ANSA: well said.
A brave person indeed who would radar vector in Class E. It is a legal nightmare which among many other aspects of this debacle has not been calrified.
AirServices Australia have released the following on their
website:
Attacks on Airservices Australia staff reprehensible
No. 10/04
Airservices Australia , the national air traffic control corporation, cannot stand by and allow statements made in media broadcasts today to denigrate the professionalism of its staff.
CEO Bernie Smith said that statements made on radio contained gross inaccuracies, were untrue and unfairly damaged the reputation of the organisation and its staff.
‘I am particularly concerned about some comments made in relation to the manner in which Airservices Australia responded to two events, one north of Melbourne on 3 December 2003 and another north of Brisbane on 7 April 2004,” Bernie Smith said
‘Normally we would not be drawn into a public debate on these events, particularly as the Brisbane matter is still under investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB), but the allegations are so absurd and reprehensible that they must be addressed.
‘Statements were broadcast that described the actions of air traffic controllers on duty in relation to the Brisbane event, as ‘basically criminal'. Statements also implied that air traffic controllers did the same thing in Melbourne a few weeks ago.
In the broadcast it was further alleged that staff are prepared to ‘risk people's lives for an industrial agenda'.
These allegations are without substance. Our controllers are highly trained professionals whose primary role is ensuring the safe provision of air traffic services. The suggestion that they would risk lives is ludicrous,” Bernie Smith said.
‘The ATSB has concluded its investigation into the Melbourne event and there were no findings or recommendations which back these assertions.
‘It is inappropriate to make further detailed comment on the Brisbane event while the matter is still under investigation by the ATSB. However I will not allow such attacks to go unchallenged.
‘I wilI continue to stand by the professionalism and dedication of staff and management. It should be remembered that contrary to these allegations, Airservices Australia and its employees have a responsibility in law to act safely, and meet statutory responsibilities and accountabilities,' Bernie Smith said.
For further information contact: Richard Dudley
+61 2 6268 4479 (bh) 0412 146 828 (24hrs)
Date: 15 April 2004
Airservices Australia is a Government owned organisation responsible for the safe and efficient management of air traffic across 11 per cent of the world's air space. Services include air traffic control, airspace management, aeronautical information, radar communications, radio navigation aids, aviation maintenance and engineering, environmental management and aviation rescue and firefighting. Airservices website:
www.airservicesaustralia.com
Dick is fast running out of supporters in all places - at least he still has John.