Delivering social and economic good

This would be in addition to the large increase in fuel excise applying to domestic and regional aviation fuel from July 1 2012. The article states that the new taxes would ‘promote efficiency and create incentives to shift to biofuels’.

I am not sure what the authors know about aviation fuel, engine, airframe and avionics development over the past 50 years, but I would suggest respectfully that it is not much.

Without extra taxes, and because it has always made good business and operational sense, aviation companies have spent billions on ensuring aircraft are increasingly fuel efficient including the ongoing development of biofuels. However, it seems every time more money is needed to fund domestic or overseas climate change programs there is a reflex to increase taxes on aviation.

Make no mistake, these research papers are written by intelligent people with solid research funding. Their backers include the Australian Research Council, World Vision Australia, the Australian Conservation Foundation and the Climate Institute. The Australian aviation industry has no such support and tends to be reactive to potentially harmful policies. This is not a criticism, because the industry is focused daily on delivering the essential goods and services that underpin our national economy.

It does not have the luxury of time or money to write research papers or ruminate on policy proposals. However, others do and maybe it is time that Australian aviation took a stand.

If Australia and the world are to know how much good aviation does both economically and socially, it needs to undertake quality research and present its case in cogent and well documented forms.

It may require the development of an aviation institute that focuses on macro aviation issues. Such an institute could present argument and data to rebutt the more extreme and harmful ideas being suggested.

In addition, this institution could provide a regular stream of research showing that aviation is a force for good and not deserving of being the favourite whipping boy every time climate change is mentioned.

The research will not happen on its own and may require a concerted effort by the industry to fund it. If the industry does not take a stand now it will be overrun by powerful and well connected interests. Outside of aviation circles there appears to be no understanding that modern technologies found in private motor vehicles, in many homes and in our everyday lives were often first developed for aviation use. The industry is partly to blame because there has been little cohesion in the messages that the Australian aviation industry sends to the public.

Because aviation cannot afford mistakes it tends to focus internally on ensuring its house is in order, given the almost draconian levels of government regulation and oversight it must endure. This focus on operational detail, training and business survival leaves little time to track and research the major policy debates that will have an impact on the industry.

Certainly, sectors of the industry are trying to have their voices heard, but a clear, concerted voice is missing.

Such a voice can only exist if it is backed up by rigorous research and solid evidence.

While the above may sound like a wish list, there is no doubt that the 21st century will offer an unprecedented expansion of aviation and aerospace activity. This is not the time to hide our light under a bushel, but to look the community squarely in the eye and prove that aviation is a force for good on many levels.

The major Australian aviation associations are now meeting regularly. This forum may be the impetus to establishing a serious and coordinated aviation research effort. Let us hope so because it is long overdue. n Australian Aviation is proud to be the official supporting journal of the Regional Aviation Association of Australia. The views in this column are those of the RAAA, and not necessarily Australian Aviation’s.