VTOL news updates - Australia

[robsrich]

There really is a Santa Claus! He also needs ADS-B!

On 20 Dec ’21, the Australian Government announced the Aviation Recovery Framework, which includes ADS-B funding.

Recreational Aviation Australia (RAAus) has welcomed the announcement of an Aviation Recovery Framework, by the Deputy Prime Minister Hon Barnaby Joyce MP. In his media release, the Deputy Prime Minister said "This policy framework is being put in place to help Australia’s aviation industry emerge bigger, better and stronger on the other side of the pandemic."

One of the key support measures being introduced in the Framework is funding of $30 million in rebates to recreational and general aviation operators for up to $5,000 or 50 percent of the cost of installing ADS-B technology.

RAAus CEO Matt Bouttell, said today that “We’re very grateful that the Deputy Prime Minister has invested in our industry. These measures will yield financial and safety benefits for many years to come. Furthermore, we’re encouraged to see that the RAAus submissions made to the Airservices Australia Class E Proposals earlier this year did not fall on deaf ears, and that our contribution whilst working across Government and it’s agencies has assisted in making the ADS-B funding become a reality.

“We see this this initiative as not only improving air traffic management surveillance and safety, but it will stimulate aircraft maintenance by supporting jobs and enabling the safe integration of new technology such as Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) and Remote Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS). From a financial perspective, this scheme will enable the retirement of costly enroute radar infrastructure and see other efficiencies be derived, resulting in savings being passed onto industry in the longer term."

After the announcement, Michael Monck, RAAus Chair, said “RAAus continues to participate in many Government and industry Working Groups, and we’re seen as a trusted advisor across many areas. Over the past few years, we’ve represented our members, and the industry more broadly, on the Deputy Prime Minister’s General Aviation Advisory Network (GAAN), the National Emerging Aviation Technologies Consultation Committee (NEAT CC), CASA’s Aviation Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP) and countless Technical Working Groups (TWGs), to name a few. We’d therefore welcome involvement in the Strategic Advisory Committee being established to oversee the rollout of the Aviation Recovery Framework.

“Our strategic involvement helps to influence the landscape and we’re grateful that the Deputy Prime Minister recognises the role RAAus plays across industry.”

RAAus will support our members as the scheme is rolled out, particularly those who choose not to take up this generous rebate, to minimise any operational effect. We will also continue to advocate that any airspace design changes resulting from this scheme are justified on safety grounds. The funding also increases the value for those who have already invested in ADS-B technology by making the technology available to more people and improving situational awareness for all users.

Finally, we congratulate Qantas for being brave and putting this forward as an initiative in their Future of Aviation Submission to support general and recreational aviation. This demonstrates the ability for all industry stakeholders to appreciate each other’s challenges and to work collaboratively across industry, even in areas they're not specifically involved in, to achieve outcomes for the greater good.

The Aviation Recovery Framework is available at: http://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infras ... s/aviation.

Has AHIA received any concessions for helicopters? There are around more than 2,000 in Australia. Updates appreciated.