Convention time

The convention will have the usual high quality of speakers with a convention theme of ‘Evolving Our Culture’ – aimed squarely at helping pilots and business owners get a better grasp of a sustainable future for aerial application.

Speakers will include the convention opening by federal member for Kennedy Bob Katter, his seat a huge one that covers much of northern Queensland. While known in the metropolitan media as a ‘maverick’, Mr Katter has been a long-time staunch supporter of aviation, especially its role in community-building and agriculture in rural, regional and remote Australia.

Chief commissioner of the ATSB Martin Dolan will speak on changing culture and the critical importance of reporting to that process. The theme of the convention has been driven by the success of the AAAA Aerial Improvement Management System (AIMS), where culture change is an underpinning commitment by the participating business owners.

The Resilience Institute’s Dr Sven Hansen will lead delegates in a session on the importance of playfulness at work for safety and resilience. Dr Hansen has spoken at previous conventions and has always given wellreceived insights into health, psychology and safety.

His presentations have included practical demonstrations of the impact of thinking on health and vice versa and are always delivered with humour.

Chief pilot of RFDS Queensland Rick Davies will speak on the importance of creating and sustaining a strong safety culture in missionfocused operations then take part in a workshop on common application accidents and their elimination that will include a panel of ag ATOs and others.

A key element of the AIMS program has been using the E Myth series of business coaching books by Michael Gerber and so the convention will include a workshop by E Myth-certified business coach Ted Bonel. A successful businessman in his own right, Ted also has helped many Australian companies change the way they approach the business of business.

There also will be a great social program including the convention dinner and award presentations.

Full details are on the AAAA website at www. aerialag. com. au.

Aims A Reality

AAAA has accredited the first Aerial Improvement Management System companies after a comprehensive program of training, a huge effort by the companies and staff, pre-audit checks from AAAA and an independent external audit by a leading Australian aviation and ISO-accredited safety auditor.

The successful and now fully accredited companies are Skycroppers, Griffith, Superair, Armidale, Rural Airwork, Moree, Pays, Scone, Rebel Ag, Trangie and Fred Fahey Aerial Services, Cowra.

It’s coincidence that all accredited companies are from NSW. AAAA anticipates the next round of audits in July will see companies accredited in other states.

A key feature of AIMS is its ability to adapt to different types and sizes of operations.

Over half of AAAA’s membership are now signed on to AIMS and pursuing their accreditation as time and resources permit. New sign-ons continue as its value becomes apparent to other members.

AIMS has been a great vehicle for helping companies to improve skills to meet the challenges of managing a modern aviation company with significant investments in people, aircraft, facilities and equipment.

The heart of AIMS is a risk management and control system that feeds the company SMS, quality assurance, environmental protection and continuous improvement processes.

AAAA is already working with a wide range of stakeholders, from chemical companies to regulators and insurers, to negotiate recognition of the AIMS program and a range of extra advantages that will accrue to accreditation holders.

AIMS represents the longterm future of the industry – sustainable, accountable, professional and, hopefully, through integrated management systems, profitable.

Congratulations to the first companies, owners and staff to secure accreditation.