Corporate Contrails

Michael Kellaway will work for the ABAA on a consultancy basis from his office at Essendon Airport and may be contacted on (03)374 1141.

Committee Meeting

A meeting of the ABAA Committee was held on May 6th 1987 and it was agreed that the Association should press for early membership of AVIAC. The Committee members endorsed the view that no other organisation adequately represented its membership. Consultation with the Minister will allow the corporate owners a voice where the realities of the present system may be explained.

The meeting also agreed that all public communication from ABAA should be through the Chief Executive and relevant Sub Committee members. Members are encouraged to advise the Chief Executive of any opportunities for seminars that would assist with understanding and promotion of the aims of ABAA.

The Committee also welcomed the acceptance of Phil Reiss as ABAA representative on the Regional Airspace and Coordination Committee in New South Wales.

More Business Aircraft

The ABAA are pleased to note an increase in the number of Corporate aircraft being used in Australia. Reflecting the advantages to corporations in owning their aircraft we understand that companies we may, in future, welcome as members are Venture Stores – Falcon, ANZ Banking Group – 125 and the Woodger Group with a Westwind. We also understand that there will be another Challenger in the country shortly. The ABAA looks forward to the support of these companies.

Civil Aviation Corporation

The ABAA has now made a submission to the Task Force looking at the issues associated with the setting up of a Civil Aviation Corporation in Australia. Our theme for the submission was to support the introduction of efficiency and modernisation of the system particularly in Air Traffic Control. It supports the establishment of an organisation to execute such functions as Air Traffic Services, Fire Services etc which should be separated from regulatory functions. This would enable, wherever possible and in the interests of reduced user costs, the provision of certain services on a local basis.

The ABAA strongly supports the need for an early appointment of a Board for the new Corporation and that the Board should include at least one member with an operational/technical background in aviation.

The ABAA supports the view that both economic regulation and international aviation policy are best performed by an appropriate Department of State.

The ABAA would like to see the introduction of an industry consultation process which is incorporated in the planning procedures of the Corporation. This would allow user interaction and a joint identification of priorities for capital investment. The management structure of the organisation should also be decentralised with management autonomy at the unit level. This would reflect the structure recently adopted by the Federal Airports Corporation.

Closure of Sydney Airport to Abaa Aircraft

During a period of inclement weather at Sydney in early May the airport was closed to Charter, Aerial Work and Private aircraft. Having invested many millions of dollars in both high-performance aircraft and ground facilities, ABAA members are extremely concerned about this development.

Although members operate in the Private Category, the lowest priority under current rules, this should not in any way affect the access to an airport. Surely a system that recognises the operational capability of both aircrew and aircraft and order of arrival should determine the priority for landing. The unprecedented action at Sydney seems to be an extension of this outdated and arbitrary system and should be replaced by a simpler more manageable system.

The ABAA are sure that a simpler system would assist the controllers at a time when, due to outdated equipment, they are increasingly under pressure.

Naturally the ABAA are making representations to the Department over the Sydney situation and await replies with interest. ABAA members operate some of the latest technology aircraft on the Australian register and it is a pity that the ‘system’ within which they must operate is so out of date.

Abaa Adopts Ibac Policy on Access to Congested Airports

The International Business Aviation Council recently adopted a policy on access for business aviation to congested airports and airspace. The ABAA has now endorsed this policy so that there may be uniformity of approach by all national Business Aircraft Associations. The main features of the policy which apply to Australia are:

• Fair Access to airports and airspace by all classes of users.

• No imposition of artificial constraints.

• Problems of access are best resolved through consultation and cooperation.

• Acceptance of reasonable requirements of ATC, airborne equipment and pilot qualification, but ABAA cannot accept artificially imposed limitations on the basis of class or category of operation.

• ABAA supports the development of shorter reliever runways at major airports that would accommodate business aircraft requirements without significantly increasing demands on the system.

• Business aviation is at least equal in importance to society and national economies as those of any other categories of aviation. Governments and Civil Aviation Authorities must be better brought to understand this fact.

• A greater appreciation of the performance characteristics of business aircraft would enable the appropriate authorities to provide airport and airways access to meet business aviation’s requirements. Business aircraft are highly sophisticated machines, many with trans oceanic range, equipped in most cases to high standards of current technology at least equal to those operated by the Airlines.

Corporate Aviation – Future

Corporate aviation in Australia has come of age and it is important that members keep the Chief Executive informed on matters affecting their future activities. The membership can best be served by passing on their opinions. We look forward to hearing from you and from potential members wishing to join our swelling ranks. Please contact us at Building 190, Essendon Airport, Victoria 3041. Phone (03)374 1777, telex AA35367, fax (03)3741511.