Regulator's response (Regulator 1)
CASA has reviewed the REPCON and the response by the operator. CASA recognises that the significant change being undertaken by the operator and the associated uncertainty this creates for staff is a risk factor to the organisation. Consequently CASA has increased its oversight of the operator during this period of change to ensure that the required safety standards are maintained.
Increased oversight activities includes assessment of their risk assessments and change management plans; monitoring of safety data including Airservices Australia Cirris reports, ATSB reports, CASA surveillance results, and internal safety data; increased surveillance on the ramp, terminal area, line and base maintenance, and domestic and international flight operations; increased engagement with staff including senior management, operations management, safety department, and line staff including pilots.
Funny that overtime in some Line Maintenance departments (Syd DOM a prime example) regularly exceeds FRM principles yet they will allow this company to reduce numbers by 30%.
CASA's engagement with senior management appears to be continuing though. We note that the EGM of Engineering attended a Sydney Surveyors retirement function gifts in hand. If only he knew the name of some of his own staff......
Oversight activities have confirmed that the operator has identified the risks associated with the current change and is managing the change appropriately. CASA engagement with the operator’s pilots has confirmed there is concern about the uncertainty however flight deck surveillance has also confirmed that the pilots continue to undertake their responsibilities to the safety standards expected by CASA and the airline.
CASA continues to focus oversight activities on identified areas of change.
Minimum Engine Oil levels were managed well. Pilots having active advice to depart with less oil than is required.