[Peetwo]

BRB SMEs view/QON on the CAA Oz AOC timeline of discrepancy??

Courtesy of the BRB communication channels...

SME 1: "Coulson's had no option but to operate under an Australian AOC or short term approvals under s 27A of the Civil Aviation Act.   There are no other alternatives.   All foreign commercial operators who operate into, in, and out of Australian airspace have an Australian AOC issued by CASA (or a short term 27A approval).   CASA describes them as "foreign" AOCs but that is misleading.  They are Australian AOCs that happen to authorise the operation of a foreign aircraft in Australian airspace.   The operators may well also have - and usually do also have - an AOC issued by their 'flag' state."

SME 2:  "Interesting comment from SME 1. There are significant differences in the issuance of AOC and FAOCs. A FAOC is based on an existing AOC from a foreign state, in this case the US. Depending on who the State is, it may aid in the approval process, hence the importance of ICAO USOP. It certainly was relevant in several other contextual and possibly politically controversial FAOC applications. The assessment process of an Australian AOC is detailed and contains aspects, proving flights, post-holder interviews etc, etc, that aren't included for a FAOC. ICAO have always recognised the State of the operator and State of Registry (NAA) have the primary responsibility for surveillance. These FOAC approvals should only be short term. That's a case by case decision currently...

...Looking at the CASA FOAC definition, they should have has an Australian AOC as the operation likely involves more than 8 movements in 12 months. However, being seasonal and reliant on fires means they probably won't comply with 137 proficiency requirements, therefore, the exemption. Yet, do they comply with the FAA requirements? Also, how are the FAA supposed to oversight a AOC outside the US? There's a hole in the system. That's part of the reason the FAA hold bi-lateral State (NAA) partner meetings. To keep an eye this kind of activity. "N" registered aircraft domiciled in foreign States is part of this complexity.

Murky waters indeed and something ICAO need to consider. This isn't a unique issue here.

Regardless of the home of the AOC, these prangs indicate a loose operation, poor decision making and deviation from SOPs. It's an Australian AOC, so it's difficult to understand the speed in which it was issued. My experience with a new AOC is a invasive and thorough process that can't be done in the time frame you highlighted P2..."

Very much related, I note that the Coulson regulatory facilitator (IE the previous Executive Manager of Reg Oversight Craig Martin) was apparently demoted in February from the CAA COO to a 'Strategic Advisor' and in recent weeks has taken up a position as a Director of 'Environ Global Consulting' - err WTD??

Meanwhile the CAA rotary wing CP was promoted (also in February??) to the CASA approved statutory position of Director Flight Ops?? - Hmm...love to see the paper trail on that one?? 

MTF...P2 

PS: This 2021 media release from CAA IMO adds to the intrigue and associated disconnections.. : https://coulsonaviation.com.au/coulson-a...xperience/ & https://coulsonaviation.com.au/usa-presi...australia/