Phelan enters the debate...well sort of??
Senator Fawcett’s vision for the future – opinion
Phelan:
Senator David Fawcett’s remarks when formally tabling the “PelAir Report” on June 19 are reviewing the hopes of a beleaguered industry for an improved future.
The senator’s remarks about the regulatory reform process align closely with what (then Minister) John Sharp put in place in 1996. Mark Vaile, the next Minister, followed through impressively, but when John Anderson became Minister he was prevailed upon – some say “conned into” – abandoning industry consultation by winding up the Program Advisory Panelwhich had been the main vehicle for industry consultation. That’s where the backsliding started, and it has yet to be reversed.
Since his entry into politics, Senator Fawcett’s aviation background and awareness has benefited the industry in many ways. As one example, he became aware that the “CASA expert” involved in the writing of the helicopter rules, was a light helicopter pilot of limited experience, and with no apparent qualifications to be drafting what in effect comprised legally enforceable criminal law cobbled together as operating standards, that apparently only reflected the CASA person’s level of knowledge and experience.
In another he largely paved the way for a reversalof CASA’s sustained and dogged opposition to the introduction of night vision goggles in emergency services helicopter operations.
With notable input also from Senators Nick Xenophon, Bill Heffernan (Chair) and others, the committee process has had the effect of broadening the whole parliament’s aviation awareness and the hopes for a dramatic turnaround in industry/regulator relations.
Now as Kharon suggests at
#301 RRP thread can we now move on and take the RRP debate where it belongs??
Oh by the way Creamy accolades to you as your thread title is becoming famous...
PAIN_NET1 