take your pick, we will reduce red tape.

This would not be nearly good enough, we will need real detailed policies. We wish to see that whoever wins are likely to make the changes that are necessary to create the jobs and services that will flow from reform.

[Kharon]

Begin at the beginning -

“Begin at the beginning," the King said, very gravely,"and go on till you come to the end: then stop.”

Aye; well enough for 'the King' - but, as I look around at the bookcases; I have to wonder, when did it all begin. The gradual slide into the current abyss. There can be no mistake about it; Australia is a good way down the road to aviation perdition and well on the way toward the gates into the underworld. It leaves me wondering how much longer we can limp along; pretending that SARPS and the SSP and the lip service to ICAO 'compliance' will be allowed to continue without some very serious 'parliamentary' brakes being applied?  I look at the shelf full of the current regulatory suite; there is a lot - a serious lot - of thick tomes. Then I look down a couple of shelves to a corner which holds the first (dusty) and only set of the Air Navigation Orders; a slim volume; about 18mm thick - the ANR's were almost completely in ICAO compliance, even 'friendly' - particularly for engineering stuff; writ by folks who understood what they were about. Simple stuff, stuff with 'real teeth' - for both parties. There were other 'manuals' the regulations and etc. The CAO - Civil Aviation Orders - a bit more bulky a volume - but compliance made easy to achieve; and - more to the point, easier to enforce and bloody close to the ICAO tenets.

Popularly, the principle is sometimes paraphrased as "The simplest explanation is usually the best one. -(novacula Occami). Or. keep it simple stupid. (KISS)......

To this very day; any 'company' manual, which adheres to the ANR and CAO is not only based in 'the real law' but neatly complies with ICAO fundamentals and even with the 'new', ever changing regulations. In basic principals at very least; if (rarely) not in complete 'lock step' with the make work version(s). Perhaps its the 'scam' which bothers, or the arrogance. Can't decide which offends the most. When nations like Oman, Jordan and Nepal can manage to be within 3 or 4 small pages of 'compliance' differences; why is Australia posting a massive number?  Perhaps, there are too many earning a living being 'separated', with excuses from the stated aim of 'global' aviation unity. Or,  maybe, perhaps it is an arrogant posture; one taken to decry the ICAO principals and demonstrate that Australia; and Australia alone knows what it is doing. CASA have, for too many decades now been a 'law' unto themselves; a monolith, a sacred cow  an untouchable. Terrifying politicians into increased money needed, on the back of a 'safety' (political) call. That, readers is a Bollocks - of the first water. Australia should have no more 'differences' than Jordan or Nepal; in reality it should be less. These are developing nations, without the expertise, fleet or finances to 'strut' their disregard for what is a legally agreed world wide, binding 'agreement' with the world's first aviation nations. Solve part of the national debt? Easy, take away  the funding for such egocentric adventures into 'avoiding' the nations obligations to improved, signed up to systems and; as a side bar, the safety for those who travel by air. - Rant over....

"Harshaw had the arrogant humility of the man who has learned so much that he is aware of his own ignorance and he saw no point in 'measurements' when he did not know what he was measuring.”

However; I digress; my looking at the manuals in the library and wondering 'where' it had all gone to Hell in a hand-cart was triggered by the Honourable McKenzie and Co. What a fantastic Shadow M o T she makes; aided and possibly abetted by like minded politicians who have witnessed the decline, confusion and deception inherent in the current 'way things are' - within the DoIT, CASA, ATSB and ASA. Will McKenzie 'grasp the nettle'? Its all there to see; plain as day. But; she is but one Senator facing down a huge; entrenched, funded and 'self righteous' (with excuses) colossus of three quintessentially publicly funded 'safety' agencies which have become, through political sleight of hand, 'independent'. Above the reach of the industry, way beyond any 'ministerial' control and; more to the point, have sold this crock to hapless, spineless governments (and ministers) for decades. The politicians have taken the easy way out; turned loose the oversight of 'matters aeronautical' to independent (answer to no man) agencies - in the hope (vainglorious and ridiculous) that they may actually make a profit and - keep every one 'safe'. This great 'cop-out' has been fostered and promoted for decades now. Can McKenzie and Co. call time on this great rip off? We shall see. I should mention that should the good Senator and her 'comrades in exile' ever get serious and have the opportunity to put a stop to this well entrenched avoidance of responsibility; then the BRB will weigh in - reality and expertise is readily and freely available to them as seek it. The real facts should worry - Alas- who would 'you' talk to - King?  Hah~!! Rather chew my foot off.

“Help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it.”

Item last - a personal opinion; apropos of nothing aviation related. On 'you-tube' or Netflix I can watch any form of violence, from 'Sci-Fi' to ancient history. Some of it truly bloody and disturbing. Guns, swords, knifes - mass murders, conquests, genocides etc. etc.  These movies (imaginings based on reality) are freely available, world wide, free to air; and, while perhaps 'fanciful' are watched by all. Even 'The Hobbits' and Harry Potter have 'graphic' renditions of serious violence; murder and the rest. Yet when 'real' violence - the every day kind is presented; there are calls for that to be 'prohibited'. Perhaps, the stark reality of real, in your backyard violence should be allowed to be shown - even if just to remind folks of what the real thing looks like. Its bloody, dangerous and no where near the Hollywood version. Even the Christian bible relates some fairly horrendous tales. All freely available - so why pick on Musk and his X platform? Perhaps, maybe, if folk realised the consequences of the 'real thing' it would be apparent through what we as humans are truly capable of. Peace? When has there ever been such a thing - in the long march of human history? Never - not since the cave..Who'd have a Bobby's job? Not I. (but with great respect for the 'services' which try to save life and maintain the peace)....Thanks to all ...

"The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy, instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that".

Long ramble, I know:

"Why, yes," said he, "and the strange thing is, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, that if my friend here had not proposed coming round to you this morning I should have come on my own account. I understand that you think out little puzzles, and I've had one this morning which wants more thinking out than I am able to give it."

Amen to that: no matter - there is a small furry delegation camped about the workbench - no pressure of course; but, it is a lovely evening and perhaps a long night time ramble may (as it always does) clear away those thoughts which trouble and vex. The sight of the big dog hoovering up the night scents; little dog learning his trade (and manners) the ever present sense of the cat at high speed then dropping far behind; a spectre, a master hunter and as a stoic, instinctive representative of 'reality' in the real world as is possible to find. "Away then" all of you - they know to wait at the orchard gate - for it is there the 'adventure' begins. Far, far away from modern life - reality in a nutshell - the nature of things; as writ before 'writing' and such things as 'the internet' Aye, it really is a very small world with little change in human nature; not when you get right down to it, it ain't.

Selah........

[Kharon]

Responsibility - at one remove..

We are free to choose our paths, but we can't choose the consequences that come with them". 

It must be something to do with rain; precipitation - if you prefer. Tramping about in wet boots, trousers and knowing that the dogs are colder and wetter than I - and that I must attend to them before seeing to my own comfort. Why? Well, I am 'responsible' for their well being; no one else is. Just me; it goes with the job description. I was taught from an early age the meaning of being 'responsible' and the consequences of failing to meet my obligations. Later the consequences of not doing a thing 'correctly' or to best of my ability or not learning from error there was always a price to pay. This was quickly realised and thoroughly corrected before entering a working 'life' environment, where it mattered and no prisoners were taken. Perhaps this is the reason for my abject disappointment with the shameful performance of what are supposed to be Australia's world class, gold standard aviation 'oversight' systems. One could be forgiven for imagining the astronomical 'cost' of these agencies equates to excellence - it does not. Furthermore on a per 'aircraft movement' basis (across the board) it is the most expensive system on the planet. Add up the real 'money' invested by the tax payer (total budget) and divide by aircraft movements - then compare that to the USA or UK - yet the 'budgets' keep growing. It is a truly 'scary' number. Throwing more tax/user pays money at it will not correct the 'problems'..

“So, in the end, above ground you must have the Haves, pursuing pleasure and comfort and beauty, and below ground the Have-not, the Workers getting continually adapted to the conditions of their labour."

But, I digress; 'responsibility' was the bottom line; or more on target, the deliberate 'avoidance' of that incubus. An ATCO, Fireman, Policeman, Pilot, Ship Master, Bus driver, Electrician, Plumber, Builder, Carpenter, kitchen hand or toilet cleaner - if they 'get-it-wrong'- and create a pig's ear - they are "in the gun". No holds barred, penalties, fines - even gaol time for some. Yet those responsible for a thing like ICAO compliance; sound air traffic control, sensible management of an industry or even the analysis of fatal and potentially fatal accident can simply gloss over any and all real responsibility. Protected, safe, warm and dry within a fatally flawed system which is diametrically opposed to 'the rule of law', out of government control; and, visibly disintegrating, bit by bit, on a daily basis. Easy enough to rectify -  just change chairs, take the pay increase and never even look back at the carnage left in the wake.

“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?”

In the real world there are 'consequences' - and a 'knock on' effect from those consequences. Courts, Tribunals, Inquiries, Estimates and Investigations - all have a common thread (in general terms); its the same with Kids - 'cause; effect and consequence'. Remember that old rhyme "for want of a nail the shoe was lost' etc. A classic 'cause and effect' lesson - however, it fails in part to address and correct the radical cause. Before throwing a saddle across the horse, the prudent rider picks up each hoof and checks that all is as it should be; few excuses for avoiding this responsibility, for, as the poem says, there is much at stake. In the governance of 'matters aeronautical' case, the avoidance of 'responsibility' has become an expensive, exquisite, rarefied art form. Anyone who believes for a minute that sacking Halfwit and even his Board will correct the consequences of avoiding responsibility is dreaming. The corrections required demand Ministerial not departmental intervention. The sums of money needed to effect the changes is outlandish - but money and spin alone will not correct the flaws nor shoo away the negligence inflicted. IMO the Minister should bring charges against Halfwit and his Board for gross negligence, dereliction and gross incompetence; accept the responsibility a crown minister has to the public and return Australian airspace to world best standard. Its bloody embarrassing, not to mention potentially dangerous to allow ATC and fire services services to limp along as it stands.

“If cats could count, they’d start getting nervous around the time they put paid to their fifth life.”

Aye, so much for Halfwit a good riddance I call it, I can't see him queuing up at the dole office or visiting the food bank; no Sir. But, no matter, I made half a dozen doors this week to be installed; tricky things to make are doors - using hand tools but most satisfactory when complete, the 'raised panels' were demanding as they were made from 'edge jointed' boards to get the width needed: most satisfactory. Looking out of the window at the cold, bleak, wet landscape, lowering cloud and buckets of rain; its not rocket science to work out why there is not a delegation at the door. Perhaps another coffee?

Selah -.-

[Kharon]

But then; are we truly lost?

"All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."

Tolkien opens the batting quite nicely I think for the 'return to sanity' trophy. 'Sanity' in this case may be judged by true, agreed and contracted ICAO compliance. Australia did sign up, early in the piece and was, for a while at least, a stalwart supporter of the Chicago Convention. Back in the early days 'law' and 'orders' were written to make 'compliance' a clear, easy objective. Sensible, unambiguous with 'latitude' built in to allow innovation - and air operations thrived; not all prospered but the industry was a 'going concern'. Slowly and with some stealth for some unfathomable reason, a dark cloud grew over the administration and the impositions on air operations. The 'thing' we have to work with today represents a juxtaposition to both spirit and intent of the original tenets governing what is essentially, an industry which has changed very little.

The 'old' style of 'regulation is clearly represented by "All that is gold does not glitter."Indeed it is hard to find a hint of the original 'glitter' beneath the swathes of convoluted, complex 'rules' which are as easily prosecuted as they are strongly protective of the governing agencies. Agencies which are detached from any form of 'government' control, required to consider profit ahead of operational excellence and cannot be brought back to reality by the government which pay them with levies on the industry. If the agencies were required to 'break even' that would be a considerable saving. If the agencies could be held accountable for their 'operations', that would improve not only 'safety' but pave the way to operational compliance.

"Not all those who wander are lost;" - yet, Australian aviation governance is not only 'lost' but refuses to see the 'exit' signs. There are many, many of these signs; and many examples of deliberate institutional blindness. ICAO 'compliance' for one; the State Safety Program (SSP) another. Two specific tenets from which money may be drawn, lots of it, all spent on producing massive amounts 'registered differences' which, technically, keep 'compliance' whilst supporting the differences from standard. Why? That would be a good question to have answered and acted on - perhaps by the incumbent government minister; or better yet the 'shadow minister'..

"The old that is strong does not wither." So very apt - despite the pointless, endless reworking of regulation and slippery lip service to international 'compliance' agreements/contracts the 'old' - original texts are far and away superior, succinct and achievable; without the built in hanging nooses which exonerate and protect those who draft 'clever' sentences which deflect all responsibility and liability.

The stanza - "Deep roots are not reached by the frost" may not stand the test of time, the 'frost' has held sway for many years now and the 'deep roots' - those which helped the industry to flourish are slowly withering away. Not too many will have been to an aerodrome at 0600 and seen the queues of aircraft waiting to depart; or at the fuel bowser or in hangers. Fire truck in attendance, fuel truck flat out; no; at 0530 o'clock most aerodromes are a lonesome, windswept wilderness.

There are probably a few reasons, not directly related to 'governance for this barren landscape; not too many though.However, it makes a remarkable graph and presents an unequivocal, clear ratio matrix; to compare the growth of the agencies and regulation to the decline in air operations and operators. It really does make a 'remarkable' graphic descriptor.

“I live in the Managerial Age, in a world of "Admin." The greatest evil is not now done in those sordid "dens of crime" that Dickens loved to paint. It is not done even in concentration camps and labour camps. In those we see its final result. But it is conceived and ordered (moved, seconded, carried, and minuted) in clean, carpeted, warmed and well-lighted offices, by quiet men with white collars and cut fingernails and smooth-shaven cheeks who do not need to raise their voices. Hence, naturally enough, my symbol for Hell is something like the bureaucracy of a police state or the office of a thoroughly nasty business concern."

Speaking of a thoroughly nasty 'business' concerns; I must mention the soon to be forgotten halfwit and his Board; Amen to that. Is there now hope that flights into Brisbane will not be required to carry an extra hour of fuel; or, even better - be allowed to make a constant descent profile a norm rather than a luxury. The notion of 'dive and drive' was outlawed donkey's years ago - and yet, essentially; that is the 'norm' there. Dragging a fully loaded aircraft - over the city, in approach configuration (dirty) is not only counter intuitive, but highly counterproductive (read expensive and potentially dangerous). Companies don't care - just bang an extra $30 or $50 onto the ticket price - short approach = ahead; long approach break even at worst. It is a nonsense and now they want to increase the 'tail-wind' maximum - Bullshit; all of it. Purest moonshine, sold by the purveyors of snake oil.

Aye: ”If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit.”

Item last: one which is well worthy of highest commendation; the other, not so much. It begs what is IMO an interesting question; raised by a bRB member. Both need reading and a minute or two reflection. This first class submission - HERE -by Moorabin Council is worthy of the time  - the latest LMH in the Australian Flying magazine ain't. You'd have to wonder why Hitch chooses to sit on the fence instead of boosting the Moorabin sensible submission. I agree with the BRB majority - "if you sit on the fence, you get little, splinters in your arse". Hitch is a long (long) way short of the peerless Phelan; for whom we wish tailwinds and a never ending supply of that which pleases him best.

Delayed due 'Mothers day'. Nearly time to turn off the lamps, managed to get the dogs and myself home almost dry - except for boots, socks and paws. The cat elegant as always, declined the invitation; preferring to share (reluctantly) my chair. Aye; there's a pile of firewood under shelter; more inside drying out. I look forward to the days growing short; the crackle of the stove, the smell of woodsmoke etc. Just have to remember to take my boots off before late night kitchen raids for sausage rolls and cake - (got caught last week - ).

Selah-.-

[Kharon]

Alas, poor Estimates; we know them well.

Aye, come Wednesday, we are off on yet another episode from the Bubble entertainment channel. Remarkable things are these heavy duty Indaba; yet despite the 'sound' and carefully controlled fury; the rhetoric, obfuscation and even the odd searching question - nothing ever seems to appear on main stream media, dripping with idiot advertisements, neatly slotted in between dog shows and 'food' fools. Yet the production costs of these supposedly 'important' sessions are right up there with a Hollywood budget. The numbers are worth running; take any session - break it down to an hourly cost - wages for cast, crew, back room advice, catering, transport, equipment and the odd session with a shrink (stress related of course) and you come up with a seriously big number. And for what? I've lost count of the hours wasted watching these pantomimes; always in the hope of 'someone' actually getting 'something' done, let alone achieving any sort of 'outcome'. The paperwork piles up, by the cart load, filed, stored and - forgotten; job done. The only real benefit of 'the crew' sitting through these sessions are the jokes made during recreation of a particular element or person; often hilarious, ribald and so close to being the 'truth' as to make the Angels chuckle.  No matter, there is sage advice from the pen of Conan Doyle for the Senators, to wit:-

"To that Providence, my sons, I hereby commend you, and I counsel you by way of caution to forbear from crossing the moor in those dark hours when the powers of evil are exalted."

On Wednesday May 29, year of our Lord 2024, once gain the grudge match between Senators and 'the public service' kicks off at 0900 o'clock (EST). Although 'grudge match' is probably a misnomer; more like Senate lambs to departmental slaughter. There sit the 'departments' safe inside their non elected power base, hands on the levers, untouchable, and hardly even responsible to the ministers they are supposed to serve. The 'Senators' on the other hand have about as much impact, control and 'influence' as I have over the moon rising. Think back to the Pel-Air 'inquiry' - men like Fawcett and Forsyth - dragging up some 60 odd recommendations - then being told their findings were 'advice' only, and totally ignored. Look at the opposition line up for Wednesday, Halfwit to open the batting; what chance do you give the Estimates committee bowlers? (None is the right answer.) The shambles ASA has degenerated into is not a 'recent' thing of concern; the writing has been on the wall for years; clearly visible; count up the concerns voiced over the last years, the advice ignored and the total lack of directional shift over the years which has led to the current mess. ICAO compliance - lip service; SSP acknowledged in the breach and carefully avoided; Commonwealth Aerodrome management sold off to developers; accident investigation an international joke (when they manage to do one - on time) CASA in the hands of an incompetent amateur; all this despite sound, expert advice. And the Senate Estimates committee is going to sort this out? Bollocks. Until there is a serious, bipartisan 'push' to get matters aeronautical back on the rails; supported by 'expert' rather than 'administrative' advice, from industry: we may as well all go and 'stress down' in the play-room with the Lego and jigsaw puzzles, before dining out while recovering and counting up the Pennies we made today. Ayup; life in the bubble must be grand; indecent, immoral, greedy and venal - but grand, nevertheless...

"But man, proud man,
Dress’d in a little brief authority,
Most ignorant of what he’s most assure’d—
His glassy essence—like an angry ape
Plays such fantastic tricks before high heaven
As makes the angels weep; who, with our spleens,
Would all themselves laugh mortal. "

There is (believe it or not) serious expert 'assistance' available to the Senators; AMROBA for an example. But dear reader that, standing alone, is about as much use as a Chocolate fire wall. The Senators may well see the logic and recognise the value in a 'reform' - but, I'll give you long odds, (seriously long odds) on any form of expertise or knowledge or even common or garden sense being granted admission to 'the agencies'. The walls are high, the barriers formidable and sharp knives await those who dare rock the boat of ineptitude and unsettle the laissez faire allowed by disinterested government. Mark you, all of this is at tax payer expense. Wonderful; abso bloody lootely stellar.

P2 has, once again, done the digging through the the latest hyper bollocks and spin released; all on site - for a laugh see the ATSB latest; for a howl at the moon see the latest confection from CASA - or; if 'sleuthing' takes your fancy; follow up on the 'Croc O' Shite saga and wonder at the antics (or lack thereof) of that dynamic duo, Crawford and Martin; talk about making angels weep. Well, I rest my case M'Lud.

Happy thing this week - a mate is teaching his young daughter the rudiments of carpentry; I had some time and some left over boards; made her a 'tool box' - a proper one; rooted out some basic tools from the 'old' box, and we spent a pleasant afternoon cleaning them up and putting an edge on old steel. The delight shown when the first 'true' shaving from the restored plane came off the billet is a memory I shall keep forever. Sometimes, occasionally, the destination is worth the journey. "Away with yer" I murmur - and off they go; bright moon light showing the way.

Selah -.-

[Kharon]

Of Outback wrangling.

The last sentence in short piece by Robyn Ironside (The Australian) - tacked onto the end of P2's follow up post _ HERE _ is possibly the best start point for taking a long, hard, open honest appraisal of the steps taken toward an unnecessary death. A completely avoidable tragedy, the knock on effects and the costs associated.

"Helibrook and Mr Wright have previously indicated they will contest charges brought by NT Worksafe over the crash, alleging reckless conduct for operating unsafe aircraft and interference with flight records over an extended period."

Inside the lawyers brief cases, there should be three separate briefs to prosecute, for any 'blame' associated with these events may be equally shared.

"Salvation: to see each thing for what it is— its nature and its purpose."

To begin, we must start at the end - and trudge our way back to the beginning. Two men and a helicopter set out, ostensibly to collect the eggs of crocodiles. Is this a 'high risk' operation? How could that be quantified? From an 'operational' standpoint, provided all is as it should be, then, the 'risk' is mostly to those actually involved in the doing of it. Here we encounter the very first hole in that famous cheese.


Ref:  Popinjay and Hoody taking the piss on ICAO Annex 13 final report compliance?? &  Timeline of CASA N-OVERSIGHT of TOPEND COWBOYS??

In the beginning, John McCormick, a previous DAS (CASA top dog) declared that only turbine powered machinery must be used for operations which involved a human being being a 'sling load' for helicopter operations. Sound reasoning, and, (NB) - sling load is a separate qualification. Indeed across the planet in many applications sling load humans operate within 'reasonable risk' tolerance, using turbine powered aircraft. So, how was it that piston engine machinery emerged as an acceptable standard for the croc egg collecting business? Who approved that?

Let's say that there was a 'safety case' examined and the 'risk level' was deemed appropriate. It is worth considering some 'sensible' caveats being attached to the operational approvals: for example, a reduced time limit between overhaul; strict adherence to immediate 'fault repair' in short; an enforced and monitored  requirement to ensure that the aircraft was at all times 'fit for purpose'. Clearly this was not the case; it should have been; alas... There appears to have been, whether by accident, design or circumstance a significant difference between aircraft being 100% serviceable and a 'normalised deviance' by carrying known defects into operational work. This, IMO begs questions as to the 'attitude' of the operator and aircrew. There exists a system - Permissible Un Serviceability' (PUS) quite legitimate and essential. Aircraft may safely operate with certain items out of service; these are listed and 'work around' or alternative means of achieving a required function are provided, clearly documented and, importantly, 'approved'. The items out of commission are noted and rectified within a prescribed time frame. This is an essential element for commercial operations, accepted practice, world wide. There appears to be no such system provided to this operation - according to the available reports.

Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?

Is there a short answer to that question? I wonder, where was the vaunted oversight  of the CASA operatives? Where was the 'surveillance'? Where was the operational oversight and scrutiny? The whole thing seems to have been overseen by people who have either no idea or little interest in ensuring that the operation was conducted not only 'as scripted'; but that the 'script' was fit for purpose. The simple things for example. Engine time recording - an essential element - particularly for the machinery operated ;'on task'. These light piston engine helicopters are reliable and robust provided they are kept in first class fettle; the harder they are 'worked' particularly in a 'hostile' environment the more attention needs to paid to their 'well being'. The safety 'margins' are not extensive even when handled and maintained properly; acceptable certainly - but they are 'intolerant' of any abuse or neglect. There is a fairly long list of slip shod 'operational' practices and of pilots who went along; possibly to get along. CASA should have been 'all over' this possibility; however, considering the attitude toward the Broome operations, it is not much of a stretch to equate this attitude toward the northern operation. It beggars belief that the fatuous Board and DAS turned up for a 'feel good' visit, full of 'Bonhomie' and largess to sanctify the operational aberrations.  Many questions demanding answers regarding the CASA oversight in the remote corners of this wide brown land; many. All shuffled away in the mists of blame, arse covering and the never ending supply of official bullshit.

“He ought to question them upon everything, and listen to their opinions, and afterwards form his own conclusions.”

No matter, we will always have 'Estimates' - for amusement. There is almost 90 minutes of the 'CASA' episode (if you can stomach it). A masterpiece of circular non answers; the hapless DAS aided and abetted by her tame snake oil salesman; ducking, weaving and obfuscating like Billy-O. All waste, but, the dross is recorded and if ever there is a minister appointed who actually takes some responsibility and is prepared to actually go in to bat for an essential industry, or, have the guts to rein in both horse and cart; then this country will remain a laughing stock heading toward pariah status - in the minds of 'professional' administrators, keepers of the world wide accepted standards. No, they are not perfect - but they are streets ahead of the current amateur lash up.

“I did not attend his funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.”

Aye well; when this tawdry exhibition of rump covering and excess is over and time (gods willing & weather permitting) I will sit down and strip the Broome and Crock brangle down the bare bones; it deserves to be openly and honestly examined. Little chance of reform or clarity, much less honesty and correction made; but as long as the public purse can withstand the outrageous cost and politicians cling to 'safety' (their own in particular) and the 'public service' industry is kept warm and well fed, I expect it will make but small differ. Nevertheless...........

Yes, yes: I know, back in my box right. That's it; the opening stanza endeth..

Selah....

[Kharon]

Senators v Department Heads -

Round 637. Seconds away - Ding. And once again its 'game on'. There are many versions of this 'game' provided and over time, we have witnessed nearly all. The eternal game of 'Pin a Fart to a Wall' and the 'stuff a wet noodle in a tiger's arse and the eternal favourite 'flogging a dead donkey'. All, very nearly entertaining; almost. Alas, to the seasoned punter the 'red' odds on anything other than a goalless draw take all the fun out of a flutter. There is no 'extra time' or a penalty shoot-out to resolve the lacklustre match, strong, brick wall defence tactics and some pathetic attack forays on the other crew's goal see the stands empty by half time and the Bookies scratching for cab fare. Nor even a highlight on the TV to ease the morbidity.

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.”

Aye, there are many calls for 'change' - deuced tricky business is change. However, for centuries now, those who practice 'ringing the changes' (campanology) have worked out methods of doing this without too much ado; so it can be managed. There is an 'art' to it, no doubt;  but definitely 'do-able' - provided each element is coordinated and cohesive. And, it is well past the time when 'government' and it's servants start to 'ring-the-changes' before there is chaos. IMO, that is where Australian aviation headed, the exit for the road to 'Perdition' is rapidly approaching. My old mate Dickens summed it up neatly.

"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair."

There are, for weal or for woe; folk making decisions and folk enacting those decisions who have no business doing so. Take a wander through the last Estimates go-around (and around). Well intentioned senators mumbling and stumbling through questions they do not have the 'right' answer to. Those questioned - well - what can I say - pathetic rump covering perhaps; or deliberate obfuscation; or, even shameless 'duck-shoving' to an even deeper mire of murky deflection. For this pantomime, the nation pays dearly; very, very dearly. Sound and fury - signifying 'por nada'.

Good decisions come from experience. Experience comes from making bad decisions.

So, what of these 'changes' demanded by industry; it is a broad church (so to speak) and almost every discipline has at least one axe to grind. From corporate developers to the winsome week-end warrior in a home built; all have needs, many have an agenda; there are even (believe it or not) 'experts' in each field of endeavour who actually do have not only 'solutions' to the things which blight their field, but have no idea of the consequential 'knock - on' effects of their sole focus on one element. Nothing wrong with this until it come to 'ringing-in-the changes'. Then all Hell breaks loose; that which is sauce for the Goose, offends the Gander. Bad enough standing alone, but:: what about the mutts who are charged with orchestrating the changes demanded; and their masters. Lord, you talk about a Camel being designed by a committee, that will be the play of a child compared to the ructions, machinations and inevitable fumbles.

"It should be borne in mind that there is nothing more difficult to arrange, more doubtful of success, and more dangerous to carry through than initiating changes. The innovator makes enemies of all those who prospered under the old order, and only lukewarm support is forthcoming from those who would prosper under the new. Their support is lukewarm ... partly because men are generally incredulous, never really trusting new things unless they have tested them by experience."

Are deep seated changes required? Good question that one and worthy of some consideration. A qualified 'Yes' to that conundrum - but how much, of what and when and how?. In the beginning Australia was a leading compliant signatory to the Chicago convention and an ICAO acolyte. There was a serviceable 'Act' reasonable rules and aviation flourished (well sort of); it at least staggered and stumbled it's way out of the dark ages. But I digress; 'change' is the crux; and there are many calls for change across the entire spectrum; all valid, some brilliant, others not so much. 'Tis but the way of the world, however, needs must when the devil drives.. There are some practical tools available to effect a change; there are some fairly tightly focused agenda; there are even some from 'left-field' - how are these to 'get-sorted'?  For my Two bob's worth; I would begin with an 'attitude' change.

"The world as we have created it is a process of our thinking. It cannot be changed without changing our thinking."

Now then, you may change the Act, the Rules, the system and even those who have the power to see and understand that which is 'needful' to be done. But; having patiently (with a handy bucket) sat through every recording from the last Estimates there is only one, solitary change I would make - given I had the horsepower; the attitude of those described as 'public servants'. The 'airports' lady, Halfwit, Spence,  all deep into rice bowl protection - combat mode - fully loaded with so much Pony Pooh and help to throw it as to make the Angels weep. It ain't combat. They all get paid very well to perform required function; the Senators have 'questions' which demand answers; essentially "if not - why not"? A "why is it so" question, from a Senator demands a plain, honest answer - a sensible reasoned explanation of 'Why'. You can fiddle with the 'rules' all you like but until the departments start to provide a 'reasonable' explanation to honest questions; the whole thing is a gross waste of public money and my time remaining on this earth. Until that changes and honest competent people can provide answers; without the passive aggressive, self protective  'attitude' - then both the good and the bad ideas and 'solutions' are about as much use as a chocolate fire wall.

“The mirror crack'd from side to side
"The curse has come upon me," cried
The Lady of Shalot

Aye well; no matter - I have a treasure - $50 bucks it cost me; a wonderful 'Grandmother' clock, fallen on hard times, neglected and abused. No longer; my ancient, venerable clock maker friend will restore the neglected workings (a mystery) and I shall dive into my hoarded store of Rosewood, Apple, Mahogany and other treasured remnants to build a new carcass for a grand old lady. Patience, time, skill and integrity required for the task; cant wait to start - measurement and design to follow. What? - of course it will be classic - how else? Now then, my boots, smokes, dogs (et al) - Away then; time to wander the earth and wonder at it all. 

Selah....