Why all the hate for Part 61?
Disclaimer: I am not trying to provoke an endless debate on Part 61 but as I'm a relative newcomer to the field of aviation in Australia, I keep on reading that "Part 61 is a disaster" and that the "FAA got it right".
Can anyone explain in plain English why Part 61 drew so much criticism? My personal experience with air law has been limited to learning what was required for the CASA exams and felt confused at times about where to find a specific regulartion, ie. in CAR, CASR or CAAP. Then again, being a scientist and not a lawyer, the structure of just about any law might make me raise my eyebrows.
Still what is it that the Americans got right about it that the Aussies didn't? And why is it so hard to change if it leaves the community so unsatisfied?
Thanks for shedding some light on that obscure matter.