Well. Are we; or, are we not on the cusp of change?

Well. Are we; or, are we not on the cusp of change? – AP Forum version.

 

Flying – Australian Flying
Australian Flying – Australian Flying
Dick Smith’s Six-point Plan for General Aviation

“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair.” ― Charles Dickens, A Tale of Two Cities.

Serious, far reaching, important changes. Perhaps we shall no longer ignore the log book as it sits innocently on the desk awaiting our scribble to deter ‘criminal intent’. Maybe, we may even see the land grabbers told to pull back from our aerodrome boundaries. It could even occur that one early morning, in a dream like state, we approach the task of delivering said aircraft, to stated destination – without looking over our shoulders to ensure no particle of an obtuse, useless regulation will come back to haunt us as a criminal act. Then there is the dream of a wondrous board meeting when it is announced that costs are down 25%. You could extend that to an Estimates session where the CASA budget is reduced 40%, the cost of litigation is down 70% and audits have provided some beneficial results. Ah, the dream of regulatory reform; as opposed the hag ridden nightmare we nervously exist in. Think on children; only a consensus is required “Yes Minister, we agree the Act should be changed”. Ten seconds, a one line email and the miracle happens; thirty years late – but nonetheless, most welcome for all of that.

“Who dares not speak his free thought is a slave.” ― Euripides, The Phoenician Women

If we are indeed on the cusp of meaningful change – then it is time for all good men and true to speak out; regardless of tribe, code, exemption, funding or favour. We must; at very least say thank you to Dick Smith for his continued efforts on behalf of Australian aviation.

Despite the brick bats and some purblind fools on the UP, Dick has the best interests of aviation at heart. His time, reputation and money on the line, without even a whiff of self interest. All the ‘community’ need to do is get behind a push to change the aviation Act – gods know they have little else to do; bar bitch, whinge, moan and slag off anyone ‘not of their tribe’. On the table is a golden opportunity – but I repeat myself.

“Let no one think of me that I am humble or weak or passive; let them understand I am of a different kind: dangerous to my enemies, loyal to my friends. To such a life glory belongs.” ― Euripides, Medea and Other Plays

We are still waiting the long wait for the ATSB to get off it’s collective regarding the tragic accident at Essendon, to mention just one of the PR specials yet to be published. I note P2 has cribbed an educational article on (wait for it) James Reason and his famous cheese.

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The Age of Reason | NTSB Safety Compass
NTSB Safety Compass – WordPress.com

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Of Pandora, and her box of tricks. | AuntyPru.com : Home of PAIN :
AuntyPru.com #MH370

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Speak softly; yonder, as I think, he walks. | AuntyPru.com : Home of …
AuntyPru.com

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Not that the current HV- Toga crew need a refresher – they have gone beyond all reason – to the dogs being the current popular pronouncement. You have to ask – why and WTD for? It is all very well for ‘the professionals’ to sort out a companies SOP and rapidly eliminate, in house, the problem and effect a remedy. They are ‘true’ professionals, in the real world sense.; which is fine and Dandy for ‘Big Rig Aviation’ – but what of the rest of the world? What value have the ATSB added to the world wide store of aviation safety. – Beaker may well have been the most useless creature the gods ever shovelled guts into – but the current politically correct blarney and the endless avoidance of fact and the total, deliberate delays in passing on less than useful information is a bloody disgrace. Add that to a thing like O’Sofullame allowing the second Pel-Air report to dance out of an Estimates hearing, without a shot being fired. This speaks of further systemic, entrenched collusion and political manipulation. This must be stopped before it becomes yet another ‘public sector’ normalized deviance. We may need a strong, independent, impartial ATSB; but we desperately need true analysis, probity and solid, reliable advice. Not the sort of stuff best kept confined to Woman’s Weekly, after the knitting patterns.

“Nothing has more strength than dire necessity.” ― Euripides

The ‘HV-Hood and his fresh faced lawyer performance at last estimates triggered a deep anger; which is understandable– considering. But the sheer fury O’Sofullame generated is still to be measured. The affronted anger of the BRB and the IOS was slow to surface; it began as a simple question – based on hope. Most believed O’Sofullame was playing with a straight bat and it became a game to determine what the overall plan was. Alas; disappointment followed disappointment; then came the probing questions. P7 actually left his favourite barstool to ‘tell the tale’ of the committee requested private briefing on Pel-Air. He told it straight and succinct – (as is his way): there was a moment or two of deep quiet before the implications  dawned on the assembled crews. The rest is history. There is nowhere to appeal and no-way to excommunicate the large, verbose obstacle playing for the establishment. But, you may rest assured children; Aunty Pru has taken a keen interest.

“There is one thing alone that stands the brunt of life throughout its course; a quiet conscience.” ― Euripides, Hippolytus

But enough: P2 has provided enough research into matters aeronautical this week to keep a honest senate committee busy for a month. Whether they will return to form or continue to be bullyragged into sullen acquiescence is a question still to be answered. There is great work to be done gentlemen, tempus fugit and the dollars are all headed off shore. Time to step up to the crease methinks. We can’t loose much more, anyway, there is precious little left to loose. Perhaps, free of fear it is time to begin reclaiming our industry, credibility, dignity, ethics; pride in our work and our professional standards.

Euripides – Wikiquote

“He who believes needs no explanation.” 

I almost believe dogs are connoisseurs of fine coffee; normally, a second coffee is frowned on – they want out; but, today’s brew haiis from the island of Tanna and, it is exceptionally good. I poured my second and the mutts settled, hoovering up the aroma, understanding that to sit with my feet up on the old stove, in the best chair, with an excellent brew is all part of a Sunday well spent. Aye, ring away at the bell Vicar – we’ll soon be far away from the noise, to return replete with the balm of woods, mists and river, to the sanctity, solace and silence of the old stable and the unfailing honesty of seasoned timber.

Selah.