Dear Sandy.
Faith and trust? Big questions. It is difficult to define precisely when all 'respect' for and tolerance of CASA began; indeed it has been a gradual process developed over decades. Way back, in the beginning, we admired, respected and even liked some of the men and women at the 'departmental' coal face; the FOI and the administration crew. Every half year we would meet a respected, experienced pilot, one of us, who was also CASA examiner, to renew our instrument rating - no option. They acted as anchor, mentor and role model and could always find time for a coffee and a chat about this or that. They were practical folk and very well 'tuned in' to what was occurring on their local aerodromes. Tales were told over beers about how something a little on the risque side had been nipped in the bud. I cannot count the number of times a short conversation assisted with an operational 'problem' which needed clarity in regard to 'the Orders'. I've even had a 'problem' kicked up the line' and a resolution handed down (within 48 hours) - "can't do it that way - But, consider this as an alternative".
Something ugly and insidious crept into CASA a few decades ago, like a malignant weed, one which gradually took over the vegetable patch and strangled the flowers. Some older wiser heads tell the story of a battle between 'operations' and 'legal' with the legal team winning the match - true of false - don't know; but there's evidence to support the tale. Having said that, there is one man in the 'legal' crew who I believe can be trusted to be as honest as possible in the circumstances; old school honesty and common sense applied - when allowed. Perhaps that is where reform could start, for it is (IMO) 'legal' that created the much of the current mess and an unassailable power base. Here again, that's only speculation on my part; but, the proposition does seem to have legs and generates a fair amount of condemnation - whether deserved or not is beyond my remit or knowledge. History and 'fact' of actions taken seem to support that notion as being the root of the current putrid atmosphere; go no further back than last week's Pascoe case; (now, that will be a story worth the telling)..
It seems to boil down to this - my solitary opinion, distrust of and disgust with the current system, combined with total disrespect for the 'management' crew don't signify in any way that matters. I have examined the dark side of CASA in action too may times and witnessed the destruction those actions caused (all in the name of 'safety'). It sickens me to see a once proud, independent industry 'bending a knee' (or bending over) to survive in the hope of escaping CASA displeasure (or agenda). If what was said in board or crew rooms ever got back to CASA, there would be Hell to pay. "Go along to get along - or else" the current sad ethos. Dictated to by FOI who you would not hire in a fit; they, supported by a legal department with a rank reputation, even amongst the legal profession - which ain't the most savoury bunch you'd ever shake hands with. It all leaves me to wonder when, or even if the lunacy will ever end.
Respect - Nah, in short - no way. My respect, trust and loyalty needs to be earned and once lost it is a difficult thing to regain, despite an innate tolerance. Spence and Biskin are (IMO) a pair of chocolate spark plugs and about as reliable. Being about as dangerous to those who oppose any and all internal reform as my kitten is to the big dog.
Toot - toot.
Faith and trust? Big questions. It is difficult to define precisely when all 'respect' for and tolerance of CASA began; indeed it has been a gradual process developed over decades. Way back, in the beginning, we admired, respected and even liked some of the men and women at the 'departmental' coal face; the FOI and the administration crew. Every half year we would meet a respected, experienced pilot, one of us, who was also CASA examiner, to renew our instrument rating - no option. They acted as anchor, mentor and role model and could always find time for a coffee and a chat about this or that. They were practical folk and very well 'tuned in' to what was occurring on their local aerodromes. Tales were told over beers about how something a little on the risque side had been nipped in the bud. I cannot count the number of times a short conversation assisted with an operational 'problem' which needed clarity in regard to 'the Orders'. I've even had a 'problem' kicked up the line' and a resolution handed down (within 48 hours) - "can't do it that way - But, consider this as an alternative".
Something ugly and insidious crept into CASA a few decades ago, like a malignant weed, one which gradually took over the vegetable patch and strangled the flowers. Some older wiser heads tell the story of a battle between 'operations' and 'legal' with the legal team winning the match - true of false - don't know; but there's evidence to support the tale. Having said that, there is one man in the 'legal' crew who I believe can be trusted to be as honest as possible in the circumstances; old school honesty and common sense applied - when allowed. Perhaps that is where reform could start, for it is (IMO) 'legal' that created the much of the current mess and an unassailable power base. Here again, that's only speculation on my part; but, the proposition does seem to have legs and generates a fair amount of condemnation - whether deserved or not is beyond my remit or knowledge. History and 'fact' of actions taken seem to support that notion as being the root of the current putrid atmosphere; go no further back than last week's Pascoe case; (now, that will be a story worth the telling)..
It seems to boil down to this - my solitary opinion, distrust of and disgust with the current system, combined with total disrespect for the 'management' crew don't signify in any way that matters. I have examined the dark side of CASA in action too may times and witnessed the destruction those actions caused (all in the name of 'safety'). It sickens me to see a once proud, independent industry 'bending a knee' (or bending over) to survive in the hope of escaping CASA displeasure (or agenda). If what was said in board or crew rooms ever got back to CASA, there would be Hell to pay. "Go along to get along - or else" the current sad ethos. Dictated to by FOI who you would not hire in a fit; they, supported by a legal department with a rank reputation, even amongst the legal profession - which ain't the most savoury bunch you'd ever shake hands with. It all leaves me to wonder when, or even if the lunacy will ever end.
Respect - Nah, in short - no way. My respect, trust and loyalty needs to be earned and once lost it is a difficult thing to regain, despite an innate tolerance. Spence and Biskin are (IMO) a pair of chocolate spark plugs and about as reliable. Being about as dangerous to those who oppose any and all internal reform as my kitten is to the big dog.
Toot - toot.