“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.”
It would seem that rational well organised industry groups such as the Australian Airports Association (AAA), ably backed by ALGA & certain regional operators, may have kicked a goal recently which is reflective of the AAA WLR submission (Reference pg 11
AAA submission "UNNECESSARY AND INCONSISTENT REGULATION")...
Over the last six months or so, the AAA/ALGA etc have been heavily campaigning against certain parts of proposed rule changes by Fort Fumble (MOS Part 139), highlighting the detrimental effects these changes will have on rural/remote communities i.e. potential loss of regional air services. One of these rule change impositions was the runway width restrictions for RPT aircraft. On March 7th this matter was reported by Aunty:
Runway changes could hamper regional aviation and force airlines including Rex to curtail outback services
Rex quote: "Regional airlines are doing it tough at the moment. The aviation industry's in crisis. We can do without these red tape issues, restricting services to remote regional communities that so heavily rely upon them," he said.
"If these regulations are promulgated and there are no changes made, we are not able to operate to Coober Pedy airport unless the runway is widened.
So it was with interest that I noted the following article from
Aviation Business:
CASA proposes relaxed attitude to narrow runway operations25 Mar 2014
CASA has proposed a range of changes to the safety standards for operations of aircraft on so-called narrow runways.
CASA had previously adopted a policy requiring aerodrome operators to widen runways to accommodate aeroplanes operating at aerodromes with narrow runways.
This was to replace the current system of specific exemptions against the runway width requirements.
Following further consideration of aeroplane operational requirements, CASA is proposing to no longer mandate that aerodrome operators must widen runways to allow continued operations or for the introduction of a new larger aircraft type.
CASA intends that aerodrome upgrades will be based on a business decision made by the aerodrome operator.
And aircraft operators will need to assess aerodrome facilities and any risks associated with operating larger aircraft at an aerodrome with a narrow runway.
Aircraft operators would no longer need to apply for exemptions to operate aeroplanes into narrow runways.
Aeroplanes would be required to operate in accordance with an approved aeroplane flight manual narrow runway supplement or specified runway width limitation.
CASA is calling for comments on the new proposals by 5 May 2014.
Now there’s a common sense approach to a safety issue.
Love the comment at the end (in bold)...
Bravo AAA & Co...
