AHIA - Reglatory Reform News
AHIA’s week that was – ending Sun 21 Feb ’16.
The main news was that a new Minister responsible for aviation was appointed. The Australian government has been reshuffling Ministers as a result of a series of resignations.
New Official Organ. Just a reminder, AHIA Associate Company Member, Cranford Publications Pty Ltd has offered to reactivate their Helicopters Australasia to help with the now extensive AHIA communication needs. The first edition will be the February Report, which looks back in detail at February’s helicopter developments and issues. (Out in early March).
This also enables Rotortech 2016 developments to be reported in greater detail. Industry members are encouraged to tell us any news items they think are of interest to the helicopter industry. Need to keep up with latest goings on from the top end of town in Australia? Just email the undersigned, it is a free service.
New Aviation Minister. The Deputy Prime Minister Warren Truss has resigned; his portfolio had included aviation. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has moved aviation into a new government department, “Industry and Transport.”
The new Minister responsible for aviation is Darren Chester. 2016 has been touted as the “Year of Change.” Currently we have underway an enormous regulatory review process which is consuming an enormous amount of the AHIA resources. It would appear a new federal election may be sooner than later. Closer to home CASA, is undergoing two major projects which are scheduled to be completed by the end of June 2016. These projects are the rewriting of the Part 61 Flight Crew Training Licensing system and an internal restructuring of the regulator. This will see a lot of new faces appearing on various committees.
AHIA people are out and about! A full report will be included within the new Helicopters Australasia e-newsletter. But in brief:
President Peter Crook. Peter has been to several meetings in Canberra. Peter had some good news from an attendee at the recent AICC meeting. Peter Pallot, General Manager, Sunshine Coast Airport, indicated discounted landing and parking fees will be offered during Rotortech 2016.
Peter said no landing or parking fees for AHIA members for fixed or rotary wing aircraft, for the duration of Rotortech. He also offered a shuttle bus service from the airport to Twin Waters at no cost to the members. The applications would be via the AHIA event organizers. A much appreciated sponsorship of our event.
Peter Crook also attended a meeting with the TAAAF (associations) in Canberra on Fri 19 Feb ’16. TAAAF assist the federal government when future policies are being drafted; and later provides feedback on the effectiveness of the implementation of the stated federal government's policies. Peter's observations will be reported to you shortly.
Vice President Ray Cronin. If there was ever a knight in shining armour, then his descendants would include Ray Cronin. As the member of the Part 61 damage control team, he has been involved with an enormous amount of discussion with senior CASA executives. The latter, very kindly recently travelled to Ray’s home base in Mangalore to minimize the enormous amount of time Ray has given up for working with CASA.
A report will be issued when appropriate; however, it must be stated the relationship between the regulator and the Part 61 team is one of respect and determination to make the system work correctly. History will be kind to these folks and they really deserve our support in the future when draft legislation is fed back to industry for approval.
Well done Ray and the regulatory team involved in this difficult task.
AHIA