Sea-change in government-industry relations?

At the other end of the scale, but no less important, was Ryan Campbell, who has just become the youngest person to fly a single-engine aircraft around the world solo. His commitment, bravery and enthusiasm for the industry that he is about to join made a real impression on a captivated audience. If this is what Gen Y can do, we must provide every encouragement.

Truss knows he will be held to account and he showed no signs of backing away.

Steve Fulton the inventor of RNP, an engineer and a pilot, the principal advisor on this subject to GE and a current Alaskan Airlines captain, discussed eloquently what is happening with approach and enroute technologies. He has an immense grasp of his subject area and shone a light on the many inefficiencies embedded in the legacy air traffic management (ATM) systems. These opinions were not just theoretical, but from a working captain operating at flight levels and observing how current ATM systems are not making full use of available technologies.

Ross Greenwood had a very good go at placing aviation at the centre of his economic and demographic arguments. Aviation is a focused industry that sometimes experiences tunnel vision. Ross reminded everyone of our economy’s interconnectedness and aviation’s role in it. He argued Australia is growing and will continue to grow for the foreseeable future. This is driving up housing prices as available stock is diminished but it also may provide opportunities to attract more people to regional areas given the generally lower cost of living.

The caveat is that there must be sustainable employment for those choosing to move to regional and remote communities. Aviation can provide mobile labour better than any other form of transport and is an essential part of the employment/growth equation.

Matt Hall both in words and deeds showed us what a well-engineered aircraft can do in the hands of a first class pilot. He also talked about what can go seriously wrong when roles become confused and systems break down. He lives in an unforgiving aviation environment but applied his learning to all aspects of aviation, and was able to extrapolate this learning to the business world. It appears that the Red Bull air racing circuit is about to restart and the industry wishes Matt every success.

The RAAF address was something of a surprise packet with detailed discussion of an integrated military and civil ATC system. This has been a dream for years, but under DCAF AVM Leo Davies’ leadership it appears that it may become a reality. There was real drive in his address and the industry should see movement on this front.

The topic segued well into further cooperation with respect to RAAF airspace. This is a complex issue but there appears to be growing goodwill on both sides and this must be positive for both the RAAF and the civil aviation industry.

Last but certainly not least is the Sunshine Coast Council and its airport CEO, Peter Pallot. These people have a tangible interest in growing aviation at all levels and particularly across the Sunshine Coast region. Operators have not always felt that they are valued business partners by some airport owners, but the Sunshine Coast is different.

For some time it has been adopting new, sound and welcoming business practices. This approach should provide long-term dividends and will encourage other airports to take a closer look.

If the government aviation agencies can learn to have a light touch under their new political masters there is a real chance our industry can gain some altitude. We should not waste this opportunity.