Staying positive

Regional operators are always willing to listen to sound safety arguments from the regulator, but this time no coherent case has been put forward. Fatigue research must be aviation-based and there should be clear differentiation between long-haul flying and the quite different challenges of regional operations. Domestic RPT accident and incidents rates have been steadily low for many years, so where is the imperative for restricting flight and duty times even further? On the engineering front operators are trying to meet the Parts 42 and 145 exposition deadlines. This will end in tears for many. Even if most of the expositions somehow manage to be sent to CASA before June 26 there is no way the regulator can have them all approved given the multiple changes that will inevitably be required. Where does this leave the industry if there is no plan B? Hopefully one will be forthcoming very soon. The regional industry is under severe stress on this matter and there needs to be a circuit breaker.

On the positive front there was a new atmosphere at Avalon in 2013.

A start has been made on rebalancing the interests of military and civil exhibitors. I heard many comments from the latter that they felt more welcome and not overwhelmed by military heavy metal. Well done to the organisers and may this trend continue. It might be timely to consider letting the public into the show a little earlier. You never know who might walk through the gate keen to make an aviation purchase.

On the RAAA front we welcomed our 100th member at Avalon. This is an important milestone for our association and it was very pleasing that the new member was the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame based at Wagga Wagga.

It was not so many years ago that the RAAA was struggling with single figure membership but the determination of many has ensured that the association survived and now thrives. There are too many to thank but well done to all who have played a role.

Staying positive, there is a distinct change in approach by some airports to their operator customers. Rather than being treated as an irritation standing in the way of commercial real estate development, a number of members are reporting some airports are now treating them as valued customers.

This trend has spread to one or two major airports and must be encouraged.

Whatever the commercial realities, airports are vital aviation partners. It is surreal to have to state the obvious! In the recent past, often the white shoe brigade snapped up airports in the frenzy of airport privatisation and operators were then afforded a low priority. A more mature relationship is emerging but there is still plenty of room for improvement. These gains must not be blocked and the relationship between airport and operator rebalanced.

The RAAA has launched a set of national regional aviation policies that will be placed in front of every federal politician before the election.

Regional aviation is essential national infrastructure and must be seen in that light. As efforts continue to develop regional Australia it will be the regional aviation industry that will transport the people with the necessary skills and deliver the essential freight. This is a challenge for now, for this generation and our political leaders must listen.

If you have your diaries handy, mark in October 9-11 at the Palmer Resort Coolum. The RAAA Convention and Meeting is on again and not to be missed if you are interested in any aspect of regional aviation. I look forward to meeting you there.

There should be a clear differentiation between long-haul flying and regional operations.