A new venue but old problems

to instil confidence in its customers whether they are passengers, logistics companies or people training for an aviation-related profession. It is an industry that is regulated to within an inch of its life and, unless regulations are clearly ridiculous, accepts this degree of scrutiny with some equanimity.

The regional sector is particularly stretched as it balances the wishes of many country towns wanting services with the reality that the market can only support so many air routes. While not as generous as in previous times the soon-to-be relaunched en route subsidy scheme will make a small but welcome dent in restoring or maintaining a number of thin regional air services.

The ministerial aviation advisory council that will assist Deputy Prime Minister Truss cannot come soon enough and is eagerly anticipated. It was announced at the last election and there is considerable industry support for the council to start its work. Any long-term delay will erode confidence in the council and its potential effectiveness. It remains a very good idea but it must become a reality soon. RAAA members are also keen to work with airport owners to ensure that birdlife near airfields remains under control. Birdstrikes can be very costly for regional operators and there are both legislative instruments and sound guidelines that canvass fully best practice in this area. This is particularly true across regional areas where seasonal factors, migratory patterns and lax management can cause an unnecessary spike in birdstrikes.

Meanwhile, the word is out that the RAAA meeting and Convention, now in its fifteenth year, is moving to the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, just opposite the Cessnock Airport. After 14 fantastic years on the Sunshine Coast it is time to spread our wings and gather in another beautiful part of Australia. Newcastle Airport is just down the road, it is also a great drive in, or you can land at an airport surrounded by the famous vineyards. Grab your diaries and mark in October 8-10 2014. The exhibitor areas are already filling up and the technical speaker program will be one not to miss. The social program is again something special. The RAAA website is being updated regularly so take a look.

In the next few weeks the sought-after RAAA Scholarship details will also be posted on the website. These now famous member-sponsored scholarships have launched or assisted many careers and their awarding is a highlight of the gala dinner. After the winners’ speeches there is rarely a dry eye in the house.

Regional aviation is a constantly

Grab your diaries and mark in October 8-10.

moving feast as market conditions shift to meet customers’ new expectations. This is what makes commercial aviation, and regional aviation in particular, so exhausting and exciting at the same time. While operators cannot change their aircraft at a whim, they have thought long and hard about the aircraft before they purchase including its ability to meet a variety of markets. Pilots and engineers are trained to the highest standards, with strong operational and administrative teams backing up the technical crews.

Regional aviation never stands still. FIFO continues to support the main drivers of the Australian economy and RPT operators are always striving to grow their routes, as well as open new ones where possible. In addition, air freight is an often unheralded but absolutely vital part of the urban and regional economies.

There are still market niches for our engineers and designers to explore. Where are we going to find our new under 50-seat regional airliners? In the cheaper, rugged utility market only the Airvan and PAC750XL seem to be available although the Cessna Caravan has done admirably in the upper end of this emerging area. With a growing civil airmindedness among our northern neighbours this must be a topic to exercise the minds of our best entrepreneurs and engineers.

With so much to discuss and explore I look forward to welcoming you to the Hunter Valley this October.