In good shape

Study shows charter safety regs are fit for purpose

CASA and the industry recently finalised the second in a three-stage process of review to help determine how fit for purpose is the current Civil Aviation Regulation 30. The results of the study have proved that, in terms of delivering appropriate safety outcomes, the current regulations are still in very good shape. Importantly, this means that the currently approved maintenance organisations under CAR30 that are providing maintenance services to the charter industry do not require significant amendment to achieve improved safety outcomes.

Twelve separate risk areas were identified, several risk sources /causes for each were examined, the existing controls were identified and their effectiveness rated, proposed controls were identified and the subsequent residual risk calculated. Many mitigators that were identified could be classed as improved instructions for continuing airworthiness, and therefore fall outside the scope of this SRP. A separate SRP for ICAs is clearly indicated here. In terms of the ‘best bang for buck’, the six most effective changes that could be made to CAR30 would be to:
– Review, update and mandate the policy intent of Civil Aviation Advisory Publication 30-4 using the excellent Aviation Safety Advisory Panel and the Technical Working Group process.
– Encourage the uptake of appropriate and relevant elements of a Safety Management System.
– Improve the focus on education for CASA and industry (much like most other national aviation authorities).
– Encourage continuing professional development (much like other National Aviation Authorities).
– Encourage the uptake of appropriate and relevant elements of internal quality assurance.
– Initiate a CASA-wide approach to data collection, trend analysis and dissemination of information throughout CASA and industry. The Defect Reporting System CASA developed a few years ago has this capability.