Out loud - Head scratching.
Indulgence required. I've been trying for a fortnight now to puzzle out how best to 'solve' the aviation reform quandary. It is worth some serious consideration now, as we seem to have a minister who is prepared to consider 'change' with the sand to get it done, supported by some first class 'advisers' - who are very much aware of the need for 'reform' if the industry is to not only survive, but thrive. Its the best opportunity we have had in many a long weary year. Be an everlasting shame on industry if this slipped by - or worse, we allow a repeat of the emasculation the ASRR suffered, the consequences of that self evident.
I believe the best and probably the only way forward is the adoption of the FAR; in one form or another. However, the FAR have many benefits and significant cost saving for both the industry and government purse. It is time Australia joined the 'global village' of aviation; not to do so will further exclude the nation from trade agreements and licensing of product by those nations which cannot and will not sanction Australian paperwork supporting. For instance, there are some very good 'Australian' products and technology businesses operating 'off-shore' - which would be happy to bring the business home, along with the jobs and revenue - but cannot - due to the lack of harmonisation. This, stand alone is worthy of ministerial action.
But what of the rest? Those who toil under the CASA compliance lash, struggling to be seen as compliant against a known element which can be as ruthless to some as it is benevolent to others. There is, in reality and fact a serious, deep fear of CASA and the application of the law as it stands today. A fellah called Mazowita along with Ilik espoused and made fact that a 99/9% 'safe' conviction rate was the key to aviation safety; rather than a 95% rate. The USA and the FAR take a different approach to 'risk'. The 'code' for criminal behaviour is separated from the FAR; and, Gods help you if you fall fowl of it - but the 'crime' must be proven, beyond reasonable doubt, in court, with a 'defence' part of the rule of law. Not so in Australia. The subconscious, ever present threat of a criminal conviction, without the opportunity of mounting a defence is abhorrent. Take a look at FAR 43 and see the different approach to risk mitigation etc. Then take a look at the Australian 'enforcement manual'. Restoring Australian rules to a clear separation of 'criminal' and 'civil' code would be a brilliant start to 'segue' into an adoption of the FAR. This could be done, part 9A of the Act a good start point.
The minister however must be prepared to withstand the CASA arguments against adopting an ICAO compliant, world accepted, gold standard and to keep the aviation industry hobbled and firmly attached to Mummy's apron strings. As we all know, Mummy smacks, hard and often.
Aye well - apologies for the ramble, just trying to get my head around why we are still stuck with the misbegotten, counter productive, counter intuitive, bloody awful rule set which is preventing an industry from reaching it's full potential.
Right then, back to my knitting.
Toot - toot.
Indulgence required. I've been trying for a fortnight now to puzzle out how best to 'solve' the aviation reform quandary. It is worth some serious consideration now, as we seem to have a minister who is prepared to consider 'change' with the sand to get it done, supported by some first class 'advisers' - who are very much aware of the need for 'reform' if the industry is to not only survive, but thrive. Its the best opportunity we have had in many a long weary year. Be an everlasting shame on industry if this slipped by - or worse, we allow a repeat of the emasculation the ASRR suffered, the consequences of that self evident.
I believe the best and probably the only way forward is the adoption of the FAR; in one form or another. However, the FAR have many benefits and significant cost saving for both the industry and government purse. It is time Australia joined the 'global village' of aviation; not to do so will further exclude the nation from trade agreements and licensing of product by those nations which cannot and will not sanction Australian paperwork supporting. For instance, there are some very good 'Australian' products and technology businesses operating 'off-shore' - which would be happy to bring the business home, along with the jobs and revenue - but cannot - due to the lack of harmonisation. This, stand alone is worthy of ministerial action.
But what of the rest? Those who toil under the CASA compliance lash, struggling to be seen as compliant against a known element which can be as ruthless to some as it is benevolent to others. There is, in reality and fact a serious, deep fear of CASA and the application of the law as it stands today. A fellah called Mazowita along with Ilik espoused and made fact that a 99/9% 'safe' conviction rate was the key to aviation safety; rather than a 95% rate. The USA and the FAR take a different approach to 'risk'. The 'code' for criminal behaviour is separated from the FAR; and, Gods help you if you fall fowl of it - but the 'crime' must be proven, beyond reasonable doubt, in court, with a 'defence' part of the rule of law. Not so in Australia. The subconscious, ever present threat of a criminal conviction, without the opportunity of mounting a defence is abhorrent. Take a look at FAR 43 and see the different approach to risk mitigation etc. Then take a look at the Australian 'enforcement manual'. Restoring Australian rules to a clear separation of 'criminal' and 'civil' code would be a brilliant start to 'segue' into an adoption of the FAR. This could be done, part 9A of the Act a good start point.
The minister however must be prepared to withstand the CASA arguments against adopting an ICAO compliant, world accepted, gold standard and to keep the aviation industry hobbled and firmly attached to Mummy's apron strings. As we all know, Mummy smacks, hard and often.
Aye well - apologies for the ramble, just trying to get my head around why we are still stuck with the misbegotten, counter productive, counter intuitive, bloody awful rule set which is preventing an industry from reaching it's full potential.
Right then, back to my knitting.
Toot - toot.