[Peetwo]

Fawcetts speech was articulate, sensible, technical and clear. This was a speech from a man well versed, knowledgeable and experienced in aviation matters, a man who understands the parameters of operations, infrastructure, technology and planning. A man actually interested in aviation. Can you imagine the crusty headed Farmboy delivering such a quality presentation?? Even if his beloved PMC wrote the speech word for word old Farmboy wouldn't have a clue what any of it meant!

To put it bluntly Senator Fawcett is the man who needs to be placed in the role of Junior Minister for Aviation, sooner rather than later. We have experienced  decades of failed policy, failed planning, failed investment and a failed understanding of the importance of aviation in this country. We are decades behind the eight ball, and behind most other western countries. Imagine someone like Fawcett as junior aviation minister for lets say 5 years? 5 years in which he fosters and introduces positive change, puts us on a strong future track, reforms the alphabet soup bureaucracies, builds a strong aviation framework, and mentors a handful of close comrades who will take up the mantle when the good Senator retires. I know, it's the stuff that dreams are made of, but by god it would be great!

There is a serious lack of understanding about just how critical it is that in a country like Australia we have modern airport and aviation infrastructure. Aviation is the lifeblood of any country, particularly a country as diverse and challenging as Australia. Aviation keeps the economy not only ticking over and bringing in revenue, it enables the country to move forward, literally, on a day by day and hour by hour basis. Although some city Lord Mayors or regional Council CEO's don't always realise it, their local airport and associated infrastructure is the most valuable asset in their community/region. It's about time that we had people positioned in federal and state Government that supported this fact and ensured that needed funds be pumped in as and when needed, and not use airport and aviation services such as ASA as cash cows in which millions and even billions are raped from the asset and then pissed into the wind. 

When it comes to Australian aviation it is time to spend wisely, invest wisely and act wisely.

Gobbles although you have made plenty of fine posts on here and on the UP, that is one of the most passionate, eloquent & well written posts I think you've ever made - well done that man!



Ironical really but on my stint to monitor the UP (thanks P1... ), I came across another Dick Smith instigated thread, that very much reflects much of what you said in your post, including the idea of an aviation adviser for the miniscule.

Dick Smith:  

BANKSTOWN AIRPORT’S CEO 100% CORRECT

---

In the June issue of AVIATOR Magazine, the CEO of Bankstown Airport, Colin Grove, has been quoted as follows:

According to Grove, the biggest challenge he faces is what he describes as the decline in GA. “We are very aware that many of the traditional business models that drive the industry are no longer viable and some businesses are definitely struggling. If the industry is to remain financially viable then Governments will need to seriously address the concerns raised by the various industry peak bodies such as AOPA and the RAAA and there will need to be a complete mindset change in how regulations are imposed and a transparent assessment of the impact they have on the aviation industry.”

Never have truer words been spoken!

Of course, there are many who will put some of the blame on the owners of Bankstown Airport but that blame has to go back to John Anderson and the people in the Department of Transport at that time for the way they sold-off Bankstown Airport.

What’s more to the point is that if CASA went ahead with reforming the rules so they were as efficient as those in other leading aviation countries, such as the USA and Canada, we would not have some of the problems at Bankstown.

Last time I walked around Bankstown Airport many of the hangar doors were chained and the hangars themselves were being used just to store junk inside and I am told by everyone that it’s getting worse.

It’s interesting that Warren Truss makes no statements about the dire straits the industry is in and in an address by CASA Director of Aviation Safety, Mark Skidmore, at the AOPA gathering at Bankstown Airport last Saturday (20 June), once again there was no mention of removing every unnecessary cost.

A good start would be for Warren Truss to put on an advisor who clearly understands the dismal situation our general aviation industry is in. Over the years I have recommended some capable people for the role of Aviation Advisor but not one has ever been interviewed.

I see no changes at all on the horizon with Mr Truss as Minister and Mr Mrdak as Head of the Department. Does anyone have a more positive view?

 
Bravo Dick, may I suggest that you give Senator's Fawcett, Sterle, Heffernan & Xenophon a buzz, cause the clock is ticking to the inevitable sad demise of the once proud GA industry in this country...



Tick..tick..tick..tick

 

MTF...P2