Pushing the reset button

There are grumblings, now becoming strident, that the government is taking too long to respond to the Forsyth Review into aviation safety regulations. It would seem that industry supports 35 of the 37 recommendations, which must be something of a record. Yet, so far there is mostly silence from government, although the Deputy Prime Minister has stated publicly that we will have the government’s response before Christmas. Why jeopardise your political capital when you have industry seemingly right behind you? Also, what has happened to the Ministerial Aviation Advisory Council and the new Enroute Scheme? Both policies were announced prior to the last election and yet seemed to have dropped off the radar. They are strong concepts and should be implemented immediately. By publication time, we should know who is on the new CASA board. We may also have an inkling about who the new director of aviation safety (DAS) might be. For many industries such appointments are of mild interest, but given aviation is so highly regulated these decisions become vital. Looking backwards in an attempt to lay blame is pointless and we must concentrate on the industry’s future. The new DAS and CASA board, for better or worse, are very much part of the industry’s future and these relationships must now be rebuilt.

The recent tortuous rollout of Part 61 is a timely reminder of how not to introduce new regulations. This followed on from the less than optimal Parts 42 and 145 introductions. There seems to be more confidence in the upcoming Parts 135 and 121 processes – hopefully this confidence will remain across an industry definitely suffering reform fatigue. The new DAS will be under the spotlight from the off but will have a golden opportunity to reset all the major industry relationships. Whoever is the new CASA leader, it might be wise to burn the infamous ‘capital R’ regulator speech. Symbols are important and that was one that clashed and still reverberates.

As agreed in the Forsyth Review let’s have some stand-out industry players rotate through CASA on secondment for a period, and have some high-performing CASA officers embedded in industry. There are risks but they are worth taking if the

Yet, so far there is mostly silence from government.

learning and new ideas generated lead to a better- performing aviation industry.

There is also an urgent need to revitalise the middle part of our industry, including regional/RPT charter (or the new Part 135), as well as commercial and private GA. It is this sector of our industry that provides the pathway for those wanting to move from personal flying to a career in the industry. If we do not keep trying we could end up with sport/recreational flying at one end, and heavy turboprops/jets at the other. This is what has largely happened in Europe but not in Canada or the USA. Australia is far better suited to the latter model andmust work hard, both regulator and industry, to develop conditions for regional and GA activity to thrive. Given our national demographics, such an effort is not really optional.

In better news, the Australian Aviation Hall of Fame (AAHOF) continues its great work honouring Australia’s aviation pioneers and leaders. The next induction event will again be held at Charles Sturt University, this year on Saturday November 8. All the details are on the AAHOF website. It is an evening with a special magic, and not one to be missed by all those interested in Australian aviation history.

Of course, if you are interested in any aspect of regional aviation you will also not want to miss the RAAA’s National Convention at the new venue, the Crowne Plaza Hunter Valley, October 8-10. The speaker program looks outstanding, supported by a range of domestic and international companies exhibiting their latest aviation products. Again, all the details are on the RAAA website.

The next six to 12 months will be challenging and interesting at the same time. The industry will be asking, even demanding, that the government honour and activate its policies in a timely manner. Any further tardiness from government will be viewed as glacial by industry, with icy responses attached.

The new leaders at CASA have a great opportunity to re-engage the industry. The cynicism can be turned around if all sectors get a fair hearing. A circuit-breaker has been provided – let’s not waste it.