[P7_TOM]

Of Priests, lawyers and suchlike.


> I know – I know; there is a call to do away with the lot of ‘em. But just about now, I’m wishing I was one – they have indemnity when a crime is confessed – I don’t. I have however just completed a list, a fairly long one, detailing ‘information’ gathered related to SOAR. No bloody evidence, just a lot of hearsay without tangible proof. That said, smoke usually indicates fire.
 
The problem is a complex one: for those who have information to offer – in one way or another; no matter how the ‘breach’ came about, in many cases the informants signature is on the paperwork – making them complicit, in law.
 
I guess it is a perennial problem for the law enforcement agencies. I have no knowledge of how it works in practice, but I understand that in some cases an amount of relief is available. IMO the SOAR case demands ‘indemnity’ in some cases, to facilitate a clear view of ‘what’ was going on.
 
For example: I have listened to two pilots who admit that their signature was ‘forged’ onto approval paperwork and said nothing. Three admit to accepting supervisory roles without having met the mandatory requirements, accepted the role, signed the paperwork and went ahead in the role.
 
I have no names, no documented evidence or even a blind clue to the veracity of these claims. Sure, they were ‘confessions’ (to which I cannot grant absolution). Under the existing regime, ‘true confessions' are unlikely to be offered, considering the ‘criminal record’ element. However; for the greater good and operational integrity going forward; I believe that an ‘indemnity’ and anonymous (in camera) reporting would be of great benefit.
 
I will leave it there – not my puzzle nor responsibility. There are some good kids out there who deserve a break and a stern warning. The information they could provide, given opportunity without dire penalty – would greatly improve the integrity of flight training in Australia. Only my opinion of course; but, young, ambitious, cost conscious people have no real knowledge of just how evil some folk in this world can be. They are easily lead and if the deviance becomes normalised, through group acceptance that this is the ‘way things are done’ – when one of ‘em dies through flawed, faulty, fraudulent training – who carries the can (or coffin)?
 
The current system has created this environment – time to look deep and clear.
 
That’s it – I’ll have the BRB working on it – maybe even draft a submission – for what that’ll be worth. Ale, lots of please, much to consider when keeping a government honest.
 
DiD I just say ‘honest? Oh dear!