airspace alpha
2nd Dec 2008, 02:55
The governments view on the future of general aviation, from the National Aviation Policy Green paper published today:
The General Aviation (GA) sector is an important enabler for other industries such as agriculture
and mining, and contributes to broader community outcomes such as medical evacuations, aerial
fire-fighting services and law enforcement activities.
Where scheduled airline services are not viable, charter flights can provide an equivalent service,
giving people in remote areas access to business, medical, education and social opportunities in
bigger regional centres or capital cities. Recreational and sports aviation, private flying and pilot
training are also important sectors of the GA industry. The growing popularity of ultra light flying is
providing a new pathway to careers in the aviation profession.
Some parts of the GA industry have struggled to manage changes in the operating environment
due to airport privatisation and regulatory reform, as well as changes in demographics and labour
markets. A recent report into the health of the industry by the General Aviation Action Agenda Strategic
Industry Leaders Group found that many in the industry lacked the management skills to deal with
this changing environment.
The industry is emerging from this period with strong growth in such sectors as recreational flying,
training and charter activity. There is some anecdotal evidence that rationalisation is contributing to
improved business skills in many areas. Innovation in aircraft and navigation technologies have
created new opportunities as well as transitionary challenges.
There have been calls for government intervention and subsidies for GA operators in some
submissions arising from the GA Action Agenda and the Issues Paper. The Government
recognises the difficulties faced by a number of GA businesses, particularly small businesses, over
the last decade in transitioning to an increasingly commercial environment. However, the
Government considers that a return to economic protection such as subsidies for this sector is not
in the broader interests of the industry in improving its long-term viability and competitiveness.
To assist Australia’s GA industry, the Australian Government will ensure priority is given to
finalising CASA’s regulatory reform process. Removing regulatory impediments to the viability and
growth of the GA sector is important as is maintaining the highest levels of safety. In addition, the
Government will consider options to help address the burden of regulatory charges, including
charge on the GA sector.
The General Aviation (GA) sector is an important enabler for other industries such as agriculture
and mining, and contributes to broader community outcomes such as medical evacuations, aerial
fire-fighting services and law enforcement activities.
Where scheduled airline services are not viable, charter flights can provide an equivalent service,
giving people in remote areas access to business, medical, education and social opportunities in
bigger regional centres or capital cities. Recreational and sports aviation, private flying and pilot
training are also important sectors of the GA industry. The growing popularity of ultra light flying is
providing a new pathway to careers in the aviation profession.
Some parts of the GA industry have struggled to manage changes in the operating environment
due to airport privatisation and regulatory reform, as well as changes in demographics and labour
markets. A recent report into the health of the industry by the General Aviation Action Agenda Strategic
Industry Leaders Group found that many in the industry lacked the management skills to deal with
this changing environment.
The industry is emerging from this period with strong growth in such sectors as recreational flying,
training and charter activity. There is some anecdotal evidence that rationalisation is contributing to
improved business skills in many areas. Innovation in aircraft and navigation technologies have
created new opportunities as well as transitionary challenges.
There have been calls for government intervention and subsidies for GA operators in some
submissions arising from the GA Action Agenda and the Issues Paper. The Government
recognises the difficulties faced by a number of GA businesses, particularly small businesses, over
the last decade in transitioning to an increasingly commercial environment. However, the
Government considers that a return to economic protection such as subsidies for this sector is not
in the broader interests of the industry in improving its long-term viability and competitiveness.
To assist Australia’s GA industry, the Australian Government will ensure priority is given to
finalising CASA’s regulatory reform process. Removing regulatory impediments to the viability and
growth of the GA sector is important as is maintaining the highest levels of safety. In addition, the
Government will consider options to help address the burden of regulatory charges, including
charge on the GA sector.