Top marks ABC Queensland; and nicely done boys.
The Creampuff nutshell. As usual, Creamy on song and bang on target.
The premise is false.
This point is critically important:
The - premise - is false.
The attack must be on that premise (and the intellectual dishonesty apparent in the failure to test the validity of the basic premise). If you focus your energy on the efficacy of the different tests to confirm the existence and severity of colour deficiencies, you are falling into the trap of implicitly affirming the validity of the basic premise.
n) a previous statement or proposition from which another is inferred or follows as a conclusion.
v) base an argument, theory, or undertaking on.
The proof of a conclusion depends on both the truth of the premises and the validity of the argument.
The ICAO nutshell.
“The applicant shall be required to demonstrate the ability to perceive readily those colours the perception of which is necessary for the safe performance of duties.” (ICAO Convention Annex 1 – Chapter 6.2.4.2).
The CASA Scientific approach nutshell.
RO - [the] new "paperwork reducing" annual 8 page medical questionnaire that has most AMEs in this country and others rolling their eyes in disgust and dismay.
Have YOU had any "funny turns"?
The 35 day Denison hearing covered the CVD issue comprehensively; there is little to further discuss except the 25 year safety record. Even that is not really cause for another expensive, time consuming 're-hash'. There are much more serious medical issues for the minister to be concerned with, the evidence is contained within the submissions to and conclusions drawn within the Forsyth report. CASA Avmed is a basket case, the butt of DAME jokes and about as much use as a chocolate fire guard; this we could live with. But a short study of the Hempel fatal accident clearly defines the rampant incompetence, a willingness to shade facts as, where and when required. This is not the purpose of medical ADMINISTRATION. Neither is it 'their' job to question and re examine every medical certificate extended; either the DAME are to be trusted or they are not.
Someone may know how many countries do not have the additional filtering and subjective judgement of fitness to fly system which is inflicted on Australia. In the USA for example – the medical examiner simply checks the candidate and signs off the certificate – done and dusted. I expect there is a layer of administration to 'rule' on disputes, but by and large, the examiner is trusted to know whether a pilot is fit or not.
The Forsyth review identifies problems in each and every CASA department, not least of all with Avmed. The entire CASA system from board to clerical is dysfunctional, moribund and at least morally corrupt. This edifice as it stands costs an enormous amount to sustain and has not provided one single, tangible 'safety' outcome. Apart from wasting millions, destroying business, allowing travesties like Hempel, persecuting the likes of Reddish and Quadrio, shutting down operations like Barrier and Polar; they also have the brass to 'flip the bird' at the Senate, ignore Forsyth and will, without doubt, treat the Truss efforts with thinly veiled contempt.
Save the public purse from the O'Brien (CVD) matter, that can be dealt with without another 35 day 'hearing'; Minister, if you are serious about reform, open an inquiry and learn the sad truth of why your aviation industry is the object of scorn, ridicule and sympathy, in equal amounts, from it's peers.
To shove a wet noodle up a tigers arse one needs determination, fortitude, a bloody big stick and balls; big ones. Turn the Senate team loose minister, let them run a real inquiry. Grand-mama always said "it's better to take the lid off than have the pot boil over".
Saturday mixed metaphors, sure – but why not.
Selah.