Governance the core issue

The core issue confronting the review panel – and the Minister – is the rock bottom essential need for good governance of Australia’s key aviation regulator – CASA.

AAAA and many others in the industry remain disappointed with the lost opportunity to commence the reform task by appointing an interim CEO while the search for a replacement is underway. However, the outlandish hubris of the board’s statement accompanying the CEO’s eventual departure announcement signifies the deeper malaise.

Reform of the CASA board is essential before any consideration of candidates for the CEO/director of aviation safety position or any response is required to the ASRR report. The Minister’s signalled intention to add two new board members by amending the Civil Aviation Act 1998 is simply not enough and not soon enough.

Malcolm Turnbull provided a forthright model for dealing with a problem not of your own making soon after the Coalition won government with his approach to the NBN Co issue. Minister Truss could well use clear air during what will be an urgent reform task once the review panel reports. It will be difficult to get clear air if significant baggage is retained.

In AAAA’s most recent submission to the ASRR, a dozen significant amendments to the Act were proposed, as well as structural changes within the portfolio and an economic and efficiency review of CASA.

At a time when industry is united in support of reform of CASA and its governance, Minister Truss may never enjoy smoother air to act decisively for the long-term betterment of Australia’s aviation safety system.

Convention 2014 set to excite!

The annual AAAA Convention will be held in Hobart, Tasmania on June 26 and 27. Registration forms are available from the AAAA website. While 2014 is not a trade show year, an exciting program featuring Matt Hall of Red Bull Air Race fame and David Foster, the champion Tasmanian axeman, will make sure delegates are informed as well as motivated.

A session on aviation safety – featuring Anastasia Novella, a clinical psychologist who has worked with AAAA for many years – will ensure that the convention provides high quality, practical, take-home messages. The president of Air Tractor, Jim Hirsch, will be bringing speakers up to date on the latest offerings from that company,

Minister Truss may never enjoy smoother air to act decisively for the long-term betterment of Australia’s aviation safety system.

while AAAA will be rolling out a range of new products including its new Emergency Recovery Guide and the latest version of its nozzle calculator.

The national chemical regulator – the APVMA – will explain its proposed changes to the chemical assessment process, while the Bureau of Meteorology will provide insights into its new products and some long-range weather forecasting.

Pilots will be able to accrue Professional Pilot Program (PPP) points while attending the convention and a range of additional training opportunities will be provided.

The AAAA AGM will alsobe held, as well as information sessions for members on AAAA activities and programs. The annual convention is always a great opportunity to catch up with the latest in the industry and with old friends. The venue is right on the waterfront and Hobart and surrounds offer some wonderful opportunities for tourism.

Full registration details are available at www. aerialag. com. au.

AAAA scholarships open now

The aerial application industry is fortunate to now have two scholarships available thanks to the generous support of our long-term partners – the Pay family and QBE Aviation Insurance.

Application forms for both scholarships are available from the AAAA website.

The Col Pay Scholarship is available to up and coming pilots who want to pursue a career in aerial application. The scholarship is in memory of Col Pay – aerial applicator, warbird owner and stalwart of the industry. The scholarship will provide training to the value of $10,000 towards an agricultural rating.

The QBE Aerial Application Scholarship is aimed at providing $5,000 support to projects that will further the safety of the industry. The inaugural recipient of the scholarship in 2013 was Dominic Maher who is currently researching the potential use of simulators in aerial application checking and training roles. An experienced application pilot currently working in Griffith, NSW, Dom will be making his final report to the AAAA Convention in Hobart.