When the sum is greater than the parts

Before the last election in 2013, the peak bodies participating in TAAAF worked to produce an outstanding piece of policy work that fundamentally moved the debate forward and led to a significant change of direction for CASA.

Just like crew resource management in the cockpit, this approach to aviation policy is paying dividends for the industry – sometimes quietly and behind the scenes, sometimes noisily and in the media – depending on the issue and the government response, or lack of it.

The current problems experienced with the failing CASR Part 61 suite and CAO 48. 1 are good examples of where the TAAAF is ramping up pressure on CASA and the Minister to act to save industry from truly bad regulation.

When a new regulation has been so poorly implemented that it has forced a stop to previously safe and essential service – such as operational firefighting training – it is critical for industry to speak with one voice. When a whole class of pilots have privileges removed – such as agricultural-qualified pilots who could previously start a firefighting career in a seamless transition managed by operators – it is far better that all industry expresses its opposition, rather than allow the ‘divide and conquer’ tactic that has been used for years by governments of all persuasions.

The forum has also been very fortunate to have honorary chairs who have brought both gravitas and experience to the role – Chris Manning (former chief pilot of Qantas) has recently retired from the role of inaugural chair and has handed the baton to Greg Russell (former CEO of Airservices).

The policy experience of these individuals has been instrumental in ensuring forum actions are well balanced, built on fact and consistently positive in identifying better ways of achieving government goals without damaging industry.

The forum has now commenced work on the development of a detailed policy statement for the coming election year. Just like the last influential policy document, the forum approach is to build on the expertise of participants and identify a broad range of areas where improvement is easily within the grasp of government.

Unlike previous cynical government attempts to package

Unity starts by joining an association that is acting on your issues.

pre-existing programs into a White Paper with nothing new or positive for industry, the forum policies will focus on identifying real problems and offering very practical solutions. The sectoral expertise held by the associations at the table ensures that forum policies encompass the whole industry and have a depth of understanding of which government agencies should be envious.

Still top of the urgent reform list will be the immediate problems created by CASA regulations, including Part 61, CAO 48. 1 and the maintenance training requirements that have seen the closure of three apprentice LAME skill providers.

The damage caused to industry by CASA is real and is not going away, regardless of how much verbiage is produced that seeks to paint a new and enlightened regulator. CASA has made a mess of previously safe and sound practices and is unwilling to make that critical step forward to admit it is wrong.

Of course, the step after that is to fix the problems. Action isrequired now – not more words – and sensible, urgent action is easily within grasp of the CASA board and senior management: establish an industry taskforce to write exemptions for Part 61 to get industry back to work; withdraw CAO 48. 1 altogether and save any improvements through exemptions; engage with industry to repair the damage caused to our maintenance training sector; and get on with genuine reform that meets the sensible DAS policy on cost and risk management.

An important message to all aviation business owners, aircraft operators, pilots, LAMEs and anyone else in the industry is that you need to be a member of an aviation association that is supporting the forum to ensure your voice and your concerns are addressed.

Unity starts by individuals joining an association that is acting on your issues.