[Kharon]

Shame or Fame for McCormack?
 
It seems only fair and reasonable that our latest ‘minister’ have his very own thread; Truss had one as did that Chester fellah. The consensus is we have all seen and heard enough from and about the current incumbent to warrant the effort.
 
P7 kicks the thread off -
 

This miniscule McCormack thing, masquerading as ‘Minister’ has left the building with his flies undone. Or, has got his boxers on ass about. Does anyone remember old mate Darren – he of the 7G’s who managed to so completely bugger himself up – aviation wise – that half the operating politicians dismissed him as irrelevant?
 
Well, the little light has come on – 7G’s main advisor, a man with a foot in every camp, a hunter with the hounds and a runner with the Hares; the man who believes that through his ‘bureaucratic’ connections, he will be elected through the Victorian Nats; everybody's mate is now dear ol’ Mike 4G’s main man -. Considering how Darren 7D was totally buggered by the Campbell ‘in-put’ you have to wonder why McCormack has chosen the same vehicle to nonentity as his mate Dazza.
 
Thing that really bothers me – is just how dumb is the DPM? It Turnbull falls of the cat – house trapeze then Mike 4G will actually be in charge – terrifying concept. A man with an IQ the same size as his jock strap being ‘advised’ by Darren’s both ends against the middle man. Maybe, - when 4G's is standing in the dole queue, wondering WTD happened; his little light bulb too will illuminate the pathway to sheer folly.
 
“Yes Toots – set ‘em up again; I have a wonder of purblind stupidity to ponder”.

Have to agree; Darren 7G landed in the flames at Tamworth and never really recovered any credibility whatsoever. Many believe he was poorly advised throughout his happily short career as the man responsible for matters aeronautical. Chester, like Truss had the opportunity to star and become a legend in aviation circles. Yet he managed to not only avoid using the first class, free advice on how to do this, but preferred to opt for advice which only assisted the advisor to progress -  at Chester’s expense; but, Chester then managed to piss off the entire aviation community – well, those outside of the Canberra parasites who feed off it. 

“It is politics to please and hoodwink those
Who flatter but despise us.”
 
McCormack has been gifted some very sound advice; the foundations for resurrecting a dying industry were laid out; and, a way to make aviation a profitable industry employing many; and, returning revenue to government; and, recovering some national pride were offered.
 
What happens now is entirely in his hands – Fame or Shame awaits.
 
Toot – toot.

[Gobbledock]

K;

Can this post be added?

Tommy;
Thing that really bothers me – is just how dumb is the DPM?

Umm, yep, he sure is. The DPM makes a peeled potato look intelligent. I believe, as with most Nationals, too much sun exposure has fried most of his Neurons (take for example Katter, Truss, Joyce, Bjelke-Peterson) Add to that the fact that having his face pressed against PM Goldman Sachs Turdballs puckered sphincter for hours on end and breathing in those ‘arse vapours’ hasn’t helped his intelligence one iota. A few more brain cells have been killed off due to him holding his breath for hours on end while bobbing for taxpayer apples in the deep taxpayer trough!

Tom, hopefully this helps to explain his stupidity as well as the fact that he always has that blank, drugged out Hippie look on his sterile comatose face. Watching McDo’nothing work is like watching a shopfront mannequin for 14 hours straight. Watching water evaporate is an invigorating past time compared to watching McDo’nothing in action.Hell, watching two tortoises have a root or being dead six foot under is more exciting, and value adding, than anything emanating from McDo’nothings bland, impotent, immobile carcass.....

Hugs and kisses, GD
IP Address: Logged

[Peetwo]

TICK..TOCK goes 4G's aviation doomsday clock -   

From around the traps..  

First from the ABC yesterday:

Global pilot shortage hits Australia, with cancelled regional routes just the beginning
By Briana Shepherd
Updated yesterday at 6:28pm


PHOTO: With demand for pilots increasing, Qantas wants another 350 by the end of the year. (ABC News: Andrew George)
RELATED STORY: Criticism prompts Regional Express to reduce services to South Australian city

Passengers are becoming used to flights being cancelled due to weather, or even volcanoes, but now a new trend is beginning to upset travel plans across the country.

Key points:

• A shortage of 640,000 pilots is expected in the next 20 years
  
• Qantas, Virgin accused of poaching talent from regional airlines
  
• Flights in rural areas are being cancelled, and metropolitan flights could be next
  

Airlines are having to cancel flights, and even entire routes, because there literally isn't anyone available to fly the plane.

A total of 10,808 domestic flights were cancelled last year, according to the latest annual report from the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics — at a rate of 1.9 per cent, up from the long-term average of 1.4 per cent.

While it is hard to determine exactly how many of these cancellations were caused by a pilot shortage, analysts say the situation is set to worsen in one of the world's fastest growing industries.

The most recent statistics from Boeing predict over the next two decades that 640,000 new pilots will be needed to sustain the industry, with almost 40 per cent of those required in the Asia Pacific region.



PHOTO: Many pilots are facing stiff competition for their services as airlines look to ramp up flights. (ABC News: Hugh Sando)

In recent years, a growing trend has emerged of Australian pilots taking off for lucrative deals with overseas airlines, particularly in the Middle East and China.
It is a complex situation with nobody in the industry able to agree on how best to move forward, or even determine what exactly has caused the pilot drought.

Customers to suffer in 'perfect storm'

At this stage, it is mostly regional carriers and smaller charter services being hit — but the impact is being felt across the community.

Just this weekend, the Carnarvon races in WA's north were cancelled when it was announced staff and jockeys could not get a pilot to charter them to the event.

It is a similar story in the Northern Territory where ChartAir, a charter carrier that provides crucial services to remote areas, has had to permanently ground one of its planes.



PHOTO: ChartAir in the Northern Territory has been unable to retain its pilots. (ABC News: Thea Halpin)

ChartAir CEO Douglas Hendry said the company was turning away at least a million dollars in business each year.

"Traditionally you had pilots joining us for three to four years. It was like an apprenticeship," he said.

"[But] we've seen junior pilots, who don't really meet any of the minimum requirements that the airlines used to have, are now leaving us much sooner."

Mr Hendry said the global demand of major airlines was driving the shortage, but in the end it was the smaller players in the industry — and ultimately customers — who were suffering.

"The Chinese carriers are looking to recruit hundreds of thousands of pilots over the next 15 to 20 years," he said.



PHOTO: The introduction of new craft like the Qantas Dreamliner has put further pressure on pilot numbers. (Supplied: Qantas)

Pilot shortage impacting flying schools

For David Currey, who heads the Aero Club of WA training academy, the shortage means fewer pilot teachers.

"You must appreciate with pilot shortage it starts from the big boys — the Qantas, Virgins — they start recruiting from the regionals, such as Skippers Alliance Network, and they then come and they recruit from the flying schools," he said.

"So there's a shortage of pilots, now there's a rapidly growing shortage of instructors.

PHOTO: Aero Club of WA training academy chief David Currey is struggling to find pilot teachers. (ABC News: Briana Shepherd)

It is a great deal of change in an already dynamic industry.
The Aero Club runs out of Jandakot Airport, a general aviation hub in metropolitan Perth.

Now, China Southern Airlines has a pilot academy due to reopen at the airfield while a Singapore-owned pilot school has also applied to operate in the space.
"I believe that within the next year there'll be a minimum of 70 extra instructor jobs being created at Jandakot Airport," Mr Currey said.

"[It's] a demand that will be difficult to fill."

Qantas, Virgin accused of 'rapacious plundering'

Earlier this month Regional Airlines — also known as Rex — issued a statement to its customers warning of potential cancellations due to a "critical pilot shortage".

"Rex is not able to have its usual contingent of stand-by pilots rostered for duty," chief operating officer Neville Howell said.

"Consequently any last-minute sick leave may result in flights being cancelled or combined with other routes."

Ten years ago Rex began its own training school, the Australian Airline Pilot Academy, in an effort to increase its own pilot numbers.

But Mr Howell said it was not enough to "stave off Qantas and Virgin Australia's rapacious plundering of Rex's pilot pool".



PHOTO: Rex Airlines says its pilot stocks have been ravaged by Qantas and Virgin. (Supplied: Rex)

"In the past two years, these two airlines collectively have poached 17 per cent and 56 per cent of Rex's first officer and captain establishment respectively," he said in the statement.

"These two airlines are causing widespread chaos and disruptions to regional air travel by their selfish and irresponsible actions."

A Qantas spokesperson responded, stating that it was "natural to see some movement between airlines from people seeking advancement, just like in every other industry".

"No Australian airline invests more in training pilots than the Qantas Group, and we've been doing that for almost 100 years," they said.

Qantas steps up pilot recruitment

The Qantas Group, which includes Qantas and Qantas Link, is in the midst of the biggest training and recruitment drive in the company's history.

From about 2009, the main airline initiated a pilot hiring freeze — and it went on to last seven years.

But the Qantas Group has hired over 600 new pilots from Australia since 2016, with plans to recruit an additional 350 by the end of the year.



PHOTO: Qantas is set to start its own pilot training academy as its fleet expands. (ABC News: Andrew George)

The airline currently sources its pilots from a mix of flight schools, general aviation, the military and other commercial airlines.

Qantas has also been working with the Federal Government to bring in a limited amount of foreign pilots and simulator instructors on extended skilled worker visas.

The move has angered many who believe Qantas, as an industry leader, should be investing in Australian pilots instead.

But the airline in response has pointed to a $20 million commitment towards opening its own pilot training academy by 2019.

The Qantas Group Pilot Academy was announced earlier this year and, of the more than 60 regional cities that put forward proposals, nine made the first cut.

The shortlist includes:

• Busselton, WA
  
  
• Alice Springs, NT
  
  
• Dubbo, NSW
  
  
• Tamworth, NSW
  
  
• Wagga Wagga, NSW
  
  
• Mackay, QLD
  
  
• Toowoomba, QLD
  
  
• Bendigo, VIC
  
  
• Launceston, TAS
  

Qantas will announce the winning location for the school within the next month or so, once it has visited each city.

Competition stiff for training academy

Busselton deputy mayor David McCallum said securing the academy would be a great result for the entire South West region of WA.



PHOTO: Busselton Airport has recently undergone a $40 million runway upgrade. (Supplied: City of Busselton)

"Essentially it would become like a small, specialised university with benefits to suppliers, tourism and in having an anchor tenant for the Busselton-Margaret River Airport," he said.

"It would be a game-changer for the area."

Mr McCallum said Qantas had very specific requirements, but he was confident the city met 99.9 per cent of them.

"The only thing we don't have is a control tower, but the rest of the criteria we've pretty much met," he said.

"Certainly 300 flyable days, we have a less congested airspace … when you compare [us with] the eastern states airports.

"We've got a brand new $30 million runway … we've got a space set aside for general aviation, we've got services in that — telecommunications, water, power, sewer — all of that's ready to go. So what the Qantas Group will be inheriting here is a Greenfield site."

But competition for the academy is stiff — all of the nine shortlisted towns see it having huge potential for growing the area.

In its first year of operation, Qantas wants to put 100 new recruits through the academy before eventually working up to 500 students annually.

And with women making up just 3 per cent of the global pilot workforce, the airline has made addressing the gender imbalance a priority.

More female pilots a priority

Qantas second officer Arika Maloney, who has been with the airline for eight years, said she could already see things starting to change.



PHOTO: Arika Maloney says female pilots are starting to challenge the male stereotype. (ABC News: Andrew George)

"It's still male-dominated simply because, I guess, it's a stereotype that's not quite been broken as yet," the 33-year-old from Adelaide said.

"There's certainly no reason why a female can't become a pilot.

"I think there has been a definite shift and we're definitely seeing some more women within the Qantas Group and more females looking at aviation as a potential career."

WA Aero Club instructor Layla Harrison agreed there was no reason why women could not enter the profession.

"I think the problem is girls don't realise that they can go down that pathway, they look at aviation and they think cabin crew, ground crew," she said.

Ms Harrison had never even been in a plane until she was offered a scholarship to study aviation out of high school.



PHOTO: With demand high, pilot instructor Layla Harrison has not ruled out flying commercially. (ABC News: Hugh Sando)

Despite having been offered a place at the WA Academy of Performing Arts, she took the scholarship and has never looked back.

"I gave it a go, fell in love with it and here I am," she said.

The 23-year-old said she got a lot of joy out of teaching and, for now, was happy to remain an instructor — but she had not ruled out flying commercially in the future.

"I'd like to see many different avenues of aviation," she said.

"It's about enjoying flying, being in an aeroplane, really experiencing the magic and passion of aviation.

"I'd love to see what else is out there, what else I can do with it."

And from former DPM and National's leader Barnaby's neck of the woods...  

Last week from the Northern Daily Leader, the Armidale airport 'proposed landing fee' bunfight heats up:

JULY 19 2018 - 4:42PM

Landing fee: Rex Airlines concerned about Armidale airport fees

• 
  
• Madeline Link
  

Local News




 TAKE OFF: Rex Airlines spokeswoman said it has concerns about proposed fee increases at Armidale Regional Airport.

MAJOR regional airline Rex has said it will consider pulling services from Armidale Regional Airport if fees are increased.
“Rex opposes any increases in airport fees and charges that are above CPI as this would be against the spirit of the agreement that was responsible for Rex establishing the Armidale service in the first place,” a spokeswoman said.

“As such, any increase in airport charges, including security charges that are not required by Rex, will certainly weigh on Rex’s decision to continue to service Armidale, particularly in light of the current industry wide pilot shortage.”

Armidale Regional Council has proposed to introduce landing fees that would cost operators $460 a year for each aircraft after the first five, which would be exempt.

Read also:

• Spat takes off over airport fee hike, businesses threaten to leave
  
• Walcha man accused of drug dealing wants case moved to Sydney
  
• Drought relief trucks into region as Buy a Bale reaches 41,000
  

Rex began services between Armidale and Sydney in 2015; before that, Qantas’ regional airline service QantasLink was the sole operator.


A spokeswoman for council said it had individual commercial-in-confidence arrangements with QantasLink, Rex and FlyCorporate.


“Like all airports, these arrangements include terminal counters, signage, check-in facilities, offices, luggage management facilities, equipment storage, apron allocations and a contribution to airport operational costs,” she said.


Rex and former Armidale Dumaresq Council entered into a five-year agreement with the airline that expires in June next year.


The decision to come to Armidale was the result of a successful bid by council when Rex put the call out for regional communities that wanted a competitive Sydney service.


“Without which [the agreement] Rex would not have proceeded due to the significant commercial risk,” the spokeswoman said.


A number of smaller airline operators at the airport have also threatened to leave if landing fees are introduced.


Council deferred the decision in the June meeting after strong debate from a number of councillors.

A QantasLink spokesman said they wouldn’t comment until after the July decision.

Also from the NDL some commonsense from Armidale ratepayers... :

JULY 20 2018 - 3:22PM
Landing fees: Armidale ratepayers' Rob Taber say they don't support airport proposal

• 
  
• Madeline Link
  
  

 UNIMPRESSED: Armidale Ratepayers' Association president Rob Taber is not behind new fees at the airport. Photo: Barry Smith

RATEPAYERS have rejected the notion that Armidale Regional Council is introducing landing fees at the airport in their name.

Council told The Leader the expected $40,000 in revenue, less than 10 per cent of what ratepayers subsidise, is a step towards a “fairer, user pays system to lessen the financial burden being placed on ratepayers”.

Armidale Ratepayers Association president Rob Taber said it’s a major issue if the fees drive business out of town.

“If we want facilities we have to be prepared to pay for it, it is a cost on ratepayers but that’s reasonably acceptable provided it doesn’t get out of hand,” he said.

“I believe it comes back to lack of finances and the answer is not putting the rates up, we’re rated out of existence now but it’s about being clever and finding a better way through these things.

“It’s definitely not worth it, we can’t afford to lose any businesses, we struggle to get any businesses here at the moment and it’s a disaster for the city.”

The proposed fees would cost operators $460 annually for each aircraft after the first five, that council offers exemptions to.

A number of aviation operators, including Fleet Helicopters, have threatened to take their business elsewhere if the fees are imposed.

Mr Taber applauded council on the industrial land development at the airport, and said it should focus on long term revenue raised by business rates.

Ratepayers fork out $500,000 to subsidise the airport every year, and now, local business Morelly has launched a petition to defer council’s vote on the landing fees.

Managing directors Sam Kelly and Duncan Moran started their business in Armidale two years ago because of the access to major cities through the airport.

“Our concern with the airport issue at the moment is the knock on impacts if vendors leave the airport, we see this having the potential to go back to the QantasLink monopoly which makes it unpalatable for us to stay here,” Mr Kelly said.

The pair want to take the petition to the July council meeting.

The Leader contacted ARC for comment but it did not respond.

MTF...P2  

P2 with this new thread this post is much more appropriate here - 

[Gobbledock]

THE DEATH OF AVIATION

The chickens have come home to roost. We’ve been saying for years that bureaucratic red tape, unworkable regs, an inefficient ‘Act’, an inept CAsA, a regulatory rewrite that is not finished after 30 years and has cost $400m, combined with successive Governments who have failed the competency test but passed the chickenshit test has contributed to a ‘perfect aviation storm’.

The world is growing, aviation is growing, yet we in Australia instead of being poised to embrace this growth period and cash in and ride the wave of success are instead left red faced, dick in hands, pondering about what great things could have been achieved! We’ve missed the boat. Planes are sitting on the ground, flights are being cancelled and kids are heading overseas to realise the aviation dream, a dream that is a nightmare within Australia. There is a pilot shortage yet we remain frozen in time, while the Chinese come in and spend some bloody money to make sure that they shore up their aviation future by meeting current and future needs! Not us, we have the likes of Jonathan Aleck, Shane Carmody and Miniscule McDo’nothing!!! Christ almighty......

‘Toxic skies for all’

[P7_TOM]

Gloves off – round two. Ripper.

Great – now we can analyse exactly what McDo-Nought is actually doing (or not doing), as the case may be.

The fiasco at Armidale is typical of the ‘public’ problem the council have created for the miniscule – after Murky and his minions created the problem through a clever slight of hand which made some money – with strings – for a government. It seems Armidale was granted the money for upgrade – from the government. That money was spent on tarting up the terminal and making it all pretty. Fair enough – an ILS would have been a better investment, but lets not worry about ‘safety’. So, with ‘gifted money’ the idiot council want to charge more for the cosmetics. What councils seem to forget is that if the route is not viable – as in not  profitable – the airlines have no need to operate there. Non whatsoever. Tamworth is pretty close for country folk – a car rental for those not. So Armidale suffers while Tamworth prospers – great move councillors. The Nat’s will now have to face the seriously pissed off residents of Armidale, the business owners and those in the surrounding districts; explaining that it ain’t either the Nat’s problem or the governments. Old Tony Windsor will be laughing his mouldy socks off. Ayup – welcome to real world McDo-Naught. Can’t wait to see your advisor’s advice on how to deal with this one.  

The miniscule and his acolyte have already lost considerable ground in this area of the nation; probably from Wagga to Armidale. I could go on – but #1 Son; IMO, nailed the ‘miniscule’ to the Judas tree a Sunday or so ago. Herewith, my vicarious contribution to this discussion. My advice to the miniscule – get some real advice. What you have now is doing you no favours – quite the reverse.

“K” - I can’t wrap up Wagga without some words about the thing which wears the ministerial hat; I tried to, but in the interest of making change happen, we need to look closely at the man who’s say-so holds the keys. Now my Grand Papa was a canny trader of horses; not only did he know horses very well indeed, but he was a close student of those as sold ‘em. I doubt he would buy anything the miniscule tried to sell him, how could he? When a fellah tells you four times, within four minutes how ‘genuine’ he is you have to wonder who he is trying to convince. When a supposedly clever ‘politician’ can be unmanned and left flat footed on the start line, you have to wonder if his IQ is the same size as his boots. Magic Minty stole the march and the miniscule never recovered. Left floundering in the mire, spending the next ten dreary minutes back peddling, unable to respond to a direct question. You have to wonder if there is any value in the man at all. This same fellah then went on to try and explain how, despite having bi-partisan support available (confirmed by Albo), how difficult it would be to get anything through the parliament – add bull-shit to bollocks. Hardly a great vote inspiring performance from the Darren 7D stable – Mike 4G - also ran……Genuine alright - Genuinely full of shite.

While Mike 4G was preening in front of the TV camera after beating a hasty retreat; there were some experienced eyes watching the Senate table. It was after all, the only table which really mattered. Doc Jane was there, no praise is high enough for the diligence and work ethic shown by the Secretariat. The Senate committee will be provided a full, accurate briefing and, some clever insight, thanks to her efforts. That said, those attending stayed the whole course and listened and talked then listened some more. Fraser Anning impressed as much as Mike 4G failed to do. Anning’s short speech reflecting a genuine understanding of how far aviation has regressed. Slade Brockman another ‘man of the people’ who shared every coffee break with anyone who wanted to chat – WA has a load of aviation activity and the Senator seems to understand the burgeoning problem. Fawcett, Patrick and Forsyth were represented by folk who said little, listened carefully and were prepared to engage in conversation. A breath of fresh air and hope after the 4G dismal waffle session. Quite restored my faith in the Senate Committee.

Is that little danger bell ringing yet miniscule? It bloody well aught to be.

The hybrid Kiwi/Sandpit crew have been practicing; let’s see: double 20, treble twenty and a twenty should set them back a bit – Shanghai to win. “Yes leave ‘em there Sweetheart – I’ll be back. (Tension mounts)……



The game is called Cricket; or, Mickey Mouse. Not for those of  feint heart, or them as can't shoot straight. My Ale awaits..........

[thorn bird]

Not us indeed Gobbles,

And in ten years or so, or even less, the whole country will be asking

"What were they thinking!!!"

When our secondary airports are "developed" and become industrial parks and the sharks disappear off shore
with their ill gotten gains along with the squillions being gouged from hapless users by the lessees of the primaries.

When ever climbing airfares for country air services drives people onto the roads, when services are withdrawn from lack of customers and country towns die from lack of connectivity.

And on and on....and it could have been and could be still, so simply sorted.

A change of the act to contain CAsA's more rapaciousness, and acceptance that rules on their own does not
lead to safer outcomes, that other countries in the world manage to regulate their industries without killing them and achieve safer outcomes.

If being the safest in the world is the imperative, unfortunately CAsA has been an abject failure.

If the government really wants a viable growing industry that employs people and contributes to the national
wellbeing, they have a funny way of showing it. Squandering a half billion dollars and more than twenty years on regulatory reform, which is only half finished and that patently hasn't worked, seems almost scandalous.
New Zealand finished their reform in a couple of years for a few million dollars, is Australia so inept?

[Kharon]

Of rocks and hard places.

Had a longish chat with one of the ‘wise owls’, one who understands how parliament works – or is meant to work. I was curious about the process and time needed to get the proposed amendment to the navigation Act tucked away. It seems to be a fairly straightforward matter.

Part 9 and 9a of the Act are ‘stand alone’ so a change to those parts does not have any knock on effects affecting other sections. So it is a matter of drafting the changes – and, according to the Owl, most of that work has been done by the Wagga crew. Once the ‘paperwork’ is complete, the Bill is tabled for the first reading – which is a mechanism for getting the thing official and don’t really signify. The part that matters, I’m told, is the ‘second reading’. With the bi-partisan support – barring cock-ups, that should be a no contest. The Senate will in all likelihood rubber stamp the thing – and the change to the Act is done, dusted, alive and kicking.

I may have understated the thing a little, in an effort to keep it short and simple – but as it was explained to me, it is essentially a short, simple process – provided the will to get it done is available. There’s the rub – political will – or will not. I reckon there’d have to be some pretty fancy talking done to explain why the thing is not to be done. The delay and discussion card will be played, hard and often – but a minister with good intentions can shut down the dissention, short circuit the delay and make the industry very happy by Christmas – if he set his mind to task and a shoulder to the wheel.

Toot - “FDS – Just get on with it” – toot.

[Gobbledock]

SO, WHO IS THE REAL MINISTER MCDO’NOTHING??

As with previous Miniscules, we really need to know who and what we are entrusting our industry too. With such an important portfolio as DPM and Miniscule of Infrastructure which includes aviation, we need assurance that we are in ‘good hands’ so to speak. The names Truss, Albo, Anderson, Chester and Joyce come to mind. Hmmmmm, what a motley crew of incompetence. So here we go;

- Michael has lived and worked in the Riverina all his life. Wow. A real worldly wise man of knowledge that makes him, not? Is he aware of the internet, aeroplanes and Neil Armstrong? That makes him just perfect for aviation, not.

- He proudly fought for local communities by advocating against the importation of New Zealand apples in 2011. Wow! What a champion. Put that one in the CV! It might explain his penchant and skill in bobbing for taxpayer apples in the taxpayer trough! Benefit to aviation- nil.

- Michael became the Minister for Veterans' Affairs and Defence Personnel as well as the Minister assisting the Prime Minister for the Centenary of ANZAC in December 2017. introduced the Veterans Affairs Legislation Amendment (Veteran-Centric Reforms No.1) Bill on 15 February 2018 which implemented several new initiatives delivering better services to veterans and their families. Oh wow, another success story? I think not. Both he and his predecessor Darren 7D have presided over a department who actively screwed our war hero veterans in recent years. His benefit to aviation - SFA.

- Michael has a keen interest in military history, particularly World War I, and each year produces ANZAC booklets with an emphasis on encouraging school students to write poems or short stories about ANZAC Day in the Riverina and what it means to them. Now that’s one for the CV, writing poems. What a tosser. Makes him perfect for politics as pollywafflers are dreamers and fantasy creators, so poetry is just what our industry needs, not. How about spending your time caring for the needs of your constituents, tosser. Here is a poem for you Michael; ‘there once was a man from tantucket’, and ‘Michael and Malcolm sitting in a tree......

“Beware the Jabberwock, my son
   The jaws that bite, the claws that catch!
Beware the Jubjub bird, and shun
   The frumious Bandersnatch!”

- Prior to entering Parliament, Michael began professional life with a journalism cadetship with The Daily Advertiser newspaper in Wagga Wagga in 1981. What, another MSM presstitute! No wonder he is so full of shit. What a job, working for the local media. I seem to recall that Darren 7D has the same irrelevant and foolish background. Yep, that will be wonderful for aviation, not! Oh well, at least Steve Creepy and Jeffery John-Thomas will be excited.

- Michael was appointed a Justice of the Peace in New South Wales in 1999. Um, yep. Who gives a handful of camel shit. The benefit to aviation - none whatsoever.

- Michael then co-founded a media and publishing small business in Wagga Wagga. Again, a MSM presstitute. He is used to sensationalising, twisting and offering biased opinions in print and media. What a shyster. Benefit to aviation - SFA x 10.

So there you have it, these are the hands that are upon the aviation wheel. Do you feel confident? Nah, I didn’t think so. Time to vote with our feet.

“Don’t vote for the LNP and make aviation great again”.

[Peetwo]

Miniscule portraits and punch-drunk sheep -   

 

Excellent post Gobbles...  

And while we're on the subject what about his (regurgitated) aviation ill-adviser (plus Wannabe pollywaffle) Steve (MacBeth) Campbell...  

Well here is a short (but scary) trip back in time, where apparently I majorly erred back in 2016 and gave SMC 'the benefit of the doubt'...  

Reference: Shame or fame for Chester - post #24  

"K": ...I was going to have a poke about and see what we could expect in the form of an “aviation advisor” to the new minister.  It’s a fairly important role, considering that Chester will, in all probability, defer to the guidance offered.   Anyway, “Lead Sled” posting on the UP did a thumbnail sketch which saves me the bother.  Cheers LS.

Voice for Aviation or Cuckoo in the Nest.

Folks,

As some of you will be aware, the new Minister for Infrastructure and Transport has a new Aviation Adviser.

He is Steven Campbell, who has a most interesting CV (according to Linked In) starting as a GA instructor, CFI at Tyabb, moving up a traditional path into Regionals, and then cracking it with Cathay, where it looks like he finished up on B777 as a Training Captain.

Then --- maybe --- it all changes, joining CASA and eventually becoming Project Manager for Part 61/142/142. The greatest disaster in the history of aviation regulation in Australia.

Any body know if he has quit CASA, or is he on secondment/leave of absence to go to the Minister's office.

Is he going to be a voice for industry, and what must be done, including fair dinkum action on the Forsyth Report ?? 

Or is he a very cunning CASA plant, to sell the CASA line that everything is really hunky dory in Australian aviation, it's just a matter of industry malcontents getting too much publicity, Senators who are an irritant, and the NZ rules won't work, because they "don't meet Commonwealth legislative drafting protocols" ( like much other Commonwealth legislation that comes from O/S, that has been "incorporated by reference" in Australian legislation).

And Parts 61/141/142 are really ground breaking legislation that other NAA are panting to copy --- according to the CASA "official" line.

Tootle pip!

Certainly food for thought;  or the stuff of nightmare.   Handing over...

Reference: SMC Linkedin link - https://www.linkedin.com/in/steven-campbell-7a534a74/

...This bloke had nothing to do with the writing of the 'death to GA', 2000+ page behemoth that is the current Part61 & Part61 MOS, so I'll be withholding judgement till proof otherwise that he is a former acolyte & recruit of McComic...   

One positive is that he should be able to sort the wheat from the chaff in the stories/theories & otherwise with MH370 being a former B777 Check & Training pilot albeit with Cathay Pacific. He should also have a reasonable understanding of the aviation industry in that neck of the woods i.e. SE Asia.

Ps Besides we're (PAIN) only too happy to keep watch on Stevo in his endeavours to keep the Miniscule well informed on matters aviation...   

---

crankybastards - 

 Groan... Here we go again giving people the benefit of the doubt. 
1) The man comes from the Ministers electorate.
2) He comes from Cathay, the CASA embryonic breeding ground of everything negative about AUSTAV.
3) Any side of government in Australia is compromised by bureaucratic intervention.
4) CASA are not the model corporate example.
5) There are crooks afoot.

It's time to draw a line in the sand until any appointment is purged from influence of contemporary regulatory authority. The whole show is compromised and no benefits of any doubts can be given until the most sincere of demonstration "Seppuku" is carried out.

No more... no more, will anybody trust anybody until this takes place

---

ventus45 

Groan... Here we go again giving people the benefit of the doubt. 
1) The man comes from the Ministers electorate.
2) He comes from Cathay, the CASA embryonic breeding ground of everything negative about AUSTAV.
3) Any side of government in Australia is compromised by bureaucratic intervention.
4) CASA are not the model corporate example.
5) There are crooks afoot.

It's time to draw a line in the sand until any appointment is purged from influence of contemporary regulatory authority. The whole show is compromised and no benefits of any doubts can be given until the most sincere of demonstration "Seppuku" is carried out.

No more... no more, will anybody trust anybody until this takes place.

---

Peetwo

Cranky so have you any positive suggestions for who his adviser should be? Because if you do I am only too happy to pass them on?? https://twitter.com/DarrenChesterMP Come on create a list..chop..chop   

---

crankybastards

One ex ICC Hart comes to mind.

---

Peetwo

Okay let's work on that 

Dear Miniscule please consider giving this bloke a call, unlike your current aviation adviser it would appear that this bloke currently has no skin in the game (no potential COI), which is important when trying to breakdown many developed years of industry distrust with the big "R" regulator:

 

2nd

Mike Hart
Mr
Location New South Wales, Australia
Industry Farming
Edit experience Current

1. Self-employed
   

4connections

• Public Profile https://au.linkedin.com/in/mike-hart-51b53bb4
  

Background
Summary
Blue Mountains Grammar School Wentworth Falls 1958-1969 
Graduate of UNSW, Post Graduate; University Sydney, UNE, Civil Aviation College Melbourne.

Began career as law student and legal clerk NSW Attorney Generals Department. Commonwealth Government 1978 Department of Aviation Air Services. 

Wide experience in the management of complaints and complex investigations involving the public sector through positions at the NSW Attorney General’s Department, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation, and the NSW Independent Commission Against Corruption. 

He was the general manager for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association in 1999 during the (Mobil) Avgas fuel contamination crisis.

6,000 hours in a flying career and that has spanned the years 1972 to 2010 has held aviation industry positions including (QFI) qualified flying instructor with the RAAF (1 BFTS), and check and training captain with Coastwatch. 

Michael Hart joined CASA as the Industry Complaints Commissioner (ICC) in June 2007. Retired from CASA in 2010,

Now involved in horiticultural activity/business and farming in the New England area of NSW
Experience
Mr
Self-employed

Yours P2 

P.S. Nothing personal with your man, it just doesn't look good when the bloke comes from the former CASA regime.    

Pps Miniscule & PM if you need anymore evidence of the moral integrity of Mr Hart go no further than the following blog reply comment from him on the tragic VH-MDX disappearance in 1981:

Mike Hart

Nev

I was the ATS officer on the Sydney Sector (FIS 5) who had the misfortune to be on duty when these events occurred. It was one of the worst nights of my life. I later resigned from Air Services or the CAA as it was then, to pursue a career elsewhere. I later became a QFI with 1 BFTS RAAF Tamworth and an ATO and C&T Captain with Surveillance Australia (Coastwatch). I spent the last few years of my working life as the Industry Complaints Commissioner for CASA. I am now retired.

After nearly thirty years I have finally managed to bring myself to listen to the audio tape of the night MDX went missing you provided on your blog site. In my view the tape is out of sequence and the last bit should be at  the front and the middle towards the end and therefore the tape is not a reliable record of the events but merely pieces of the transcript.

FYI I was never interviewed by anybody, either from the then  BASI or Air Services Australia, nothing has changed my view in all this time that the aircraft had had a vacuum pump failure and that subsequently the pilot lost of control of the aircraft. I  have personally  had two such incidents in my flying career which required full instrument approaches on a limited panel, each time the loss of the pumps was insidious and not easily detectable except for the fact that I was on instruments both times and only a constant and proper IF scan alerted me early to the fact that the AI did not agree with the rest of the instruments a rigorous adherence to the basic adage Attitude Plus Power=Performance. I do not blame the pilot in anyway, he was presented with a set of circumstances which were beyond him at the time in an aeroplane that has had more than its share of such failures which nobody really trained for or took seriously. I can say that of the hundreds of pilots I subsequently taught, trained and tested I made such all of them could handle a limited panel and then some!

It was a very tragic accident and merely reinforced my professional view that NGTVFR was merely a rating that allowed you to end up sometime in an environment where you were going to come to grief.

Regards

Mike Hart

---

Gobbledock

Yuk yuk yak I flicked on mainstream TV, more specifically the Today Show this morning, to have my ritual perve on Sylvia Jefferies in all her scrumptious glory, and slightly off topic from the 'Stevo' discussion, low and behold Minuscule Chester was on the screen discussing the MH370 anniversary. More importantly was his 'political answer' to the question raised as to whether the search might be extended past the now infamous cutoff date. In true bureaucratic style he wouldn't answer yes or no. Take that however you wish, but to me that answer doesn't inspire much confidence in the man, however time will tell, and tell it will because the 60 Minutes clock stops for nobody.

My gut instinct tells me we have another spin doctor aka bureaucratic bullshit artist, after all that is what they do well, very well. And I think Barnaby has learnt from the Albo and Truss experience that it is safer to distance your presence away from the fire, put someone else (Chester and Stevo) in front of the firing squad instead. Maybe, maybe not. Either way that sort of ruse doesn't fool the IOS. We will ensure that any aviation shenanigans is linked directly back to you Barnaby and Malcolm, as you two are top rung of the ladder. But nice try, adding a few extra protective barriers in front of you, however it won't work as the IOS can see straight through your smoke n mirror show. You gotta get up earlier than that to catch us off guard.

TICK TOCK new Infrastructure bureaucrats TICK TOCK

Ever get the feeling that the administration of aviation safety in this country is stuck in some bizarre kind of Groundhog day...  

---

Groundhog Day: Punxsutawney Phil predicts more winter - CBS News

CBS News 

---

MTF...P2 

Ps See the resemblance? 

[P7_TOM]

Top post P2 - great work. That and the GD post is a very edifying piece of work. Thank you. I wonder, how is it, that a man with so little ‘experience’ of the real world gets to be 2IC of a fairly big country? I ask this in all seriousness. How is it that the future of a nation, it’s direction, its immigration choices, its revenue raising and tax system can all be dependent on the likes of ‘the man from Wagga’?

The bureaucrats run this nation. The idiot, unqualified, ex journalists are completely dependent on the same.  This is democracy? Some flash mouthpiece from “Kickinatinalong’ who manages to convince some locals, that he is ‘genuine’ and ‘understands’ their needs and wants is a suitable person to manage this nation – BOLLOCKS.

We have, for far too long in this nation been uncaring of who runs the shop. The natural cynicism and disbelief of anything a politician says is deeply ingrained. This chap is dependent for aviation advice on a man who will cut and run back to CASA at the first sign that his own political ambitions are threatened. He did it to old 7D; then went back to CASA. Can anyone who may end up running the show be so unbelievably dense? It seems so.

Advance Australia (the fair) – indeed.  We are so far removed from being ‘Aussie’ now, the principals and ideas of ‘the land of opportunity’ and a fair go, that it will be almost impossible to recreate that which was Australia. McCormack? PHHHfffft. About as much use as three men from home.

That photo P2 – reminds me of a sheep that was hit, very hard, by a shearer. Bugger it, here we all are looking for a donkey to pin a tail on and all we got is a punch drunk sheep. Tax dollars at work eh?



Cheers GD – have a Tim-Tam (made in China).

PS. - LeadSled - on song. "Or is he a very cunning CASA plant, to sell the CASA line that everything is really hunky dory in Australian aviation, it's just a matter of industry malcontents getting too much publicity, Senators who are an irritant, and the NZ rules won't work, because they "don't meet Commonwealth legislative drafting protocols" ( like much other Commonwealth legislation that comes from O/S, that has been "incorporated by reference" in Australian legislation)."

 More Choc frogs.

[Peetwo]

Shame it is then? - 

Via the front page of the Oz today:

General aviation industry left stunned by political backflip

Dick Smith with his helicopter at his home in Terry Hills, Sydney. Picture: John Feder

The Australian

12:00AM July 26, 2018
ANDREW BURRELL

Sam Buckingham-Jones
Perth
@AndrewBurrell7

Entrepreneur Dick Smith says he is “flabbergasted” that Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack has killed off a plan — endorsed by Barnaby Joyce in his final days in cabinet — to rewrite the law to address the escalating costs crippling the general aviation industry.

Mr Smith, a former chairman of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, said last night Mr Joyce was the only Coalition transport minister in the past 20 years to agree to reforms that would cut the regulatory burden on the industry without putting lives at risk.

He accused the others — John Anderson, Mark Vaile, Warren Truss, Darren Chester and now Mr McCormack — of being hostage to CASA and other bureaucrats who had introduced “gold-plated” regulations with no consideration for the industry’s crippling costs.

“The bureaucrats will all be laughing and saying ‘we’ve won again’,” he said. “Now they will be able to continue writing more and more expensive rules.”

Airline Owners and Pilots Association executive director Ben Morgan said Mr McCormack’s refusal to back reform could send many smaller operators to the wall. “We’ve got a pilot crisis and our flight schools are closing, and we’re just seeing the tip of the iceberg right now,” he said. “This is being driven by the fact that the general aviation industry is completely on its knees.”

The industry’s reform plan would have greatly benefited Panorama Airways, run by Tammy Augostin and her fiance Charlie at Bathurst in the NSW central west. The pair also manage an aircraft maintenance business, and run Fastjet Adventure Flights in their L-39 Albatros jet and are looking to open a pilot training school, but the road, they say, has not been easy.

“We’ve just laid off two people — two full-time employees,” Ms Augostin, 46, said. “You have to wonder if there’s a future for us.”

With their local council recently quadrupling their rent, soaring landing fees and increasingly burdensome regulation said by CASA to be aimed at improving safety, Ms Augostin said the industry was struggling to remain viable.

She said in the past decade general aviation operators had been forced to comply with more and more rigorous inspections for whole aircraft and individual parts. Some models, she said, were made to undergo structural inspection programs unique to Australia.

“They can end up costing thousands,” she said. “SIDs — supplemental inspection documents — are inspections done on the aircraft under the manufacturer’s directions. A lot have been grounded because they haven’t undertaken these inspections. In some of (the inspections), you are pulling aircraft completely apart. There’s just as much damage done in that.

“Our regulator seems to have a lot to say about safety, I don’t believe it’s relevant in some things. Obviously its important in what we do, but it limits the way we run our businesses.

“We’re such a big country, it’s a shame to see this happening to an industry that used to be really vibrant.”

In February, Mr Joyce struck a breakthrough deal with his Labor counterpart, Anthony Albanese, to remove a key part of the Civil Aviation Act that requires CASA to “regard safety as the most important consideration” in regulating the industry.

Under the changes backed by the industry, CASA would instead be required to balance the “highest level of safety in air navigation” with the need for “an efficient and sustainable Australian aviation industry”.

But Mr Joyce resigned later that month in the aftermath of his affair with staffer Vikki Campion, handing over the transport portfolio to Mr McCormack.

A landmark aviation summit in Wagga Wagga this month backed the changes and called on them to be legislated before the next federal election.

Mr Smith said the planned rewrite of the act would have revitalised the general aviation and Australian flight training industry because for the first time it would have obliged bureaucrats to take cost into account in regulating the sector.

Mr Joyce avoided criticism of Mr McCormack’s decision not to proceed.
“I am not going to presume to know the reasons for other people’s decisions,” he said.

“You should always search for a bipartisan position because that allows you, in contentious area such as air safety, to find the space to start talking,” he said.

“I am sure Michael will talk closely with the general aviation sector and also with Anthony Albanese so they can find common ground to address some of the regulatory burden.”

Of Mr Smith, he said: “He is a little bit eccentric, so am I probably, but don’t ever confuse that with stupidity.”

Mr McCormack said in a statement that any proposal to change the legislation governing CASA required him to “consult with other stakeholders before making any decision”.

“I am aware and fully committed to working and consulting closely with industry on future changes to aviation safety regulations and any potential changes to the Act in future,’’ he said.

“He is a little bit eccentric, so am I probably, but don’t ever confuse that with stupidity.”  -  Hmm...I wonder if he is talking about Dick or himself?? 

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PAIN_NET (@PAIN_NET1) | Twitter

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Senate Estimates - 2017-18.

Aunty Pru

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Nah he is definitely talking about Dick -   


MTF...P2 

[Gobbledock]

SHAME IT IS......I second the motion.

The backflip is indeed a joke. For the first time in 20 years, a Politician (Barmy boy) appeared to make an agreement to actually make some aviation inroads, and then it gets quashed by the Minister for Presstitutes, McDo’nothing. Now we have another dopey National in McDo’nothing who just like Chester 7D, is too busy prancing around in his Italian suits and preening himself, keeping his hair perfect and getting a boner every time he looks at his own reflection in any reflective surface - windows, puddles, IPad screen, bathroom mirror or splashback in the urinal. The current Miniscule muppet gets my vote of no-confidence.

Dick Smith, love him or hate him, knows aviation and he knows the Regulator. We are fortunate that we have someone of his caliber calling these politicians out. If it was left to me I would be in jail !!!! Go for it Dick, and thank you for your concern and love of the industry mate, it’s greatly appreciated.

[Kharon]

Aw, for crying out bloody loud!

McDonowt hasn’t ‘back-flipped’. Has he. It takes courage and integrity to stand up and say – I reject the proposals to change the Act. Here are my reasons. (or something along those lines)…..

What he has done is typical of shiftless, lazy, gutless ne’er do wells;

Mr McCormack said in a statement that any proposal to change the legislation governing CASA required him to “consult with other stakeholders before making any decision”.

“I am aware and fully committed to working and consulting closely with industry on future changes to aviation safety regulations and any potential changes to the Act in future,’’ he said.

BOLLOCKS - 'In The Future';- FDS there will be no bloody future if the changes are even delayed, let alone dismissed. All he needs to do is look about – industry struggling, bureaucrats soaking up more and more of a diminishing flow of money, rule set writ to protect those who write ‘em and a minister who is, to all intents and purpose – not responsible. Advice, common sense and warning from a bloke like Sharpe just another round of empty words.

Not good enough – nowhere near acceptable.

Another National, another decade of desperation, delay, diversion and depravation; while the world rocks on, aviation booming – Resign or get on with it.  

Toot – toot.

[Peetwo]

While the wingnut is away? - Deputy dog adds fuel to the conflagration...  

It would appear the 2IC and Iron Ring's Scottish Git has seized the opportunity to come out firing in defense of the seemingly indefensible; i.e the fact that Fort Fumble over 30 years has been systematically destroying the Aussie aviation industry with their policy of 'Safe Skies are empty Skies'...    

Crawford's weasel worded bollocks from this month's FF missive: 

From acting CEO and Director of Aviation Safety, Graeme Crawford

Recent debate about safety regulation and the general aviation sector has focused on the need for a sustainable and viable aviation industry. Implicit in this debate is the suggestion by some people that CASA does not support a sustainable and viable general aviation sector. I would like to assure everyone this is simply not true. There is no CASA agenda against general aviation and we regard the sector as a vital component of the national aviation community.

Many of CASA’s staff are participants in general aviation, or started their careers in the sector, and have a practical understanding of the issues and challenges the sector faces. CASA can’t deliver solutions to the broader economic and social changes that are affecting parts of general aviation, but we can and will do our best to provide an appropriate safety regulatory framework that creates confidence in general aviation across the broader community. It is important that people from outside aviation have trust in the safety performance of general aviation and part of our job is to help ensure that trust is maintained.

CASA is focused on regulatory solutions that are both practical, proportionate and address aviation safety risk. We use available aviation sector information such as accident and incident data, surveillance findings and sector risk profiles to develop informed solutions. With that in mind the term ‘general aviation’ may not be granular enough as it covers a variety of aviation activities of which there are varying opinions within the aviation community regarding what is and what is not under the general aviation umbrella. Whilst this is challenging it is not unsurmountable and CASA will continue to develop regulatory solutions that consider risk appetite and safety consequences.

Finally, if there are people doubting our words about our commitment to general aviation then please look at our recent actions. Three major reforms this year to the aviation medical system are practical examples of reducing costs and impacts on the aviation community, particularly general aviation. The Basic Class 2 medical, which became available in early July 2018, is targeted at private pilots and makes getting an appropriate medical quicker, easier and cheaper. If you haven’t already please find out more about the Basic Class 2 and other medical reforms.

Best wishes
Graeme Crawford
(Shane Carmody is on leave)

Ps Some comments on that load of waffle off Twitter

Shannon Wells
@shannon_wells

"Flight examiners win indemnity" .. nothing ''winning" about this, it should have never been taken away in the first place https://lnkd.in/eQgqaUK 

---

Phil Hurst
@PhilHurst62

This was about the essential partnership between industry with the expertise and reach and CASA that doesn’t - hence the delegations. We need simpler pathways for instructors and examiners. The regs remain a mess and a new taskforce essential to repair.

Also covered in the Oz today, where it would appear the bunfight is only just beginning  :

CASA acting chief Graeme Crawford hits back over reform claims

CASA chief Graeme Crawford said he could not fix the broader economic and social changes that have hit general aviation.

The Australian

12:00AM July 27, 2018
ANDREW BURRELL

WA Chief Reporter
Perth
@AndrewBurrell7

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has defended its actions amid mounting criticism that overzealous regulation is killing Australia’s general ­aviation sector, rejecting claims it fails to consider the effect of costs on businesses when it sets the rules.

As The Australian revealed that Deputy Prime Minister ­Michael McCormack had halted a reform plan aimed at cutting costs, CASA acting chief executive Graeme Crawford told operators the regulator wanted solutions that were practical while also addressing safety risks.

Industry experts, including aviation veteran Dick Smith, have claimed that general aviation in Australia — which includes charter and private operations, flight training, maintenance and emergency medical services — is in crisis because of onerous and costly red tape.

But Mr Crawford said CASA could not fix the broader economic and social changes that have hit general aviation.

“Implicit in this debate is the suggestion by some people that CASA does not support a sustainable and viable general aviation sector,’’ he said in a briefing note.

“I would like to assure everyone this is simply not true. There is no CASA agenda against general aviation and we regard the sector as a vital component of the national aviation community.

“Many of CASA’s staff are participants in general aviation, or started their careers in the sector, and have a practical understanding of the issues and challenges the sector faces.”

The Australian reported yesterday that Mr McCormack had killed off a plan — endorsed by Barnaby Joyce in his final days in cabinet in February — to remove a key part of the Civil Aviation Act that requires CASA to ­“regard safety as the most important consideration”.

The changes, backed by opposition transport spokesman ­Anthony Albanese, instead would have required CASA to ­balance the “highest level of safety in air navigation” with the need for “an efficient and sustainable Australian aviation industry”.

Mr Smith, a former CASA chairman, said Mr Joyce was the only Coalition transport minister in the past 20 years to agree to ­reforms that would cut the regulatory burden on the industry without putting lives at risk.

He accused the others, including former deputy prime minister John Anderson, of being ­hostage to CASA and other ­bureaucrats who had introduced “gold-­plated” regulations with no consideration for the industry’s crippling costs.

Mr Anderson yesterday accused Mr Smith of ignoring his own failings.

“Mr Smith might reflect a little on the fact that both Labor and the Coalition gave him the chance to reform CASA as chairman,” he said. “Labor sacked him, and when I was minister he lost the confidence of his own board.

“I bent over backwards to try to deliver an efficient aviation sector. I have to say that Mr Smith made this harder, not easier.”

Mr Smith said Mr Anderson’s claim he was sacked by Labor was “completely wrong” because the then minister, Bob Collins, had asked him to stay on. “I was put on as the chairman of CASA by John Sharp with the idea of bringing in changes — then John Anderson became minister and wouldn’t support any changes.’’

Is it anyway wonder the miniscule/DPM eyes glaze over and appears to be the perfect portrait of a punch-drunk sheep...

Perhaps if the DPM wants some free non-alphabet and relatively friendly advice; he should perhaps talk to one of the major and longterm contributors to the economy of his electorate REX airlines. I'm sure Sharpie will be able to give MM a true insight into the totally unnecessary fiscal damages being inflicted by CASA on the REX bottom line:

Ref: Mount Gambier, TREX and a man for all seasons - John Sharp?
[/url]

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[url=http://www.auntypru.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=37&pid=9058#pid9058]

     
While on the subjects of miniscule backflips and the frontline battles in the CASA/Iron Ring vs aviation industry war; I was very interested to note that the 80 odd comments made in yesterday's Oz article...

General aviation industry left stunned by political backflip
The Australian
Dick Smith with his helicopter at his home in Terry Hills, Sydney. Picture:

...were overwhelmingly (by my reckoning by a factor of 9:1) in support of the industry and Dick's angst with the lack of government action and support for the essential changes to the Act etc. called for at the Wagga Summit - let the revolution begin!...  

  
MTF...P2 

Ps Who in their right mind would leave a narcissistic sociopath of this caliber in charge of the Fort?

Hmm...wonder if he has got McComic's mobile number on speed dial? Certainly has many of the pugmarks of former DAS don't you think? How long will it be before this IR stooge starts swinging his dick and dragging up section 9A of the Act...

Perhaps this is why the FF enforcement manual still contains McComic's moniker on the Director's preface - 

[Gobbledock]

Latest bollocks from Fort Fumble

The latest ‘Safety Briefing’ is out. What a load of manure from Herr Crawford, A/g CEO. Some snippets as follows;

- Herr Crawford; “The suggestion by some people that CASA does not support a sustainable and viable general aviation sector. I would like to assure everyone this is simply not true”.

I call bullshit. Your inept regulations, bullying tactics and absolute determination to label every aviator a criminal is killing the industry off. Your words are hollow and meaningless, the proof is out there in our industry - it’s rooted, disappearing and strangled. The only clowns who don’t see this are you CAsAmites.

- “If there are people doubting our words about our commitment to general aviation then please look at our recent actions”.

I call bullshit again. Yep, I’ve looked at the past 30 years Graeme and CAsA’s track record is abysmal. The only commitment CAsA has made is to doing as little as possible by way of encouraging and fostering aviation growth, and instead you have bullied and strangled the industry to death. But thanks for the reminder.

- Herr McCormack; “I acknowledge that there are still serious challenges facing general aviation. I will continue to listen and carefully consider the issues raised by people in the general aviation sector, and the Government and portfolio aviation agencies will respond appropriately. I am keen to hear from you on the key issues you want tackled by Government and industry that relate to general aviation operations in Australia”.

I call major bullshit on these mealy mouth Miniscule words. What a crock of shit. I love your non-committal empty words such as ‘listen’ and ‘consider’. How about an action word mate, you know where you actually do something tangible. Fool.

And this additional bullshit;

- “A panel of writers and editors is being set up to provide CASA with additional communication resources. The writers and editors will help develop guidance material, advice, fact sheets, case studies and information campaigns for the aviation community”.

Ha ha, more spin doctors? More work for Steve Creepy and Geoffery ‘John’ Thomas to assist the Gibshite in his bollocks and waffle?

Link below to the full bullshit and propaganda article;

https://www.casa.gov.au/publications-and...-july-2018

“Safe spin for all”

[thorn bird]

Just exactly who is this Graeme Crawford?

Other than a nasty piece of work?

P2 - See here TB: Janus – the two faced god. 

And: https://www.linkedin.com/in/graeme-m-crawford-2b77983/

[Peetwo]

While the wingnut is away? - Deputy dog adds fuel to the conflagration...  

It would appear the 2IC and Iron Ring's Scottish Git has seized the opportunity to come out firing in defense of the seemingly indefensible; i.e the fact that Fort Fumble over 30 years has been systematically destroying the Aussie aviation industry with their policy of 'Safe Skies are empty Skies'...    

CASA acting chief Graeme Crawford hits back over reform claims

CASA chief Graeme Crawford said he could not fix the broader economic and social changes that have hit general aviation.

The Australian

12:00AM July 27, 2018
ANDREW BURRELL

WA Chief Reporter
Perth
@AndrewBurrell7

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has defended its actions amid mounting criticism that overzealous regulation is killing Australia’s general ­aviation sector, rejecting claims it fails to consider the effect of costs on businesses when it sets the rules.

As The Australian revealed that Deputy Prime Minister ­Michael McCormack had halted a reform plan aimed at cutting costs, CASA acting chief executive Graeme Crawford told operators the regulator wanted solutions that were practical while also addressing safety risks.

Industry experts, including aviation veteran Dick Smith, have claimed that general aviation in Australia — which includes charter and private operations, flight training, maintenance and emergency medical services — is in crisis because of onerous and costly red tape.

But Mr Crawford said CASA could not fix the broader economic and social changes that have hit general aviation.

“Implicit in this debate is the suggestion by some people that CASA does not support a sustainable and viable general aviation sector,’’ he said in a briefing note.

“I would like to assure everyone this is simply not true. There is no CASA agenda against general aviation and we regard the sector as a vital component of the national aviation community.

“Many of CASA’s staff are participants in general aviation, or started their careers in the sector, and have a practical understanding of the issues and challenges the sector faces.”

The Australian reported yesterday that Mr McCormack had killed off a plan — endorsed by Barnaby Joyce in his final days in cabinet in February — to remove a key part of the Civil Aviation Act that requires CASA to ­“regard safety as the most important consideration”.

The changes, backed by opposition transport spokesman ­Anthony Albanese, instead would have required CASA to ­balance the “highest level of safety in air navigation” with the need for “an efficient and sustainable Australian aviation industry”.

Mr Smith, a former CASA chairman, said Mr Joyce was the only Coalition transport minister in the past 20 years to agree to ­reforms that would cut the regulatory burden on the industry without putting lives at risk.

He accused the others, including former deputy prime minister John Anderson, of being ­hostage to CASA and other ­bureaucrats who had introduced “gold-­plated” regulations with no consideration for the industry’s crippling costs.

Mr Anderson yesterday accused Mr Smith of ignoring his own failings.

“Mr Smith might reflect a little on the fact that both Labor and the Coalition gave him the chance to reform CASA as chairman,” he said. “Labor sacked him, and when I was minister he lost the confidence of his own board.

“I bent over backwards to try to deliver an efficient aviation sector. I have to say that Mr Smith made this harder, not easier.”

Mr Smith said Mr Anderson’s claim he was sacked by Labor was “completely wrong” because the then minister, Bob Collins, had asked him to stay on. “I was put on as the chairman of CASA by John Sharp with the idea of bringing in changes — then John Anderson became minister and wouldn’t support any changes.’’

Is it anyway wonder the miniscule/DPM eyes glaze over and appears to be the perfect portrait of a punch-drunk sheep...

Perhaps if the DPM wants some free non-alphabet and relatively friendly advice; he should perhaps talk to one of the major and longterm contributors to the economy of his electorate REX airlines. I'm sure Sharpie will be able to give MM a true insight into the totally unnecessary fiscal damages being inflicted by CASA on the REX bottom line:

Ref: Mount Gambier, TREX and a man for all seasons - John Sharp?

[/url]

General aviation industry left stunned by political backflip
The Australian
Dick Smith with his helicopter at his home in Terry Hills, Sydney. Picture:

Ps Who in their right mind would leave a narcissistic sociopath of this caliber in charge of the Fort?

Hmm...wonder if he has got McComic's mobile number on speed dial? Certainly has many of the pugmarks of former DAS don't you think? How long will it be before this IR stooge starts swinging his dick and dragging up section 9A of the Act...

Perhaps this is why the FF enforcement manual still contains McComic's moniker on the Director's preface - 

Commentary addendum  

First from Thursday's Oz article: 

Jim2 DAYS AGO


Time for a pilots general strike. Nothing serious or nationwide. Just no aeroplane leaves the ground with a politician in it, regardless of party or affiliation. If it was done during the last day of sitting week I would wager we would get a favourable result by lunchtime.

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Maureen2 DAYS AGO


Another industry we are killing off - Australia the clever Country.

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Gang Green2 DAYS AGO


Considering that CASA won't accept medical practice from Europe and the United States as valid regarding pilot health , why are we surprised ?

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Ray2 DAYS AGO


McCormack's statement is a cop-out. A useless Minister railroaded by a mostly-useless bureaucracy.

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Paul2 DAYS AGO



It would seem CASA runs a little fiefdom and runs over any minister who wishes to tidy it up. Probably threatens that any breach of safety will be called out as due to ministers cuts etc.

Good on Dick for speaking out about these problems. If not Dick who will do it?

---

John2 DAYS AGO


Talk about fiddling while Rome burns, these bureaucrats in CASA will sit on their hands until our entire general aviation industry goes down the drain. Thank goodness Dick Smith is still out their pushing his case for affordable general aviation. Maybe it’s time for a clean out of the CASA board, this mob just don’t seem to get the fact, that time is fast running out for the general aviation industry in Australia, they have already brought it to its knees. How much longer are they going to twiddle their respective thumbs ???

---

P2 - In reply to Robert...  

Robert2 DAYS AGO


Dick Smith is aghast at anything not in accord with his views. Why we haven’t turned over the entire aviation industry to this man is beyond me . Perhaps the relatively safe sky’s in this country has something to do with our reluctance to make this guy Air Chief Marshal.

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graham2 DAYS AGO



@Robert 
Dick was for awhile, the head of whatever we were, DCA, DOA, etc etc, there was resistance, but he brought us into line with the US way of doing business, and the US put functionality and efficiency before bureaucratic inertia, mostly.

Barnaby, Tony, Craig Kelly rotting on the back benches are the problem many of us see, the reason Turnbull can't turn the wick up on LNP popularity. 

---

TG2 DAYS AGO


@Robert The CASA focus on safety is counter productive.  It has resulted in an old GA fleet and a pilot training industry on its knees.  Dick Smith is correct in his views.  I'm a GA pilot, own an aircraft and have a very good understanding of the financials of aero clubs.  If the rules don't change we will see more failures.

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William2 DAYS AGO


Clearly you have no insight into the aviation industry. Awash with ridiculous legislative requirements which add not a dot to safety.

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Stan2 DAYS AGO


@Robert good to see the "tall poppy syndrome" is alive and well. Dick made it and although don't always agree with his view he at least contributes where most of us don't dare. Where's your contribution to eradicating our problems.

---

Betty2 DAYS AGO


Who would you put money on, Dick Smith or slow tortoise McCormack? Noone in this industry is backing the bureaucrats and their glove puppet MM.

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Tony2 DAYS AGO


CASA regulation has crippled General Aviation for decades.  Most pilots learn how to fly in technology from the 1960's.  Just imagine if you were still driving a car from the 1960.s.  CASA regulations make it so expensive to innovate that pilots are still flying FJ Holdens.

---

& from Sandy...  


Alexander2 DAYS AGO



Flying for 52 yrs, in General Aviation (GA) with own aircraft and airport, as instructor, charter and scheduled services I’ve watched, with dismay, the ‘death by a thousand regulator cuts’ of what could have been a great Aussie industry. Safety has suffered, after the $billions of bureaucratic waste and mismanagement the industry and taxpayer should have seen definite improvements. In 30 years No.
Thousands have lost work by the closure of hundreds of flying schools and maintenance businesses, especially in the bush. Well done Nats! Irresponsible idiocy.

It’s not just GA either, every time you buy an airline ticket you pay a premium for the incompetence of CASA, ie Government, while the bloated numbers of CASA bureaucrats sit high on their wallets. More than 800 of them with great super, comfy offices, RDOs and plenty of O/S seminars or QLD junkets when it’s freezing in Can’tberra. The CEO paid $600,000, a lot more than the Minister, no wonder he’s subservient.

Extraordinarily if we go back to square one, would Australians still fly their light aircraft if CASA did not exist? Yes, with care and responsibility. Oddly the largely self regulating low weight category does just this quite well, and is about to get a weight increase thus putting paid to the notion that CASA is the be all and end all of flight.
The do nothing Minister is too frightened to take the slightest responsibility for the most sensible, modest and small amendment to the Civil Aviation Act. Bring Back Barnaby.

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Ted2 DAYS AGO


Well , it sounds like it’s time for Aviation as a whole to boycott all air travel by politicians and senior bureaucrats. It’s well past time that politicians and parliament started taking notice of the perilous state that CASA has placed the industry. After more than thirty years plus, they just don’t take any notice and just don’t seem to care.

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Mark2 DAYS AGO


I bought an aviation business ... I know ... But because I bought the business, not the company, CASA ruled that the Air Operators Certificate could not be transferred with the operations, staff, the aircraft, the procedures, etc. The AOC is attached to the old company shell and could have been bought by anyone else brave enough to buy a closet which may or may not be full of skeletons. It will take 6 months minimum to have a new application for an AOC approved. GA and airwork gets it in the neck time after time.

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Greta2 DAYS AGO


Most airports were built and paid for by the taxpayer and then handed over to the private sector or local authorities. 'Landing fees' are just another administrative belligerence none of us need. A whole regime of other fees have since surfaced too which used to be free in the past. Australia has unlimited potential to become the world's best training ground, but no, instead we are regulated out of the skies. Like many others, I walked away from GA years ago. 

---

P2 in reply to Suzanne:


Suzanne2 DAYS AGO



Before resorting to following the ‘Pied Piper’, Dick Smith, in everything he says, it would pay to do a little bit of homework. ‘With their local council recently quadrupling their rent, soaring landing fees....’. There’s a hint there about where their true costs are coming from, neither of which have anything to do with CASA. It is also easy to blame the regulations for increasing costs and draw a parallel between this and the decline in the pilot training sector, but this ignores the fact that this is not an issue unique to Australia, this is a global phenomena. Increasing demand for pilots and a decline in those wanting to become pilots is also part of the problem. Is that also CASA’s fault? It may be convenient to sit back and blame CASA for the woes of the industry but the truth is that the industry has changed. This is not the industry of the 60’s, 70’s or even the 80’s. Is changing some wording in the Act really going to make a difference? And if so, how? Are you then at risk of placing CASA in a compromising position with its key role in regulating for aviation safety?

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Paul2 DAYS AGO


@Suzanne I read it differently. The industry has pressures from many fronts, one of which is CASA over regulating, so let's at least get that fixed.

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Sleepy Lizard2 DAYS AGO



Ok fair point , so you want hard facts , here’s a start.

CASA has held up the release of the Part 135 (air taxi) rules for over twenty years.

It was directed to do this by the government in 1999.

Why ? because a certain regional airline put pressure on successive CASA directors and the ministers responsible , in order to protect regional airlines from the perceived threat of small charter companies.

As a result charter operators are not allowed to sell flights per seat.

That’s unfair market manipulation and it was all done under the guise of safety.

Australia has a long and sad history of the big guy crushing the up and coming by using the regulator as its patsy.

It has happened since the beginning of aviation but got worse once the CAA became CASA.

It’s happening again right now in the drone industry.
It’s happening right now in the aviation training sector.

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Patrick2 DAYS AGO



@Suzanne  The same "compromising safety" position that our trading partners are in such as Canada, NZ and the US who operate with far less regulation than CASA.

This is also a trading issue. How can GA in Australia compete with our trade competitors who don't have operate with one hand tied behind their back.

Pilot training is a growth industry in countries that don't have McCormack and CASA to hold them back.

Level the playing field.

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Sleepy Lizard2 DAYS AGO



I’m renewing my CPL (Commercial Pilots License ), so I had to renew my ASIC (Aviation Security Identification Card) that allows me to walk on the tarmac near the plane, $240 thank you.

Pilots medical. $600 thanks very much.

That plus the maps and AIP subscriptions and I’m over $1000 before getting into an aircraft.

A young guy I was talking to said the full University course to be a pilot costs you $140,000 to $180,000.

Just so you you can get a job that doesnt even pay minimum wage. (Flight instructor/ charter pilot)

I wonder why there is a pilot shortage?

---

Gilbert2 DAYS AGO


Michael McCormack seems to be the Invisible Man? A perfect deputy that says and does nothing apparently and has been flannelled by the CASA mandarins!

---

Alexandra2 DAYS AGO



What a tragedy for Australia

- we have one of the largest land masses of any country in the world, among the most dispersed populations. The small planes sector connects people, generate and service business. (Over)Regulate drives the costs up and up - and the negative ripple effect is easy to see. Kills off a transport sector

- we used to have a reputation for the most skilled pilots in the world, a reputation born out of young people getting into planes, learning to fly and being able to clock up significant hours. Price that out of reach

- and fewer people will learn to fly, or spend the hours to become very skilled - ripple effect again

- at the commercial end of the spectrum - who wants to see overseas pilots sitting at the front of the Qantas, Virgin, jetstar Tiger fights? Give me a skilled Aussie any day. 

Wake up Liberal Nationals. 

What do you stand for??

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James2 DAYS AGO


Incredibly poor decision by the Minister.  Anybody with even a modicum of involvement in general aviation in this country is well aware that the industry is being destroyed by CASA.  Many small operators, long term operators, flying schools and very experienced pilots are dropping out of the industry.  The attitude of CASA is not only overbearing but often vindictive.  Many in CASA are bureaucrats with no experience of aviation.  A significant number of mid level personnel are relatively recent migrants, particularly subcontinental and are nigh on impossible for industry to deal with.  Australia used to have a large number of pilots that were highly sought after by international airlines.  I have recently been advised by Australians working for international airlines that this source has now dried up and that Australia is now having to import pilots for our airlines.  A senior Australian Captain flying for a major SE Asian airline recently told me that the skill level of Australian pilots, generally because of their extensive light aircraft experience, had been outstanding.  It is of concern that on account of mindless bureaucracy, we will no longer have these guys and girls up the pointy end of our local aircraft.

P2 - In reply to Shane:


Shane2 DAYS AGO




Yup. The aviation industry exists solely for the aggrandizement of Dick.

Lucky the yokel idiot Joyce’s hands were removed from the levers.

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Patrick2 DAYS AGO


@Shane  You love expensive over regulation do you? You need to compare regulations in Australia to those in Canada, NZ, USA. Australia is over regulated by "yokel idiots"

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James2 DAYS AGO


@Shane You obviously don't know anything about general aviation - or Dick Smith. Without sensible amendments, there won't be any general aviation in Australia...yet another industry moved overseas due to lack of vision.

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James2 DAYS AGO


@Shane So you apparently would be comfortable having fast-track Chinese or SE Asian trained pilots up front - like the pilot who headed the wrong way out of Sydney, or the one who dialed in the wrong runway in Perth, or the guy who told everybody to pray when an engine failed!  CASA blatantly allows these people to fly into and out of the country while methodically screwing the local industry.  For me, if I was in an A380 when its engine blew up leaving Singapore, I'll take a highly experienced Aussie up front.

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Raymond2 DAYS AGO


@Shane You children and grandchildren will pay an expensive price for the kind of attitude you have expressed. Dick Smith and Barnaby Joyce are loyal Australians who are trying to do what is best for Australia's future.

Also in reply to the editor was this from Rudders...

To: editor <editor@theaustralian.com.au>

Dick Smith has been a tireless advocate over decades to get some
practical sense into the Aviation Bureaucracy, so that General
Aviation may prosper.

Alas, the entrenched mandarins in CASA have their own agenda even to
the point of trashing GOVERNMENT POLICY.

In 1997 the MInister and the Board adopted the new (FAA based)
Classifications of Operations Policy.  It was the 17 of April, not the
first, so it wasn't an  April Fools Day joke..

This would have given more freedoms and allowed for the more business
minded to seek those opportunities in the lighter end of Aviation.

And herein lies the problem.  CASA is a free floating Agency without
recourse or oversight.
No Minister has had the courage to pull it into line.

Those in CASA do what they do without hindrance and the
Australian Nation is very much the poorer for it, to tune of billions of
dollars in lost opportunities

And billions of dollars wasted on an avalanche of regulations , much
of which have nothing to do with "safety".

Thats why you see many country airfields these days with only a few
parked up aircraft and a fuel bowser with cobwebs.
And this is in the wide brown land where rapid transport is vital.

America , a continent the size of Australia has the most vibrant GA
industry in the world.
No reason why we should not be the same.

But we aren't ,...because of a rampant unaccountable bureaucracy.,
that has buried  the GA industry with ever  increasing paperwork and
outrageous costs.

The "Jobs and growth" mantra is pretty sick for GA, except for those
within the bureaucracy.

Sadly,since 2 decades ago it has been all down hill as the figures
quoted in your Editorial  show.

As an 'aviator for over 60 years I am saddened and disgusted that this
has been allowed  to occur through gross political neglect.

Within CASA there is corruption, cronyism and
criminality ( and I can prove it, as can  many others)

Under the guise of " Safety" anything can be done, and is, and CASA
has no over-sighting body to correct its deficiencies and poor
practices.

While regulatory change is sorely needed, how to change the culture of
those within CASA?

Until there is a serious JUDICIAL INQUIRY into the bureaucratic
shenanigans by CASA, where those in the GA industry have suffered and
their horror stories can be put out in the public domain NOTHING will
change.

CASA's Motto is , for ultimate 'safety' (which is an impossibility) is
"Safe Skies are Empty Skies"

And in Mike Borgelt reply to yesterday's Oz Flying article:

Crawford defends CASA Position on GA
[url=http://www.australianflying.com.au/latest/crawford-defends-casa-position-on-ga]27 Jul 2018
Acting Director of Aviation Safety defends CASA's position on general aviation. Read more

---

Mike Borgelt • 16 hours ago
Well that's it then. The aim is to destroy general aviation. When a government official denies something you can bet it is true. When the official and his deputy both say it, you can take it to the bank.

Finally once again from Sandy with the last word on the LMH...  

Sandy Reith • 15 hours ago

Well done Hitch, right on the money. The whole of GA industry is on the skids, nothing but Government action can save what’s left of our once busy sector. Jobs and growth? Stop laughing, its too sad. 

As for Mr. Crawford’s total denial of any culpability I’m afraid this says to expect no understanding or relief from the regulator because it has no idea of the horrific mess that, single handedly, it has created. Malice aforethought wouldn’t be an unreasonable conclusion in many quarters, probably not correct but you have to ask why?

August the current deadline for full transition to the impossible Part 61. Watch the (few) remaining flying schools struggle or just give up. 

Free country? What happened to that? Only Parliament can stop the rot, ring, email or collar your local MP and state Senators if you want to help.

 

MTF...P2 

Ps For more commentary on the Dick Smith Oz article please refer to AOPA Oz Facebook post:

https://www.facebook.com/AOPAaustralia/p...7878096134

[Gobbledock]

Mr Anderson.....

The silver haired ex Nationals deadwood;

“Mr Anderson yesterday accused Mr Smith of ignoring his own failings. Mr Smith might reflect a little on the fact that both Labor and the Coalition gave him the chance to reform CASA as chairman,” he said. “Labor sacked him, and when I was minister he lost the confidence of his own board”

What a spiteful, little ignorant douchebag. A politician through and through, deflecting his own short comings onto others. Someone needs to remind you Mr Anderson that during your tenure as Deputy Prime Trough Dweller the regulatory reform program was taking place, and it was never completed due to the failings of weak gutless Ministers who are deprived of testicles and the acumen to get the job done.

Dear John, don’t cast stones old mate. You fool.

The Aviation Matrix; In this scene Agent Dick Smith confronts the evil Mr Anderson over and over in an effort to make aviation changes happen;

[P7_TOM]

Baa, baa Wagga sheep, have you any brains-

Yes Sir, yes Sir, three thimbles full;

Two for re-election, half for my claims:

And a half one for aviation- a’goin down the drain.

A pub poem - for them as likes children’s verse. Tonight, in the stable workshop, the campaign to unseat McDoNowt begins. We just cannot afford or tolerate another half assed journalist trying to pretend we don’t exist, contribute; or, get him safely from A – B, despite CASA ruling the aviation world and him hiding his ignorance and indifference behind the words of the lowest form of human life.

TILT – game over – end of. It's official now, I'm cranky.

[Peetwo]

COTW - Dave off the Yaffa...

In reply to Oz Flying's...

Crawford defends CASA Position on GA
Acting Director of Aviation Safety defends CASA's position on general aviation.

Read more
27 Jul 2018

Dave open's up - 

Dave • a day ago
So let’s, just for a moment, take Graeme’s statement at face value and agree he believes he is telling the truth.

Not once does he mention cost. Under the WHS 2011 Act, which should govern these things, and be the reason we have “safety regulations” the very last step is to look at the cost of implementing, in this case, regulations. This is the final test of reasonableness of a regulation.

Even above he makes no mention that the cost of any regulation is made. Therefore in my mind, he shoots his own argument in the foot. CASA may not have it as a goal to murder GA in this country, but through their own, as stated position on how they regulate in his release above, they achieve the killing of GA because they do not understand or take into account what is reasonable.

Further he states those outside of aviation must have trust in GA. Once again he shows zero understanding that the problem is not with those outside of GA, it is those inside GA.

And then the arrogance to hold up the Basic Class 2 med, in its current form, which is just as onerous, and more so in some areas (such as hearing) than a standard class 2 med, seals his own coffin shut on his understanding of GA.

Graeme, you should hang your head in shame for your comments, as you clearly have zero understanding of GA and what a good and decent regulator that finds a reasonable balance between cost and safety should achieve.

CASA’s regulation of GA on the world stage in an anomaly, and in short it should be completely shut down and a new regulator, with new regs - based on US FAR’s - and more importantly with new people, should be stood up. It is time for a clean sweep. The people have had enough of your complete and utter lack of understanding of GA and you insistence that you are doing it right. The evidence is 100% clear, CASA is a failure.

Take's my nomination for 'comment of the week' - 

MTF...P2