New DAS for CASA

[HeSaidWhat]

Well, the advert for a new DAS at CASA came out a few weeks ago, but no rumours yet on likely candidates??? Curious.

Maybe Kharon or Sarcs or Thornbird will stand up for the role and fix the issues they've been so vocal about???

[thorn bird]

Sorry mate,


Word on the street is, its long been decided, the iron ring wins I'm told.
Already the dogs have been loosed, the poor bastards who submitted to Trusses farce of an inquiry are firmly in the sights of "Establishment". Retribution will be swift and merciless.
Already the Ag people have been served notice I'm told, via the CAsA board, retract their criticism or face the wrath of CAsA.
Bloody hell we may just as well be ruled by China!!!
Well for you corrupt ass...oles, I aint going to make it easy for you, find me if you can and do your worst, if you think that will fk...ing silence me, your dreaming.
Oh and you threatening phone calls to my wife wont work either!!

[LeadSled]

Folks,
There are, reputedly ( what a great CYA word) three serious candidates so far, but I seriously expect the "successful" candidate will be the one judged to be the least likely to cause the Minister any problems, by actually wanting to carry out genuine reforms, and a serious restructure of CASA staff, particularly upper levels of management.

I sincerely hope I am wrong, but I find the likelihood of the critical reforms required, actually being given the green light, as extremely remote.

In good SMS terms, the likelihood of occurrence ( of serious reform) is low, but the consequences are extreme, the mitigation is to bury the whole issue in political treacle.

Again, I sincerely hope I am wrong, the poor bleeding industry can't take much more.

Tootle pip!!

[SIUYA]

There are, reputedly ... three serious candidates so far

:ooh:

So - based on the 'serious' attention so far given by Truss to the evident problems with CASA and the ATSB, that'd obviously have to be Mo, Larry and Curly. :ok:

Sorry Lead Sled - couldn't resist.

I guess that just leaves the ATSB to be sorted out - perhaps Truss has got Ronald McDonald in mind to take over there?

Couldn't be any worse than the current clown who's supposedly in charge, could it? :ugh:

[Hempy]

Ronald works for a professional organisation..

[004wercras]

The whole thing is a snow job...I have heard that along with Mr Angry, Mr A380 is also going, and it is rumoured that Dr Voodoo may go over to the ATsB and replace Beaker....all rumours of course. If a man of integrity who has a giant set doesn't get the CAsA gig, we are all screwed. Even if a man of integrity is appointed, nothing will change within the veins of the organisation as the Iron Ring reigns supreme, and it has numerous protege's waiting patiently in the wings. The beast has been poked very hard by the IOS and the time for payback is nigh. The 'model litigant' has a number of axes to grind and has been sharpening its axe heads.

The truth of the matter is that Australian politics has been moulded for over 150 years into the system we have today. Nothing will change in CAsA, or within any other government department unless Australia's undemocratic political system is changed.
It doesn't matter whether a Saint or a street bum gets the DAS job, it makes no difference if the scab is knocked off the top while the cancerous lesion works furiously beneath the surface.

My vote for the new DAS would have to be one of these guys;
https://m.facebook.com/OffiziellAnonymousPage?_rdr

Tick tock

[SIUYA]

Good point that Hempy,

And clearly disqualifies Ronnie for the role of Chief Commissioner. :(

Suggestions anyone?

[Dangly Bits]

Well the industry needs Mike Smith so I hope he put in an application. Maybe with Hoody as his 2IC we might just make it!

[Jinglie]

Hoody, you have to be kidding. Full of words, great arse kisser and full of himself!
I'd rather see Pauline Hanson take over than him. I hear stories of the man shirtless, pissed, with pierced nipples dancing on tables at FF Xmas parties. Just what we need!
As for Dr Voodoo and the ATSB, God help us. There are enough problems in the world to solve. Voodoo would just settle back into bed with CASA and Mr Dak, and whoever is the Minister at the time.
Bring in some serious OS expert with a solid GA background is my call.

[Jinglie]

...... and Mike Smith wouldn't be stupid enough to put himself up for the poison chalice!:sad:

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

Bring in some serious OS expert with a solid GA background is my call.


Based on conversations I've had with CAA and EASA people they know all about CASA's reputation. There are changes at CAA so might have some suitable candidates looking for jobs.

[004wercras]

I hear stories of the man shirtless, pissed, with pierced nipples dancing on tables at FF Xmas parties. Just what we need! I believe it was 'dancing on the lid of the worm farm'!
One of the other DAS trio tried to do the same thing but couldn't get out of his Zimmer frame!

Dance lessons for the new DAS;

http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ngdYGCavAyY

[HeSaidWhat]

Only 10 replies until we see a posting of utter rubbish totally unrelated to the thread. Enough of the YouTube crap already. A complete waste of bandwidth. This seems to be a pattern at pprune, at least from a few regulars.

Come on guys, how about some nominations of credible and suitable candidates.

I would like to see Pat Murray return. Former GM of the air transport group (which doesn't seem to exist anymore) and now associate professor at Griffith uni - strong operational background, experience at CASA trying to affect change (and had the guts to leave when insurmountable barriers were put up), long enough out of the left seat to have removed any 'blinkers', and an academic background to recognise what needs to be done!

Any others?

[Kharon]

Do not envy the new DAS. It will take a master craftsman to defeat the entrenched 'legal' (go get 'em tiger) approach to solving problems. Legal departments can only create havoc when they are encouraged or allowed off leash by senior management; and the current crew have become very used to the freedom. To recall and curb that beast is going to be a job and a half – stand alone.

Then there's the need to instil a spirit of 'cooperative', collaborative approach to working with industry to ensure sensible outcomes. It's been done in the past with very good results – many would be surprised to learn who was the architect of some of the more practical satisfactory conclusions achieved. The Kiwi's have this down to a fine art – and their industry seems to be ticking over very nicely. It's called building capacity....

For an example, look to the current RA-Aus situation – seems there's a potential bit of a mess developing there. I'd bet a beer that the legal dept is salivating at the notion of prosecuting; burning the midnight oil, dreaming up all manner of legal ways to ensure maximum fun, cost and misery. It would be much better to work with the association, develop strategy and create tools to make sure that operations were kosher and conducted according to Hoyle. This will be a challenge for the new DAS. If memory serves, it was Mick Toller and a couple of well qualified men who were of great assistance to AAAA, back in the day; providing the solid foundations of a system which is still vibrant and effective today. Sure keep an eye the 'self administering' bodies, but help them build capacity, help to them to do a better job, encourage compliance; but prosecuting the crap out of some hapless chump because the wrong paperclip was used is not only counterproductive, it defeats the objective.

What CASA hates, worse than poison, is being touted as an anal, low-trust, legally driven organisation. Unfortunately, this assessment is and has been made by every independent study. It's the devils own work to unpick that knot and regain the trust of industry. Without trust and mutual goals i.e. safe outcomes; we get what we have now: a buggers muddle...

No; if the new DAS is to do the job 'proper' justice, a truck load of industry support will be needed. This will require a deep breath and leap of faith to prevent what's left of industry reporting and safety culture being driven completely underground. Lets go for operational safety leading to legal safety. Compliance though sanity not through the wretched business of black letter law being subjectively and often 'improperly' imposed as a safety base.

Agree - Mike Smith is a great opening batsman; runs on the board, in form and pedigree out of the whazoo. But would he accept the poison chalice ? and risk a stellar, international reputation, kudos and respect. He certainly can cure the ills of third world countries. Perhaps Mike Mrdak can use some of his legendary talent as a 'sorter' and persuade Smith to come home. That would be a good days work. Not holding my breath though.

But don't look at me to do the job – talk about a fox in a chook shed. Mind you - a couple of days free reign, wrecking ball, chain saw and a baseball bat would be a tempting, diverting proposition.

Toot toot.

[Frank Arouet]

The 'iron ring' would pinch a chook from a blind eagle and anybody sitting in the wings would be similarly afflicted. The 'poison spittoon' needs renewing, not just emptying, and I would suggest Mike Smith would be a very suitable candidate to at least give industry a modicum of hope for the future. The immediate problem is that industry simply doesn't trust the regulator. Again, Mike Smith has proven credibility and is someone capable of re-engineering that respect lacking for so long.


Failing that, the floggings will continue until morale improves.

[HeSaidWhat]

Of all the years of reading your posts Kharon, this has got to be the most lucid and pointed I've seen. Thank you!

Your sage words actually indicate (to me at least) that you may well be better positioned for the role than you, or most, would think.

[Frank Burden]

It is most unusual to see pilots as CEOs of airlines these days. Usually they are people with contemporary management skills normally having served their apprenticeship building their industry knowledge, skills and attitudes.

Why does the Government have a fascination for people who have one specific skill set when it is as clear as the pimple on your nose that they continue to get it wrong. The other mistake the Government hand maidens forget to do is the appropriate level of background checks as this would quickly rule out some people who have been successful.

So, how about someone who knows the industry, has experience as a bureaucrat, has worked in it as a commercial (but not safety) regulator or similar, has had extensive experience representing Australia at the international level, and has the trust of the Minister's Office.

So how about we break the nexus, adopt contemporary practices and get someone who has a broader range of qualifications and experiences to fill the job?

I would expect that MM would welcome an opportunity to change the status quo and has one or two of his team that could de-sensitize the DAS appointment.

Lead sled, do other regulatory bodies have pilots in charge?

The Other Frank x x

[Sarcs]

Thorny: Word on the street is, its long been decided, the iron ring wins I'm told.Leady: There are, reputedly ( what a great CYA word) three serious candidates so far, but I seriously expect the "successful" candidate will be the one judged to be the least likely to cause the Minister any problems, by actually wanting to carry out genuine reforms, and a serious restructure of CASA staff, particularly upper levels of management.
Well I guess this is a rumour network but are you blokes just jumping at shadows?? And in terms of the iron ring & the former board, did you really think they'd roll over and cop the pineapple (& embarrassment)??

One of the things that perplexed me was when McComic got the bullet there was not one peep from the miniscule's office, nor one iota of recognition of the former board's bull****e statement...:cool:

If you think about it, from a political perspective, potentially with 260 odd (mostly critical) submissions of FF addressed to the WLR panel (by default the miniscule), for the miniscule to do anything else would be to tempt future political suicide, especially with Barnaby patiently waiting in the wings.

From the amended Act:74 Appointment

(1) The Director is to be appointed by the Board by written instrument, on a full‑time basis.

Note: The Director may be reappointed: see section 33AA of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901.

(2) Before appointing the Director, the Board must consult the Minister.

(3) A Board member is not eligible for appointment as the Director.

(4) The appointment of a person as Director is not invalid because of a defect or irregularity in connection with the person’s appointment.
Sure the board takes the vote on the DAS position, but which board will that be, the old one or the new one?? Or to put that another way the old Act or the amended Act??52 Membership
(1) The Board consists of:
(a) the Director; and
(b) up to 4 Board members (including the Chair and Deputy Chair).
Note: As a member of the governing body, the Director is a director of a Commonwealth authority for the purposes of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997: see the definition of director in section 5 of that Act.
(2) The performance of a function or the exercise of a power of the Board is not affected by a vacancy in the membership of the Board.
52 Membership

(1) The Board consists of:

(a) the Director; and

(b) up to 6 Board members (including the Chair and Deputy Chair).

Note: As a member of the governing body, the Director is a director of a Commonwealth authority for the purposes of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997: see the definition of director in section 5 of that Act.

(2) The performance of a function or the exercise of a power of the Board is not affected by a vacancy in the membership of the Board.
TB:Already the Ag people have been served notice I'm told, via the CAsA board, retract their criticism or face the wrath of CAsA.Also from the Act (my bold)(2) The Minister may terminate the appointment of a Board member if:

(a) the Board member:

(i) becomes bankrupt; or

(ii) applies to take the benefit of any law for the relief of bankrupt or insolvent debtors; or

(iii) compounds with his or her creditors; or

(iv) makes an assignment of his or her remuneration for the benefit of his or her creditors; or

(b) the Board member:

(i) engages in paid employment that the Minister thinks is in conflict with the proper performance of the member’s duties; or

(ii) is absent, except on leave of absence granted under section 57, from 3 consecutive meetings of the Board; or

(c) the Minister thinks that the performance of the Board member has been unsatisfactory for a significant period of time; or

(d) the Board member fails, without reasonable excuse, to comply with an obligation imposed on him or her by section 27F or 27J of the Commonwealth Authorities and Companies Act 1997.
27F of the CAC Act: COMMONWEALTH AUTHORITIES AND COMPANIES ACT 1997 - SECT 27F


Material personal interest--director's duty to disclose Director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director)'s duty to notify other directors (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) of material personal interest when conflict arises
(1) A director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) of a Commonwealth authority (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#commonwealth_authority) who has a material personal interest in a matter that relates to the affairs of the authority must give the other directors (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) notice of the interest unless subsection (2) says otherwise.
Penalty: 10 penalty units.
(1A) For an offence based on subsection (1), strict liability applies to the circumstance that the director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) of the authority has a material personal interest in a matter that relates to the affairs of the authority.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code .
(2) The director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) does not need to give notice of an interest under subsection (1) if:
(a) the interest:
(i) arises in relation to the director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director)'s remuneration as a director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) of the authority; or
(ii) relates to a contract that insures, or would insure, the director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) against liabilities the director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) incurs as an officer (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#officer) of the authority (but only if the contract does not make the authority or a subsidiary (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#subsidiary) of the authority the insurer); or
(iii) relates to any payment by the authority or a subsidiary (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#subsidiary) of the authority in respect of an indemnity permitted under section 27M or any contract relating to such an indemnity; or
(iv) is in a contract, or proposed contract, with, or for the benefit of, or on behalf of, a subsidiary (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#subsidiary) of the authority and arises merely because the director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) is a director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) of the subsidiary (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#subsidiary); or
(b) all the following conditions are satisfied:
(i) the director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) has already given notice of the nature and extent of the interest and its relation to the affairs of the authority under subsection (1);
(ii) if a person who was not a director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) of the authority at the time when the notice under subsection (1) was given is appointed as a director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) of the authority--the notice is given to that person;
(iii) the nature or extent of the interest has not materially increased above that disclosed in the notice; or
(c) the director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) has given a standing notice of the nature and extent of the interest under section 27G and the notice is still effective in relation to the interest.
(3) The notice required by subsection (1) must:
(a) give details of:
(i) the nature and extent of the interest; and
(ii) the relation of the interest to the affairs of the authority; and
(b) be given at a directors (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director)' meeting as soon as practicable after the director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) becomes aware of his or her interest in the matter.
The details must be recorded in the minutes of the meeting.
Effect of contravention by director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director)
(4) A contravention of this section by a director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) does not affect the validity of any act, transaction, agreement, instrument, resolution or other thing. And 27J:COMMONWEALTH AUTHORITIES AND COMPANIES ACT 1997 - SECT 27J
Restrictions on voting
Restrictions on voting and being present
(1) A director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) of a Commonwealth authority (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#commonwealth_authority) who has a material personal interest in a matter that is being considered at a directors (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director)' meeting must not:
(a) be present while the matter is being considered at the meeting; or
(b) vote on the matter.
Penalty: 5 penalty units.
(1A) Subsection (1) does not apply if:
(a) subsection (2) or (3) allows the director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) to be present; or
(b) the interest does not need to be disclosed under section 27F.
Note: A defendant bears an evidential burden in relation to the matter in subsection (1A), see subsection 13.3(3) of the Criminal Code .
(1B) An offence based on subsection (1) is an offence of strict liability.
Note: For strict liability, see section 6.1 of the Criminal Code .
Participation with approval of other directors (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director)
(2) The director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) may be present and vote if directors (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) who do not have a material personal interest in the matter have passed a resolution that:
(a) identifies the director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director), the nature and extent of the director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director)'s interest in the matter and its relation to the affairs of the authority; and
(b) states that those directors (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) are satisfied that the interest should not disqualify the director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) from voting or being present.
Participation with Ministerial (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#minister) approval
(3) The director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) may be present and vote if they are so entitled under a declaration or order made by the responsible (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#responsible_minister) Minister (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#responsible_minister) under section 27K.
Effect of contravention by director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director)
(4) A contravention by a director (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#director) of:
(a) this section; or
(b) a condition attached to a declaration or order made by the responsible Minister (http://www.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/cth/consol_act/caaca1997387/s5.html#responsible_minister) under section 27K;
does not affect the validity of any resolution.
The AAAA submission may have been somewhat more passionate and strongly worded than some of the publicly available submissions but did it actually step outside the realms of reality, the reality that is the true regulatory environment that is currently destroying the whole GA sector of the Oz industry. People may have points of difference with the AAAA submission but on the whole IMO it did pointedly grasp the crux of the current embuggerance, by the regulator, of the industry.


Although Creamy quite often mocks the Coalition policy on extending the numbers of the board, this policy is all but been enacted. It would be a suicidal Minister that would then allow the old board (with an obvious axe to grind) to carry out a personal vendetta against a submitter to a policy (the WLR) that his party & current govt had instigated.


However if that does indeed happen then I suggest we start discussing some of those REVOLTING ideas floating around...260+ submissions probably represent a very large majority of the industry don't you think..:E

Link for the amended Act: Civil Aviation Act 1988, No. 63, 1988 as amended
(http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2014C00167)Compilation start date: 9 April 2014

Includes amendments up to: Act No. 27, 2014

[Kharon]

Cheers HSW, now in the spirit of further good discussion

HSW # 13 –"I would like to see Pat Murray return."

Could you please tell us how many ICAO upgrades to category 1 status Pat has managed and the number of ICAO audits his work has survived? Please note, I am not knocking the gentleman not at all, but I don't know the answer. The reason I question is that I think it's important to accept that Australia is a good bet to cop some heavy duty incoming international flack.

The WLR has woken the world and it's wife to the pitiful condition Australian aviation oversight and management is in. Any candidate who has not got the runs on the board, at top level, cannot 'hit the ground running' and with the best of intentions may become a liability, rather than an asset. We are IMO mired deep in the clarts and in dire need of some serious international experience in restructuring and changing of 'culture'. It's a hell of a task.

-...Anyone who is not a 'name' and cannot immediately 'relax' the ICAO, CAA, FAA etc watchdogs is in for a very bumpy ride indeed. Of all the decisions W. Truss Esq. has ever made or is likely to make; his selection of the new DAS will be the most critical and must be correct. I just get the feeling we are playing for keeps this time and industry expectations are high.

[HeSaidWhat]

In answer to your primary question Kahron, I don't know either, but I do recall he was an excellent statesman and had very good relationships with industry. A quiet achiever, if you will, exhibiting genuine 'followership' rather than demanding conformance from inferred leadership.

On the concept of a quiet achiever, I'm not 100% convinced that a 'name' is the answer. I hear what you're saying about international 'comfort', but a name is just a 'brand' and a brand needs to be of robust depth and quality beneath its facade to last the vagaries of the market (the industry in this case).

Sadly, many of the 'names' in aviation have got there by simply having 'more front than Myers', but when tested they come up wanting.

[Creampuff]

I'm perpetually fascinated by 'new beginnings' syndrome: The capacity of humans to earnestly believe that changing one person will make a difference.

I'd commend the AAAA's submission to the ASRR on this point.

It doesn't matter who the new Messiah is: He or she will be in exactly the same regulatory straight jacket as his or her predecessors. Recent encumbents and the new encumbent have had and will have no power to change the regulatory framework in which they operate. That Frankenstein cannot be killed from within.

[T]he "successful" candidate will be the one judged to be the least likely to cause the Minister any problems ...Correct. That is the only selection criterion.

[Sunfish]

Unfortunately Creampuff is right. Absent a quantum step change, the industry is finished.

[Frank Arouet]

I concur. I've always said the only solution to the problem is a political solution. Unfortunately there is no political will. The minister that could help, (I have his photo on my toilet wall), thinks he has a cunning plan, but it isn't marching with any confidence in the direction of industry needs. I think he amuses Abbott. That's the only thing I can find may be in his favor.

[004wercras]

Only 10 replies until we see a posting of utter rubbish totally unrelated to the thread. Enough of the YouTube crap already. A complete waste of bandwidth. This seems to be a pattern at PPRuNe, at least from a few regulars.
Ok HeSaidWhat, just for you I will desist from silly banter and Poohtube clips on this thread. However, perhaps the reason behind my piss taking is simply because this whole discussion is laughable. Yes we can have serious robust debate, bring it on I say, but what is the point of naming names? Naming prospective DAS's, who would be good and who wouldn't be good? This is not a democratic election. It will be the decision of an inept, poor excuse of a government hell bent on lies and deception, and no doubt a mate of a mate will jag the $500k job, so of course the end result will be a joke.
People on here are putting faith in MrDak. Are you kidding me?? He is a 20 year part of the problem!
And you say;
Come on guys, how about some nominations of credible and suitable candidates. As I said, why bother? A few names mentioned over the past few months are decent guys, guys with a safety focused mind, guys with credible reputations, so the government won't be hiring them in a hurry! Our opinion, singularly or collectively won't make a single iota of difference.

Creampuffs comment pretty much sums up the situation. There will be a lot of disappointed IOS once all the big decisions are made over the coming months, and I'm not excluded from that group. Frankenstein will remain, nothing will change, and the game will continue to be played.

Now, Frank old son, WTF?
Unfortunately there is no political will. The minister that could help, (I have his photo on my toilet wall) Do I really want to know why you have a pic of the Miniscule on the back of the ****ter door? Do you throw Bondi cigars at it? Mate I would have thought a picture of Marilyn Chambers, Vanessa Del Rio or Ginger Lynn Allen might grace the back of a dummy door, but the Miniscule???? Tsk tsk

Finally I have admittedly thrown a few names about over the years, I really couldn't be bothered anymore. But if I had to personally choose one it would be Mike Smith, or someone very similar.

Toot toot

[Lookleft]

You,re getting soft 004. Where's the biffo, where's the in your face who framed Wodger Wabbit banter? I must admit that Frank's choice of pin-up was a bit disturbing. This has all been done before, I'm surprised TJs name hasn't been trotted out or even CM.

[yr right]

God help us if the AAAA have there way and get self regulation.
Cheers

[Kharon]

CP# 21-"That Frankenstein cannot be killed from within."

Must concur with learned colleague CP on that issue.

CP# 21-"The capacity of humans to earnestly believe that changing one person will make a difference."
But beg to differ a bit on the rest; only the very naive believe in a silver bullet man, who will, with a hefty wave of a magic wand cures all the ills – I can believe fairies at the bottom of garden, the Easter bunny and can even get my head around Santa (bless); but not the silver bullet man.

What we can realistically hope for is sane, reasonable, competent leadership of the CASA crew towards re-establishing some faith and confidence. There are some first class individuals hiding behind the HQ pot-plants and there is evidence of times past where industry and administrator could get together and apply 'common sense' to the regulatory imbroglio. If we could achieve that and tackle some of 'regulatory nonsense' that would be a great improvement. But without direction to the manner in which the rules are used, no matter how good they are, systematic abuse will continue to create problems.

As it stands – nothing and no one is safe from attack, as and when suits; AAAA for example. There have been through the outgoing ethos some terrible atrocities committed, some very light minded 'bending' of rules and some hanky panky with the spirit and intent of the law. I believe it is the hope that this aberration may cured through astute leadership that keeps everyone sane.

I expect time will tell but I tend to agree with Sarcs (http://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/540787-new-das-casa.html#post8501684) – the miniscule does appear to have his arse in a political sling and his work cut out, just to keep a lid on the situation. He does have the option to leave a worthwhile legacy and be remembered as the bloke who saved Australian GA. Lets give the man and his advisors some time to study what must be a difficult, complex, potentially embarrassing report from the panel 'he' selected; find a DAS he can live with and set it all to music. Must be a bit like a duck on a mill pond – smooth as silk on the surface, paddling like crazy below the water line.

Patience -

How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees? (the Bard).

The object of life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane. (Marcus Aurelious).

[004wercras]

Lookyloo,
You,re getting soft 004. Where's the biffo, where's the in your face who framed Wodger Wabbit banter?
Damned if I do damned if I don't. If I don't say things the way I see then I am criticised, if I do say it the way I think then you run to the Mods. You are an odd human being. But since I am in a nice mood I will share something with you my old sparring partner, truth be known I have 18 months til I enter full time retirement. A pleasant thought of mine had always been to leave this industry in better shape than when I first entered it. And indeed I have seen changes in technology, people skills, safety and myriads of systems, changes for the better.
But regulatory oversight, regulations, CAsA itself and I cringe when I say ATsB are woeful. They are abominations on a bureaucratic scale not seen in decades, and they disappoint me. I had hoped my grandkids would enter aviation but that will be unlikely as GA's final nail will have well and truly been banged into its coffin long by then. As for the big end of town, well what's on offer, a Cadetship with JQ where they would earn as much as a school tuckshop lady?

I must admit that Frank's choice of pin-up was a bit disturbing.There are lots of disturbing things about Frank - his green toenails, black teeth and penchant for collecting faecal samples! But I still adore the guy, and at least he removed that picture of Hoody complete with nipple jewellery and no shirt on :ok:

This has all been done before, I'm surprised TJs name hasn't been trotted out or even CMJeez mate, that's a thought! At least if TJ got the job the CAsA Level 3 staff would be used to all the screaming! As for CM, don't joke, his name has been touted in some circles. The question is which circle have been looking at him ??

Kharon,
the miniscule does appear to have his arse in a political sling and his work cut out, just to keep a lid on the situation.
It's not the first time and won't be the last time. Is the current situation any worse than previous ones? Doubt it.
The crafty spinmeisters will apply their trade and walk away clean as blank sheet of A4.

Toot toot

[Frank Arouet]

Lookleft;


If you are talking about TJ of Ansett fame, who fell foul of the then DAS who went into an extraordinary fit of the 'vapours' over paperwork and shut the whole place down because same DAS didn't like him, then I agree, but with the caveat that both he and I having an axe to grind, would both equally dispense summary justice on a scale unimagined in history, (or at least since King Olaf dispensed Viking justice on the Druids and their intellectual evolved Saxons). Therefor I cannot hold he, nor I, responsible for the subsequent events.


We've been sitting here for years, during which time millions of dollars have been wasted on a regulatory review process, and we've advanced no further than an asthmatic ant with some heavy shopping, (apologies to Lt Blackadder). It's about time it stopped and that TJ, may have the mongrel in him to effect change.


It would be wise not to disturb either of us and I can offer the plausible denial that I have been offered the job.


The Minister's picture stays there until I'm satisfied he has retired. Nobody knows what goes on in my lavatory. It would also be wise not to push this point lest you get a moldy scone with Baldrick's two farthings in the mail. (which I pinched).

[LeadSled]

Lead sled, do other regulatory bodies have pilots in charge?

Yes, the FAA, frequently, but not always, with many pilots in the senior executive ranks.

Tootle pip!!

[Jinglie]

The elephant in the room has to be Forsyth in a caretaker role. MrDak obviously trusts him. They put him in to slash and burn following the WLR, make unpopular changes within, then hand over to a new DAS with no enemies in the ranks. Break the CASA beast and politics and hand over to new set of hands. All depends on the WLR I guess. With all the submissions, he must know were most of the dirt is.

[halfmanhalfbiscuit]

I still think Carmody could make a good DAS with the right support team and Hoody being one of those. But of course he's not a pilot.

Back to a small r regulator with a 2nd stint for Byron?

What about combining head of casa and Asa?

[004wercras]

Biccy, Herr Carmody almost landed the gig last time. But some powers to be opted for Mr Angry, they felt it would be better to have a Driver as DAS. At the time Carmody did have a lot of support though, and I believe the final numbers were very very close. They chose a 'big mouth' over 'big ears'.

Unfortunately some of the same people who opted for the Skull are still in influential positions today and will also be on the panel choosing the next DAS. I'm thinking the Cathay boys have had their run, and this year may well be a new year, year of the QF boys.

[Kharon]

004 # 28 –"It's not the first time and won't be the last time. Is the current situation any worse than previous ones? Doubt it. The crafty spinmeisters will apply their trade and walk away clean as blank sheet of A4.

I have made a promise, to myself. If this happens again – I quit. I'll set up somewhere quiet, posing as a mildly eccentric, harmless old buffer, shoeing horses, growing rhubarb, training elephants and throwing empty beer cans at visitors. The industry has allowed the current mess to develop, bullied and brow beaten into submission and arbitrary compliance. The facts are there, the statistics are there, the aberrations are there. The Minister and the Senate panel know this as fact; there are 260 submissions supporting the arguments. The last hurdle will be the Truss decision and if the industry cannot jump this last fence and secure it's future, then it's game over.

Whistles up dogs, ambles off muttering - Rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb, rhubarb.

[Sunfish]

How about Alan Joyce?

[Kharon]

Oh Bad Sunfish – naughty! Not even in jest. Can you imagine it; what was the name he gave to his 'first team'?, (some fanciful, forgotten acronym, which made me laugh at the time) Anyway – them : joining up with the less savoury elements lurking deep within the bowls of Sleepy Hollow.

Sponsored by the IOS; Fair Go for Gerbils Society.

[The Big E]

Sadly, many of the 'names' in aviation have got there by simply having 'more front than Myers', but when tested they come up wanting.

Ain't that the truth.:ok:
This job demands more than bull****ters who bull**** about bull****. It is not a job for a flunkie or a 'yes man'. It requires someone who is not afraid to call a spade a shovel when the need arises in dealing with the internal naysayers who are still inhibiting the go forward progress. Bruce sidelined and dealt with some of them during his time, and now someone else needs the gonads to carry on with the task of systematically getting rid of the rest of those well poisoners for the good of the Industry, and the organisation.

Ya all have a good day now.

[Frank Arouet]

Has "Elvis" left the building yet?


It would be appropriate for him to vanish quickly after the latest letter to AOC holders towards CVD pilots has been made public. I'm told the letter has gone "viral" to Europe and The US. I'm also told The Attorney General has been informed with a copy of that plus the CAsA indemnity for actions with The Anti Discrimination Board.


Copy below for another example to grind your teeth over;


Civil Aviation Act 1988


- C2014C00167


http://www.comlaw.gov.au/Details/C2014C00167


30EF CASA may reinstate if satisfied that holder’s livelihood depends on authorisation




(1) A holder of a civil aviation authorisation who has been given a demerit suspension notice or demerit cancellation notice may apply to CASA to have the authorisation reinstated.




(2) Subsection (1) applies despite paragraphs 30DY(2)(b), 30DZ(2)(b) and 30EC(2)(b).


(3) If, and only if, CASA is satisfied that the suspension or cancellation would cause the holder severe financial hardship because, without the authorisation, the holder would not be able to earn the holder’s principal or only income, CASA may:


(a) reinstate the authorisation; and


(b) impose on the authorisation such conditions as CASA considers appropriate in the circumstances.


98 Regulations etc. (6C) CASA must consult the Australian Human Rights Commission about any proposal that regulations be made containing provisions that are inconsistent as mentioned in subsection (6A) or (6B). However, a failure to consult the Commission does not affect the validity of any regulations so made.




FIRST MENTION OF THE ABOVE IN JULY 2005




This compilation was prepared on 8 July 2005


taking into account amendments up to Act No. 86 of 2005






　


(6A) The regulations may contain provisions relating to medical standards that are inconsistent with theSex Discrimination Act 1984 if the inconsistency is necessary for the safety of air navigation.


Note: See also Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Civil Aviation Amendment Act 2005.




(6B) The regulations may contain provisions that are inconsistent with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 if the inconsistency is necessary for the safety of air navigation.


Note: See also Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Civil Aviation Amendment Act 2005.




(6C) CASA must consult the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission about any proposal that regulations be made containing provisions that are inconsistent as mentioned in subsection (6A) or (6B). However, a failure to consult the Commission does not affect the validity of any regulations so made. (6B) The regulations may contain provisions that are inconsistent with the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 if the inconsistency is necessary for the safety of air navigation.


Note: See also Part 2 of Schedule 1 to the Civil Aviation Amendment Act 2005.















　

[HeSaidWhat]

It must be very close now.

The rumour of the ADFA boss as DAS has already been floated. Any others?

My mail is that the well qualified Aussie 'aviation' candidates have received their "thanks but no thanks", so does that mean we'll get a former Coles or Wollies CEO or perhaps an expat?

[Frank Arouet]

Someone from within perhaps?

[004wercras]

But who Frank? Shall it be the Manager Worm farms? Or the General Manager Pot Plants? There is always the Comcar detailers who give the fleet cars a bit of a vacuum and polish so they would be a shoe in. Then again, the guard who stands daily with an AK47 outside the TRIM vault protecting all those files and 'hit lists' (which of course don't exist) would be high up the list!
We are spoilt with too many choices. Drumroll please......

[Frank Arouet]

I'm thinking, someone from the past, with runs on the industry score board, brought back from out in the cold, would tick off one of their most favored "conditions". Just a gut feeling.

[Howabout]

Frank, I could be 180 deg off the beam, but if who sprang to mind after reading your last missive ever gets the gig, then I'll find a very tall building with an open window on the top floor.

IMHO, one of the most divisive and self-opinionated individuals to ever hold sway in the industry. Surely, the "powers" wouldn't be that stupid. But, then again, they are proven slow-learners....:uhoh:

And sorry for calling you Surely!

[parabellum]

Just curious, (I may have missed it), but was wondering if there was any news or scuttle butt on who the new CEO and board members were going to be at CASA? Any names in the frame yet?

[Sunfish]

Nothing heard and I expect to be totally underwhelmed by the Governments response to the enquiry.

[Up-into-the-air]

The following was on an Instrument published yesterday. Interesting to note these have been done "out-of-phase" with the Parliament.

I, terence lindsay farquharson, Acting Director of Aviation Safety, on behalf of CASA, make this instrument under paragraph 28BA (1) (b) and subsection 98 (4A) of the Civil Aviation Act 1988. [Signed T. Farquharson]
Terry Farquharson
Acting Director of Aviation Safety
17 August 2014
Civil Aviation Order 82.3 Amendment Instrument 2014 (No. 2)

1 Name of instrument
This instrument is the Civil Aviation Order 82.3 Amendment Instrument 2014 (No. 2).


and the "Monthly casa Missive" published by mccomick.

[triadic]

Heard about TF a few days back. Gos is the selection process is down to two....
Might be a wait as has to be approved by cabinet....:ugh:

[Eyrie]

Aviation Business Doug Nancarrow has revealed the names of the last three CASA board members. They are Gliding Federation president Anita Taylor, AMDA board chairman and RAAA board member Ian Smith, and former Qantas engineering and regional airline general manager David Cox, now head of Sydney Uni engineering. Combined with Jeff Boyd, the new-look board boasts a wealth of aviation and managerial experience that should preside over a much improved CASA. Put it this way: if they can't do it then it can't be done, and general aviation in Australia will be a plaque on a plinth in 20 years.

[Up-into-the-air]

Nancarrow's casa board members:

Jeff Boyd – Brindabella Airlines, Director RAAA, GA experience, LAME, Flying School

Anita Taylor – GFA [Gliding Federation], Anita Taylor, President, Gliding Federation of Australia, a Chartered Accountant with Psychology and Mediation qualifications, bringing a unique blend of skills to her roles. She is an experienced company director, with involvement in banking, finance, community and sport sectors. Currently President of the Gliding Federation of Australia, and sitting on Regional Development Australia – Northern Inland, and NSW Gliding committees, she also undertakes consulting roles specialising in performance and special projects.

I have been gliding since I was 16, and my husband competes internationally, so the sport is very much a part of our lives. Several years ago I joined the Board as the Chair of the Sports Committee: responsible for the coaching, competition, records and international representation. It is a great honour for me to be able to represent the Board and the members.

David Cox - David is currently the COO at the Faculty of Engineering and IT at the University of Sydney. The Faculty, which has been teaching Engineering in Australia since 1883, has over 5,000 students enrolled and is in the top rank of global Engineering Schools. Previously, David had a 23 year airline career with Qantas. Starting in the aircraft evaluation and performance field, he spent time with responsibility for Group fleet planning and then moved into general management as GGM for the Group's regional subsidiaries. He then moved back to manage Engineering, and in 2003 was appointed as EGM Qantas Engineering with responsibility for the over 6,000 staff who provide E&M services to the Qantas Airline's fleet. David has also represented his employers on subsidiary boards, trade associations and industry forums.

Specialties: An experienced senior executive with broad experience in leading large organisations and with specialist knowledge in aircraft evaluation, fleet planning, performance engineering, regional airlines, engineering and maintenance and airline operations

Ian W Smith: Aviation Development Australia, Tel: 07 5448 8585 Fax: 07 5448 7482 Core activity of Aviation Development Australia Limited is to stage the biennial Australian International Air Show at Avalon Airport, Victoria as the centrepiece of its AirShows DownUnder program. BMG Group Limited, Regional Aviation Association of Australia, Aerospace Maritime & Defence Foundation of Australia. Previous BMIB London, Aon Aviation, NBJ Australasia. MAROOCHYDORE, AUSTRALIA, Chairman of the Aerospace Maritime & Defence Foundation of Australia Limited, has been recognized by Worldwide Who’s Who for showing dedication, leadership and excellence in aviation insurance.

Mr. Smith has 31 years of experience in the aviation insurance industry, including 12 years in his current role, which involves providing insurance, marketing and promoting aviation. His areas of expertise include aviation and insurance.

He attributes his success to specializing in this particular area. He became involved in his profession because he started with a pilot’s license and has a twin engine command instrument rating. Mr. Smith hopes to retire fully someday, and in the meantime wants to help structure the company’s operations in Southeast Asia.

Mr. Smith studied management. He is the director of the Regional of the Aviation Association of Australia. He assists various charitable organizations and serves as a Justice of the Peace. His hobbies are golf, tennis, and politics.

and current:

Trevor Danos [until June 2015]

Alan Hawkes [until June 2015]

[Soteria]

and current:
Trevor Danos [until June 2015]
Alan Hawkes [until June 2015] The list looked half plausible til we got to these two. :ugh:

[Creampuff]

I think you'll find it's "Hawke".

(And why didn't AOPA manage to learn how to spell McCormick's name??)

[Boris7]

Rumor has it Lord F appointed acting ruler of Duloc. :ugh:

[Soteria]

TF was always going to get the DAS job in an Ag capacity.

Creampuff, I don't think anyone really cares whether the names are spelt correctly or not. That would be the least of industry's concerns.