CASA Chess Game

[tail wheel]

From CEO John McCormick

I wish to advise that Deputy Director, Mick Quinn has decided to leave CASA with effect from the 29th January, 2010.

Mick has seen significant change within CASA in the two years he has been with the organisation, both under the former CEO, Bruce Byron and myself.

I would like to thank Mick for his support and contribution to CASA particularly in recent times with his involvement in the PNG assistance program.

I would like you to join me in wishing Mick well in his future endeavours.

John McCormick
Director of Aviation Safety

[gobbledock]

From CEO John McCormick
I wish to advise that Deputy Director, Mick Quinn has decided to leave CASA with effect from the 29th January, 2010.
Mick has seen significant change within CASA in the two years he has been with the organisation, both under the former CEO, Bruce Byron and myself.
I would like to thank Mick for his support and contribution to CASA particularly in recent times with his involvement in the PNG assistance program.
I would like you to join me in wishing Mick well in his future endeavours.

John McCormick
Director of Aviation Safety

[7mile]

PNG has enough problems of its own without any assistance from CASA:ugh:

[crocodile redundee]

Poor Old CASA. The saga goes on & on & on & on. Deckchairs come & go, World war one standards & World war one thinking. No wonder Aviation is well & truly Stuffed in this country........

[hardNfast]

Anything you do with Casa is just one big chess game. Always ends in stalemate.:mad:

[Dangly Bits]

Mick has gone, the Manager in charge of Oversight went to Jetstar, the manager of Air Transport went to Strategic. Anyone see a pattern here?

[gobbledock]

And that aint the half of what's been going on.
Rats deserting the ship.

[Frank Burden]

Seems the moving of the chess pieces continue with three very senior appointments now being advertised. Are they all leaving?:suspect: Look at Careers at CASA:

http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_92940

[Timber]

The CASA 49ers perhaps?

[my oleo is extended]

Timber, absolute gold mate !
The CASA 49ers perhaps?

Frank Burden,
Seems the moving of the chess pieces continue with three very senior appointments now being advertised. Are they all leaving?http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/cwm13.gif Look at Careers at CASA:

The jobs you are referring too are 'phantom jobs'. The top brass who are carrying out these roles do so under the terms of 'temporary positions', being the jobs aren't supposedly filled,they are only being done on a temporary basis, however the gents filling these roles have to abide by 'due process' within a 'clear and transparent' environment so the jobs have officially been approved, and advertised.However before you or perhaps Frank Arouet, myself or anybody else thinks about applying, don't bother. The current people 'acting' in these roles are already the 'successful' candidates and will be staying on !!

CASA 6 vs 8 - 'And I saw, and look, a pale horse, and the one seated upon it had the name Mick. And Oversight was closely following him. And Civil Aviation Safety AUTHORITY was given them over the regulatory part of aviation, to punish with thy long sword of 'penalty points',and with RCA, and with audit, and with findings by the Inspectorate of the earth.
Amen

[kimwestt]

CEO (JMcC) has departed another management type. Seriously reliable rumour has it that the uninformable, unadvisable JMcC's tenure is very close to ending in tears.
Can't say that one is surprised given the style of correspondence that emanates from his office.
QED:mad:

[topend3]

The guy is a tool, I came to this conclusion after listening to him rant for 45 minutes at an industry seminar...

[Captain Dart]

I agree, a lunatic is in charge of the asylum.

[flying-spike]

"and his style of communication and man mangement don't seem to have changed. "

Isn't it wonderful to see a critic of man management skills and communication when he can't even spell the word management

[SeldomFixit]

There would seem to be a consensus here :oh:

[Frank Burden]

Read your post oleo has been extended but how can they be phantom jobs if they have been advertised. There must be a process and someone who checks that it is followed. Would this be the role of someone like the Chariman of the Board or Minister ALebanesi?

If CASA as a regulator can't be relied on to follow the public service process then what credibility do they have with industry? Given your thoughts, definitely leaving my resume on file for the next BIG ONE!:}

[flying-spike]

Yes, it would all mean something if those forming the "consensus" were knowledgeable of the facts. If not, it is just noise. From what I know I think Oleo is on the money though.

[flying-spike]

Restructure occurs, new positions created, incumbent in a basicly redundent position resigns at the end of contract. Positions arising from restructure become "established". CASA follows process, opens the new positions to application. Temporary position holders re apply and if they have been performing and are the top candidates get made substantive.
No intrigue, no walking the plank and no conspiracy.

[my oleo is extended]

Oh well, maybe I am right, and maybe I am wrong ?
But if they can hire MQ on 300k then surely they will hire me, and I will do the job for say 250k ? And for that kind of coin I will even throw in 2 interviews per calendar year with Today Tonight !

[lotus27]

Where is he now?

[grip-pipe]

Interesting post. From a reliable source here is the count since JM was made CEO/DAS of CASA:

S. Carmody DCEO
M. Quinn DCEO
M. Hart Industry Complaints Commissioner
C. Farelly IT Head
B. Edwards Chief Financial Officer
G. Vaughan Head GAOG Operations and Airworthiness

Then you can add the numerous next tier of managers already mentioned and then some more and those moved sideways to unrelated roles like the former head of AEG (recruited from Virgin) who is parked in education and training.

I would say the 09's is an apt group pseudonym. Lot of integrity has walked.

Draw your own conclusions.

[gobbledock]

Don't forget the others to walk out :

* Over two thirds of the Safety Sytems Specialists
* A number of the Air Transport Inspectors. And those remaining are trying to bail.
* Mainline Field Office Managers.
* Several Ops Managers and temorary position holders of that title.

Grip pipe -
S. Carmody DCEO
M. Hart Industry Complaints Commissioner
C. Farelly IT Head
B. Edwards Chief Financial Officer
G. Vaughan Head GAOG Operations and Airworthiness

* Carmody was by far the best candidate for CEO, and came close, but the fact that he 'hasn't flown' passenger jets was the reason he was denied. A ridiculous and outdated reason. Incredibly the old school still believe that unless you have sat up front of a jet, you can't hold down the 'top job'. Since when does being a pilot make you an automatic executive manager ? Anyway, SC was smart, bailed and took a much better position elsewhere.
* Farelly and Edwards are a non issue and there will be no problem replacing them. They weren't underperforming, just saw the writing on the wall and grabbed a liferaft.
* Vaughan lost a fight with and got punted back to CBR. Eventually he decided enough was enough and pulled the pin, sick of all the crap.
* Michael Hart is the biggest mystery, perhaps any 'insiders' could explain why he slipped out the back door quietly one cold Canberra evening ?
* And lets not forget that in amongst all this 'mire', the old school and deadwood still remain tucked away within their coccoons. A joke.

Safe skies for all ??

This list that seems to be growing is not the final tally, with a host of others jumping ship. And the one's leaving of their own free will are ones that were actually good value and making positive inroads, so that must tell you something ?

[Joker 10]

Reality is if you as a CEO rely on bluff , bluster, and I am the only source of truth and enlightenment, then there is only one absolute result = you will fail.

McM like Toller is bound to fail, legends in their own lunch box, creative masters of "I am always right", "I amthe anointed one"

Creatures of the Cathay Methodology of inviolate distinction , we are the ruling class, Industrial Relations Masters.

My grand father had a great saying , " Hiding the truth is like trying to hide the fact you farted in the bath, your hands just can't move fast enough to hde the physisical evidence, and the truth will prevail.

My bet is on the bath water !!!!!! despite the RAAF training.

[Timber]

Looks like this is developing into a real screaming emergency.
The government will have to take some quick and decisive action otherwise there will be nothing of any use left...!
Maybe we can tender the whole job out to the FAA or the NZ CAA?

[LeadSled]

Folks,
How about subbing out to PNG CAA, (NZ rule book, paid for by the taxpayers of Australia as the Balus Project) they have some good blokes there now, including one G.Vaughan Esq.
Tootle pip!!

[gobbledock]

What about the FAA as an option to run the Regulator ? They think they own the universe, plus they have around 6000 Inspectors so they actually have enough staff to perform regulatory functions .
Another possibility is Darth, since his retirement from QF he has been very bored and is always looking for an organisation to skin to the bone and outsource ? Whoops, nobody left at CASA to skin !
As for PNG, aren't there other CASA people over their working now ? And if that is true, things must be pretty bad in AUS to throw in the towel and to PNG ??
Sounds like the Regulators GPWS is sounding !

[Mainframe]

Gobbledock

agree with most of your observations, particularly Michael Hart, Industry Complaints Commissioner walking.

After time with ASIO, and 12 years in the NSW Independant Commission Against Corruption (ICAC), very little could disturb this man,yet CASA beat him.

And yes, he saw the Venn report as well, a report that may never be available for public scrutiny.

JM is easing the ones sidelined by Byron back into positions contradictory to their established characters, and the usual RAAF / Cathay then CASA types.

Legal Services has seen a promotion instead of a goodbye to Perry Mason.

And guess who else is in the group of Byron discards waiting to get back in.

And to cap it all off, CASA now has a board to further insulate itself.

Not only lunatics in charge of the asylum, but maybe a Dracula or two in charge of the blood bank as well.

[gobbledock]

http://www.1000misspenthours.com/posters/postersn-z/screamingskull.jpg

[parabellum]

I must admit I was quite disappointed by the CASA selection process. With 36 years in flying, 20,000hrs+, hands on experience in Europe, Middle East, Far East, flying military and civil rotary, GA, light turbo props, small, medium and large jets, international route experience on relevant types, majority of hours 'in-command', Current licence etc. etc. and I couldn't even get an interview for either Ops Officer or Inspector. Wasn't looking for a career, just ten or so years putting bread on the table and hopefully something back into the industry.

"You do not appear to have a proven track record or background in Check and Training" This was in Tollers day and I have subsequently been told that such an attitude is 22 carat pure CX.

The assumption that anyone in C & T is the bees knees baffles me. Some get there because they have a natural ability to train and assess but far too many get there because they see it as their right of passage, due seniority, or they simply hang around the office a lot and ask for it!!!

[crocodile redundee]

Dont lose any sleep over it. You would have done no good, & would feel miserable trying. Many have tried before you & left shortly after . Its the "System" that is to blame. The sad thing is Nothing will ever change!!!!!

[indamiddle]

gobbledock,
don't think darth will have the time. currently on the board of tourism australia (snout in the trough) and has just been tasked with coordinating the aussie bid for soccer world cup 2018/2022. i wonder what the chances are he is still with us by then.
hope you didn't mean 'FAAA', what a nightmare, getting failed for grooming checks!

[Mainframe]

Indamiddle

Darth is also retained as a paid advisor by the Queensland Government in their jobs creation scheme.

Probably will work out how he can save them a bundle by sending their Qld Rail coal loco's to SE Asia for maintenance.

[Joker 10]

Parabellum, Look at it as a Lucky Escape from the clutches of the house of doom.

[Frank Burden]

Did we miss Clive of Strategic as one of the senior managers that have left?;)

[Cactusjack]

Mainframe,

Probably will work out how he can save them a bundle by sending their Qld Rail coal loco's to SE Asia for maintenance

Now that is funny. If Darth is successful with the soccer bid, will he then outsource that to Asia also , along with the Loco's ?
Maybe Darth will join the The Sydney Harbour Bridge preservation society, and send portions overseas for maintenance as well ?

[ratpoison]

Maybe we can tender the whole job out to the FAA or the NZ CAA?

Well, seems as though it has been tendered to other parts of the third world like everything else in Oz. Just take a look at your licence and see who the 'delegate' of CASA is and the 'Principle Medical Officer'. Enough said.:ugh:

[nortwinds]

Joker 10, maybe it would not be as much "the house of doom" if they chose to employ more people of the knowledge and experience calibre of Parabellum.

[Joker 10]

Nortwinds, You are no doubt right, but the entrenched miasamic ex RAAF and low time pretenders will never let true ex[pertise into their cosy bureacratic wonderland.

It is a closed shop.

[SeldomFixit]

The easiest way to expose mediocrity has been and always will be, in a Gov't or semi Gov't environment, to introduce real talent at ANY level. Jmc wasn't, isn't, is not likely to be.:suspect:

[UNCTUOUS]

Wonder if JMac would give me a job? I would be pretty useless in a CASA type role, but I was his instructor at Pearce and got him through (despite his OQ's being worse than mine - which he had to work at - he did scrape through on ability and sheer obnoxious cussedness).

Drank like a fish as I recall, but then again so did I. I've always suspected that it was he who'd always hide my bike so I had to walk back to the MQ after emerging half (or full) drunik from the Cadet's Mess bar.

But I've had the last laugh. I've still got a full head of hair. That'd probably nix me at any interview however.

[Joker 10]

Unctuos, That was a priceless post, you win the gold star for this year, no one will be able to beat that !!!!!!!!!

[grip-pipe]

My source tells me that the Industry Complaints Commissioner left to reinvigorate and pursue a legal career as a Barrister in NSW, and intends to practice in criminal law, aviation law and administrative law and on that basis has nothing public to offer at the moment. I believe he is quietly helping out a couple of our older drivers who have fallen foul of CASA and their employers.

The ICC had a number of significant run-ins with JM but would not withdraw or re-write his reports, chose to leave on that basis to maintain his integrity and support of industry and was appalled at the management style of JM. Apparently they loathed each other. Not even an afternoon cup of tea was on offer when the ICC departed by CASA management, pretty shoddy really.

[Jabawocky]

That's the kind of Lawyer you want fighting your case.......One with an AXE to grind :}

They might even consider it a sport, and be moderate in their fee!.....Ok dreaming now :hmm:

[Frank Arouet]

UNCTUOUS;

Don't worry about the hair. You will need a moustache like this however.

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr13/scud_2008/hitlermoustache.jpg

[gobbledock]

Whoops, more mischief at Skull Cave ?

Air watchdog linked to crash pilot

From: The Australian (http://www.theaustralian.com.au/)
February 06, 2010 12:00AM

THE nation's air safety watchdog has been employing a company owned by a consultant who is in business with, and has worked for, the former chief pilot of the airline involved in Australia's worst civilian air crash in 40 years.

The relationship has distressed the relatives of the 15 people who died when Transair Flight 675 crashed into a ridge as it came in to land at Lockhart River in far north Queensland in 2005.
The Weekend Australian does not suggest any wrongdoing on the part of the consultant, Rob Collins, his company, Transair, or Les Wright arising from their relationship.
Last year, from January to April, Mr Collins, a former Civil Aviation Safety Authority safety expert, provided consultancies, through his Temba Pastoral company, to CASA.
Also early last year, Mr Collins was employed as a safety consultant by Papua New Guinea-based Trans Air Ltd, which is co-owned by Mr Wright, the former chief pilot and co-owner of the company that operated Flight 675.
Mr Wright was not the pilot of the plane but supervised and co-owned the airline involved in the crash.
Last month, Mr Collins and Mr Wright became co-directors and stakeholders in an unrelated private company, Paradise Meats Pty Ltd. Mr Collins has declined to elaborate what business Paradise Meats will be conducting.
Shane Urquhart, whose daughter Sally died in the Lockhart crash, yesterday called on CASA to look at its relationships with its consultants. Mr Collins this week declined to comment about his work as a consultant.
A CASA spokesman said: "CASA always takes appropriate steps to avoid . . . conflicts of interest when engaging consultants and contractors. These steps were taken when CASA engaged Mr Rob Collins' company."
Trans Air's hiring of Mr Collins proved useful when it successfully appealed against CASA's block on the charter operation getting a certificate to allow it to carry cargo and passengers along Queensland's northeast coast and to Darwin. CASA had blocked the original application on the grounds of Mr Wright's involvement with Trans Air and that the charter business had flown into Australia on medivac flights without getting permission from CASA.
Queensland Administrative Appeals Tribunal deputy president Philip Hack overturned the decision and ordered CASA to issue the certificate to Trans Air on the grounds that Mr Wright was only a line pilot with the operation and the operation was safe.
In his judgment, he made special note of evidence by Mr Collins who had been hired by Trans Air to undertake a review of safety and management systems at the operation over three days in late March and prepare a report.
"In the present context it is helpful to consider the work undertaken by Mr Collins in his examination of the systems of Trans Air, and the opinions that he has reached regarding the company's operations," Mr Hack said in the judgment. "Mr Collins has enormous experience in these matters. He was . . . a most impressive witness. His opinion is entitled to considerable weight."
Mr Hack said Mr Collins' affidavit had stated that "the staff, processes, work practices, facilities, and aircraft of Trans Air are compliant with statutory requirements and (it) demonstrates the capacity to comply with relevant Australian legislation".
Mr Hack also took into account Mr Collins' opinions about what should be made of the failures of the company Lessbrook, which ran the crashed airline and had been part owned by Mr Wright.
Mr Collins' evidence to the tribunal was that the operation was different from the company that ran the crashed airline.
"Mr Wright, as we currently have it, is not in control, and I think the devolution of control and proper governance of the organisation is enhanced by different people having different roles, which wasn't the case in Lessbrook," Mr Collins said.
Mr Collins told the AAT that Mr Wright "is a very good pilot, he's a very good trainer and checker, but I wouldn't regard him highly in terms of his managerial ability". Mr Hack said Mr Collins' evidence had satisfied him that Trans Air's operational structure and its key personnel were quite different from those of Lessbrook where Mr Wright himself performed many of the key roles.
The judgment, which was handed down on January 22, notes that Mr Collins worked for CASA for 16 years after originally working for Lessbrook in 1990.

[Torres]

The same Mr Collins that was consultant to Counsel assisting the Coroner in the Lockhart River Inquest.

Impartiality, objectivity and conflict of interest come to mind! :ugh:

[Checklist Charlie]

It is my understanding that this is the same person that had a major reporting/ochestrating role for the Transport Department during the conduct of the governments activities and contribution to the unmentionable during August to March some 20 years ago.

Employment searches, 'safety consultation" and doing the Aust Governments "assistance" to the PNG CAA is also one of his 'little earners'.

CC:=

[LeadSled]

Torres,
Interestingly, I am told that the "Lockhart River" consultancy meant that said person could not be called as a witness to the Coroner's Inquest, and if this is true, I am quite certain that it was only an unintended consequence of CASA's action.
This was all well before JMac.
Tootle pip!!

[Frank Arouet]

Sir Humphrey: If there had been investigations, which there haven't, or not necessarily, or I'm not at to say whether there have, there would have been a project team which, had it existed, on which I cannot comment, would now have been disbanded, if it had existed, and the members returned to their original departments, if indeed there had been any such members.
From: Big Brother

[4Greens]

Frank, its from Yes Minister

[Jabawocky]

Torres

You know better than that..........Your comments are under done and letting them off the hook rather lightly.

Makes you want the Inquest started all over again, and at CASA's expense!

And people wonder why many folk do not believe you get justice in this country. :rolleyes:

[Torres]

LedSled. You are bolder than I. Yup, that too. May I also be so bold as to question how much of the Coroner's Report was written by the Coroner and how much input to the Report by Counsel Assisting and his hired helper?

Mr Collins worked for CASA for 16 years after originally working for Lessbrook in 1990.

Errr, conflict of interest anyone? :ugh: :ugh:

[Joker 10]

Just part of the "Group Captains Club" a united force institutionally endorsed as the masterts of "Conflict of Interest" never let ethics get in the way of a good "earner".

[Gas Bags]

Dangerous ground.:ooh:

[Checklist Charlie]

I can't help feeling that JMc is damaged goods and best sent packing.

With baggage like the Senate Committee dummy spit late last year, the apparent present staffing turmoil, that disgusting membership of the Star Chamber at CX and of course his RAAF reputation, I don't think this is the sort of leadership the regulator needs now or ever.

That the national regulator is in such a state is not good for us as individuals, not good for our industry as a whole and certainly not good for the public that (blindly and ingnorantly) believes CASA is doing its job.

We, the industry and the public deserve better.:ugh:

CC

[Timber]

Who on earth is credited with selecting this misfit for the CEO job in the first place? What a monumental blunder that was....!

[gobbledock]

Checklist Charlie,
You do speak much truth, o wise one.:ok:
However, it's not about regulation, and it hasn't been for a number of years now. It is about saving money and cost cutting.The regulator is being bankrolled by a broke government.
People, do the math. Poor finances don't only pose a risk to companies or airlines:=
A reliable source tells me that most offices or departments are empty enough to hold a rock concert in. Nobody left, and those who remain are either retiring or leaving for better jobs.

[Frank Arouet]

Nobody left, and those who remain are either retiring or leaving for better jobs.

There have been some really good, and quality people leave, but the problem is the "grubs" that are still there. Plus those floating around the walls of "Fort Fumble" to thicken the slime.

This CEO simply has no idea of the real state of play.

[max1]

A reliable source tells me that most offices or departments are empty enough to hold a rock concert in. Nobody left, and those who remain are either retiring or leaving for better jobs.
And this is how those who are the big players probably want it to be.
No one to put a rocket up them and a 'government agency' to blame when it goes pear shaped.
Welcome to Australia.

[grip-pipe]

CASA's use by date is expired. It should be abolished. Here's why.

The organisation provides only a modicum of input, generally misguided and legalistic, to the actual business of aviation and aviating. CASA is a hindrance to aviation not a contributor. The organisation has been provided with excessive discretion to make decisions on behalf of individuals and business and organisations and this discretion should be removed.

Parliament needs to be persuaded to the view that the time when there was a need for such oversight and intrusive involvement in aviation is over. Historic circumstances have changed.

Aviation Standards? yes, international base operational and manufacturing agreed (build or fix), is enough. We know enough from the safety research and accident investigations of a century what causes aircraft to crash and what is risky activity to know how to avoid it or minimise it without being told. Nothing has changed and safety is probably as good as it will get. We are at the '****up' factor, human mistakes and failures, the rest is the law of unintended consequences, there are always some for something. So we can work at improving but that is a natural process but we do not need a regulator to know this. All the industry, businesses, owners, pilots, engineers, ground staff, fuel people, cleaners and clerks, generally understand this, all of us go out on our day to day business with the intention of not being hurt, being killed or having an unpleasant day. We do not require hundreds of pages of regulations to tell us this or make us do this.

The historical circumstances that gave rise for the view and therefore the action of Parliament to provide intrusive regulation and therefore prevent the individual from holding the ultimate responsibility for their actions and hence their duty of care to all and sundry, is past. We live in the same world but at a very different level and much higher level of technology and knowledge. The technology has simplified administration and mechanised, now digitised, many manual processes. The systems are reliable and soundly designed. Compliance with commonly and internationally agreed systems and standards should be left to the responsible person, either corporate and individual and the transfer of legal risk from the State to the individual and hence and then subject to common law, risk would be managed and duty of care satisfied. We do it already in road transport. Apart from design standards , licensing and educational roles, any compliance process is left to random inspections and the annual requirement to meet registration requirements.

IF such a change was made, by new legislation cast in plain and simple language all the industry would then need government to supply was; a central group to manage ICAO and publish standards and update rules or guidance as appropriate, a licensing section, a registration section, an educational and training section, and safety research. That is it. The need for approval to run an aviation business would be gone and the supervision of day to day activity a matter for appropriate inspectors. Any inspectors or those engaged in such activity would and must come from a completely separate and judicially accountable body, such as the AFP, and compliance failure dealt with by administrative action excepting grevious and criminal acts.


It is industry and its participants that make aviation what it is today; reliable, safe and efficient air transport. Businesses do not make money with broken and wrecked equipment and crew do not go out to kill themselves and their passengers every day, their livelihood and income depends on it. There is professional pride in both workmanship and skills of all those who work in the industry, in all countries regardless of the regulatory regime. Excellence comes and goes. The rules to avoid accidents are very simple indeed. All of this owes nothing to or has anything to do with CASA or its predecessors, no matter how well intentioned.

Time to move on is my view!

[Frank Arouet]

a central group to manage ICAO and publish standards and update rules or guidance as appropriate, a licensing section, a registration section, an educational and training section, and safety research. That is it.

And that central group should have in part, in it's mission statement: "TO FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE CIVIL AVIATION".

Time to excise the bureaucratic cancer and start anew I say.

NZ or PNG CAA can run the show while they work that out.

[Timber]

What an enlightened piece of writing grip-pipe! This sort op thinking can move us out of the antiquated ways of the past. Wouldn't everybody in aviation feel liberated if the useless incompetent obstructive monstrosity that CASA has become would cease to exist.

[Joker 10]

Wot no prosecution to safety , how will we enforce the rules ????????

[4Greens]

A greater improvement to Australia's aviation system would be the appointment of a Minister of Aviation. Start at the top and the rest would or should follow.

[Frank Arouet]

The "midnight foil fairy" from the bottom from of the garden may be looking for a job soon. Everybody would follow him just out of curiosity.:ouch:

[tail wheel]

A further improvement would be a complete, simple and cohesive set of Civil Aviation Regulations.

The review of the CARs has so far taken almost 22 years.... :ugh: :ugh:

[Jabawocky]

The Honourable Minister for Aviation, Mr T Wheel. :D


And written in plain English if you would please Taily :ok:

[bushy]

It appears to me that CASA is a law unto themselves and only follow the directions of the Minister or their Director when they feel like it. They appear to be a beaurocracy that no-one has any control of.

[Frank Arouet]

They are not out of control however.

They are in control.:(

[tail wheel]

Well I remember Laurie Gruzman QC!

I'm sure CASA's problem is the same problem industry has - no clear, concise regulations.

[Jabawocky]

Old enough yes from the little search I just did.............but do tell the story:)

[Boratous]

Grip-pipe You wrote:

"My source tells me that the Industry Complaints Commissioner left to reinvigorate and pursue a legal career as a Barrister in NSW, and intends to practice in criminal law, aviation law and administrative law and on that basis has nothing public to offer at the moment. I believe he is quietly helping out a couple of our older drivers who have fallen foul of CASA and their employers."

It would be a bit hard for him to practise as a barrister or solicitor (or any other form of law - including giving legal advice) when he doesn't have a law degree. Perhaps he should do some proper legal studies first and get a law degree.

See the following exchange in the Senate:


Senator HEFFERNAN
—Are you a lawyer?
Mr Hart

—No, I am not a practising lawyer.
Senator HEFFERNAN

—So why do you say the law? What bit of the law are you in—bush
law? Or are you an articled clerk?
Mr Hart

—No. I studied initially in the bush and at the University of New England.
Senator HEFFERNAN

—You did not complete your exams?
Mr Hart—I have not completed them, no.

From what I understand his "legal studies" were minimal. So how can he be pursuing a career as a Barrister

[Frank Arouet]

I've held off this thread to se what popped up and am a bit disappointed to see it go without comment on Laurie Gruzman QC who I shared my early days of flying at the old Aviation Centre/ Business Aviation/ Nesbo Aviation, Marion St Bankstown, + something to do with Bristol Sycamore helicopters/ and of course the PADS system developed by Laurie. Plus of course the lost souls of Gerrie Grandt, Ray McLean and a plethora of others either with us or departed.

You may remember Laurie as the defending lawyer in the Alexander and Thomas Barton matter.

He is best remembered and preferably forgotten by the powers who annoyed him to death because of PADS. (Precision aerial dropping system), that set the benchmark for modern day air sea rescue.

I sincerely hope someone with the guts can come on here and accurately denounce the Bureaucratic $hit he went through so others may benefit by both from his insight and awareness that the same $hit is still going on today.

Different players, different advisors, same chess game, same attitude.

[Howabout]

Frank,

It's second hand, but I understand that PADS was looked at by the military; specifically their research and development unit (ARDU). I just happen to have a relative who knew these guys because they were kind enough to assist (in their own time) with getting a particular sort of sporty homebuilt flyable.

Word was that PADS, as assessed by these guys, was dangerous. It's a long time back, but I seem to remember it went to the way that the tether was deployed and the risk of it getting sucked back.

I do not claim to be an authority, but I gather that despite the publicity at the time (including airtime on TV), PADS was not all it was cracked up to be.

[Frank Arouet]

Yes, it's a story in its own right, probably worth investigating because the basic concept was sound. Drag a rope over the target and drop the gear.

I think there were incidents of life threatening nature around Merimbula at the time that could have been addressed but powers to be stopped it.

Similar thing happened when a twin engine helicopter couldn't be found and a circling F27 had to leave left some poor sod to drown in Bass Strait. There were a stack of single engine machines ready, available, and willing to help.

Perhaps someone else can shed some light.

The end result of these examples is that instead of "fostering" to help improve the basic principles the "regulator" just worked on what was in black and white and people died.

No flexibility, no common sense, no duty of care above beyond the dogmatic written word of the day. Remember the definition of a "MERCY FLIGHT"- Pull that one today and see what happens.

Stupidity still happens and in logarithmatically increasing proportions perpetrated by mindless narrow minded overpaid dimwits.

[Sunfish]

Ask Gippsland Aviation(?) about the tender ministrations of CASA when the Airvan was designed and built. :(

[Frank Arouet]

And the Victa unable to get a subsidy sold to NZ and then the manufactured product purchased back as the CT4. That made economic sense.

"TO FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE CIVIL AVIATION".

Why is it so hard to have this as part of the CASA mission statement in light of historical mistakes that we are doomed to have repeated.

[Checklist Charlie]

Getting CASA to

TO FOSTER AND ENCOURAGE CIVIL AVIATIONwill never happen because it will require them to do some actual work. They would rather simply hide behind a mish-mash of many outdated and irrelevant regulations than actually do something constructive. These are the same regulations that they have been fafing about with for more that 20 years.

Again I say we need an effective regulator, not the dysfunctional shambles we have at present, the leaders of which have a concerning "management" history.

CC

[Frank Arouet]

Out of interest I "googled" the following;

Mission Statement Civil Aviation Authority of New Zealand.

To manage safety and security risks in New Zealand through the implementation of efficient oversight, regulatory, and promotional action.

CAA UK.

To provide the best practice regulation and expert advice that are independent and enable civil aviation to best meet the needs of its users and society in a safe and sustainable manner.

We will achieve our mission and values by (among other things), fostering a culture where safety is paramount.

FAA US.

Our continuing mission is to provide the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.
Our vision is to improve the safety and efficiency of flight. We are responsive to our customers and are accountable to the taxpayer and the flying public.

Civil Aviation Safety Authority of Australia.

Does not appear to have a mission statement, but does have a Charter extracted as follows;

The purpose of this Charter is to describe to the public and the aviation community, the service experience that can be expected in dealing with the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and its staff.
We have a responsibility to inform people about their rights and responsibilities, including the right to expect high standards of service and behaviour from CASA officers.
We believe that people who are better informed and have a clearer understanding of legislative requirements are better able to comply with the rules and regulations in the maintenance of air safety. This in turn will enhance aviation safety levels in Australia.
The CASA Service Charter sets out our feedback process, so that you can let us know how well we are implementing our Service levels and how we can improve our service to you.
The Charter also sets out our Complaints Handling procedure so that you can let us know if you are dissatisfied with the standards of service you have received or are unhappy with a decision made by CASA staff. We believe that it is in everybody’s interests to resolve complaints efficiently and effectively.
Reports on our performance against this Service Charter will be included in our Annual Report.
This Charter forms part of CASA’s strategic planning and reporting system, which is based on the Corporate Plan. It has been developed in accordance with the Whole of Government approach detailed in the Department of Finance and Administration publication ‘Client Service Charter Principles’. It has been prepared in consultation with staff, other relevant agencies and a broad cross section of the aviation community.
We will seek stakeholders’ views on the Charter’s effectiveness on a regular basis and use this information to improve our services.

[chainsaw]

Frank,

I'm not an making excuses for CASA, but your statement that CASA:

Does not appear to have a mission statement...

is incorrect.

CASA's mission statement is at Civil Aviation Safety Authority - About CASA (http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_91621) as follows:

To enhance and promote aviation safety through effective safety regulation and by encouraging industry to deliver high standards of safety

Whether CASA's achieving (or is in fact actually capable of achieving) that mission seems to be the main issue here I think. :confused:

[High 6]

So where is Mick Quinn now?

[reallyoldfart]

Jesus frank, don't mention the midnight foil fairy again - Kevin might just get another of his brilliant ideas and move the oxygen thief sideways into the job as Aviation minister:ugh:

[Frank Arouet]

To enhance and promote aviation safety through effective safety regulation and by encouraging industry to deliver high standards of safety

the promotion idea is to encourage industry to deliver those standards and "REGULATE" those ideas. mainly brought about by quoting defunct, compliant, and irrelevant organisations paid for by CASA by way of free advertising or favours for the "old boys network".

says nothing about encouraging or promoting aviation which they are Hell bent on destroying.

Re the "foil fairy", I would suggest the opposition should not call for his head. This Government could self destruct with baggage like that at the next election.

[Frank Burden]

I saw a very large advertisement 4 people 2 apply to become the Industry Complaints Commissioner in Friday's paper. Anyone up for it? Should be an easy yes job. So just take the money and relax.;)

Why do CASA spend so much of our money on big glossy ads in the newspaper? More people would see it if they posted it on Pprune.

[flying-spike]

Yes, please, somebody expand on the moniker!

[Frank Arouet]

No hair, foil insulation gone wrong, solar hot water burnt everyone, reject Greens, and defector to the Labor Party, Had a band similar to the moniker, lives at the bottom of the garden with the fairies, smokes wackybaccy, funds greenpeace, hates capitalist pigs with aeroplanes..... etc. etc.

Should be kept in place and not sacked because with his baggage, the current mob will be rolled next election.

[YPJT]

No hair, foil insulation gone wrong, solar hot water burnt everyone, reject Greens, and defector to the Labor Party, Had a band similar to the moniker, lives at the bottom of the garden with the fairies, smokes wackybaccy, funds greenpeace, hates capitalist pigs with aeroplanes..... etc. etc. and is now credited with putting a whole new slant on the foil's hit "beds are burning" Maybe it will be called "bats are burning":cool:

[SeldomFixit]

Kev oh Sev and Labor certainly got what they paid for in the tin foil fairy :D

[LeadSled]

Folks,

A very well based rumor (aka alleged eye witness account ??) has it that an FOI or AWI was escorted from Fort Fumble at YSBK by police, early this week.

Anybody have any more info., seems things are locked down tight, even the usual leaks aren't even dripping.

Tootle pip!!

[Frank Arouet]

In the absence of anything else, some poor bugga having a meltdown perhaps? I'd give them some space on this one for a while.

[Frank Arouet]

Now at a later date I "google" Laurie Gruzman PADS and surprise of surprises, all Government, Hansard and CASA references are as searched, 404 FILE OR DIRECTORY NOT FOUND.

What's going on? Are we rewriting history as per Japan?

I did find this from a plumbers supplies website?

Medal For Inventor Of Rescue System (http://www.plumbersupplies.com.au/plumber-supplies-articles/1992/11/23/medal-for-inventor-of-rescue-system/)

This Country is stuffed! I knew Laurie, he deserves better than this.

[gobbledock]

The much hyped up and internaly argued and debated CMT (Certificate Management Teams) kicks off next week. Specific Inspectors assigned specific operators, what a hoot!
The best thing is that instead of hiring 'experts' to oversee each individual internal team they simply handed pretty much all of the Team Lead roles to current Team Leaders so as to save the organisation money! Many of the Team Leaders that already exist are complete Nupty's and not up for the job. How's that for a 'risk based' decision, NOT. Instead of hiring or promoting an actual expert CASA opt for the cheapest way to save a dollar! Heaven help the industry if the industry did that??
Seems like CMT is just another ill fated half arsed attempt to blow taxpayer money, sanctioned by the upper echelon and the ridiculosuly incompetent Safety Oversight Branch (SOB), the department filled with ex RAAF people.

I am also hearing that the stand off between Inspectors and Management over enterprise bargaining is gaining momentum with the Unions circling and ready for a show down. Once again the upper echelon and HR have engaged in screwing the workforce (remember they do it to industry) and now they are targeting the front line. All in line with Gillards push for each Government department to wipe costs of 10% across the board which included Fort Fumble. Perhaps they should reduce management bonuses to $0.00, remove business class fares and lounge memberships as well as scale back management salary by 10% and re-invest it into the front line and a decent set of regs, rather than have a bunch of PHD spinning f:mad:s and burnt-out pilots tripping endlessly to Montreal and any other junket? I mean that would improve relationships internally in line with a just culture, wouldn't it?

Where is Flyingfiend, he is in the heart of Fort Fumble, surely he can offer some sound legal advice on this issue??

[Selcalmeonly]

The CMT seems to be like the old CAA assigned examiner of airman system they had 30 years ago. Maybe I have it wrong but it sounds a bit like the old song out of the movie, Thoroughly Modern Millie - "everything old is new again!". ;)

[aroa]

Did the current one get overwhelmed with BS paperwork, or say yes, yes, yes so often they reckoned she'd be good 'yeser' for higher up the food chain.
Looking at the long list of things that the ICC now CANT deal with, wont be much of a workload.
Think I might put my hand up. I know what an aeroplane looks like.:sad:

Seriously now. I was interviewed by ICC Hart and found him to be a 'straight shooter' His truth of, and finding in the matter didnt go down well with the Top Nob at the Fort. So the Skull screamed up a (No) Ethics & (Mis)Conduct Committee, made up of dubious characters in regards to E &C. to by-pass ICC Ops normal MO there.:eek:
To shaft his recommendation (AFP to deal with) a hefty taxpayer funded external investigation was called up.. to go thru it all again, but corruptly IMO, the allegations of criminality were changed to "breach of the code of conduct". I.e. protection mechanism and 'admin' sanctions only.
Mr Hart, wisely moved on to more enlightened pastures, and legal study.
The Skull displayed his true ceo leadership credentials... protect the wrongdoers at all costs. :mad: :mad: and fcuk the victim.!

[gobbledock]

Seriously now. I was interviewed by ICC Hart and found him to be a 'straight shooter' His truth of, and finding in the matter didnt go down well with the Top Nob at the Fort. So the Skull screamed up a (No) Ethics & (Mis)Conduct Committee, made up of dubious characters in regards to E &C. to by-pass ICC Ops normal MO there.http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/eek.gif
To shaft his recommendation (AFP to deal with) a hefty taxpayer funded external investigation was called up.. to go thru it all again, but corruptly IMO, the allegations of criminality were changed to "breach of the code of conduct". I.e. protection mechanism and 'admin' sanctions only.
Mr Hart, wisely moved on to more enlightened pastures, and legal study.
The Skull displayed his true ceo leadership credentials... protect the wrongdoers at all costs. http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/censored.gif http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/censored.gif and fcuk the victim.!
Very true. An old story but one that might be of interest to the Senators. Perhaps they can call Mr Hart in to a closed sitting to discuss his version of events at Fort Fumble?

[gobbledock]

As reported elsewhere the EM of Operations is about to go back to Canberra to take over the Reg Implementation Program as the present manger wants another $45 million to complete it. So the EM Ops role will be up for grabs. Fairly high level maneuvering indeed.
Pity really as he was always happy to fire up the Brisbane BBQ and cook a few snags for the Inspectors. I wonder who will be giving the sausage now?

[Frank Arouet]

Should have gone to Swanny in person. He reckons were rolling in cash, though down a smidgen from expected.

$45 million, chicken feed! And that should last them another 23 years for that little project.

Think of it as therapy for those hard working bureaucrats.:E

[Ejector]

Frank, with reference to post#93 re PADS.

Is that system still in use, it worked so well.

Why the removal?

[Frank Arouet]

Re PADS;

I haven't been able to find much about it on CASA searches or government files. It was a great system that Laurie Gruzman put a lot of time and effort into. Perhaps it transgressed some tender memories of those who tried to shut it down.

I'll have another look. If it's not being used in one form or another, it should.

[40years]

PADS was not a great system. It was a commercial SAR system which Laurie Gruzman tried to impose on the SAR organisation,(which had existing effective systems). It had its faults, sufficient that it was not a suitable replacement for the systems in place.

[Frank Arouet]

PADS had, from memory a string of leader which was flown over the distressed person so that person had hold of a lifeline which was connected to a rescue float or similar. As I said, I can't find much about the system so I'm not in a position to argue the point. What were it's faults and what was the existing system that was better? Again from memory, PADS was designed to replace precision dropping which had it's problems as well.

If you have any links, I would appreciate you sharing them. I have an historical interest.

[aroa]

Frank... I cant remember the year, but I remember watching a 7.30 report or was it 4 corners ??...where the Pads system was examined and showed footage of air drops... the line falling across the target, disabled boat,etc. Plenty of 'talking heads' and chat.
ABC archives may have that in their 'video vault' still.
Laurie G was trying to convince ? that this was a viable and easy to use sysytem.
Who was responsible for SAR in those days.? CASA, or a div of?

I do well remember the cock-up supreme and the death of the pilot in Bass Strait... with slavish following of "The Manual" leading to the fatality.
See Dick Smith's excellent documentary "Search Without Resue"
Very scary, is the bureaucratic mind.

ATC out of CNS tried a 'radio signal strength 'find' of a lost C206 in '84? without any outcome after some hours. TVL radar 20 mins south..que?
That would also make a VERY sobering doco.
In aviation, one needs to follow the Scouts' maxim.. Be Prepared -Yourself.
Others might not be.
Happy hunting.!

[le Pingouin]

Frank, Google cache reveals:

"There is no debate over the issue of accuracy of the PADS system. All parties are in agreement that, when deployed without incident, PADS is significantly more accurate than the rescue delivery systems currently used by Airservices Australia. However, while the manufacturer is adamant that when deployed correctly it is totally reliable, other expert evidence has found the equipment to be unreliable."

After a bit of searching this is the original doc:
Senate Committees – Parliament of Australia (http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate_Committees?url=rrat_ctte/completed_inquiries/1996-99/pads/report/b02.htm)

No conspiracy, just a website restructure & documents that are of little current relevance.

[gobbledock]

Latest rumoured CASA chess move. The EM Safety Oversight Branch (which reports directly to the Director's office) has pulled the pin, effectively immediately. Rumour that I am now hearing is that he was actually one of the 'nice blokes' and fell out with the penisoners, particularly Farqwitson. he had a huge blow up with Farqwitson and walked out the building. He had only been there 2 years. Also heard that Gestapo tactics and Stasi like activity is on the increase particularly among the pensioner group in the upper echelon. Another bully has been rising up through the ranks (no name but he is angry, bald and famous in the NT before taking up office in Brisvegas) and he too enjoys beating up industry. (These sorts of people usually have a tiny weener and are battered henpecked husbands at home).

If the rumour is true it makes you wonder yet again about how capable and effective the Skull , Minister and Board are ??
Its time for all these old farts who have no accountabilty, are losing their marbles and certainly couldnt even fly a remote controlled plane anymore to be shown the door. Australian aviation is being ruined and wrecked by a few geriatric has-beens. Time to give them the golden handshake, panama hat, viagra and Volvo and tell them to never come back.

[greenslopes]

Hey, I represent that remark........ Leave Volvos out of it!

[gobbledock]

Hey, I represent that remark........ Leave Volvos out of it!
Sorry. Do the pensioners still drive Volvo's as a vehicle of choice? I don't need to consider a retirement vehicle for a couple more years.

And what vehicle would a long serving taxpayer funded bludging CASA bureaucrat buy after many many years on a couple of hundred thousand per year anyway?? A Holden Nimrod, Ford Nupty or a VW PIG? So many choices with that fat pension, so many choices.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

The Brisvegas Operations headquarters doesn't appear to be a happy place. Funny how some people only survive 2 or 3 years. Perhaps time for another engagement survey to be carried out by HR or whatever they are called these days.

[Frank Arouet]

I have heard that events concerning a new aviation policy for the incoming Liberal/ National Party don't involve CASA at all except to use the term in the past tense.

Something to do with ICAO compliancy and existing aviation regulations that should have been adopted years ago.

But, after all, this is a rumour network and what would he know anyway?

[SIUYA]

Frank...

Something to do with ICAO compliancy and existing aviation regulations that should have been adopted years ago.

With the greatest of respect, I think that perhaps you maybe a bit wide of the mark here...

1. Compliancy or Complacency? ICAO identified problems with Australia's compliance with the SARPs of the ICAO Annexes during the last USOAP Audit it conducted of Australia - it's up to Australia to come up with corrective actions Frank, so ball's firmly in Australia's court here - i.e., CASA, as it represents the State. Complacency is the issue here Frank, because the present and past idiot Ministers didn't/don't know what compliance with SARPs involves :mad:

2. 'Regulations that should have been adopted years ago' - umm ... close, but no banana. It's the SARPs that should have been ratified into the Australian regultory framework - and which seem to be an ongoing work-in-progress (23 years at last count??) that seems to be the real issue here I'm afraid. Regulations aren't adopted by Contracting States - they ratify SARPs into the State's (in our case, the Australian) aviation legal 'framework' (so to speak - perhaps not totally correct, so not looking for any arguments here from some well-known PPRuNer protagonists, thanks very much - tally ho :ok:).

In conclusion Frank - YES - something SHOULD have been done years AND FCUKING years ago to get the necessary SARPs into our regulatory system (or else differences filed) instead of all the rooting around that's been going on for Keeerist's sake. That we've gone 23 (?) years without satisfactory conclusion to arriving at a decent set of aviation regulations here in Australia is a totally bad joke and an ongoing concern about the appointment of total idiots such as the present and past ministerial numpty's who've clearly got 5/8ths of the sqrt of FA about what's needs to fix the problems.

Idiots.................:mad:

[Frank Arouet]

I rest his case.

[SIUYA]

Yeah...I guess you're right.

:{

[Kharon]

SIUYA - YES - something SHOULD have been done years AND FCUKING years ago to get the necessary SARPs into our regulatory system (or else differences filed) instead of all the rooting around that's been going on for Keeerist's sake.
Elegant, eloquent, articulate and accurate. What a great way to start a Sunday.:D

Voltaire – a banana for Siuya. Bravo. :D

[flying-spike]

I believe the thread name needs to be changed. The maneuvering at malfunction junction are in reality more akin to nude leapfrog than chess

[Frank Arouet]

Tony Abbott has made clear his intention of thinning out the public servants. How much do you reckon he would save by getting rid of the waste that's called CASA?

[Sarcs]

How much do you reckon he would save by getting rid of the waste that's called CASA?

We certainly wouldn't be any worse off that's for sure!:ugh:

[Dangly Bits]

So if you shut down CASA, who would do the regulating?

[Flyingblind]

I'd say people like Frank Arouet.

Perhaps it's time to have a go yourself and conduct the much needed change form inside the tent?

[Frank Arouet]

Dangly bits;

1) For a start get rid of the "safety" word to describe the regulator who use that term to justify their actions.

2) CAA sounds nice. They can write the regulations only. (they may need a bit of help from PNG to do this as their last 23 years and billions of dollars have been for nought).

3) Federal Police, aviation branch, police those regulations only. The burden of proof rests with them only.

4) ATSB investigate accidents and work in conjunction with Feds and CASA, BUT, they, only, nobody else, investigate.

5) DPP, only, prosecute those rules found to have been broken by Federal Police that have a case to answer.

So if you shut down CASA, who would do the regulating

See Para 2).

[Frank Arouet]

flyingblind;

I tried that. Re wrote schedule 4 as a guide to purchasing a light aircraft and was asked to work on CASA's safety promotion branch by The CASA Chairman. When I asked, when do I start, where is my office, and what is the pay, it all went quiet. I still have the documentation.

The offer hasn't been revoked, perhaps you suggest I apply again and claim compensation for my wasted time?

[Flyingblind]

Thanks for that Frank, interesting situation to be offered a position by the Chairman and all then falls in a heap, no doubt a frustrating situation not to get a go at effecting real change!

You could certainly try to claim but with Tony's promise to cut the Australian Public Service when he assumes Government I doubt the claim (conveniently) would have legs.

[NZScion]

I've said it before: there's a perfectly functioning and capable civil aviation authority already operating in this part of the world. Its called CAANZ, and I'm pretty sure they could do the job. Joint regs, joint education, do it all under one roof.

You could disband CASA, and have CAANZ take over the roles, retaining the good bits of CASA, and throwing out the bad.

It's already been done in other areas, See Here for example (http://www.foodstandards.gov.au/). There's no reason why it couldn't be done in aviation too...

[Flyingblind]

NZScion. Almost a case of "All your base belong to us" perhaps?

You never know, it just might have merit, may I suggest you conduct a poll to see PPRuNer's views?

[aroa]

NZScion..! CAA NZ would do very nicely. Think of the benefits.!!!

1. The existing CASA is so mendacious and dysfunctional its a total waste of space.
2. Think of the savings..!!!!! Billions in taxpayer dollars not urinated away on bodgy schemes, programs, trips and task forces, etc...that yield no positive results.
3 Would fulfil an obligation for Trans Tasman reg equality.

AND..I am quite sure NO other outfit could be as hidebound and moribund as CASA is, EVER.

Time for the BIG change.:ok:
But what do WE do to bring it on.?

[Frank Arouet]

A Federal election mate;

Piss the current encumbants off and promote anybody but The Greens, Independants, or others who can't firmly place their preferences to their electorates on their ballot paper how to vote blurbs.

We can possibly deal with Truss, but nobody alive can deal with Albo.

CAA NZ or CAA PNG can be sub contracted to do the job for a year or two.

[Dangly Bits]

Makes sense to me Frank.

I'm still seeing RA-Aus aircraft doing mustering out west, people flying unserviceable aircraft, "Pretend" charter companies etc! We still need an independent group to do the policing, licensing etc.

Interesting times ahead.

DB

[Algie]

And what was CASA's response when you made reports with dates, places, people, tail numbers etc on the "RA-Aus aircraft doing mustering out west, people flying unserviceable aircraft, "Pretend" charter companies etc!"

I have a few contacts in there. PM me copies of your reports and I'll ensure they get followed through.

Look forward to hearing from you. We all know that bar-room anecdotes are no substitute for real information.

[Up-into-the-air]

Just send it on in!!!

[Dangly Bits]

Only one problem with that Algie. CASA has no idea how to keep you anonymous when you make a complaint.

I'm not going through that again.

DB

[Up-into-the-air]

From the 2011 annual report, casa say:

"CASA has a direct regulatory relationship with approximately:

▪ 34,300 pilots
▪ 14,360 owners of aircraft
▪ 850 Air Operator’s Certificate holders
▪ 7,000 licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineers
▪ 700 maintenance organisations
▪ 900 air traffic controllers
▪ 300 operators of certified and registered aerodromes
▪ 22 aerodrome rescue and firefighting service providers.

CASA is also indirectly connected with more than 100,000 people who are involved in the Australian aviation industry, and with the many millions of passengers whose safety is CASA’s primary concern.

People

At 30 June 2011, CASA employed 786 ongoing and non-ongoing employees in offices around Australia (see page 168)." Well can you relate the following?

Flight crew licences current at 30 June 34,308 Table B.10
Australian flight crew licensing examinations 20,660 Table B.11
Medical certificates issued 25,259 Table B.12
[in 2007 there were 47,254 medical certificates]

Just have a look at the number of valid licences vs. medical certificates??

Last time I looked all valid licences required a medical certificate.

It would be interesting to see how many of these now are private!!!

Any answers Mr. casa

[Frank Arouet]

I would bet the 34,300 pilots include itinerates. There are probably 20,000 less those without medicals. Ask someone with a new licence what his number is. (although that's probably been corrupted).

14,300 owners would include airlines but probably not those registered in The Cayman Is. Even the Gov't BBJ's are rented from Qantas who lease them from some other entity.

Most GA owners would be pilot's as well making the figures a bit "bouncy".

300 airports wouldn't be that if not for CASA making heaps registerable by decree which included those airports that "had the capability" of RPT using them. Temora comes to mind as one now needing radio to get into and out.

22 RFS providers. Probably counted those controlled by Airservices and those on RDO's.

These figures probably passed muster with our auditors, but what did ICAO say about them?

[Ex FSO GRIFFO]

Hi Frank,
Re your
'ask someone what his licence number is'

Doesn't work any more.

In the Original 'Good Ole Days' of consecutive numbers for licences.....

Mid '64 - Student Lic No. 28,9** i.e. the 28,9**th student licence issued.
End '64 - PPL Lic No. 15,2**
Mid '66 - CPL Lic No. 6,1**

It was a 'thing' of those days to ask the newbie, 'and wots YOUR Lic. no.?'

Now it don't matter - I lost interest and some 'pride' in my lic. no when it was converted to an ARN of 0091**.

Just another number .....just another number.....who cares.....???

I Used To..!! :yuk::yuk:

[Frank Arouet]

Mine went 21**5 to 021*** perhaps in 1984 when my green book is marked, "Permanently Valid". My original 1965 Student licence was five digits 32**8

All this aside the five digits went to six by the addition of a zero in front.

I'd be surprised if there are actually more than the 21,000 participating pilots with medicals which mine noted in 1967.

My FAI sporting licence is four digits at 1977.

It's all spin and getting worse.

[gobbledock]

And yet another update from Nupty Central. As already confirmed, Hood moved from EM Operations to EM Safety and Promotion after Sinclair pulled the pin. Cromarty takes over Hood's old role. Campbell has also been shuffled to a higher position courtesy of the recent changes including the sudden resignation of Mr Lloyd, EM Safety Oversight Branch.

Now the twist. It is rumored that the EM Operations was actually running a very good operation which was making a couple of the elderly more senior echelon look like complete twats (not hard to do really). So that is why he got shifted sideways. Mr Lloyd was outraged and had it out with Farqwitson over the matter and quit, literally, and on the spot.

So again, it would appear that the 'good guy's have been rogered by the old forces of evil. I would go further to suspect a potential ass kicking is headed their way in the not so distant future, probably care of the senate inquiry and other not so generous attention?

The lunatics are definitely in charge if the asylum.

[Kharon]

GD - Bishop mounts queen. No checkmate yet though.

Can't see how you can compare the a game of chess, which requires a modicum of intelligence to the antics of the Golden West Mafia. Snakes and ladders seems to be the order of the day there; where the snakes control the ladders.

I have my popcorn ready and a moderate amount of booze saved in the fridge to watch the upcoming show, there's the Polar show, the Senate show and the Qld LNP show which is about to kick off.

Seems to me we should have whip round for minister for Marrickville to buy him a tin hat, he'll get no help from 'the lads'. http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/puppy_dog_eyes.gif

Tick tock indeed.

[Sarcs]

Tick tock indeed. Yeah what has happened to GD's tick tock, has the clock ran out of 'tock' or has he forgotten to replace the batteries?:( Anyway "K" good post and I think it's my shout for the popcorn!:ok:

[gobbledock]

I insist on shouting the next round of popcorn. I will donate the empty popcorn box, complete with oily residue, to the first Fuhrer who gets reamed at fort fumble.

Tick tock

[Kharon]

GD - And yet another update from Nupty Central. As already confirmed, Hood moved from EM Operations to EM Safety and Promotion after Sinclair pulled the pin. Dateline Townsville – Refueller reckons Hood almost threw a con rod he was so cranky. Shame to see one of the "better" (pre lobotomy) operators being driven to where?; pause for thought here. Exactly what sort of performance could you reasonably expect as a tax payer from anyone under those conditions. Honour amongst thieves ?? .:rolleyes:

Is it the voodoo that he do the hoodoo that we know so well working internally??. It makes me wonder, it really does. :ugh:

[gobbledock]

Exactly what sort of performance could you reasonably expect as a tax payer from anyone under those conditions.
Perhaps all these highly technical issues can be raised at the Aviation law conference in NZ April 1 - 3? I hear those invited, which includes some of Australia's finest weiner champions and alleged regulatory heirachy, will be taking with them their panama hats, thesaurus, cigars and slippers, draft thesis and assorted intelectual pony pooh and play costumes (Hamlet and Macbeth will be reenacted).
Please don't forget the taxpayer funds that will be used to pay for this tomfoolery in the form of business class airfares, top notch accomodation, allowances and other assorted treats. Now who said us taxpayers are not a generous bunch?

Hot off the press !! Off site activities include -

http://www.ukagriculture.com/livestock/images/pigs_breeding.jpeg


AND -

http://www.ukagriculture.com/livestock/images/Dsc00010.jpeg

[flying-spike]

Good to see industry has all four feet firmly on the ground

[Kharon]

Tough call fellah's - shear brilliance versus succinct satire.

We have 1 banana left, 1 cigar and 1 pineapple (reserved for Ministerial use) as prizes.

The vote is open to all (being a robust, democratic warden and all). Too close to call as they say.

Thanks for the smiles boys. :D http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/thumbs.gif

[Kharon]

DB - Only one problem with that Algie. CASA has no idea how to keep you anonymous when you make a complaint. No offence mate, but they can.

I have heard a rumour (no proof of course) of 1 (one) subpoenaed document, forecasting the Canely Vale crash twelve moths before the event is being actively suppressed. Rumour has it, the reporter was vilified and the ATSB have willingly and ably dismissed the same. Heigh Ho.

There is also the 'experts' report on the Airtex Metro prang into Botany Bay, which has been, we hear, 'swept away' by the CASA provided 'copy and paste' ATSB report. Apparently the 'experts' beg `too many' awkward questions which remain unanswered.

Is it a mess ?. Oh I believe so. I always hope it ain't; but, when documented evidence is there, in your face like.

Well I'll leave it up to you up to decide.

[Sunfish]

Kharon, are you saying that "Australias proud aviation safety record" is in reality just dumb luck so far?

I thought ATSB was competent, as is AsA and CASA.

[gobbledock]

The "conspiracy" gets larger, encompassing every aviation related agency in Australia.

Kharon, are you saying that "Australias proud aviation safety record" is in reality just dumb luck so far?I thought ATSB was competent, as is AsA and CASA.

The point being made isn't one of conspiracy, it is a mere fact that ALL governments lie, deceive, spin, twist, distort, are corrupt and dishonest when they are in the wrong. You guys should study Erebus a bit more closely and have a look at the lengths a government will go to for the purpose of distancing itself from blame or accountability.
Why do you think Regulatory bodies are normally run by senior bureaucrats - they are well trained masters in spin, lie and deflection and positioned for the sole purpose of keeping politicians asses covered.
No conspiracy in that.

[Kharon]

Sunfish - Kharon, are you saying that "Australia's proud aviation safety record" is in reality just dumb luck so far?. No Sunny, I can't call that one; but I can and do read publicly available documents.
We have good weather, a shortage of serious vertical dirt, skilled engineers and a competent pilot body, the record should be the worlds best. From memory, 1 of the esteemed members here has quoted the 'real' safety stats on this forum several times and they seem to speak for themselves.

CASA don't cause accidents, a honest regulator has a bloody tough row to hoe, dammed if they do, dammed if they don't. In it's present iteration the systems fault's are chronic and all ours for allowing it to operate as it does.

ATSB don't cause accidents, see above.

In general, when you get weak investigatory management, led about by a bullying regulator, the truth takes on a chameleon like form and disappears. The Parliament is misled, Judges, AAT and Coroners bamboozled; blinded by the bright, shiny spinning lights of "the expert" regulators, and terrified of 'getting blood on their hands'.
Pay here Mr and Mrs Public for the myth of air safety and to support the rise and rise of regulatory policy rule.

Anyway – you are free, of voting age and certainly intelligent enough to form your own opinions. I did - Seven year itch (http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-general-aviation-questions/481445-seven-year-itch.html)

Seems I am not 'the policeman at Herne Bay'. (The hamlet of Bullockstone is about one mile to the west). :D

PS GD - PIC (http://www.flickr.com/photos/kittykins76/3619326409/)

[gobbledock]

Kharon, are you saying that "Australias proud aviation safety record" is in reality just dumb luck so far? I thought ATSB was competent, as is AsA and CASA.
If Australia was so safe then why was it recomended that our safety standing be downgraded? Australia came within a hairs breadth of this?
And again you can liken Australia's safety to that of a major airline that hasn't had a crash - Does that mean it is completely safe, in good steed and at the peak of it's safety game? No it doesn't.

K, nice picture link. I thought about a pig for this post but it doesn't quite fit the theme, so the below is for Blackhand -

http://store.onetenmotorcycles.com.au/userfiles/postieburnout[1].jpg

[LeadSled]

No Sunny, I can't call that one; but I can and do read publicly available documents.
We have good weather, a shortage of serious vertical dirt, skilled engineers and a competent pilot body, the record should be the worlds best. From memory, 1 of the esteemed members here has quoted the 'real' safety stats on this forum several times and they seem to speak for themselves.

Folks,
It is sobering to take a really close look, using ICAO standard definitions of accidents and incidents, Australia (in standard terms, not self serving re-definitions of categories) has a distinctly ordinary record.

All the necessary documents are available, but if you are Australian, they are not visible if you are wearing your rose coloured glasses.

In all categories, the US produces far and away the best results, and given the sheer volume of aviation in the US, nobody in their right mind would argue that the statistics are not valid (but I have heard, actually listened in amazement as sometime CASA executives dispute the US record, nonetheless).

On the other hand, given that aviation in Australia is relatively small, compared to US, or even the EU area, a valid argument can be made that the fact that we have not a large jet hull loss is not statistically significant, ie; dumb luck.

We have certainly had enough bloody close goes, starting with the TAA B727 that bounced off the cover of the sewer line, well short of the RW 07 threshold at (then) ASSY.

As to CASA competence, the results of the two ICAO audits, public information, and the two most recent FAA audits (not public, but the general thrust of the results, and why, are well enough known) speak for themselves.

Tootle pip!!

[Kharon]

LS - As to CASA competence, the results of the two ICAO audits, public information, and the two most recent FAA audits (not public, but the general thrust of the results, and why, are well enough known) speak for themselves. I could, perhaps, live with 'bad' audit or two; some element of 'non compliance' is inevitable form any subjective audit. Just because the rest of the 'modern' world seems to swan through – well 'nuff said.

One of the things annoys me is the smooth 'glossy, force fed twaddle we get in response to a safety issues. For example:- Report - R20050002. Issue date 14 March 2005.
http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/recommendations/2005/r20050002.aspx In short,
The ATSB (still punching at this stage) make a series of sensible suggestions.
The Coroner (Hennessy) supports them with half a dozen recommendations.
Enter the dragon -
CASA response.
Date Issued: 29 August 2005
CASA has reviewed its previous advice in relation to this matter [provided with the directly involved parties comments to draft occurrence report 200304282] and I am advised that the Authority has no additional comment to provide in response to recommendation R20050002. However, it should be noted that resources to review this action will be allocated in accordance with CASA's reviewed priorities. For your information, a copy of CASA's initial advice is recorded below. CASA advice
CASA will:
* Review the requirements for helicopter EMS operations to include consideration for two pilots, or a stability augmentation and/or autopilot system;
* Review the special operational and environmental circumstances of helicopter EMS services, particularly with regard to pilot qualifications, training and recency including instrument flight competency; and
* Review the pilot recency requirements for helicopter EMS operations to ensure that operator check and training processes are focused on the EMS environment.

CASA 10 October 2007.
The following updates the actions previously advised in response to the recommendation:
· The proposed review of EMS operation crewing and aircraft equipment requirements will take place as part of the re-instated project to finalise Civil Aviation Safety Regulation (CASR) Part 133. As you may be aware, the regulatory review aspects of CASR Part 133 have, under instruction from the CASA CEO [deleted], been on hold for some time. However I can now advise that this project is scheduled to recommence in October 2007, and that this subject matter will be incorporated in the consideration of CASR 1998 Part 133.T.3.
· CASA has been considering these issues (particularly the special operational and environmental circumstances associated with EMS operations) for some time now as part of the review processes for the introduction of Night Vision Goggles (NVG) into Australian helicopter night operations. As a result of this review we have incorporated helicopter EMS operations as a Permitted NVG Operation in the new NVG Civil Aviation Order (CAO) 82.

This CAO (which is now in effect) empowers appropriately equipped, trained and approved EMS AOC holders to use NVG on their night EMS primary and secondary response taskings. Both CASA and the industry consider this to be a major safety initiative and we will be monitoring its effect over the next twelve months by way of a formal research process.
· EMS pilot qualifications, training and recency requirements will be included in the CASR Part 133 project consultation and review processes, however I can also advise the (as part of its normal surveillance processes) CASA will continue to review these matters in current operations as well.

Additionally I can advise that pilot qualification, training and recency requirements were also reviewed by both CASA and the industry as part of the consultation processes associated with the previously mentioned NVG implementation project, and that the industry subject matter experts at these meetings included several representatives from AOC holders who conduct EMS operations in both VFR and IFR situations at diverse operational locations.

2012. Were the holes plugged up?. Can this incident be repeated?. Is the legislation available for use??. Tick tock indeed.

Coroner Barnes in good faith accepted that the matter was under sensible control.

Was the Public, industry, Coroner, ATSB conned?.

Who let's them get away with it - we do.

[gobbledock]

Yes the last FAA audit and ICAO audit were particularly damning.
The FAA's concern was all the Qantas incidents such as the 'bang bang oxy tank on the 747' and the regularity of Rollers going pop. That audit may not have been released publicly but it was available internally at CASA. As a result a few copies were downloaded and distributed around the traps. It makes for interesting reading I hear!
ICAO's audit was critical especially of internal/external training. Of course CASA agreed to making many fixes and started a lighthearted fix. Once ICAO were satisfied and went away CASA threw the lot into the bin. Naughty naughty, all these pesky people highlighting this fact and creating questions in the senate and some discomfort for the Minister has resulted in 'training training training' being resurrected as a priority!!
In fact Fort Fumble has embraced training with such enthusiasm that the first
floor Brisbane office is being renovated into an entire training facility. All first floor staff have been relocate to level 1 and existing staffs workspaces cut down to allow for additional staff to squeeze in. I don't think the Inspector Gadgets will be happy and I am sure OHS will be contacted shortly?

Perhaps Flyingfiend, back from the land of white clouds, could advise us if the
reduced workspaces will cause stress which in turn could result in litigation?
Nonetheless, the coffee shop offices or 'offsite meeting offices' at the DFO and Coffee Club will be able to accommodate the extra patronage I am sure.
However Hawaiian shirts, raucous outbreaks of anger and cigars are off limits!!

[flying-spike]

Indeed level 1 is being remodeled also to have the floor coverings changed to an Olympic size plastic"Twister" mat and the ceiling removed so that performance assessments and promotion exercises can be conducted with candidates in the nude, in a lather of Danish butter and viewed from the tiered seating on levels 2 and 3. Suitable survivors are then to be handpicked for an audience upstairs and possible subsequent promotion.

Those requesting training to equip them for their new responsibilities are immediately pineappled and thrown to the worm farm below to live out their days in bestial servitude to the worm masters, picking through the dross for fragments to add to the never-ending regulatory reform program, doomed to slowly suffocate in the funk of failure and stale cigar butts.......

[my oleo is extended]

Perhaps the buildings basement is more of a Freddy Kruger boiler room where all the former CASA SS management hang out and haunt Herr Skull?
The likes of Vaughn, Carmody, Quinn, and a stack of Ministers, field office Fuhrers and a handful of CEO's could all linger down there?
Speaking of hauntings, where is the team lead FOI gone from Brisbane? The one that dresses like a cowboy and wears RM boots??

[Slippery_Pete]

The difference between the US and Australia is that CASA work mainly on compliance, and FAA mainly on safety. The two philosophies are worlds apart.

The fact is, that a lot of decisions are made at all levels of aviation (by engineers, CC, pilots, refuellers, managers etc.) where compliance and covering one's arse is the most motivating factor.

A few examples:

Refuellers around Australia are busy pumping fuel (holding the switch in their hand) while placing orange witch's hats all around the truck, rather than standing next to the truck and aircraft fuel panel monitoring and watching like they should be. The reason - CASA compliance (I don't want to get in trouble).

Cabin crew are so busy telling people in exit rows they can't have anything on the floor, they consciously ignore the 10-15kg hand luggage bags they are jamming in the overheads, which exceed the weight limit of the bins and shouldn't have been allowed onboard in the first place. The reason - CASA compliance (I don't want to get into trouble). They then proceed to serve booze to these people in charge of the exits.

Pilots are so busy being "random" drug tested, yet CASA medical still routinely certify chain cigarette smokers with class 1 medicals. But it is all wonderfully compliant.

Get an unscreened passenger in the terminal accidentally and they shut the whole f***ing airport down and kick everyone out for rescreening. Meanwhile, out at my aircraft there's a catering employee who got issued with a visitor ASIC yesterday, loading boxes onto the aircraft, who signed on at the other side of the airport and who hasn't been screened. The reason - DOTARS compliance.

Go through screening at certain ports, and flight crew get guaranteed explosive testing while passengers wander through. The security guards tell us this is because we are easier and faster to test, and they have a quota per hour they have to COMPLY with. Compliance = safety?

Send pilots to the sim with CASA observing and during the one engine raw data ILS you bust a speed by 1 knot, not sustained, bingo - have a few weeks off. Then when CASA leave, in the briefing room you get the old "oh don't worry mate, if CASA hadn't been here, you'd have been alright". The reason - CASA compliance, not safety.

Every day, all around Australia, people who have a direct influence on air safety are making decisions based on compliance, box ticking and arse covering - because that's how CASA have driven the industry.

To CASA:

COMPLIANCE does not necessarily = SAFETY. The more you take the big stick approach, the more likely people are to make decisions which sacrifice safety in order to cover themselves.

[aroa]

The safety record for this country... for what its worth.
"Excellent and unique" according to CASA.
"Ordinary" by world stats by more objective reseachers.
Why do we have a "good" record...notwithstanding with some unfortunate blemishes recently.
IMHO its because 99.99999% of aviators try their very best to stay alive, and try not to do anything knowingly unsafe or plain dumb.
Therefore, those that do.. become a statistic and into the Safety Digest.

You could bury most of CASA and the regs underground and the result would be the same.
Above ground most engineers will carefully maintain things, and most pilots will 'professionally' fly things....not because of CASA, but to keep their respective ar$es intact. Its the survival thing. :ok:

[gobbledock]

Well well the chairs become fewer and the music stops?

More changes to Fort Fumbles structure this week. The technical operations group has been disbanded and no longer reports into the safety oversight branch under the Skull. Those national resources of dangerous goods inspectors, cabin inspectors and other specialist inspectors shall be dispersed into the field offices. Also international operations reports now to none other than the voodoo witchdoctors department. But don't worry, left behind on level 3 are some consultants who from good reports are doing the usual which is swallowing tax payer money while they wear the business glasses and scurry around the corridors carrying a clip board, looking busy, palming off work to others while blurting out safety pearls of wisdom they have pinched from the real experts! Hell, more trips to Montreal must be on the cards?

One of the funniest reports to date with the new CMT process is how allegedly the field office managers have told Mr Skull that CMT is an amazing success story and has been passionately, even robustly embraced by the inspectorate, when in reality it is despised and the true facts have been hidden from the Chief Angry Man. A number of inspectors are rumoured to be assigned to oversight aircraft and airworthiness technical areas that they know nothing about, e.g GA inspectors oversighting 737/320 operations for starters!
And of course all are being made to reduce travel, do less surveillance and regulate via keyboard and no doubt YouTube. Gotta cut costs to fund the Training Center Of Excellence!! Somebody better wake the hawaiin shirt wearer and tell him that no matter what the CASA fantasy is they will never ever be able to run a training center, hold a highly regarded reputation for quality and world class standards like the Singaporeans do! Christ if you can't change the regulations within 23 years how in the name of pony pooh can you provide training to industry? I mean it was a nice thought and obviously a way to create an income stream which in turn could be used towards pumping up executive salaries and bonuses, fund more jollies and wank fests, bring in a few more former employees on consultant rated and pay for a few more PHD's? Yes indeed the trough needs topping up, what to do? What to do?

I also heard a rumor that they have estimated it will cost another $45 million to finish off the regulatory reform program! Now that is one giant, fat mega consuming trough. A trough so large in potential that I simply cannot fit a picture of enough pigs on this page!!!

Oink oink

[Kharon]

GD - One of the funniest reports to date with the new CMT process is how allegedly the field office managers have told Mr Skull that CMT is an amazing success story and has been passionately, even robustly embraced by the inspectorate, when in reality it is despised and the true facts have been hidden from the Chief Angry Man. Sometimes, when a more benign, benevolent mood descends I wonder if 'he who must not be named' has any idea, at all about what happens in reality at the coal face. Perhaps if the rose coloured spectacles and cigar smoke 'fug' were removed, a clear picture of what really does happen would emerge. Perhaps 'he' don't smoke; the smoke is all part of the famous mirrors act, or being blown up his Khyber by the masters of the Snakes and Ladders game.

Maybe, that ol' black magic has him under it's spell. Either way – it's all bollocks.

[Dangly Bits]

I heard from a bloke who heard from a bloke that the head of the new CASA training academy has pulled the pin this week also. Fleeing a sinking ship maybe?

DB

[Kharon]

Just the facts here:

History repeating again and again. (http://blogs.crikey.com.au/planetalking/2012/04/19/jetstar-pilot-txting-stuff-up-uncovered-in-atsb-inquiry/)

and here

CASA investigates (http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-general-aviation-questions/454997-casa-investigates-6.html#post7143314)

and here

Questions without notice
(http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-general-aviation-questions/482422-questions-without-notice.html#post7130943)
and here

Swiss cheese
(http://www.pprune.org/dg-p-reporting-points/482162-swiss-cheese-asa-style-3.html#post7136994)



(http://blogs.crikey.com.au/planetalking/2012/04/19/jetstar-pilot-txting-stuff-up-uncovered-in-atsb-inquiry/)

[Sarcs]

Hey K you forgot the tick..tock and the oink...oink! :ok:

Maybe we should be having odds on for who is going to prang first, or (God forbid) who'd be game to back a trifecta...or would a quinella be enough to stop the repeats at Albo's circus!:{

[gobbledock]

I heard a rumour that the boss of the newly touted, soon coming two-bit pony pooh training center of non-excellence has also quit?
Sore arm from polishing the turd? Off to ICAO for a secondment? Maybe jagged a gig as a bureacratic senior level public servant in Can'tberra?

Oh the shame of that place. The folly, the shennanigans, the foolishness, the pony pooh..........

http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSaVVp2nWtkokDcYRHJJ31m65sKxQD8EY4Epioe14a R0ktJX84B

[thorn bird]

Na GD, the trouble was nobody could figure out what to teach.
Put six FOI's in a room and you'll get six different opinions.
Example: an operator from over the way arrived in OZ with an 8 page SOP for their aircraft. After operating around 5 different regions of OZ their SOP had grown to around 700 pages. I heard when PNG was presented with it they said WTF!!!...whats wrong with the flight Manual"????

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Link to the 2008-09 ICAO audit report.
http://www2.icao.int/en/ism/istars/pubfsix/Fina_CSA_AUS_En.pdf

Is the CASA training academy now up and running?

[Up-into-the-air]

Good reference HMHB. Only 2600 non-compliances!!

Look at this section and apply it to the current ATSB report into the use of mobile phones during the approach of the 220 seat jet and see if casa complies:

3.7.2 In the area of aircraft operations, surveillance is conducted based on guidance provided in CASA’s Surveillance Procedures Manual and through the CASA Regulatory Oversight System (CROS), which is defined through a comprehensive set of systems and elements containing data collection tools and audit worksheets. Under the CROS concept, the emphasis for surveillance planning is based upon a combination of data analysis and risk assessments. CROS provides systems attributes, which can be broken down into components and sub-components to facilitate evaluation. CASA inspectorate staff verifies the legislative compliance of an AOC or Permission holder and evaluates the performance of the compliance assurance systems that an AOC or Permission holder has put in place to manage risks. CASA’s systems approach leads air operators to assume higher levels of responsibility for safety, while working to keep operational risk as low as reasonably practicable. The types of surveillance undertaken through the CROS concept include scheduled audits, operational surveillance, scheduled audit replacement, special audits, and spot checks. Surveillance planning is based on risk analysis for each AOC. The plan is reviewed annually and forms the basis for the surveillance programme. A monthly planning review reassesses the surveillance plan, with particular attention to identifying overdue inspections, upcoming scheduled surveillance, and planning and identifying special audits and spot checks. CASA does not conduct planned surveillance programme activities for the observation of individuals delegated to perform tasks, such as flight proficiency checks, on behalf of CASA.

How many are going to die Mr. casa????

Before you get it right.

[Kharon]

TB- their SOP had grown to around 700 pages.The parrot reckons it was only 684 pages; no point exagerating things. Anyway there should be a 600 page duplication of the AFM for every aircraft operated. :D

TB - I heard when PNG was presented with it they said WTF!!!...what's wrong with the flight Manual. Wrong again mate, first they said 'been operating in Oz, ya poor buggers', then WTF etc. Trust the parrot. :D

HMHB - That link and the UITA extract now owes me a coffee, I couldn't stomach mine after reading that self aggrandising, smug, duplicatus cop out. Talk about wriggle room, perhaps they'll have a class on it. They surely have the expertise to teach it. YUK. http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/pukey.gif http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/censored.gif http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/pukey.gif

UITA How many are going to die When they do, it will once again, not have anything to do with them. No siree bub, just read our little spiel, see – nothing to do with us. We acknowledge a Supreme court judges right to an 'opinion' that we do have a duty of care, but WTF we are "the" safety expert, so there can be no blame laid at our door. :ugh:

GD – Thankyou for changing the picture, placid, neutered quietly munching pigs is somehow much more aesthetically pleasing than a rear view of male pigs fighting to get into a trough. :Dhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/evil.gif

[gobbledock]

Wow, 2600 non-compliances, what a 'robust' organization!
So it would appear the foundation of CASA's activities are based on the 'Holy SPM'? Interesting considering that manual was slapped together about a decade ago, hardly any Inspector uses it because it is outdated, messy and pretty much a piece of pony pooh, just ask the frontline staff.
It has been tampered with several times over the years and on numerous occasions it has been planned to be re-written but nothing ever comes of it.

It is absolutely obvious that this bureaucracy is completely deficient at oversighting passenger and operational safety. In it's current format they are past their use by date. The holes in the cheese keep getting bigger and the regulator keeps getting bogged down in fancy ass covering speech and wankery of epic proportions.
Ask yourself how a Minister who's only aviation experience is finding the chairmanship lounge, a CASA Board of bureaucrats and lawyers, and a team of Directors which consists of individuals who haven't touched a plane in 20 years and lawyers who have simply never touched a plane could possibly understand what actually happens in the aviation real world?

Tick tock tick tock

[tolakuma manki]

Wrong again mate, first they said 'been operating in Oz, ya poor buggers', then WTF etc. Trust the parrot.Many aircraft crashed in PNG last two-three years, what makes you believe our systemis better than Australian.
David Inau is still not able to release reports no moni and no interest from Waigani.
Maybe parrot lives only in your head.

[Frank Arouet]

Parrot nearly live in my head after hit by balus.

But chirping stopped, so not live there for sure you betcha.

[Kharon]

FA - Parrot nearly live in my head after hit by balus.
:D
Confucius say – better parrot in head than fundamental orifice; this excellent remedy for assisting in the engaging of brain before opening gob and the prevention of dribbling.

Provided, without advertisement, in defense of all educated, articulate parrots who rarely; if ever, dribble. :rolleyes:

[thorn bird]

Parrot in fundamental orifice??????


So that where the old saying "Talking out his a...s" comes from:}

[Kharon]

TB - So that where the old saying "Talking out his a...s" comes fromhttp://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/badteeth.gif

Now then, (apologies for 'parrot' phrasing) ; I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to death your right to say it. (near enough for gummint work).

I do believe that back in the old times, speaking in tongues, (especially to y'self) got ya burned at the stake. Silly when you think about it, just shut up and; no one knows who you talk to.

Whip up those mules Minnie - Click.

[LHLisa]

The article "why are the big banks getting off scot- free?" www.salon.com/2011/08/08 suggests to me what happened in the GFC and is still happening in its aftermath applies to a huge range of vastly different sectors and worldwide

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

As GD rightly predicted there have been some movements in the organisation chart on the website. A couple of names have disappeared from the exec level. The former head of operations being one, or did I miss his new post?

[Frank Arouet]

When does The Director of Aviation Safety's tenure expire?

Are any of the missing due to contracts who may have also reached "use by" date.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

I think he started Jan 2009.

[gobbledock]

The Screaming Skull has a 4 year tenure and he has around 12 months left to go. The word in 'other' high places is that he is 'walking the green mile'.
The problem is this - ultimately he is the fall guy for the failings of the place, which is fair enough, not many will lose sleep over that.
But if you want to really clean house you have to get rid of the Board as well. Their total achievement or worth to date - zilch.
And don't forget The Skull is surrounded by long a Director and Associate Director who have a combined 30 years experience between the two of them
within CASA. Now combine that with CASA's achievements over the past 20 years including almost a quarter of a century of an uncompleted regulatory reform program and you begin to see an interesting picture don't you think? I will leave it up to you to decide how much value they have added in comparison to how much taxpayer money has gone into sustaining their existence.
Oh yeah, don't worry about the Minister, he too has about a year to go, once the election is called he is finished.

As for the EM of Operations he is still around, moved to another section to try and fix all of it's issues.

[Jinglie]

You mean shifted elsewhere to spin the hype! He has been replaced by another ATC specialist! How about a pilot or engineer to run operations?? Did you ever realise the only difference between " lolly pop" road traffic controllers and ATC is the word "Air"!!! next time you pull up at roadworks, think about it. Thats who's running Operation in CASA!

[gobbledock]

Oh Jinglie, you naughty boy taunting Air Services folk!
I think you are being very harsh on 'lollipop road traffic controllers'. You see roadside stop/go controllers work much much harder than CASA folks. Plus many of those roadside workers are far better educated also!
But then again the 'lollipop road work controllers' and the boys on the shovels share a number of traits with the CASA brotherhood;
1. They have all mastered the art of looking busy while achieving naught.
2. They tend to congregate as a group to give the visual effect of taxpayer money being used wisely on an important program. Tsk tsk tsk we know better Mr CASA!
3. They all take a minimum of 2 hours for lunch then piss off home around 1500.
4. They are all hybrid offspring of some medieval demon that mated with a human being centuries ago. This in turn saw the birth of Tasmaninans, the Irish and the public servant.
5. Neither department can repair anything without spending millions on consultants. Then when they do attempt to fix their individual problems they ultimately and without fail turn into far greater clusterf#cks than the original problem!
6. They all spen the day digging holes they can't get out of.
7. They both wear spiffy reflective safety vests. Safety first!
8. Both organizations employ overpaid managers who never get their hands dirty. These same managers are normally employed by mates and have no actual skill, credentials, ability or in the majority of cases any balls.
9. Both are unable to complete projects on time, within budget or without having to return at a later date to repair the work they ultimately buggered up.
10. Both stand within their own work environment every day up to their knees in ****e.

To be con't

[Fantome]

GD - if that is all your own work .. . .. . .noice.


BUT -

4. They are all hybrid offspring of some medieval demon that mated with a human being centuries ago. This in turn saw the birth of Tasmaninans, the Irish and the public servant.


. .. . watch it! ..... the Tasmanoids will get annoyed. . . .. the next will get their Irish up . .. . . . and as for the clowns in the public circus, that's OK, 'cause they won't be slappin' on no war paint in a hurry.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport (Program to be provided)
Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry: Monday, 21 May and Tuesday, 22 May 2012
Infrastructure and Transport: Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Regional Australia, Local Government, Arts and Sport: Thursday, 24 May 2012

We have the budget first but later this month another exciting installment of senate estimates.

Perhaps they will be asked about recent movements and one exec walking out, the pace or regulatory reform, or why not ask why they can't just copy the FAA or EASA rules and be done with it.

Any other questions you'd like the senators to ask?

[Frank Arouet]

I understand from rumour that the skull will depart shortly before his tenure expires. This may be a question for anybody interested to persue.

After all, PPRune is a rumour network.

[gobbledock]

Don't get to excited about rumors of The Skull bailing before the full time whistle blows. His likely replacement would be the Voodoo Witch Doctor or the near 70 geriatric. Not a pretty choice combined with a Board made up of more lawyers and senior bureaucrats with decades of spin and bulsh#tting experience!

It is pointless pulling one or two bricks out of the 'CAA' wall (CAA is now what I call CASA, ask Frank he will explain!). You need a stick of gelignite to blast the entire wall into next century. Start from scratch, hell maybe even bring in some aviation experts and build a solid safety oversighting authority.
The Senators must have a ball, every month that goes by sees an even worse level of incompetence, acts of malfeasance and incredible levels of stupidity and assclownery that makes you shudder!
Perhaps labor will sit on it's hands a bit longer, why make work for themselves now, considering Slugger and friends will be in government next year?
Or will the Carbon Queen use the CAA as an example and 'meddle with it' to try and gain political points? After all, Albo is a supporter of Kevvy so maybe she will roll him? Unlikely I imagine.

So what will Senators Nick, Heff and maybe Cameron probe the CAA about later this month? Perhaps some of the following developments in just the past
few months in particular;

• The farcical training center.
• The ongoing safety issues within Air Services.
• Perhaps the alleged dodgy software dealings by a highly positioned member of the CAA third reich.
• The sudden resignation of the S.O.B departments EM, and the TRUE reason behind it.
• The ongoing failure if the 23 year regulatory reform program.
• Internal rumblings and threats of industrial action by Inspectors over issues with HR and IR.
• The poorly rolled out CMT debacle which incidentally has not been explained in detail to industry as it was rushed through so as to get senior management a 'tick in the box'.
• Ongoing fatigue and safety issues with certain HICAP operators that simply
seem to escape Fort Fumbles attention week after week.
• More musical chairs, shuffling, departures and assorted mischief.

This should keep Nick busy for a little while, these are just starting points. I am sure a robust senate estimates would be enlightening and entertaining. I wonder if the executive management trough dwellers will have their ludicrous remuneration curtailed finally and all bonuses stripped once and for all. Hopefully that little point won't be overlooked as the CAA put out their palms and hope to have them handsomely greased for the coming financial year.

I think we should start a 'suggestion box' on what taxpayer funded waste should be stripped away from the CAA trough altogether for 2012/2013 and beyond?
For beginners:

• I would start with removing the multiple trips to Montreal.
• All business class international air travel removed.
• All bonuses removed.
• Scale back executive numbers and salaries.
• Introduce individual accountability for all actions for all employees at all levels.
• International 'work studies' and funding for the gravy train removed.
• Remove all 'consultant mates' currently in the books.
• Overhaul of internal HR and IR departments.
• Independant investigation of all CAA activities, contracts, consultant use, projects, finance, people movements (hiring and firing), written reports, legal activity, prosecutions, promotions, pretty much anything and everything this
has done in let's say the past 5 years.

Feel free to add...

[Kharon]

4 Steps to Nirvana. Simple solution for a simple problem.

1) Employ a three man panel of independent industry experts.
2) Call for statutory declarations from industry.
3) Panel presents a report to the Senate within 3 months.
4) Issue additional arrest warrants as required.

Then the Senate then only need worry about restoring civil liberties under a new Act and allotting suitable compensation.
Works for me.

[Sunfish]

As I said years ago. Nothing will happen until there are Three large smoking holes in the ground. I pray to God that it won't be any of me and mine when it inevitably happens.

[Algie]

goobeldygook

Far be it from me to detract from your wonderful tour d'horizon and showing us all of CASA's flaws. Thank goodness my own professional life has thus far escaped such hawk-like scrutiny.

One thing intrigued me though.....your reference to the "farcical training centre". As it only had its first course start yesterday, what exactly is already "farcical" about it?

Just wondering.

Algie

[Kharon]

Algie - One thing intrigued me though.....your reference to the "farcical training centre". As it only had its first course start yesterday, what exactly is already "farcical" about it? :D :D
What!, you mean apart from it being a stage managed exercise because the Yanks are coming and we don't want another bad report card to be hidden away from prying eyes; or is it that the trainees will learn how to subvert Reg 138 and replace it with the latest whim of policy prescribed in the AOCM; or will it be that they learn video interpretation techniques to provide selective evidence in a suitable manner.

Oh there are many, many wonderful things to learn at CASA school. Man, how much farce can be dished up in one pile before smoko on a Wednesday morning. Oh http://images.ibsrv.net/ibsrv/res/src:www.pprune.org/get/images/smilies/pukey.gif.

[gobbledock]

Kharon your response needs no further adding, exactly my friend exactly.

Algiers, read Kharons response. If you knew the mentality and methodology of CASA you wouldn't have asked me your silly question in the first place.
Besides you should already know the answering considering you work on level 1. Bit crowded in there now hey?

[Dangly Bits]

CASA had $4 Million cut from their budget. There go the bonuses.......:}

[Sarcs]

DB said: CASA had $4 Million cut from their budget.

..." and they all rolled over and one little piggy fell out!":D Question is which little piggy fell off the end of the trough??;)

[gobbledock]

Nah, collateral damage. No cuts will come from the executive trough!
Some shuffling of monies, project cuts, a bit of hocus pocus voodoo trickery and maybe turning off building lights to save money and a few less surveillance jollies for the inspectors.
All executive bonuses and remuneration will stay intact. All consultant mates to be retained. Remember, this is a government organization which has mastered the art of smoke n mirrors over many decades.
They are hoping to make a healthy financial return from the 'training center of excrement' which in turn will fund future folly. Only problem is that they are assuming the CASA model will be like the JAA's training center, oh boy won't industry be disappointed!!!

You know it's really hard finding a photo of a pig 'leaving' a trough, sorry K.

[Sarcs]

Gobbles perhaps you could photoshop this Pickering effort?

http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff498/004wercras/cid_1D751455382C4FF5B9376C53AD73D341DELL9300.jpg

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

With the new training school at casa headquarters in Bris I don't understand why the certification and manufacturing seminar is being held off site in the CBd.

[gobbledock]

C'mon Biscuit do you really need to ask??
To start with The Skull and friends will always prioritize flying ops and airworthiness, they will get first dibs on the training center at the BNE HQ. All those other insignificant disciplines and pesky parts of the aviation industry pale in significance and importance.
Plus, the reason for using the training facilities in the BNE CBD is simple - Taxpayers foot the bill, so who cares??? Money to burn baby, spend and be free! Rush that training through, tick those boxes, build up those numbers because Sherrif FAA or Sherrif ICAO is coming !!!

[Kharon]

Pre lobotomy 1st year Undergraduates.
How to survive under a graduate.
Smoke and Mirrors.
Deniability, obfuscation and abrogation.
Whims, fancies and fairy tails as tools of confusion.
How to use financial pressure to enforce the AOCM policy as law.
Misleading AAT, Coroner and Industry*.
*Note: A credit in misleading the Senate does not count for this course, basics 101 'shooting fish in barrels' is deemed to cover this element adequately.

Post Lobotomy Graduates.
Expenses and bonus manipulation.
The true art of the Show Cause. (Golden West Mafia Rules).
The art of avoiding Courts, evidence, proof and other unpleasant stuff.
Snakes and Ladders for beginners.
Regulatory interpretation (Bankstown approved method).
Creative excuses for delay, diversion and non written response.
Introduction to avoiding the ICAO and FAA spotlight.
Learning to live with malice and aforethought.
The art of being completely unaccountable, for anything, ever.
Avoiding having your evidence abandoned in an AAT hearing**.
** This module is mandatory now due to previous close calls.
Note: If the FAA boys are still hanging about we will provide special guest lecturers and audience participation briefing cards.


Downtown – they're training a candidate for Master Chef, it's all a PR stunt.
"It makes good sense" said the Minister for Trans Pacific Ice Skating, "we can really get a safety message out through food, and a hero MC candidate can charm the FAA to death before the cholesterol gets to thick".

[mightyauster]

^^^^ Priceless!:)

[gobbledock]

K, excellent work, a great laugh at the beginning of the day!

You left out the Graduation Ceremony where all the successful graduates (that is the 'intent' of the training) receive a pink pigs nose! Very handy for sniffing out troughs and then immersing themselves in the taxpayer funded overflowing bottomless party pit!

[Kharon]

This is serious couse structure approved by 'he who must not be named', once it get rolled out and going forward in the robust regulatory manner, there will be advanced courses offered (Masters class), but that is only for the chosen few who will be duly annointed, then appointed to top trough duties. Qualifications must include----.

GD - glad you liked it, Pigs in Clover pic. right here please. :D :D

[CHAIRMAN]

Just checked out Pickerings cartoon a bit more closely...............I reckon Bob's up to something - or are my old eyes deceiving me?:D

[Frank Arouet]

http://i465.photobucket.com/albums/rr13/scud_2008/skulldigging.jpg

[Sarcs]

Top shot Frank:D:D, could also be likened to the Dutch legend 'Hans Brinker', the boy who stuck his thumb in the dike! There is a difference though as I don't think the Skull's thumb is big enough to stop the leaks....:rolleyes:

http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff498/004wercras/images-1.jpg

[Frank Arouet]

Very quiet at "Fort Fumble" this week. This made news however;


CASA wishes to advise that the DRAFT CAAP 51-1(2) – Defect Reports which was published yesterday Thursday 17 May 2012 has been temporarily removed and will be republished at a later date.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Senate estimates next week so they'll be preparing for that. Next week may be interesting although ASA maybe more than casa this time.

[Redandwhitewine]

No CASA regulation = free reign
$$ rule management decisions. Take CASA away from organisation oversight and $$ take over. You don't need to comply with draconion regulations, don't report defects, just carry out the mission.
Don't argue.

[Frank Arouet]

23 years in the regulatory review process with no ability to know if you are operating within or outside of any regulations. Only The CAA know that. Most people operate on "instruments". The CAA have the monopoly on finance. They hate competition. Ask anybody who has applied for an AOC how they can actively interfere with your financial plans. Talk about organisational oversight? They can barely run their own organisation.

How any of this equates to "safety" is a mystery and understates my reference to them as The CAA.

[Frank Arouet]

Albanese shone in Parliament today confirming his credentials as an excellent ALP tactician, but still doesn't credity him with any idea of what is required as an aviation Minister.

Senate Estimates may be more entertaining.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Tomorrow's seminar maybe interesting as it always starts with the latest re org..... How will they handle the exec head of safety walking out? Let's ask the question.

[Frank Arouet]

It may have gone over some and is probably not on the agenda, but I'll ask anyway:

How will they handle the exec head of safety walking out

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

It's just embarrassing for casa to have a senior exec walkout. It might be an interesting question for senate estimates.

Mr GD has speculated on reasons earlier in this thread.

[gobbledock]

Speculated indeed! The three old silvertails charged with the responsibility to oversight Australia's safety watchdog are about as useful as a bloody haemeroid. Actually you can lump the Board and Minsiter in with the rest of the dross.
I am sure it will be an interesting week if the correct questions are posed by the Dapper Senator Xenophon. Hopefully his 'bull**** and spin detector' has been serviced and finely tuned and in good working order, he will need it.
Maybe he will unravel a few CAA herrings? Then again the CAA may do a Craig Thomson and blame any malfeasance on people trying to 'set them up'?? And what about Senators Cameron and Heffernan? Hopefully they may turn up for an adhoc robust appearance and fire up the crowd? Even better if Flyingfiend and CASAWEARY turned up for a bit of banter!

P.S Dear Senator Xenophon. Please ensure executive salaries are capped, executive bonuses are removed permanently, all travel is now 'cheapest fare o the day' including international flights and all QF FF Points are no longer allowed to be kept by the individual employees at CAA as all these elements are highly inappropriate for the taxpayer to be disadvantaged.

[Sarcs]

Bring popcorn By the timeSkull and 'mini' skull come on maybe a pint of black and tan maybe more appropriate.......
http://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Senate_Estimates/~/media/02%20Parliamentary%20Business/25%20Senate%20Estimates/budget1213/rrat_ctte.ashx
...might help to lighten the mood while the 'spin (safety) twins' polish their domes and try to protect their 'tom thumbs' from the marauding 'cats eyes' coming in from Senator X and (hopefully) Senator Tap....either way it will be required viewing!:ok:

[gobbledock]

I agree, looking forward to a robust debate. Bald, Balder and Bearded have been rehearsing their swan song for several weeks. They will dazzle the senate with numbers, puff pieces, dance, music and theater!
We will watch bemused as they turn inaction and incompetence into a business case in which they will seek to have the rainbow pot of gold filled to overflowing for the coming 12 months activities.
The board also will have been creating some fluffy statements and superb Copperfield magic tricks which will have the senate enthralled and money will be thrown at the CAA.

There will be strategic plans unveiled, dossiers, all receipts will be accounted for and wanky statements coated in Teflon will be unveiled within the circus tent. The Senators will be enthralled to hear about Australia's robust relationship with ICAO and how CAA management have overseen, with integrity and professionalism, the forward movement of Australia's commitment to safety. They may even produce maps of Australia's incredibly large airspace and they may explain the challenges of such a Robust environment by using flow charts, whiteboards, PowerPoint presentation and smoke signals to hammer this overarching statement through to the barely awake Senators.

There will be samples produced proving that the new training academy, employment of safety graduates, the new CMT format (nice timing Skull) and ever greater focus on the reg reform program is proving to be money well spent! Throw in some additional manure such as extra
money they need to spend on mates I.T systems...I mean spend on I.T systems to remain up to date with modern technologies and systems and you have a superbly parceled package of spin/****e ready to be rolled out.

But wait, you want more? Well hell this is Senate estimates and we have more!! Try extra funding needed to cover the 'continuous improvement of Inspectors skill sets', ongoing implementation and changing of regulatory systems such as Parts 145, 42 and 119. We have Human Factors and some FRMS coming up, all require robust funding. Keep an ear out for potential announcements about airspace studies, greater governance and the introduction of working groups consisting of CAA and external safety, regulatory and industry stakeholders coming together in an effort to advance and foster safety....yes, somebody call a lumberjack cos the Senators will get wood.
The highlight will be basically any intellectual statements and word wankery dispersed by the voodoo doctor. The acamedics will be holding on for the ride of their life as the beautifully articulated highly educated bureaucratic dictionary is preached within the Senate chamber.

To be con't.

[gobbledock]

*Hot off the malfeasance press*!

The illustrious training center: There has been more chair shuffling at fort fumble in the past week or so.This time it is the Head Of Training Brisbane, the man slated with the task of setting up the CASA training center of excellence. He has taken a gig as tech training manager at wait for it, Aviation Australia! Didn't somebody once say that AA was set up to employee CASA retiree's?? Anyway the amount of activity surrounding the training center set-up leaves no doubt it is another project to run into strife and crumble at the foundation. Seems this gent new when to bail, especially since his veil of protection left a few months ago and headed back to VA.Looks like the former EM of operations in his new role is wielding the machete!
The directorate trio are doing a sterling job.

Human Factors: Lots of problems with this project in the past few months. Again, several changes of project managers, some staff have left and more executions imminent. A certain bald headed toad in CBR who has more than often escaped the spotlight by playing the game, hiding under rocks and burning his fall guys strikes again.
Rumor has it that the machete has been sharpened and about to unleashed yet again as industry provides damning feedback of the HF introduction debacle.
The directorate trio are doing a sterling job.

Manufacturing: Yet again several changes within the project lead, one minute someone's gloss is shining and the next minute it is tarnished with shisen. More timelines unachievable, more budgets need extending, more silliness and incompetence at the helm.
The directorate trio are doing a sterling job.

Safety overisght branch: May the mayhem continue. Since the pineappling of their former EM by the hands of one of the stupid three silvertails this department continues to wobble. Lack of strategy, lack of ownership, lack of comeptence at the top. And once again, a bald headed nupty rises to fame and takes the helm of this messy unit.
The directorate trio are doing a sterling job.

Yes indeed the game of shuffling, spin and hide and seek unfolds leading up to senate estimates and beyond. It seems your CV must read - Ex industry incompetent, bald, bearded or silverhaired to run aviations sloppiest outpost!
I love how this game is played out every year at the same time, don't you? What dross will the directorate be feeding the Senate this week? What puff piece will the Board be arming the Silvertails with to present to the senate so as to dazzle, fool and trick them?
And most importantly, when does Craig Thomson join as a consultant?



http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQWhWkTTBBSjVso4fASR9MMiKd3HOKhusrEfGoCJIS pVnOKB2OX http://t2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSSP0VxyBIOeB69Hdbhaoxz9840rHzT14bI539Gext DwXRZfqXFbw

[Frank Arouet]

I'll await the inevitable utube presentation to see the body language on some of the pointed to characters. Hansard won't do it justice.

I hear it all went badly for them with most all questions taken "on notice".

Brave warriors them dudes.

[gobbledock]

Funny thing Frank, if one of CAA enter your workplace during an audit and you can't answer the question or provide evidence they issue you with an RCA? I mean an NCN.
Seems like they can't answer any questions themselves without firstly taking it on notice and scurrying away to have the lawyers shine up a non-committal response?
Speaking of taking it on notice, will we ever get to see a full response to the senate inquiry questions they took on notice?

I think some individuals take it on notice and take it on the chin!

[Sarcs]

Here's Wednesday's estimate transcript, definitely worth a read:

http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/committees/estimate/ac4cc409-1146-463a-8fcb-70fbd6afc70a/toc_pdf/Rural%20and%20Regional%20Affairs%20and%20Transport%20Legisla tion%20Committee_2012_05_23_1098.pdf;fileType=application%2F pdf#search=%22committees/estimate/ac4cc409-1146-463a-8fcb-70fbd6afc70a/0000%22

Prize for the clanger question of the day goes tooo.....Sen Fawcett....classic!!!:D:D:ok: Pity they didn't put a footnote in there, if you viewed the webcast there was deathly silence for 10 seconds after the 'clanger'!

[Sarcs]

Senator FAWCETT: I notice CASA is often another player in the coronial inquests and often you will highlight something, the coroner will accept it and basically tick off in his report on the basis that a new CASR or something is going to be implemented. Do you follow those up? I have looked through a few crash investigations, and I will just pick one: the Bell 407 that crashed in October '03. CASR part 133 was supposed to be reworked around night VFR requirements for EMS situations. I notice that still is not available now, nearly 10 years after the event. Does it cause you any concern that recommendations that were accepted by the coroner, and put out as a way of preventing a future accident, still have not actually eventuated? How do you track those? How do we, as a society, make sure we prevent the accidents occurring again?


Here's the clanger! Although there was strong competition from Sen X and Sen Egglestone when the Skull was on trial...ahh I mean answering questions! ASA copped a fair old basting as well...:ok:

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Sarcs, thanks for the post and link.

Probably worth a read. Between Asa and casa questions on staff turnover, bullying and harassment, expenses claims, increase in staff numbers but very little improvement in atc numbers. Mr Butson's case raised again. Casa were asked about their oversight of Asa.

[Kharon]

Have the Wolves found the trough, and will they huff and puff and blow the house down??.
Guys it's worth spending a half hour with Hansard – as reported, there was a lot of ducking, weaving and "who me?" going on; the silences could best be described a pregnant, the ammunition live and the body language translated as reaching for a pair of asbestos jocks and a nose guard against nasty things swimming through the trough. Seems the good Senators have found some live rounds and some stationary targets.

Senator McKENZIE: I want to ask something on notice. It goes to the legal fees of the department and the agencies. From my rough calculations to a question on notice, we have over $10 million being spent on legal fees. I would like that broken down. We have $2 million from Airservices Australia. We have $1.7 million from Airservices Australia for another issue. The department has spent $1.2 million with the Australian Government Solicitor. Could I have further detail for the over $1 million in legal bills in the answer to question on notice 25? Senator EGGLESTON: He says that you have ignored Administrative Appeal Tribunal findings, ignored court findings and sought to prolong this case deliberately to exhaust his financial reserves. He says: 'CASA has in the past treated this matter with total contempt,' and, 'It is about time this nonsense stopped and that CASA was made properly accountable for their outrageous behaviour'. He has a different point of view to you, as I said at the last estimates hearings. I will pursue this matter on Mr Butson's behalf until we get some satisfactory answers.

Then, there was this from Ben Sandilands. (http://blogs.crikey.com.au/planetalking/2012/05/24/atsb-releases-four-short-reports-liketropfest-for-frequent-flyers/)

Rather like the Tropfest short film festival but for frequent flyers the ATSB has issued four brief, relevant, and occasionally disturbing safety incident reports today in its regular release of inquiries into what are generally seen as secondary occurances.

One concerns a miscalculation (http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2012/aair/ao-2012-020.aspx) of runway length by the crew of a Qantas 737-400 departing Melbourne Airport, another a navigational and procedural error (http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2011/aair/ao-2011-091.aspx) by a Virgin Australia E-190 crew approaching Melbourne Airport who by not flying a Tiger Airways jet didn’t receive the royal treatment by CASA, one involving a resources industry operator whose crew stuffed up a Perth go-around (http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2011/aair/ao-2011-093.aspx)in an Embraer 120 turbo-prop, and another involving a Jetstar A320 that was given a bum steer by overworked air traffic controllers (http://www.atsb.gov.au/publications/investigation_reports/2011/aair/ao-2011-136.aspx) who punted it into a storm cloud while approaching Brisbane airport.

Gripping reading aside, these are important albeit short reports and an important part of the ATSB’s functions.
There are almost 40 juicy pages to work through in Hansard - can't wait.

Did anyone redord any of it ??????.

[Sarcs]

That Hansard is priceless, could become a bestseller...could name it 'HMAS Senate bravely sails the Gulf of Snouts'!:E

[Frank Arouet]

Watch with interest the scene set by the announcement today that (Maritime), MSIC's can be cancelled at will if the officer deems you "could" be a suspect. This was obviously overlooked by CAA as being too simple to ground, take away your livelihood, drive you to "the brink" and enabled another 10,000 pages of regulations and Instruments to do the same job.

All this while the Minister was making noise about "navigation" which turned out to be about ships. I thought Lloyd's had all that covered.

[Kharon]

GD s' own –
I agree, looking forward to a robust debate. Bald, Balder and Bearded have been rehearsing their swan song for several weeks. They will dazzle the senate with numbers, puff pieces, dance, music and theatre!.

The Senators will be enthralled to hear about Australia's robust relationship with ICAO and how CAA management have overseen, with integrity and professionalism, the forward movement of Australia's commitment to safety.

Well GD, was their dastardly plot foiled by the well armed Triage Trio ?. It certainly looks that way. The motley crew seem to be stuffed if they don't and stuffed if they do.

Great kudos, respect and credit to Fearless Fawcett, Estimable Eggleston and Extraordinary Xenphon, Brava. One last push will produce the long awaited, much needed open inquiry into the feed bill and lost shovel account of this shameful, humiliating debacle we call Air Safety management in this long suffering country.

I hear that the Triage Trio have a sock full of live, first grade ammunition; the only question is have they the chutzpah to use it. One thing is certain – they are aware of the state of play and they do have a public duty to make sure that the holes are plugged up, before the unthinkable happens.

GD - And most importantly, when does Craig Thomson join as a consultant?. Good shot mate - see the ASA page. :D

[blackhand]

Great kudos, respect and credit to Fearless Fawcett, Estimable Eggleston and Extraordinary Xenphon, Brava. One last push will produce the long awaited, much needed open inquiry into the feed bill and lost shovel account of this shameful, humiliating debacle we call Air Safety management in this long suffering countryCan live in hope, but is "merely" part of a wider senate inquiry and will probably amount to nought.

[LeadSled]

Folks,
It is well worth while looking at Senator Fawcett's CV. Most impressive.

Amongst a long list of achievement in his military career, he did a stint at ARDU ( an Army officer as CO of ARDU did not go down at all with with some in the RAAF), for which is was extremely well qualified.

He was commander of airborne forces for the 2000 Olympics.

He is why (as a result of his actions as a member of the House of Reps, MHR) the CASA obdurate obstruction of the civilian use of NVG was finally broken.

He keeps civil licenses current, there are very few in Australia who know more about helicopters, civil or military, than David Fawcett.

His treatment by CASA over NVG issues, when an MHR gave him an excellent grounding in CASA culture. You are now seeing that experience being put to good use in the Senate.

Tootle pip!!

[thorn bird]

Jeez Blacky, you sure?..I'd be a tad worried in your shoes,
I mean look what they did to Lord Haw Haw.

[thorn bird]

Leadie,
CASA will just find him a "Not a fit and proper Senator" and pull his brief

[Sarcs]

I disagree TB, I think the good Senator is just getting into his stride and the word is he has the backing of the Libs hierarchy!:D

[gobbledock]

By CAA's own admission they knew nothing about the QF restructure and significant changes until QF made the announcement?
Any significant change within an airline including senior management changes constitute and create a risk by their own nature. This is what QF has done.
So QF can just do as they please and the Regulator remains oblivious and helpless like a new born infant! QF make yet another large far fetching decision, just like the airlines grounding, and the Regulator is supposedly powerless to act or do anything?
On the contrary that is complete bull****e and the CAA most certainly could act but they choose not to. Scared and spineless to pick on somebody bigger than themselves. ( plus the Minister for Mascot wouldn't allow it).

I think the mere fact that a lot of unsavory issues have highlighted themselves over the past two years particularly at QF and no action by CAA again proves that the top layer have to go.
It is also interesting how in lone with QF's new structure there was lots of talk about the QF sales act and crap like that, but I don't recall hearing much at all raised about safety an risk that is naturally elevated during a significant change management period such as this?
Is 'safety' really 'first'?

[Sarcs]

Is 'safety' really 'first'?

That is at the nub of all this chest beating and 'bureauspin' that is touted from the regulator and safety bureau, they are more interested in topping up their troughs and future super funds than 'safety'!:=

However the good Senator Fawcett summed it up:


Senator FAWCETT:
How do you track those? How do we, as a society, make sure we prevent the accidents occurring again?


We (as an industry) kick, scream, scrap and point out that it isn't acceptable for there to be a risk of a smoking hole in the ground or a mid-air collision between two heavily laden jets full of loved ones on our watch!

FFS get it together and forget about the bickering between these obviously inept federal agencies, too busy fighting over the bigger slice of the pizza. This is about standing up for our professional standards and exemplary aviation history we currently have in Oz...these numpties aren't going to do it for you!

Send the good Senators e-mails of encouragement and tell them they're kicking the right heads and maybe a word of wisdom....or we can all stand around swinging d:mad:ks and wingeing like the poms while the holes in the cheese are busy lining up!

[Sunfish]

How do we, as a society, make sure we prevent the accidents occurring again?

Easy; stop using hiring and promotion systems that don't screen for narcissism.

[Kharon]

TB Gold - CASA will just find him a "Not a fit and proper Senator" and pull his brief. When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty. ~George Bernard Shaw.The copy I have of Hansard for the Estimates 23/5/2012, (http://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/download/committees/estimate/ac4cc409-1146-463a-8fcb-70fbd6afc70a/toc_pdf/Rural%20and%20Regional%20Affairs%20and%20Transport%20Legisla tion%20Committee_2012_05_23_1098.pdf;fileType=application%2F pdf#search=%22committees/estimate/ac4cc409-1146-463a-8fcb-70fbd6afc70a/0000%22)cannot be accurate, if it is then we are very deep in the mire. When you start to join up the dots, as the Senators seem to be doing there is an ugly picture emerging.

Pages 31 –38 (PDF) Department of Infrastructure and Transport. Simply confirms that "Yes Minister" is a 'Willyleaks' direct internal video feed. No longer funny but a matter of grave concern; to all and that includes the 'big end' of money town.

Pages 38 – 42 (PDF) - Air Services Australia: Simply serves to confirm all fears that despite the rhetoric, a clerical empire has been built and will be 'sacked' as needed to produce 'efficiencies' when required, simply unload a thousand or so 'clerks' and shine. Yes Minister, we can shed 400 jobs next year and still maintain our efficiency. Refer Clark page 41 (PDF).

Pages 44 – 48 (PDF) - Air Services Australia: It further demonstrates that the galley slaves entrusted with separating the ever increasing numbers of aircraft are only being replaced after death by half trained replacement parts. The object, to maximise the profit; the industry will have passed on the 100 million dollar cost to the punters, probably at a profit. So Joe Public pays a hidden premium price and is cynically fed into a system which is under manned, over worked and only functions on the dedication and professionalism of the galley slaves.

Pages 48 – 57 (PDF) Civil Aviation Safety Authority : The casual observer may be forgiven for assuming this was a routine Q&A from the Senators; our hero deftly foiling the awkward tricky barbs of the unwashed, unshriven uneducated mentally challenged masses. This is not a safe proposition. Our hero has been weighed, measured and found wanting by folks who actually do not believe a word of it; any of it, at all, at all. Selah.

Pages 57 - Australian Transport Safety Bureau : "Is this a dagger I see before me". The dots are being joined here again. Fawcett does it brilliantly with a question that offered a sporting chance of probity (Bravo). The question is posed with multiple options allowing a graceful exit for a honest man (refer page 58). Lamb to the slaughter, this is the thin edge of the wedge; the ATSB has become a glove puppet to the Ministers whims and it seems they intend to prove it. Bad Tiger bad; look at the pretty Orange Super Star

The whole shooting match is a disgusting tale which can only become more interesting as the thieves fall out and the blame game starts.

Is there enough in this Estimates to reasonably call for the resignation of the Minister; Oh I believe so.

[thorn bird]

How much better would it be if they just sacked the lot of them, swallowed our pride and admit we couldnt create a viable set of reg's to save our souls?
I believe the reg's themselves have created "this them and us" angst, destroyed the partnership between regulator and regulated with the common goal of safety, affordable safety.
What if we asked the Kiwi's if they'd mind awfully if we used theirs, largely because they are proven and seem to work?
Re-employ quality people to take up the reins then let everyone get on with it.
They say we are unique, therefore comparison between us and other countries just dosnt work, but they never say why, or how come other countries achieve much better safety outcomes than us without the burden of a myriad of regulation that nobody understands.
We decided or rather our regulator decided to follow the European model instead of the model of the country where by and large most of the worlds aircraft are built and operated MUCH SAFER THAN HERE.
A look at Europe today and the mess its in could be a harbinger of where their regs are going. A trawl through European industry media publications would indicate growing unhappiness in the ranks.
Was Europe such a good idea?

[LeadSled]

--- and the word is he has the backing of the Libs hierarchy!Sarcs,

Add to that the Nationals, who have always taken a much greater interest in aviation, as a whole, than the Liberal Party.

It is reasonable to say that both the Minister and the Opposition realise there is something seriously wrong in the aviation sector, but nothing is going to change under this government, aviation just doesn't rate political attention, given the government is in survival mode.

The Minister's White Paper was theoretically a good idea, in practice, it is so much waste paper. It doesn't even begin to address the long running question "what's wrong with CASA", best illustrated by CASA opposition to regulatory reform --- except in its own terms ---- the real reason for the "failure" of regulatory reform over so many years ---- and what we are seeing now could hardly be called "reformed".

Prescriptive, complex, contradictory, inflexible, inappropriate to modern risk management, criminal law from top to bottom (instead of some civil law) ensuring Australia is internationally uncompetitive, and many more --- but not "reformed" and so far from internationally harmonized it is a sad result.

Or what's wrong with AsA, why is ATSB so ineffective, why we are losing aerodromes --- despite leases/ALOP deed that should preserve them.

Senators Heffernan, Fawcett, Eggleston and Xenephon are all very genuine on their concerns, expressed at successive Senate hearing, they are not "just playing politics".

Tootle pip!!

[gobbledock]

Leady, your last paragraph is the clincher.

These Senators didn't come down in the last CAA golden shower, that's for certain. These Senators are slicing through the aviation turd one slice at a time, yet they aren't letting the stench overpower them. The more they push the more we see beneath the veneer of aviation bureaucracy.
The system has failed and those meant to be tasked with creating a safe aviation environment have unequivocally failed in their duty of care. They cannot be allowed to keep leading aviation into the sewer pit any longer.
They have lost sight or even understanding of the stakes at risk in this aviation play thing they love tinkering with.

A smoking hole filled with kero, titanium and charred flesh is the end-game. Wake up and smell this you incompetent spin dribbling imbeciles. I know I am sick of repeating this, and so are others.
Why do we keep bleating on about the same concerns? Is it because our sh#t doesn't stink and we are some sort of aviation lords? No, not at all. Some of us, unlike the nuptys running Auatralian aviation from the top, actually have spent a life time working within risk and safety frameworks and systsems. We see what we see and say it the way we see it. No political bullish#t, no spin, no hiding, no dereliction of duty. We see the smoking hole coming and we are damned if we are able to prevent it.
Our voices may be strong but our power is weak, and it will take a handful of half decent Pollies like the Senators championing our cause to finally create the change that is needed. I have absolutely no doubt that the Senators are squeezing some people's balls so hard that they are popping out o their nostrils. But there is some squeeze left in those wrists, I know there is.

C'mon Senators you are getting close, real close. Deliver the death blow, it needs to be done. We need change and we deserve change. The industry deserves it, our loved ones who fly regularly in this environment deserve it.

As an old friend would say, selah.

[gobbledock]

And I'm really disapointed. Where is Flyingfiend?
We could really do with some of his expert armchair commentary about now. Why has he gone quiet? Hit the law books again? Busy studying more aviation legal cases 'just for the heck of it'? C'mon old mate, you must be itching to have some robust input?
After all, there is so much happening within the CAA that from a legal perspective there must be hours of case studies and fodder for your intellectual mind to wade through? Please share your thoughts? How do you think CAA will fair over the coming months or year? What do you think of Mr Skulls attire during his interview, should he stick with suit and tie or opt for the Friday Hawaiin shirt, stoogie and wind swept Nick Nolte hairstyle? What do you make of all these senate questions taken on notice? What about Senator Fawcett, do you find it interesting how he knows exactly where to slice open the CAA bull**** platter to find all the chunky bits? Do you think the CAA would be worried that they may have met with their worst nightmare - facing off with a politician who knows exactly what's underneath the carpet? Do you think the CAA will pursue him in the same manner they pursue industry?
Please respond. We know you are reading these threads with interest!

What about non replys to previous questions put on notice, what are your thoughts, from a purely legal speculative angle of course?

[Sarcs]

flying fiend probably had to eradicate himself in order to gain preselection for the seat of Dobell!:ooh:

Basically GD you outed him mate, can't even find a single post placed by him, pity it's not that simple to eradicate some of the other numpties at Fort Fumble..hey!:ok:

[Kharon]

I hate a fellow whom pride, or cowardice, or laziness drives into a corner, and who does nothing when he is there but sit and growl; let him come out as I do, and bark. Samuel Johnson.
GD - your mate won't come out to play, there are hard facts on the table, live ammunition in the sock and plenty of willing hands to throw rocks on the roof.

Endless delay and clever misdirection are the tools employed to defer the inevitable, while the rats desert their comrades and the sinking ship with pocketfulls of public money.

Selah.

[gobbledock]

Sarcs old friend, look for the below thread-
'WA Air Operator Sues CASA and Officials'. It's all there still, including Flyingfiends robust debate. Also just type the fools name into the prune search engine and just like a sneaky CASA inspector he 'pops up'!

Kharon, outed or not outed he can still come out to play. The game hasn't ended yet and he simply can't be a spoilsport and run away and hide? What about his buddy Clinton who has also mysteriously vanished from some specific threads? Is he also not allowed to come out and play? Sooks.

[Kharon]

GD - 'WA Air Operator Sues CASA and Officials'.
Dateline – WillyLeaks has established that there is no truth in the report that FF 's Mum jammed the dummy back into his gob so hard after the last spitting that it will never be spat again, so he can't come out to play at all, at all. Although she admits to grounding him for an indefinite period which will prevent his starring in the annual Snakes and Ladders competition in his usual position as "Fall Guy".

Sports line – WillyLeaks has been informed that there is absolutely no truth in the persistent rumours relating to cheating in the annual Snakes and Ladders competition. A spokesman for the Golden West Mafia Snakes and Ladders Association (GWMSLA) denies that one of the larger snakes deliberately moved a ladder to avoid being trapped in a corner box; which left one of the team mates (Fall guy) stuck in a very precarious situation, leading to a dummy spit foul. "Strategically it was a clever move" says the team Captain, "and people not familiar with the finer points of the game could perceive it a cynical sacrificial move to protect the others, but it's just part of the risk taken by the Fall Guy".

While he firmly denies there is any dissention within the ranks of his team he acknowledges that they are interviewing a replacement "fall guy". Devotees of the sport believe this to be the most dangerous position on the board. :D

[Sarcs]

I stand corrected GD! So FF must of got lost in the sewers since 17th of Feb....or maybe he is busy doing a rewrite of Part 133 with some FOI rotorheads, in an attempt to avoid Senator Fawcett's scrutiny. Well FF unfortunately the cat sprang out of the bag:


Senator FAWCETT: I will just pick one: the Bell 407 that crashed in October '03. CASR part 133 was supposed to be reworked around night VFR requirements for EMS situations. I notice that still is not available now, nearly 10 years after the event. Does it cause you any concern that recommendations that were accepted by the coroner, and put out as a way of preventing a future accident, still have not actually eventuated?


...and part of the response to that original Safety Recommendation..


EMS pilot qualifications, training and recency requirements will be included in the CASR Part 133 project consultation and review processes, however I can also advise the (as part of its normal surveillance processes) CASA will continue to review these matters in current operations as well.

Additionally I can advise that pilot qualification, training and recency requirements were also reviewed by both CASA and the industry as part of the consultation processes associated with the previously mentioned NVG implementation project, and that the industry subject matter experts at these meetings included several representatives from AOC holders who conduct EMS operations in both VFR and IFR situations at diverse
operational locations.


...still FF you can be excused (just a little) for not foreseeing that nearly 10 years down the track you'd have a former Army Chopper Pilot and NVG expert asking some pretty probing questions at Senate Estimates.....:D:D

Come on FF come out and play we miss your legalese and general insight into the CAA's legal dept!:ok: (for GD's benifit)

[Frank Arouet]

fellow whom pride, or cowardice, or laziness drives into a corner, and who does nothing when he is there but sit and growl

Once in that corner, poke them with a stick. It's more fun to watch than when Grandma got her tits caught in the wringer.

[Kharon]

Tricky stuff this chess lark, the aim of course is to topple the King, one way or another. Creampuff and Lead Sled have on another thread been debating in an interesting manner – how the world wags and how the King is protected. They politely agree to disagree but the message is the same.

CP - The issues of apparent ‘controversy’ being dealt with by the committee have been almost the same for decades - literally. The only thing that changes are the bums on the seats.LS - Unfortunately, political cold feet at a "higher level" won the day, and here we are today.Perhaps the old world knew a thing or two, before gunpowder the foundations to the castle were undermined, this with luck effectively dropped the whole thing on the Kings head (good pub that one) no matter how much protection there was.
So, mayhap a strategic re think here, if we can't chop the head off this thing, how about a nibble at it's feet.

Probably end up like the Black knight on the bridge (Python – Holy Grail) arms, legs and head lopped off and still spoiling for a fight – you know the one.
GD v FF rumble in the concrete jungle.

[gobbledock]

Good work K! Perhaps I could be one of the Frenchmen atop the castle hurling ****e, pony pooh, down onto the malfeasant ones below?

This is good. CAA are having another stab at re-writing the Surveillance procedures manual! For those who aren't aware, the manual was written around 9 years ago. They never got it fully correct but in classic Fort Fumble style they rolled it out anyway. Since then it has been toyed with on seven occasions, or should I say attempted to be re-written 7 times, yet still no workable document. The person re-writing it is a former employee of CAA who keeps coming back as a consultant. Not bad hey, 5k per week for a consultant to re-write it? Good ol taxpayer! Does that mean with all of the safety systsems gurus they have on the payroll at CAA they still need to hire an external consultant?
Any by the way this person has always been rumored to be the king of cut and paste. Never uses their own work!
Surely not a case of more mates rates?

[Kharon]

GD - Perhaps I could be one of the Frenchmen atop the castle hurling ****e, pony pooh, down onto the malfeasant ones below Jobs yours mate – can't think of anyone better for it. That scene is one of my all time top 10 favourites.

GD - Since then it has been toyed with on seven occasions, or should I say attempted to be re-written 7 times, yet still no workable document. This business of manuals and consultants is infamous throughout the industry, when you add that half the people accepting/ approving manuals of all flavours are semi illiterate, not qualified to write them and the other half enforce some of their very weird ideas of what should and should not be in a manual, the thing becomes an embarrassment.

Probably worth it's own thread just on the cost to industry, it is one reason for the slow decline of GA; the amount of operators who dread the time consuming, heart breaking process just to put a 'new' type of aircraft onto an AOC let alone attempt something grander is significant.

Anyway – that's for dessert – right now it's bacon sambo's. :D

GD 's – Starring role.

[Jock p]

Could do with a bit more of this passion in this country

Illinois rep EXPLODES on the House floor! IT's ALL FALLING APART.. - YouTube

[blackhand]

The suspension of Kununurra-based air operator and maintenance organisation Alligator Airways is continuing.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority suspended Alligator Airways’ air operator’s certificate and certificate of approval on 3 May 2012 because the company's conduct of operational and maintenance-related activities was seen to pose a serious and imminent risk to air safety.
On 18 May 2012, the Federal Court granted CASA’s application for an order to prohibit Alligator Airways from operating until 4 June 2012.
This prohibition order allowed CASA to finalise its investigations into a range of safety issues, including two recent serious incidents involving aircraft operated by Alligator Airways.
Under the Civil Aviation Act, once investigations are completed, CASA has up to an additional five working days from 5 June 2012 to issue a show case notice if CASA believes there would still be a serious and imminent risk to air safety if Alligator Airways was to resume operations.
If CASA does issue a show case notice the suspension will continue while the matters raised in that notice are addressed and a final decision made whether to vary, suspend or cancel the certificates. This could take up to 33 days.
Alligator Airways would remain grounded during this period of time.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

As previously stated the legal fax machine springs to life at 5pm on a Friday afternoon. Given recipients little time to act and all weekend to stress.

Whether flying fiend is the faxer is another question.

[gobbledock]

Biscuit, Flyingfiend prefers to hide behind so-called anonymity. His type like to hide behind the scenes, bit like lobbing rocks from the bushes onto cars driving by, rather than come out into the open. And the reason you cop the letter at 1655 Friday arvo is because you now have 2 less days to work on a recovery strategy. The Flyingfiends load the bullets, operational management fire the gun.
Perhaps 1655 on a Friday afternoon is therefor a good time to tip some sh#t on them, smack bang on the weekend? Nothing like the Ministers office phoning all weekend with 'please explains'! Then again, maybe some pruners already do this?? :E

[thorn bird]

Has anyone else seen a document relating statistics I guess CASA would not like published?
Then again given the CEO's ego maybe they would.
I have no idea if its factual but the document lists a string of economic statistics achieved by CASA since the Skull took over.
For example:
The number of aviation businesses shut down, both by administrive action
and because they just gave up.
The costs to industry of CASA enforcement actions.
Something like 8000 people thrown out of work by CASA enforcement actions.
The declining number of licenced pilots in Australia.
The declining number of licenced maintenance organisations.
If this stuff is accurate is GA inOZ heading the same way as the UK and Europe, regulated out of existence?

[Up-into-the-air]

Maybe an FOI to casa on this one.

[gobbledock]

Another one bites the dust! This time the CASA Brisbane HF Manager has decided to walk the plank. From what I hear there are not too many tears being shed.
Yet once again another implementation 'specilaist' walks the green mile. Can't Capt Terry, Capt Skull and the other bald headed parasites get anything under control? Maybe time to appoint Flyingfiend to take on a higher role where he can take charge of all this bollocks?

[Kharon]

As previously explained FF cannot come out to play – not in uniform, school day and all that.

The 'clever lads', those with options and no lobotomy can actually find the EXIT sign and catch a bus (Unassisted). Tough to keep the little burgers in the pen once they see the great big world away from the 'Tower of Power'. etc.

You can guess the rest. Anyway - it's my shout.

[gobbledock]

Good point Sarcs,
Jingles some would say that they're already merged...by the way top post on Chess game thread, pity it was pulled. May I suggest you post again just without the names!
Ok then,
The Chief Commissioner's last job was at COMCARE dealing with OH&S insurance. If there was a coffee spill or back strain on the flight deck he may have some input. Let's hope that whats we're waiting for!

This is a nice chair up for offer in the Chess Game. Throw your hat in the ring boys, its worth around 200k per year, comes with no accountability, plenty of international sojourns to nice places around the globe and a superb superannuation entitlement!
Interview process will be a real hoot, plenty of grilling by one of the bald faceless men!

Manager Safety Education (http://www.casa.gov.au/scripts/nc.dll?WCMS:STANDARD::pc=PC_92940#)

Classification Senior Manager Band D
Division Safety Education & Promotion
Branch Safety Education
Location Brisbane
Position No 1749
Job description and selection criteria (http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/lib100163/1749.pdf)
Salary Attractive remuneration package
Contact Gerard Campbell
Duration Permanent
Closing Date 20 July 2012

How to apply: Please provide a current CV and a response to the Selection Criteria to recruitment ([email protected]) by the closing date. In the subject line of your email, please quote the position number, job title and your name.

I doubt if applications will be accepted from Gobbledock, Kharon, Sarcs and Up-Into-The-Air, thorn bird, Frank, biscuit etc..

And for some Friday fun, some past and present members of the 'A-Team'!
(Photos of faceless men not included).
http://www.casa.gov.au/wcmswr/_assets/main/lib91188/our_groups.jpg

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

I doubt if applications will be accepted from Gobbledock, Kharon, Sarcs and Up-Into-The-Air, thorn bird, Frank, biscuit etc..

True, more likely to receive a friendly fax on Friday afternoon from flying fiend.