[Kharon]

Ref: “Something is rotten in the state of Denmark …" & A soupçon of sympathy. & Key Issues and Perceptions around Regulation and Practice of Aircraft Maintenance in Australian General Aviation. Aerospace 2020,

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Selling snow - to an Eskimo.

Catchy ain't it – put it to a tune – like 'Never smile at a crocodile' and there's some fun to had with the lyrics – aye; I know small things amuse etc. Of course, if one had to choose between working for the delegation flogging off Australian 'snow' to the North pole; or, trying to get a purblind, bipartisan political outfit to usher in some serious changes to the way aviation is managed; I'd be off buying my Eskimo Nell outfit and fur lined jock strap tomorrow; and teaching the dogs Mush (or whatever).....

Did you ever imagine we could descend so low? Australia is like the Pakistani aircraft; landing on the nacelles then applying TOGO power. To ducking late – mate.

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Ref: Tell 'im 'e's dreamin'



“Hell is truth seen too late.” ― Thomas Hobbes, Leviathan

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P2 has once again done a great job – rounding up the comments (and some serious dustbin digging). One positive thing, the expected Senate inquiry (yes, another one) has done is bring out comments on social media, which (IMO) reflect just how big, ugly, expensive and dangerous the government end of the aviation safety game has become. The holes in the 'systems' knitting are unravelling, the results being seen through mid air collisions, flawed investigations, incredible expense to operate, the never ending write, rewrite and correction of 'safety' regulation, CASA edicts forcing operations outside of the published certification data; it's a bloody shambles. It is also a very expensive, increasingly dangerous shambles.

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"if you stare into the abyss, the abyss stares back at you"? ― Friedrich Nietzsche

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The notion of 'cost recovery' when added to fuel levy, when added to the budgetary demands; of the ASA, ATSB and CASA monies are a truly staggering sum. When you add in the revenue from GST, company tax, individual tax and etc; the numbers milked from industry are truly scary - for those who must stump up the geld. Right now; aviation, and by extension tourism and business (tax revenue) are desperately trying to stay afloat; big operations and small alike. Sure the numbers are different but, percentage wise; the % cost of business recovery is on a par. Then, there are the aircrew to consider. For those eventually returning to 'airline' duties; the individual costs are not horrendous. But for the rest; after a period of unemployment, the costs are truly a heavy burden - $75 to get CASA to do whatever they do to validate a medical; without any testing – stress test ECG ($400) Eyes, up to $400 etc. a proficiency check – what: say $600; an Instrument rating renewal what – say $2000 all up – ASIC add $300, new IFR/ Jepps/ ASA plates and charts – call it $500. You can see that returning to whatever is left of the 'charter' market is an expensive business – to earn what; $70 K a year?.

“To what's left of non airline operations” - Operators have 'costs' fixed and direct operating. Maintenance, Insurance, rent, TAX and several others : including 'compliance' (don't get me started). Some of these are 'government' charges. To get an aircraft into the air for a revenue flight is an expensive business. The market competitive, the margins slim.

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"We hope all danger may be overcome; but to conclude that no danger may ever arise would itself be extremely dangerous."― Abraham Lincoln

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Industry have always accepted this as a necessary evil; but: when their hard earned is feeding a monstrous, ravening system which is a law unto itself, pays people not qualified to act as 'experts'. Then spends three decades of its time dreaming up complex, multi edged 'laws' to justify the huge expense they impose, for no benefit to the goose which actually lays the golden eggs; you have to wonder what in the seventh Hell they are playing at. It's time – and ever increasing industry opinion publicly supports this; it is time for the government to stop ignoring the facts, take their heads out of their fundamental orifices, take a breath of fresh air and do what they are supposed to do. Several ministers, of all stripes, have allowed themselves to be publicly humiliated. But it ain't industry that's making a mockery of our parliamentary system. Take a look at the four million dollar price tag for the top draw of our 'safety' agencies – then ask the simplest of questions – what qualifies them as 'the experts'. Want to sell snow to an Eskimo minister? Easy, you have the best team in the world – just ask 'em; they'll tell ya and it will cost; but it will 'appear' as being done – very well. Snake oil salesman, spin merchants and more bullshit than a rodeo, all there covering the bases. I mean they sold you SOAR and Mildura, didn't they? Or was that 'another interested party'? - No matter.

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“Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” ― Marcus Aurelius , Meditations

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Want an 'aviation' industry? A business. One which while employing thousands, generates millions from tourism, business support and simple population travel? Then get off your arses and sort out the gods forsaken money grubbing, self promoting, minister baffling crew and hire some professionals. Plenty around right now – many on the dole queue.  Right then; that's got 'that' of my chest.

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"There are basically two types of people. People who accomplish things, and people who claim to have accomplished things. The first group is less crowded."― Mark Twain

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Well, it's wrong. We should keep all the ATCO's, but who needs a million dollar a year man  to run 'em – and loose money while running a monopoly? If aviation is to get going – all charges should be waived for a twelve month. Then, who needs a half million dollar a year buffoon, who's only claim to fame is his wardrobe running an agency which has not produced an accident report worth industry professional scrutiny, or Coroner approval for a decade? Peel off the top layer and let the 'tin-kickers' do what they do best; report and analyse accidents for the benefit of 'safety', freely, openly, without bias, favour, or demurring, or MoU. Then, who needs a three quarter million a year 'professional' bureaucrat running a billion dollar a year 'law maker'; law which becomes more and more bizarre with each page published. There minister; a 4.5 million dollar burden removed from industry shoulders. Take a little more off the charges and hell, we may even be able to get to our knees, take a breath and recover enough to provide the vast sums the government collects (one way or the other) from this industry. 40% 'staff reduction' 66% reduction in charges; 100% reduction in fuel levy and no increase in budget. There now – books balanced, industry up and running. What, I ask you is wrong with a vibrant, profitable industry?

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“Dwell on the beauty of life. Watch the stars, and see yourself running with them.” ― Marcus Aurelius , Meditations[/color]

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Aye, steam off thanks GD, time to build up the stove a little, chilly tonight; clear sky and a rising moon; all that's missing is my old jacket and the smell of Jet A1 – what a night to be flying (my favourite). No matter. Oh I nearly forgot – for young master Buckley. The desk turned out nicely; nearly all the dovetails fitted neatly, the 'white' oak performed brilliantly – made one 'loose' mortice; but I can blame the cat and a blunted chisel, which I should have sharpened earlier (slack). All in all, another happy 'customer'. Enjoyed it. Away now dogs; 'tis a night to go a roving.

So, we'll go no more a-roving

So late into the night,

Though the heart still be as loving,

And the moon still be as bright.

Selah.