[Peetwo]

KC & AMROBA final newsletter for 2016: Volume 13 Issue 12 (December 2016)

There are only two topics at the end of this year that summarises our view of Australia’s aviation situation and future.

1. Lack of political support for jobs in General Aviation

The real reason general aviation, i.e. aviation sectors other than the major airlines, cannot achieve its growth potential and add to the Australian economy is the lack of political support in this country for an industry that could create many jobs and careers, especially for rural Australia.

The government defines general aviation as: "General aviation commonly refers to that part of the aviation industry that engages in activity other than commercial air transport activity. This may include small charter operators, aeromedical operators, agricultural aviation businesses, aviation-based fire-fighting services, training and aerial work such as aerial photography and surveying. It also includes private, business, recreational and sports aviation activity."

These are all operational sectors that ignores the ICAO Classification of Activities that also lists: "Airport Services, Air Navigation Services, Civil Aviation Manufacturing, Aviation Training, Maintenance and Overhaul, Regulatory Functions (e.g. Design Activities) and Other Activities" that are common to both Commercial Air Transport and General Aviation.

2. The Role of CASA is not really defined in Legislation

One of the major points that the Aviation Safety Regulatory Review identified was the Civil Aviation Safety Authority was functioning very different from its 10 counterparts that have a place on the ICAO Council. Member States listed in the Council’s Part 1 – States of chief importance in air transport are: Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russian Federation, United Kingdom and the United States.

The commonality of the other members enabling Act, regulations, i.e. standards, that are aligned with the ICAO promulgated international standards and the international standards promulgated by the Federal Aviation Administration of the USA is very high, except for Australia.

After 30 years, Australian requirements have not been harmonised with these world leading aviation countries.

MTF...P2