CS - Hasn't your Pilot's Union any balls?
Oh, if it were only that simple. Steve I'm going to try and answer your question, to do so briefly means adjusting your thinking – slightly. The UK and to some extent the USA 'systems' are complex, rigid and on occasion difficult to deal with – it's the nature of the beast. A frisson of friction between regulator and regulated is to be expected. I think that 'tension' is a sign of a 'healthy' system, provided there is discourse, sanity and no fear of retribution. Australia is decidedly different, although the difference is difficult to detect with the naked Mark 1 eye-ball:
For starters, the regulator is a bitterly divided camp 'white hats' v 'black hats'. The internal politics are vicious, conducted clandestinely and played without any notion of honour, dignity, probity or indeed loyalty to whoever is the latest 'second best mate'; although some small groups 'stick together' making certain their pig-a-back system works.
For example; before McComic a few of the less desirable units were parked in the pencil sharpening and document shedding cupboards; never to be set loose on industry. The public statement for 'elevating' the undesirables was "If they have managed upset the industry so badly, they are the ones doing their jobs properly" (words to that effect). So we have a big black hat paving the way and encouraging some of the most abhorrent, never exposed behavioural misfits, all fully supported by the top floor. There are many fully documented cases where outright lies; manipulated evidence and other unspeakable methods have been wilfully used to 'enforce' a predetermined outcome; which stand alone is despicable. What is not fully documented is the ongoing vendetta against individuals. Take a careful look at the John Quadrio case; or PM me – I'll send you all the 'facts and circumstances'. The case is not isolated; it one of several cases which must be openly examined by reasonable men, as part of any meaningful reform. It is truly disgusting; but, entirely typical of what the 'Empire black hats' have been encouraged and supported to inflict on industry and individuals, all in the name of safety of course.
For example; most operators at the smaller end of town **** blue lights when CASA come a knocking, particularly if the CASA are of the 'black hat' variety. The solution is to 'go along to get along'; there have been some serious operational 'fairy stories' hammered into SOP, then ruthlessly and rigidly enforced. The operator/chief pilot left with little option but to just nod, agree and make the best of it; just to get out from under and to be left to trade in peace. The culture of fear has allowed some of the worst operational nonsense to be cast in stone; forcing a subculture into existence "say nothing"; "write less", "minimum compliance" and (whispered) don't let CASA catch you doing it the company way; if they do, you are on your own hook.
For example; Naw!! – it just goes on and on, I'll stop there. There are enough 'black hats' now promoted within the system to ensure the McComic philosophy remains. Unless the white hats are given enough encouragement to regain control; that means political will from the minuscule, down to the board flowing outward into the regional office managers and the troops they manage. The CVD issue gives you a tiny chink through which you may catch a small, fleeting glimpse of just how low the unique Australian regulatory system has sunk and how much power the black hats have, and will continue to hold if something doesn't change. Logic, facts and reasoned arguments – water off the ducks back.
Is it unacceptable? – Oh yes.
Can anything be done? – Not a snowflake in hell chance; at least not at the moment.
Real reform, with malice and aforethought is required. Leadership from the DAS and board support is needed. The industry will, (with a huge sigh of relief) as always assist as best it may. Students of Australian industry history will confirm this as unlikely; but hope springs eternal.
Selah.