Corporate Contrails

Priority System for Abaa Aircraft Into Sydney Airport

The present priority system which discriminates against private aircraft, including Corporate jets, operating into Sydney was made even more punitive recently when additional holding requirements were introduced. The ABAA has made the strongest representations to the Department of Aviation on the matter but the level of response has been poor.

Unofficially, we know that the present system does not meet with the approval of the majority of controllers. The bureaucracy in Canberra have, however, closed ranks to support the decisions made within AVIAC where, it would seem, priorities are decided. This Committee which is chaired by the Minister and dominated by the airlines has, we understand, a consultative role but it seems to have adopted a ‘de facto’ executive role which is extremely disturbing.

ABAA has decided that they will continue to press to bring about a change to the system which discriminates against our members. The present system is unwieldy, inefficient and costly to ABAA member companies who are held for long periods prior to landing. It is a cause of constant irritation between corporate pilots and controllers which does not, ultimately, act as an aid to safety.

Membership of Rapac and Napac

ABAA will, in future, be represented on the Regional Airspace Users Advisory Committees in New South Wales and Victoria/ Tasmania by Capt Philip Reiss and Michael Kellaway respectively. Capt Phil Reiss will also represent ABAA on the National Airspace Users Advisory Committee.

Federal Airports Corporation

Members will, by now, be aware that the implementation of the Federal Airports Corporation has, once more, been delayed. It is now over four years since the decision was made ‘in principle’ to establish the Corporation, which is far too long a gestation period. Although we are aware of the reasons for the latest delay, the ABAA are concerned that it merely perpetuates inefficiency.

ABAA continues to be concerned that the future of Essendon, which is increasingly important to ABAA members and the City of Melbourne, is still under question. The Minister has been considering a major report on its future for over two years and in the meantime the airport has languished.

The corporate sector has already invested large amounts in facilities at Essendon and yet are unable, due to the uncertainty, to negotiate meaningful leases. The existence of Essendon and its position adjacent to the Melbourne Central Business District is an excellent asset which should be made more attractive for the corporate operator.

The ABAA supports the view that the Minister should announce, as a matter of urgency, a positive commitment to the future of Essendon.

While on the subject of the FAC and Essendon, we congratulate Barry Thompson on his appointment to the FAC and Graham Owens appointment as Manager, Essendon Airport. Both have been staunch supporters for the development and retention of Essendon. The ABAA will work closely with these key officers of the FAC to secure the future of Essendon Airport. The ABAA would also like to see an early implementation of the FAC so that the appointed team can rapidly introduce efficiencies in manpower utilisation promised by the Chief Executive, Bill Swingler.

Corporate Aviation- Past

Associated Airlines which operates the aircraft owned by BHP and CAA celebrates 50 years of successful operations later this year. Although maintaining a low public profile over this time, Associated have consistently been at the forefront of Corporate Aviation in Australia starting operations with a Lockheed 12A.

Associated Airlines now regularly undertake business trips to places as far afield as China, South America and Europe. Their example has been followed by other corporations seeking to develop Australia’s international operations.

The ABAA takes great pleasure in congratulating Associated on the occasion of their birthday and wish them another 50 years of achievement.

Corporate Aviation – Future

Within the ABAA we are keen to welcome new members to further the development of business aviation which is ideally suited to Australian conditions. The future of Corporate aviation in Australia is bright and we plan to hold our first National Congress in Melbourne in December, 1987.

We would like to hear from our present and future members at Building 190, Essendon Airport, Victoria 3041. Phone (03) 374 1777, Telex AA35367, Fax (03) 3741511.

Membership Boost

The ABAA are pleased to have responded to many enquiries concerning membership in the past two months. It is clear that Corporate owners recognise the benefits of membership and our ability to act as a representative body in consultations with the Department of Aviation. Although we have only begun to address some of our major objectives, it is clear that positive progress will be made. Naturally, we intend to be truly representative of our industry sector and look forward to welcoming additional corporations in the near future.

New members joining recently include Brierley Investments who operate a Citation 3 based in New Zealand, the Woodger Group with a Westwind and Memrykord, a British based company specialising in Flight planning services for corporate customers.

Flight Planning Documents

A number of ABAA members use Jeppesen Charts and services to support their International operations. Unfortunately, the charts only cover a limited number of Australian airports. The ABAA has asked Jeppesen to increase the coverage available and they are actively exploring the possibility of improving their service.

Garrett Symposium

During August the ABAA in association with Garrett has arranged a number of meetings for Garrett engine users in Australia: Perth, Melbourne, Brisbane, and New Zealand. These meetings are designed to be information exchanges for pilots, engineers and managers operating aircraft equipped with TFE731 or ATF3 engines. With Falcon, Learjets, Citation, Westwind and BAe125 aircraft equipped with these engines, Garrett cover most ABAA member companies.

The main contributor to the meetings is Bill Barns, Senior Aviation Advisor for Garrett. Bill has a distinguished career as a pilot, firstly in the USAF and then flying most types in all corners of the globe. Bill is able to pass on the vast amount of knowledge gained from years of Garrett operations