[Peetwo]

Update via Sandy & Hitch - Part II...

The Last Minute Hitch: 12 August 2016
12 August 2016

On Monday AOPA released measures that show quite emphatically that general aviation in Australia is on a downward curve. They did so after a challenge from CASA's Mark Skidmore to prove GA activity is on the wane. Challenge accepted ... and done! CASA has responed by stating that they agree with AOPA's position, but that there's more behind the decline that just unworkable regulation. Here's where I make myself unpopular: CASA is right, partially. Fixing regulation is not going to bring enough new bodies through the door to reverse the downward trend and put energy and mass back into general aviation, which is what is really needed to bolster our industry.

constant swordfighting with the blackhats is preventing us from getting to the damsel in distress

However, constant swordfighting with the blackhats is preventing us from getting to the damsel in distress. We're so busy trying to cope with overwhelming regulatory burdens that don't advance safety that we can't even think about what is needed to attract more people to aviation. It's almost like flying schools and AOCs exist solely to push paper around. However, CASA can open the jailhouse door, but it is up to the industry to walk though it themselves. CASA will not teach us how to market our businesses, nor how to properly evaluate investments, nor fleet planning nor how to make flying instructors realise they have a role as sales people. That's up to the industry itself.

And speaking of statistics, the General Aircraft Manufacturers Association (GAMA) released the latest GA aircraft shipment data this week.The figures are disappointing as they show a continued decline in deliveries over last year, but at least they are up against Q1 2016. The outstanding number is that of the Cirrus SR22 range. They shipped 91 aircraft in the quarter, which is nearly four times as many as all the manufacturers in the high-speed singles category. But exactly what does this tell us? It probably tells us that new aircraft owners are wanting new aircraft, not revamped older models. Cirrus gazumped everyone 20 years ago by showing us the radical new composite design that broke all the established rules; rules that were at least 30 years old at the time. Cessna has since fought back with the TTx, but it's starting from back mark that represents a significant handicap...

Read more at http://www.australianflying.com.au/the-l...cDcyU8j.99

Hitch is right, CASA will not be the only element in in any move to revitalise GA. However without reform of, quote, "unworkable" regulation then there will not be a viable and growing industry. In other words if government does not take the hand brake off then we go nowhere but down.

Therefore government action is the key to the door behind which the maiden is swooning through lack of oxygen. Hitch says that "swordfighting with the black hats" won't rescue the "maiden". Ok Hitch, what's the plan?

In regard to new sales in the States Hitch says that a slight increase says that people want new planes as against revamped older models. Where's the evidence? Pilot numbers in the States have advanced far more than the few new aircraft being built, this suggests that there are thousands of older aircraft being refurbished and maintained to cater for a new generation. As for Cirrus composite being the be all and end all there are many that would vehemently disagree. I for one!

Back to the main game, we all pursue our freedom to fly in different ways and at long last we have some momentum. Sit back and expect a reasonable regulator to suddenly appear? Been there, won't happen, we will be sadly mistaken and disappointed again. No way, keep the swords out of the scabbard and give no quarter, the maiden is worth rescuing.

I've said before Sandy, CAsA refer to us as "Stakeholders", good description, every one in GA should be holding a stake in one hand and a hammer in the other. We should refer to them as vampires, sucking the lifeblood out of the industry.

Sandy – “Back to the main game, we all pursue our freedom to fly in different ways and at long last we have some momentum.”

Point of order M’lud.  It is not a gifted freedom to fly; it is a right protected by the constitution, bastardised by CASA into a ‘privilege’.  Not freedom – a RIGHT, we seem to forget that.

P2 edit: For the sake of continuity for an important discussion posts now strung together...