Last of year for BRB, good turn out, with a couple of notable exceptions (those catching mud crabs, Whiting and laying about swimming pools whilst nubile cheffettes in bikini's toil over the wine cooler and BBQ – scandalous). But, the working stiffs made it.
Part 61 got it's usual workout. The more you try to work with it, the worse it gets was the consensus. Big complaint is actually downloading the thing – CAA NZ go to web site – search rules, part 61 – download and done about 90 seconds all up. Australian CASA – go to web site – search – and go back – search to identify the Volume you need – download; search for the MoS volume supporting – down load; discover that you need another reference volume; repeat process. When you eventually have all eight volumes and try to use it to identify a contentious issue, say a ruling on a check element; it's a long, slow, complex procedure, often involving two 'volumes'; and even then, you are not really sure you've nailed it all down. But the big ticket item for BRB crew is the 'subjective' nature of the beast. It is wide open to helping a fail, as so much depends on the latitude given for the 'opinion' of the check pilot. That it has go - all of it, was, once again unanimous.
The Pel Air investigation being re opened had the lions share of 'air time'. Two items were worth reporting back, RVSM issues, and a possible solution as to why such extraordinary actions were taken by both CASA and ATSB.
The RVSM issue has been a quality 'sleeper', quietly snoozing away in the backroom. If ATSB are to get 'fair-dinkum' then the complaints and warnings, particularly those of James must be taken into the matrix. The BRB were curious to know why the matter was not considered as part of the causal chain. It was critical to fuel uplift decisions and a 'peripheral' consideration which could affect the basic 'planning' logic for the pilot. Be interesting to see what is made of this issue. Why it never made it, in any meaningful way into the report, is one of the many questions unanswered the first time around. Unanimous – RVSM (lack thereof) must be considered in the next iteration.
The why's and wherefores of the post incident handling of the Pel-Air ditching by the 'authorities' has long been of interest to the BRB; and, is never far beneath the surface of any discussion, simply because it ran so breathtakingly close to an outright, blatant disturbance of so many tenets. We were presented a well reasoned argument with enough legs to be worth reporting. The potted version:-there was a plan to subsume ATSB into CASA. From a simple financial premise it makes some sense; it also removes the 'independent' ATSB thorn from the CASA rump. It explains why CAIR 09 was drafted, why the incoming MoU was used rather than the 'existing'; why ATSB was hugg-mugga with CASA and the 'spirit' of cooperation was embraced. There would be bonuses, applause and total control of 'investigation' resulting. This would need some 'political' support, but as we all know Albo was a great fan of McComic and would support any notion presented, provided it took 30 seconds or less to pass over his desk. Food for thought?, ain't it though. MTF on this, methinks.
The BRB was absolutely, completely unanimous ATSB must not be allowed to 'control' and limit the scope of the Pel_air investigation; the simple fact that Bea-Cur was prepared to confound Fawcett by using a 'later' version of the ICAO annexe 13 to support leaving the recording unit on the ocean floor is enough to cast doubt over any future ATSB efforts. As long as he remains in charge – every word uttered must be suspect, especially when he speaks with 'his masters voice'.
The infamous MoU and changes required to Acts once again drew some fire; but that discussion was deferred as the opposition darts team turned up and the real purpose of the evening became apparent. Laser sights concealed in lampshades were allowed, in the spirit of Christmas, but as we soon discovered, putting a green dot on double top, don't mean you can hit it. Safe home you guys, a most enjoyable evening..
.. Later, walking home with P7, not much said until his front gate, "Much to ponder" say's he. "Aye, there is" says I.
Toot toot.