[Peetwo]

Hitch in reply to Sandy -

E bloody nuff - already.

I find, I can live quiet happily with the ‘private’ end of GA tearing itself apart; the contribution to the ‘economy of scale’ just don’ t signify. Same as a golf club – or tennis club – even the local RSL – all tearing at each other with internal – highly personalised – “politics”. That’s their affair and of little interest to me.

But, when the financial or ego fuelled spats become a weapon for the ‘powers that be’ then; it is time to say something. These insignificant, small minded quarrels are like the kids playing up before lights out. One tolerates it – for a short while before the magic words – “if you don’t knock it off - I’m sending Mum up there”.

The ‘real-deal’ GA belongs to the AOC holders; those operating turbine aircraft, lifting heavy loads, doing charters and providing not only useful service, but employment and taxable revenue. It belongs to those who have vision and buy jet aircraft to meet a perceived market demand. GA belongs to those who build up flight schools, invest the house and the kids education in bringing that dream to a reality. The petty squabbles of minority groups cannot possibly be of any significance, whatsoever, in the great scheme of risk and investment in aviation related business.  There would be fuel for the Tupperware  club if there was a charter operator – maybe even a Ginger Beer; there would be ‘facilities’ at remote aerodromes if there was a RPT service; hell, there may even be a local aero club if someone thought there was a living to be made at a rural destination. None of the loud, aggressive ‘private’ groups provide these incentives – they just whine and snivel because those facilities ain’t there. Make me sick. Small children screaming because the ice-cream man ain’t there. Wake up, smell the fire – GA (big, professional end) is burning.

I say: a ducking air show in some misbegotten, bindii infested paddock may well thrill some rubbernecking Looky loo’s and bring in a few dollars for them what runs it. But will any of those toddle off and start the process for an AOC? Will any of the enthusiasts put a brick wall in front of CAO 48.1? How many of them have to live with the unbelievable Part 61 or even Part 135 ? I’ll tell you how many: none of ‘em.

This sort of behavior is not only counterproductive, but provides those who would dismiss ‘GA’ as a rag-tag, amateur lash up with much ammunition to support that case. “I fly for fun” Bully – if things get much worse for the non airline industry section, there won’t be much fun left in it.

Bloody amateurs; get real or shut up. If you can’t do that then please; have your Willy measuring competitions in private. There are those who are trying to preserve jobs and create new ones in a very difficult climate, while attracting the investment they need to grow.

GA is a bit more than a Tupperware jolly in good weather – a lot more. Lead – or follow; but FCOL stay out from under the real GA’s feet.

Yes; I’ve lost my rag about this – so what?

Toot – bloody Toot (FCOL).

Sandy Reith • 2 days ago

Hitch does well to provide us with the news of infighting and highlighting the issues that cause problems such as Narromine. Narrow and mine can be two words that sum up commercial battles in any field and this is why we have anti monopoly law in Australia.
But I take issue with Hitch on his question "how can we convince Canberra that our industry, our community, is worth saving " on his premise that Canberra is entitled to fiddle while GA burns owing to GA's lack of unity.

Hitch, with respect your take on this is wrong and plays directly into the hands of the Canberra cabal that is bent on preserving pre eminence, privilege, exceptional salaries, working conditions and Winter time excursions on all expenses paid junkets, points North.

One could easily understand from your stance, your common thread, that General Aviation only has to mature, and be of one voice, before we can expect any reforms that might slow or halt the disastrous decline of "our industry, our community ".

In other words you firmly, with shades of patronising, put blame and fault onto the collective of "our industry ".

This will not pass; this overlooks the scandalous lack of responsibility demonstrated by those whom we employ and pay, firstly the politicians, and secondly what used to be known as the public service. Those that we pay and expect through our democratic and civilised institutions to resolve the competing interests of individuals and groups of individuals with fairness. Governing efficiently allows freedom and prosperity.

GA is being tortured to death and in such a stressful environment its a wonder that there's not more internecine warfare.

Hitch, I could take you on an excursion around Australia and find hundreds or thousands of abandoned airstrips, closed refueling facilities and closed flying schools (Google Earth for abandoned airfields). Yes its good when we find voice together and a resurgent AOPA gives hope, but we are in a fight and to blame what's left of GA for the current impasse with a do nothing Minister is simply assisting the enemy.

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SteveHitchen Mod Sandy Reith • 11 hours ago

HI, Sandy. You haven't got this quite right. I don't believe that "General Aviation has only to mature, and be of one voice" before we can get genuine reform. This is a limiting statement that is not correct. We have a lot of work to do; a lot of lobbying, analysis, research, promotion, meetings and anything else you can think of that will get our industry going forward. However, none of that will achieve anything without maturity and unity, because the government won't believe the messages we are trying to send. It is not the only thing we need, but it is one of the foundation stones, and the rift over AirVenture has shown Canberra we aren't all pulling in the same direction. Consequently, who are they to believe is right?

And from a email chain:

General Aviation continues to crumble because there is an inbuilt self destruct mechanism that says all pilots, airplane owners and associations are self interested individuals and never should they get together to survive.
 
So it is divide and conquer from the regulatory authorities. QED.
 
Somehow there needs to be a unite conference with a plan and strategy for the good of aviation.
 
Aminta
Aminta Hennessy OAM

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Sandy,

Well said!

Cheers,

Bill H.

MTF...P2