Re my first observation, these policy mechanisms are typical smoke and mirrors tricks used to give the impression of activity and responsibility. If you wave all the smoke and mirrors out of the way and track the law through to section 11A of the Civil Aviation Act, the stark truth is revealed: If CASA just sits on its arse and does nothing about airspace, the AAPS has no consequences. And, more importantly, if CASA decides it wants to do something inconsistently with the AAPS, all it has to do is inform the Minister of CASA’s proposal to do so. And, finally and most importantly, if CASA does something inconsistently with the AAPS and doesn’t inform the Minister of CASA’s proposal to do so, what do you reckon is going to happen?
The Minister hasn’t been able to muster up the necessary competence and courage to appoint a new Director of Aviation Safety, notwithstanding years of notice that the previous incumbent was scarpering with his bag of taxpayer gold. What chance a muppet like that sacking someone for failing to comply with the AAPS?
Re the observation that some heavy metal pilots in Australia prefer G instead of E, hopefully Capn Bloggs will explain in terms you can understand. I’ve never been able to understand the logic.