Skydive fined
Islander Jock never said a truer word when he noted that 'until there is a major parachuting aircraft fatality' - and it will happen! just look to the Americans for a track record.
Then and only then will the Coroner make his finding that the 'Control of the Flying Operations part of ..... Commercial Parachuting Company was effectively uncontrolled... resulting in the needless deaths of ...... pilot and parachutists'
When that happens watch CASA and the APF start ducking for cover ..... and yet we, as commercial pilots know, it is only a matter of time, no if, before the said event takes place.
The APF has enough influence with CASA to not have the Sport (read Commercial) Parachute scene declared a commercial operation and thus requiring an AOC with a CP and Ops manual requirements.
CASA will say words to the effect that Sport (Commercial) Parachuting is a Sport and therefore is not required to be regulated. How ever could CASA make a statement like that given the bulk monies that change hands at a Drop Zone. But just watch - they will! And CASA has been told repeatedly.