Civil Aviation Act review

Risk-based approach needed

The Civil Aviation Act was recently amended without fanfare. Maybe because this was one small step when the industry is desperate for one giant leap. The recent amendment demonstrates that this government has the political will and desire to make the necessary updates to legislation that is required to keep abreast of the global aviation industry. Recent changes will have little additional positive impact, but they’re a great start. The next move is to review the Act in the areas that are holding CASA back from delivering on its rhetoric. I refer to the Act where it requires CASA to focus on the fare-paying passenger on all aircraft operating for hire or reward, regardless of the risk.

This simplistic approach is not allowing GA to flourish as it should, nor is it the best allocation of taxpayer dollars in addressing real risk. Included in those sectors of the industry that would receive an immediate ongoing relief are all those activities that are currently required to obtain and maintain an Air Operating Certificate. Consider a flight training school where we have two people, one with an Instructor rating, operating an aircraft within the boundaries of the Pilots Operating Handbook. Compare this to two people flying privately, neither of whom holds an instructor rating. Where is the higher risk?