"With over 60,000 GA, recreational and glider pilots, general aviation represents a formidable voting block if targeted correctly," he said.
60,000 pilots, indeed? And where did this figure come from? Are both CASA and AOPA trying to out-bid each other?
http://www.casa.gov.au/corporat/annu.../appendix3.htm
Table 25: Current and issued licences:
Type of licence
Aeroplane
Private .................... 15,507
Commercial ............... 4,350
Air Transport ............. 6,046
Student GFPT Tests .... 4,773
Total ..................... 30,676
Helicopter
Private ......................... 372
Commercial .................. 850
Air Transport ................ 395
Student GFPT Tests ........51
Total ....................... 1,668
Other
Commercial Balloon ...... 105
Flight Engineer ............. 285
Rest Flight Engineer ..... 744
2. Current figures are valid as at 30 June 2003, show only the highest level of licence held and include only those pilots who have a current medical certificate enabling them to exercise the privileges of the licence.
First it was CASA claiming:
http://www.casa.gov.au/avreg/fcl_lic/os_skills.htm
NOTE: In Australia there are currently more than 14,000 Commercial and ATPL pilots who are not employed as pilots. The Department of Immigration and…..
Now we have AOPA claiming:
“….over 60,000 GA, recreational and glider pilots….”
Obviously outrageous
“Rubbery Figures” are not confined to a TV show!
Is there no integrity in alleged facts given to the media and published on Government web sites? Or does the mouth simply go into overdraft before the brain is in gear?
How much more credibility both CASA and AOPA may have had, had they done their home work and stuck to facts, rather that sensationalising!
Sorry - rant over for today!
Woomera