Of them what asks no questions.
Always had a soft spot for Kipling; the 'Smugglers Song' a favourite since early childhood, with age and experience the words, as writ, carry a clear life lesson.
“Them that ask no questions isn’t told a lie.”
The 'trick' (of course), in order to avoid being 'misled' (or watching the wall) is, to ask the right questions of the 'right' people. But (Aye the big but) who are these 'right people'? They take some finding; and, should you stumble upon one of the 'quiet' folk; then your questions must be phrased correctly, lest deflected. Any legal Eagle worth his salt will tell you that if the right button ain't pressed – etc.. So, where is a country boy to begin 'digging' for solid, informative, provable fact? Solve that puzzle and perhaps, maybe, the distant flicker of a candle lit to truth may be glimpsed.
“If someone is able to show me that what I think or do is not right, I will happily change, for I seek the truth, by which no one was ever truly harmed. It is the person who continues in his self-deception and ignorance who is harmed.”
Where to begin our search for 'truth' is a serious stumbling block; so many versions to hand, enough to give a honest Bookie night terrors - a fair assessment. But; we must begin our search somewhere. Bearing in mind the words of 'Holmes'.
![[Image: 220px-Sherlock_Holmes_-_The_Man_with_the...red%29.jpg]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9e/Sherlock_Holmes_-_The_Man_with_the_Twisted_Lip_%28colored%29.jpg/220px-Sherlock_Holmes_-_The_Man_with_the_Twisted_Lip_%28colored%29.jpg)
“Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”
So, in no particular order; let us begin. Matters aeronautical always take priority; AOPA have done some serious research, through FOI into the destruction of many of our aerodromes based on how it affects the 'non – airline' sector or what is left of Australian aviation business. Across the world, for the most part – the 'non – scheduled' air service sector is thriving. Particularly in the US of A, gangbusters in fact. The reason is simple enough, a rule set which 'fosters, promotes' and is not only very 'concise' but easily translated into 'operational' compliance. Across the planet, countries are adopting, without fuss, nationalistic ego, or rebellion: a sensible, practical, easily complied with regulation 'philosophy' – and, they are flourishing. They generate revenue, employment, safety and sensible compliance, without the eternal threat of no defence, strict liability and criminal record for 'misdemeanour'. Brilliant stuff. Here, in Australia, (alas), we get a 'green paper' which will, in the fullness of time, lead to a white paper. Who's version of 'the truth' are our supposed 'leaders' following? We have had inquiry (at top level) after inquiry for decades now, at great expense; nothing had changed except the volume of business non airline flying conducts. The 'facts' are there in simple numbers; the evidence for 'change' is there in Spades; the 'proof' that the system has lost its way and is out of step with the gold standard aviation nations is undeniable. Yet we are stuck with 'looking to the future' bullshit about verti ports and electric aircraft. Hoi ! Dick Head – if there was any money to be made from 'electric' aircraft, Boeing engineers would have shot Tesla's boots off at the starting gate. FCOL we can put people into space; scan the galaxies and do many wonderful, unheard of things; if 'electric' were to be made 'it', that would have happened; donkey's ago; driven by science and market forces. These clowns really think that adding more tax and regulation and green dream horseshit will save the nation from becoming a third world aviation nation – think again. PNG has a much better regulations and a thriving non airline sector. White paper – use as directed and FLUSH..!! - with malice aforethought.
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.”
While on the subject of 'brainless' incompetence; any examination of the ATSB's record, particularly in recent times, leaves much to be desired from an 'industry' and 'peer' perspective. Why is it that should a 'major' event occur, nothing else will do but that the head mutt must jump onto an aircraft, post haste; change into an outfit, run off at the mouth in front of the media, and achieve sweet sod all in terms of the 'how' 'why' and 'wherefore' of an aviation event? Why not in the office, arranging support, recruiting investigators, hassling the money men for more resources and: (importantly)– being neither qualified or competent; stay out of the way of the IIC?. Last episode for the dress up Popinjay; - Canberra to Melbourne (airfare & wasted time) – Melbourne to Perth (airfare & wasted time) travel to site and late to a press briefing. Meals, accommodation, expenses, return airfares; all on the industry bill? – But then, patiently waiting his arrival (FDS) - a pre prepared statement “for attribution to”. Bollocks..... This jumped up little Popinjay, wannabe Kangaroo (with pictures) rescuer, dress up doyen of the thespian clan, would not understand 'how' a 737 ground to halt at the end of a low level run anymore than I would know how to turn lead into gold; or Albononsense into practical application for the progress of a revenue generating industry. And 'we' pay for (again and again) and accept this frog pooh as 'righteous? Australian taxpayer – ripped off – once again? Don't bother answering that..
“You, sir, will certainly either die upon the gallows or of a social disease.”
“That depends, sir, upon whether I embrace your principles or your mistress.”
Well; that only leaves the unmentionable, out of the 'stuff and nonsense' group. Who? - Why our ATCO's of course. Where are their 'truths'? Some would say behind a powerful union push; others may speculate that they are 'over-time' weary and would like to spend a little more time at home with the kids; others may say that they are 'fed up' to the teeth with their management. Who'd know? But, once again, facts are facts and the published record – once again – leans toward the absolute incompetence of senior management and the great losses incurred during the 'Once Sky' big pie, fiscal fiasco. Our very own self appointed 'guru' (Halfwit) and his 'mate' (Hooded Canary) have created their very own, hand made, purpose built 'cluster-duck'. Blew up a solid system; spent a King's ransom and came away carrying the muck left behind by Who'stoblame. Follow the money trail – it's fair, fat and wide; some winners, many loser's – and then, ask – who got the 'gong' and who got the money. Aye, 'tis a tale for a winters evening by the fire; won't bother the kids – but it should scare the bejassus out of the incumbent minister responsible. But then; who else would we ask the questions of?
“And if such malignity is hidden for a time, it proceeds from the unknown reason that would not be known because the experience of the contrary had not been seen, but time, which is said to be the father of every truth, will cause it to be discovered.”
Aye well; so much for sound and fury
It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
On my bench (apart from the cat) is an old 'sash window frame'. Australian Cedar (rare) and quite dilapidated (150 years of weather and abuse). A factory can and do make replacement frames; takes about 20 minutes and computer faultless. I have mentioned this to my 'client'. She mentioned the price quoted to make this thing again; brand new. I have agreed to that price as the cost – in time, of the repairs. It will take me about 40 hours to 'remake' the thing – lots of fine work, special tools from the era in which it was made (using a sash fillister circa 1830) for example; matching the wood from my limited stock of Cedar; creating several small 'scarf' joints to meld old with new; using plough planes of the same vintage, making 'beading' to refit. Will I loose money? You bet – do I care? No way; when I see it clean, glowing and fully restored; that will be enough recompense; more than enough. Some things matter – were it 'rubbish' from a different era different story. But some things demand that they are put to rights; the man who made this thing made it to last and all the years have not diminished the intent, the skill and the skilled beauty routinely imparted into it. Veritas; in Cedar: simple beauty and integrity reflecting what 'we' used to be.
“This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
Wisdom – supported by truth – in a line or two. Yet here we sit, facing down another season, lost in the wilderness of Albononsense, King, Spence, Popinjay and Halfwit happily cheering the Albononsense package; of time wasted, money flushed and an industry crippled, sent off to use more 'sustainable' fuel – BOLLOCKS. Away dogs; NOW! before I actually loose my temper completely and end up shouting at the trees in the orchard (again). Away now! – sanity, peace, the wild beasts - and a smoke await us.
Selah...
Always had a soft spot for Kipling; the 'Smugglers Song' a favourite since early childhood, with age and experience the words, as writ, carry a clear life lesson.
“Them that ask no questions isn’t told a lie.”
The 'trick' (of course), in order to avoid being 'misled' (or watching the wall) is, to ask the right questions of the 'right' people. But (Aye the big but) who are these 'right people'? They take some finding; and, should you stumble upon one of the 'quiet' folk; then your questions must be phrased correctly, lest deflected. Any legal Eagle worth his salt will tell you that if the right button ain't pressed – etc.. So, where is a country boy to begin 'digging' for solid, informative, provable fact? Solve that puzzle and perhaps, maybe, the distant flicker of a candle lit to truth may be glimpsed.
“If someone is able to show me that what I think or do is not right, I will happily change, for I seek the truth, by which no one was ever truly harmed. It is the person who continues in his self-deception and ignorance who is harmed.”
Where to begin our search for 'truth' is a serious stumbling block; so many versions to hand, enough to give a honest Bookie night terrors - a fair assessment. But; we must begin our search somewhere. Bearing in mind the words of 'Holmes'.
“Once you eliminate the impossible, whatever remains, no matter how improbable, must be the truth.”
So, in no particular order; let us begin. Matters aeronautical always take priority; AOPA have done some serious research, through FOI into the destruction of many of our aerodromes based on how it affects the 'non – airline' sector or what is left of Australian aviation business. Across the world, for the most part – the 'non – scheduled' air service sector is thriving. Particularly in the US of A, gangbusters in fact. The reason is simple enough, a rule set which 'fosters, promotes' and is not only very 'concise' but easily translated into 'operational' compliance. Across the planet, countries are adopting, without fuss, nationalistic ego, or rebellion: a sensible, practical, easily complied with regulation 'philosophy' – and, they are flourishing. They generate revenue, employment, safety and sensible compliance, without the eternal threat of no defence, strict liability and criminal record for 'misdemeanour'. Brilliant stuff. Here, in Australia, (alas), we get a 'green paper' which will, in the fullness of time, lead to a white paper. Who's version of 'the truth' are our supposed 'leaders' following? We have had inquiry (at top level) after inquiry for decades now, at great expense; nothing had changed except the volume of business non airline flying conducts. The 'facts' are there in simple numbers; the evidence for 'change' is there in Spades; the 'proof' that the system has lost its way and is out of step with the gold standard aviation nations is undeniable. Yet we are stuck with 'looking to the future' bullshit about verti ports and electric aircraft. Hoi ! Dick Head – if there was any money to be made from 'electric' aircraft, Boeing engineers would have shot Tesla's boots off at the starting gate. FCOL we can put people into space; scan the galaxies and do many wonderful, unheard of things; if 'electric' were to be made 'it', that would have happened; donkey's ago; driven by science and market forces. These clowns really think that adding more tax and regulation and green dream horseshit will save the nation from becoming a third world aviation nation – think again. PNG has a much better regulations and a thriving non airline sector. White paper – use as directed and FLUSH..!! - with malice aforethought.
“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.”
While on the subject of 'brainless' incompetence; any examination of the ATSB's record, particularly in recent times, leaves much to be desired from an 'industry' and 'peer' perspective. Why is it that should a 'major' event occur, nothing else will do but that the head mutt must jump onto an aircraft, post haste; change into an outfit, run off at the mouth in front of the media, and achieve sweet sod all in terms of the 'how' 'why' and 'wherefore' of an aviation event? Why not in the office, arranging support, recruiting investigators, hassling the money men for more resources and: (importantly)– being neither qualified or competent; stay out of the way of the IIC?. Last episode for the dress up Popinjay; - Canberra to Melbourne (airfare & wasted time) – Melbourne to Perth (airfare & wasted time) travel to site and late to a press briefing. Meals, accommodation, expenses, return airfares; all on the industry bill? – But then, patiently waiting his arrival (FDS) - a pre prepared statement “for attribution to”. Bollocks..... This jumped up little Popinjay, wannabe Kangaroo (with pictures) rescuer, dress up doyen of the thespian clan, would not understand 'how' a 737 ground to halt at the end of a low level run anymore than I would know how to turn lead into gold; or Albononsense into practical application for the progress of a revenue generating industry. And 'we' pay for (again and again) and accept this frog pooh as 'righteous? Australian taxpayer – ripped off – once again? Don't bother answering that..
“You, sir, will certainly either die upon the gallows or of a social disease.”
“That depends, sir, upon whether I embrace your principles or your mistress.”
Well; that only leaves the unmentionable, out of the 'stuff and nonsense' group. Who? - Why our ATCO's of course. Where are their 'truths'? Some would say behind a powerful union push; others may speculate that they are 'over-time' weary and would like to spend a little more time at home with the kids; others may say that they are 'fed up' to the teeth with their management. Who'd know? But, once again, facts are facts and the published record – once again – leans toward the absolute incompetence of senior management and the great losses incurred during the 'Once Sky' big pie, fiscal fiasco. Our very own self appointed 'guru' (Halfwit) and his 'mate' (Hooded Canary) have created their very own, hand made, purpose built 'cluster-duck'. Blew up a solid system; spent a King's ransom and came away carrying the muck left behind by Who'stoblame. Follow the money trail – it's fair, fat and wide; some winners, many loser's – and then, ask – who got the 'gong' and who got the money. Aye, 'tis a tale for a winters evening by the fire; won't bother the kids – but it should scare the bejassus out of the incumbent minister responsible. But then; who else would we ask the questions of?
“And if such malignity is hidden for a time, it proceeds from the unknown reason that would not be known because the experience of the contrary had not been seen, but time, which is said to be the father of every truth, will cause it to be discovered.”
Aye well; so much for sound and fury
It is a tale
Told by an idiot, full of sound and fury,
Signifying nothing.
On my bench (apart from the cat) is an old 'sash window frame'. Australian Cedar (rare) and quite dilapidated (150 years of weather and abuse). A factory can and do make replacement frames; takes about 20 minutes and computer faultless. I have mentioned this to my 'client'. She mentioned the price quoted to make this thing again; brand new. I have agreed to that price as the cost – in time, of the repairs. It will take me about 40 hours to 'remake' the thing – lots of fine work, special tools from the era in which it was made (using a sash fillister circa 1830) for example; matching the wood from my limited stock of Cedar; creating several small 'scarf' joints to meld old with new; using plough planes of the same vintage, making 'beading' to refit. Will I loose money? You bet – do I care? No way; when I see it clean, glowing and fully restored; that will be enough recompense; more than enough. Some things matter – were it 'rubbish' from a different era different story. But some things demand that they are put to rights; the man who made this thing made it to last and all the years have not diminished the intent, the skill and the skilled beauty routinely imparted into it. Veritas; in Cedar: simple beauty and integrity reflecting what 'we' used to be.
“This above all: to thine own self be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.”
Wisdom – supported by truth – in a line or two. Yet here we sit, facing down another season, lost in the wilderness of Albononsense, King, Spence, Popinjay and Halfwit happily cheering the Albononsense package; of time wasted, money flushed and an industry crippled, sent off to use more 'sustainable' fuel – BOLLOCKS. Away dogs; NOW! before I actually loose my temper completely and end up shouting at the trees in the orchard (again). Away now! – sanity, peace, the wild beasts - and a smoke await us.
Selah...