[Kharon]

Ref: Update 08/04/17: For & on behalf of Sandy & Money and influence & https://auntypru.com/catchers-in-the-wry/ 

"It is not certain that everything is uncertain". 

Cockpit or flight deck, on the water or on the road - or, in almost any circumstance one can imagine, the worst and IMO the most dangerous situation is the one where 'uncertainty' rules. That is where we find the aviation industry today, lost on the uncertain sea of political fortunes. Aye, 'tis time for chanting the pagans prayer in the hope that someone, somehow sets about making the changes demanded by the revenue producing, voting, essential industry that is aviation. The uncertainty for future of the industry, even to the 'big guns' needs to be removed as a matter of urgency. The game has dragged on for thirty years, each decade has seen the industry pushed closer and closer to the precipice of no return.

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Ref: https://auntypru.com/sbg-11-07-21-of-cle...d-dilemma/

“Wisdom consists of knowing how to distinguish the nature of trouble, and in choosing the lesser evil.” ― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince

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What is certain? Well, unless government steps up to the crease and drives through the essential changes to the 'law' which governs, then diminishing returns on investment will eventually, but with certainty, kill off an industry which should be flourishing - fact. Aircraft are not inexpensive, the cost of maintenance, training and staff not inconsiderable, the cost of borrowing, insurance etc all present enough uncertainty, without the dire, ever present threat of precarious administrative action being manufactured. What is needed is a Minister to stand up and say, in no uncertain terms, that the situation will be remedied, starting today, ending this day next year. It can be done, indeed it must be done; it can be done, but will it be done? That is the question, ain't it?

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“It must be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to manage than a new system. For the initiator has the enmity of all who would profit by the preservation of the old institution and merely lukewarm defenders in those who gain by the new ones. ” ― Niccolò Machiavelli

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Of course, the wretched 'election' provides even more uncertainty; gods forbid we get saddled with another 'Albo' and his cheap 'white paper', bipartinsane obfuscation and purblind determination to decimate what remains of the wreckage left behind from his last time at the helm. Make no mistake; we shall see a lot more horror stories, like the Buckley saga unfold unless the excesses of the CASA are stopped cold; the spineless ATSB grow a set; and, the ASA are removed from the tit of profit. I know, all has been said before - however, there it stands , a monument to failed governance and weak kneed politicians.

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“It's not because things are difficult that we dare not venture. It's because we dare not venture that they are difficult.” ― Lucius Annaeus Seneca

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Uncertainty, tinged with hope has however struggled into daylight, as a spin off from the 20/20 Senate Inquiry. Seems we are to have yet another AOPA funded gabfest - in a hanger - May 1. Promises of 'sledge hammers' and 'nut-crackers' on the menu. Hitch frames it up nicely - HERE -

"Sledgehammers are used to force things, and in the governmental-bureaucratic arrangement surrounding aviation, the ability of the senate to force change is extremely limited because all power is enshrined in the Director of Aviation Safety and the minister. On the other side of the balance sheet, Patrick has proven in estimates that he prepares well for what he's doing and it would be foolhardy to believe that he's likely go off half-cocked, which makes his Mayday address even more intriguing. Is the irresistible force about to meet the immovable object? It will be worth being at AOPA Australia's headquarters on 1 May to find out. (My edits). 

Item second last - We all watched the Sky examination of the MH 370 mystery; one of the 'stand out' interviews was with Foley, a calm, sensible modest man who, despite his frustration remains constant in his dedication to solving this particular puzzle. Credible  and plain spoken, nothing like our new mate  the 'Pick-Me-Popinjay' - all hat and no cattle as my Americans friends say. Now forced to back-pedal as Geo science Australia  reviews the search data and politely discounts yet another theory, albeit a good one. Seems to me that the PMP should have at least taken a look at the cards, before opening the betting; or, to put it another way - not shot himself in the arse on TV. Seriously folks, how can the ATSB have a shred of credibility left. Bringing back Foley and establishing some semblance of integrity would be a restorative of faith.

Items last. I'm still smiling about a section from Pete Credlin (Sky News) the other day. Most sensibly she called in the Bookie's to discuss the betting on the election - HERE - . Smart, amusing move, setting the odds is an art form, part science, part wind sniffing and part gained intelligence. Anyway - the segment is well worth the short time taken to watch.

Not that it is of any particular import, but my old Moggie passed away last evening. I shall miss her; doing 20 knots across the stable floor in pursuit of an unfortunate rodent, parked on the work bench watching a saw blade at work, practising typing on my unguarded keyboard, etc. The dogs knew before I did, the howls at the moment of passing sent the signal. How often do we discount the intelligence and insight of our animals - they knew the signs, long before I, to my shame, did.

Selah.