Firstly I would be interested in why the statement has been made that they appear more prescriptive than the current rules.It seems to me that they allow a lot of latitude wrt pilot maintenance,and that is as it should be.Whilst EASA regs do not really take into account the GA ops,CASA has made a reasonable attempt to harmonise the regs within the ICAO framework while still maintaining our "Australian peculiar" requirements.If you think that the proposed regs are restrictive in respect of GA have a real close look at the impositions and responsibilities placed on AMO's.As a "responsible manager" within an AMO,I can tell you that I am less than delighted by some of the proposals,however,we need (from an MRO perspective) to align ourselves with the real world. What we should be worried about is the "dumbing down" of our maintenance staff,be they GA or Airline, to the point where everyone becomes a specialist,but no-one understands or sees the big picture in relation to maintenance.Whilst the academics tout "competency based" training,I can assure you that the reality is that those finishing an apprenticeship now,having all the required "competencies",are in reality not up to fixing your lawn mower!This is because of the incentives offered by Government to train people.As was said in an old TV show"never mind the quality,feel the width." Whilst ever incentives are offered to commercial organisations to produce people with qualifications we are on a slippery slope.Would you let a first year graduate accountant make final decisions binding your multi-million dollar business? I doubt it.Rant over,and would like to hear other perspectives.
