ulm
21st Dec 2003, 16:05
AOPA Press Release.
Light planes a security benefit, not a risk.
Aircraft Owners and pilots Association (AOPA) President, Ron Lawford, today called for an end to the security 'scam' and unecessary costs to the community.
"The Department of transport has initiated some expensive measures in the name of security, expensive bi-annual police checks for all pilots, but openly admits there is no actual danger and that this is purely to counter a public perception" said Mr Lawford.
"A lack of Government direction and haphazard regulation has hurt General Aviation over the last Decade, the last thing we need now is expensive perception management"
Mr Lawford said AOPA had written to the Minister offering to organise an 'Airport Watch', whereby aircraft owners and pilots all over Australia took on a voluntary security role.
"Imagine the benefit to Australia if all General Aviation pilots were on the lookout for questionable activity, in the air or on the ground, sort of a free air patrol with 6000 aircraft and 30,000 officers!
"We will oppose this unnecessary impost for no real value while offering the Government a real and viable alternative with definite benefits" Mr Lawford said.
Light planes a security benefit, not a risk.
Aircraft Owners and pilots Association (AOPA) President, Ron Lawford, today called for an end to the security 'scam' and unecessary costs to the community.
"The Department of transport has initiated some expensive measures in the name of security, expensive bi-annual police checks for all pilots, but openly admits there is no actual danger and that this is purely to counter a public perception" said Mr Lawford.
"A lack of Government direction and haphazard regulation has hurt General Aviation over the last Decade, the last thing we need now is expensive perception management"
Mr Lawford said AOPA had written to the Minister offering to organise an 'Airport Watch', whereby aircraft owners and pilots all over Australia took on a voluntary security role.
"Imagine the benefit to Australia if all General Aviation pilots were on the lookout for questionable activity, in the air or on the ground, sort of a free air patrol with 6000 aircraft and 30,000 officers!
"We will oppose this unnecessary impost for no real value while offering the Government a real and viable alternative with definite benefits" Mr Lawford said.