Hi
dhc2widow,
Why would the inspectors be saying it if it was not true? Nor have the reports of abandonement of traditional oversight been limited to inspectors, pilots and pilot groups, but have also been heard from our AMEs/AMOs, smaller operators - and others.
This is the problem, not all Inspectors and AMO`s are saying that the traditional auditing has stopped, only some are saying that. As to their reasons for such comments, that is debateable I guess but there are many reasons for such comments, some reasons are as simple as downright stupidity and ignorance, stirring, fear of change and their own lack of understanding safety systems.
Also,
And yet, they cancelled the Frequency of Inspection Policy AFTER the AG's report and prior to implementing SMS in all sectors (now delayed) ... It may have been replaced with the Surveillance Policy, but that applies to companies with an SMS - so what instruction for the inspectors of non-SMS companies? The rush to implement SMS in Canada has had serious results - witness at least three known TSB reports that implicate TC's version of SMS.
Yep. I agree entirely.It's called Government interference, anot to mention a level of incompetence within the upper echelon's of TC. Governemnts are the causal factor in almost every bungled, knee jerk, self preservation process ever to be introduced to any industry.
Also,
IMHO, this was/is more than teething issues. While I agree that there has been a lot of fear and misinterpretation of what SMS is supposed to be (a good thing - also agreed - especially the appointing of an accountable executive bringing aviation more in line with the Canada Labour Code Part 2 and related amendments to the Criminal Code in 2005), that in itself can be attributed, at least in part, to the errors TCCA made in implementation (think lack of information and industry consultation). The new DGCA has a great deal of work to do to fix the system.
Absolutely agree upon the 'accountability' issue. It is about time some of the grubs who run commercial companies fell on their own sword when a serious occurence occurs. For too long they have had the pleasure of passing the blame on to Safety Managers and Safety Departments, or on to other Managers of some form. These individuals are finally realizing that you can't traverse through life doing as you please without reaping the consequences. Now if only that would also extend to Politicians !!!
As for the new DGCA I again agree, a lot of work is required. One day Regulators will learn to communciate more effectively with industry,this would go a long way to alleviating the systemic 'lack of communication' issue that affects Reulators world wide.
Sadly,
One more thing, if I may. Through delegation of authority to industry (as TCCA is encouraging through the Safety Partnership Program), SMS in Canada is also about transfer of costs and liability.
This is true. Governments will stop at nothing to ensure they are distanced from any adverse or negative scrutiny, and they are particularly happy to throw accountability and liability anywhere but on themselves - they simply obey their political instincts to obfuscate, spin, evade, deny, blame someone else, and/or create a distraction to deflect attention from the real issue.
Is SMS a good thing ? Yes. Is Safety the true objective in the mind of a government that supports SMS ? No.The saving of money and passing of accountability is the motive of governments, it is just fortunate that a system like SMS does actually work, regardless of the implementor's true motive.
Finally,
One can hope that other states will take heed of the errors made by Canada, so that debate will take place before implementation rather than after.
Sadly this is not quite the case.Their are still mistakes being made worldwide with implementation, but this is always going to happen when governments and beaurocracy are involved, that's how they work sadly, it's always been the same throughout history and will unlikely change into the future.
Lastly,
dhc2widow,I like your courage to speak the facts, your willingness to question processes and motivation when questions are warranted. On the downside however, and no offence intended, you would never make a good Politician because it appears through some of your posts that you have integrity and honesty !!!!