My Qantas pilot spies tell me that at the cockpit/operational level CASA has NFI.
Sunny,
How many of us wish that was so, but the inspired lunacy that has infected GA FOIs for so long is now creeping into airlines --- as I am sure you will agree, as the "Government's appointed air safety experts" CASA know far more about "safe operations" than either the manufacturers or operators.
To quote a long time colleague and friend, not entirely unassociated with standards on the A-380, "We have allowed a monster to be created".
Interestingly, CASA not having suitably rated and experienced FOIs for the larger aircraft was the major FAA complaint at the last audit, Australia came very very close to losing its Cat.1 rating, which would have been a commercial disaster for Qantas and Virgin.
I have no numbers, but I gather that there is a steady stream of suitably qualified people join, but most don't stay long, as they can't cop the internal bullsh1t and the "company culture".
Sadly, nothing has changed with Mr. Skidmore.
Tootle pip!!
Frank, pleased to see some facts intruding into the "strict liability" debate.