From the Regions

We attended the Avalon Airshow last week and undertook quite a number of ‘business as usual’ government departmental meetings there. Understandably, the premier meeting was the Ministers Aviation Industry Round Table which was attended by the CEO’s of many of the aviation associations and all heads of the relevant government departments. That was a very refreshing and engaging interaction where healthy and frank exchanges were met with respect. Another highlight of the show was the interaction with interested people at our booth. Everyone we spoke with was impressed at the generosity and philanthropic nature of our traditional scholarship sponsors (Ansett Aviation Training, Jeppesen Australasia, Hawker Pacific Pty Ltd and our latest suporter – Moorabbin Flying Services). A total of seven scholarships (engineering and flying) are available this year with a minimum value of $5,000 each. This clearly demonstrates a pragmatic and genuine re-investment in our younger aviation industry aspirants.

CASA are apparently finalising a new, focused and streamlined consultation mechanism that will be announced shortly. It seems the acting CEO/DAS is getting some real traction in a few areas. On the whole, this year is off to a great start with such a refreshing new culture at CASA. The Stakeholder Engagement team is doing an outstanding job and making every effort to forge a new level of trust and partnership with industry. The CASA Director of Aviation Safety is clearly having a significant and positive impact on the culture of old. The Sector Risk Profile team are working double time on the next two sectors. Firstly, the Helicopter Medical Transport sector and shortly thereafter the Aeroplane (fixed wing) Medical Transport sector. Hopefully the 36 – 98 Seat RPT sector will soon follow.