Who ever said history never repeats??
From the Dec 2007
Aviation Regulation Review Taskforce - Report :
Military Airspace
The Taskforce discussed an issue raised by various sectors of the aviation industry in relation to military aerodromes and civilian access to military airspace. The airspace and air traffic control service provision for civilian aircraft at Williamtown air base near Newcastle being a case in point.
The Taskforce Members agreed that this had been an issue for quite some time and the risk profile of the aerodrome was increasing, noting the matter was complex with numerous significant stakeholders. The Taskforce agreed that the matter should be raised at very senior levels with the RAAF to ensure that a solution could be agreed and implemented as soon as possible.
Given the history of this matter a solution will only be forthcoming if the respective Ministers oversee and reach agreement on a new approach. As part of these discussions, the safety of the travelling public at aerodromes such as Williamtown needs to be considered as the first priority, without limiting Regular Public Transport growth or necessarily changing the status of the aerodrome.
Recommendation 10: The Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government raise concerns about air traffic and airspace management at Williamtown and other military aerodromes with the Minister for Defence, to ensure that safe and reasonable practices are implemented to protect civilian aircraft and fare paying passengers in accordance with existing safety principles.
Hmm...interesting when you look at the initial membership of the ARRT...
"Dr Allan Hawke was appointed as Taskforce Chair. Initial membership comprised Mr Byron, Mr Rob Graham (aviation industry consultant), Mr Jeff Boyd (CEO, Brindabella Airlines) and Mr Dick Smith. Mr David Cox (QANTAS Executive General Manager, Engineering) was subsequently appointed to the Taskforce in July 2007."
....is it any wonder Dick sent this spray to BB a year later:
Dick Smith's legal letter to CASA 9 December 2008
Gotta love Dick's passion if nothing else!
