Glimmers of hope

AAAA and many other associations were unsuccessful in convincing the Minister to again delay the introduction of Part 61 until CASA could produce a feasible implementation plan, which would have been the obvious action when significant changes were still being made only a week before implementation.

Part 61, in all its bulk and near impenetrable complexity, represents all that is wrong with CASA. It has led to widespread confusion in training and checking organisations, a rush of exemptions from CASA as issues emerge and a slippery slope of compliance requirements that undercut the alleged lengthy transition period. CASA field staff shrug their shoulders when asked for advice. The untested competency suites, increased costs of rating renewals and complex and new rating/endorsement structures provide little good news for industry.

The lack of decisiveness in government dealing with these issues is, for many aerial application companies, being compounded by a very challenging seasonal outlook where drought is looming large across Queensland and northern NSW.

However, there may be some glimpses of light in this essentially gloomy outlook.

The appointment of Jeff Boyd as the next chair of the CASA board is a very welcome, if currently lonely, positive decision.

Reports of the names and qualifications of other likely appointees to the CASA board are equally positive and should provide the CASA board with the aviation skills and industry and management experience essential to rebuild CASA and its relationship with people actually committing aviation.

Similarly, the appointment of a new CEO/director of aviation safety also promises a fresh start. If that person is guided by the recommendations of the Forsyth Report there is hope that CASA may quickly restore a more appropriate regulatory stance that builds on and supports industry’s clear commitment to safety and efficiency.

The Minister’s and government’s response to the Forsyth Report and hopefully a new letter of strategic direction to CASA requiring the implementation of much of the report’s recommendations – taking note of industry feedback – should also represent another down

The appointment of a new CASA CEO promises a fresh start.

payment on the reform of aviation regulation in Australia.

AAAA works with CASA officers on problems and issues never ceased over recent years – it was just made more difficult and win-win outcomes became rarer. But there are some signs that a pulse remains, with AAAA and CASA having worked for some months on a sector risk profile that may serve to ‘standardise’ many of the approaches to risk management coming from the regulator. By having a better understanding of actual risks in a sector – based on real data and real experience from the industry – there is hope that the regulatory response will be better informed, as efficient as possible and actually effective in adding to safety.

A key element in all good management, safety and regulatory systems is a sound communication strategy, a culture of openness and willingness to seek engagement. Of all the turning points identified for aviation regulation, safety and the reform of CASA, this is probably the most critical.

In aviation we actively train on communication techniques as a part ofcrew resource management – including in aerial application. It is bemusing (or sad or enraging depending on your outlook) to think that these principles are seldom applied to government relations towards industry at every level. Yes, the regulator has a legal imperative, but that should be expressed through a seeking of knowledge to match regulation to risk.

The aviation industry consultation mechanisms that have been in place for some years are broken – perhaps mostly by a lack of goodwill and the discredited ‘Big R regulator’ stance of CASA.

However, rebuilding the effectiveness of consultation structures is only part of the story. Reshaping CASA and government culture so there is a priority on building positive, trusting relationships and a willingness to ask for advice will be critical to the Australian aviation regulation system. It’s as simple as picking up the phone.

It may seem to be pretty gloomy at the moment, but the tools to make a significant improvement are all there – if the government chooses to use them wisely and, preferably, quickly.