Dick Smith - Wagga RSL Media Presentation - Thur 26th April [Archive]

AOPA

19th Apr 2018, 07:23

PUBLIC PRESENTATION BY FORMER CASA CHAIRMAN DICK SMITH - DAMAGE TO AUSTRALIAN AVIATION

THURSDAY 26TH APRIL 2018 - 11AM to 1PM
WAGGA WAGGA RSL - CONFERENCE CENTRE

AOPA Australia member, Dick Smith, will be addressing a public gathering in the city of Wagga Wagga. Come hear about the staggering damage which is being inflicted on the general aviation industry in Australia and particularly on aviation in the bush.

Hear how Australia can become a world leader in flight training and recreational aviation.

AOPA Australia members are all encouraged to attend this event.

The AOPA Australia Members Coach will be departing Bankstown Airport, Thursday 26th April at 5am - sharp. Please call (02) 9791 9099 to reserve your seat - be quick as places are limited.

gerry111

19th Apr 2018, 15:12

I reckon that the city of Wagga will come to a stop when Dick and Ben arrive.

(Thank goodness that I realised being a member of AOPA was a complete waste of money 15 years ago.)

Horatio Leafblower

19th Apr 2018, 23:07

(Thank goodness that I realised being a member of AOPA was a complete waste of money 15 years ago.)

I reckon that 15 years ago you were correct. I agreed with you.
"This time it's different" and I stumped up and re-joined a couple of years ago.

The other charter operators I know all agree that Regional Aviation Assoc Australia don't give a tinkers about Charter operators - god knows their new CEO said as much to me about 18 months ago.

Gerry111 I don't know what sector of GA or ultralights you consider yourself to be a part of, but AOPA is actively representing the GA industry now and I urge everyone to get behind them.

Dick Smith

20th Apr 2018, 09:00

Gerry. Sorry you are so angry.

It’s clear that AOPA is becoming effective politically like AOPA in the USA.

AOPA in the US is second only to the National Rifle Federation as an effective lobbying organisation. Watch out politicians!

gerry111

20th Apr 2018, 13:53

Dick, I'm not angry at all. Perhaps I'm pretty frustrated though?

(I've been around GA during the last 25 years of CASA "reforms" and well before then.)

If you really think AOPA Australia is becoming as effective as AOPA in the USA at lobbying, then you are simply deluded. We could learn a lot from them.

Dick Smith

21st Apr 2018, 03:00

No. Not as effective. But clearly more effective than it was.

What do you think is the best way forward?

Sunfish

21st Apr 2018, 08:50

Negative campaigning in marginal electorates is the only approach that will succeed. CASA and the Department will wear you down in endless committee meetings if you engage wth them ("what precisely do you mean Mr. Smith?"). You will die of old age before the institution changes that way.

The only way forward is for a frightened Government to instruct PM&C to fix the CASA and give AOPA what it wants. You need lessons from the attack dogs of the CFMEU.

Lead Balloon

21st Apr 2018, 10:04

Dick

If you want to maximise the leverage you have, you need to spend minimum time defining the problem (commonly called “whinging”) and spend maximum time defining the cause of the problem and what you consider to be the solutions, in words of one syllable.

Purely hypothetically, because these things need to be your earnest opinion...

The problem: Destruction of General Aviation in Australia. Small businesses providing pilot training, passenger transport and aircraft maintenance services cannot survive in the current regulatory environment. Regulatory over-kill, security over-kill and airport charging over-kill mean that Australia is not training enough pilots to meet demand and people are being driven out of aviation as a means of private transportation. Our regional and remote aerodromes are ghost towns compared to what they should be.

The cause: Bipartisan neglect and abrogation of responsibility for promoting and enhancing civil aviation in Australia.

The solution: Do not vote for the major parties until they have done the following things:

- changed the Civil Aviation Act to say....

- done this about the regulatory reform program....

- ceased granting 457 visas for pilots

- enforced airport leases

- make ATCers wear pink bunny suits

- whatever you want to put on the list.

As I say, Dick, you need these lists to contain what you believe.

The only suggestion I can give you is that if you back one major party over another, you are doomed to perpetuate the problem. The problem is the cosy duopoly. They always win when one or the other always gets a turn at the trough. Threaten the duopoly and you’ll get pink bunny suits on demand.

Dick Smith

21st Apr 2018, 11:27

Thanks. Good advice. Everyone keep watching. I have not given up on this.

I am fortunate as I can afford the costs and don’t have to earn money from Aviation.

However I am proud of our country and don’t believe these highly paid bureaucrats should be allowed to damage it. Even if they are doing so un intentionally.

gerry111

22nd Apr 2018, 13:49

[QUOTE=Dick Smith;10125552What do you think is the best way forward?[/QUOTE]

Perhaps keep a tight rein on Ben at Wagga? For only he has been known to fall for being duchessed, when the limelight fell his way.

Horatio Leafblower

23rd Apr 2018, 01:28

For only he has been known to fall for being duchessed, when the limelight fell his way.

Surely you jest? Spencer never fallen for that one?

AOPA

23rd Apr 2018, 02:06

Perhaps keep a tight rein on Ben at Wagga? For only he has been known to fall for being duchessed, when the limelight fell his way.

Gerry111 Im really interested, exactly how have I been duchessed?

BEN MORGAN
AOPA Australia Executive Director

Horatio Leafblower

23rd Apr 2018, 06:09

Gerry111 Im really interested, exactly how have I been duchessed?

By Aminta in WEU perhaps? :hmm:

gerry111

23rd Apr 2018, 06:19

I heard a rumour that Ben heartily congratulated CASA when they announced Class 2 medical reforms. Only to now find those promises to be rather empty.

Dick Smith

23rd Apr 2018, 06:43

Gerry. Are the reforms going ahead? Do you have evidence that they are not?

thunderbird five

23rd Apr 2018, 07:41

Here's an example perhaps Dick.

We were told that all DAMEs would be able to issue a Class 2 medical for the whole 2 year period or whatever, themself.

Well that's only true, IF they do some online training thing and apply to become a "DAME 2" So we've all been conned, again.

I await to see how they "aviationise" the Austroads drivers medical standard, just like when we were all conned last time over the Driver's Licence Medical - "aviation" to which the average GP said WHAT THE?

Good luck with your meeting Dick, It's a bit far for me.

Ozgrade3

23rd Apr 2018, 09:35

Can it be broadcast live on Facebook, too short notice to get there.

Lead Balloon

23rd Apr 2018, 11:01

The announced medical certification ‘reforms’ are, as a matter of practicality, mostly a scam.

Horatio Leafblower

23rd Apr 2018, 11:13

The announced medical certification ‘reforms’ are, as a matter of practicality, mostly a scam.

Oh OK.
So we should all just have a cup of tea and forget about it then. You're right.

Lead Balloon

23rd Apr 2018, 11:18

No. My apologies if that’s the implication of my post. It’s not intended.

I was merely trying to comment on the particular point raised by GIII: Care needs to be taken not to congratulate where congratulations are not due. CASA medical certification ‘reform’ is an area in which congratulations are not due.

gerry111

23rd Apr 2018, 13:58

Dick Smith

23rd Apr 2018, 23:00

Can it be broadcast live on Facebook, too short notice to get there.

I will make a podcast and post it on this site a few days after the presentation

Dick

Fantome

24th Apr 2018, 00:38

Dick. .. . is it okay to land at Bowylie?

AOPA

24th Apr 2018, 01:40

Ben, Have you ever applied for a medical to fly an aircraft in Australia? Perhaps if so, when and where?

There's quite a few of us, out there, that rely on CASA AVMED to allow us to travel around our beautiful country flying GA.

No quite sure what you are attempting to imply Gerry111.... See attached

How about you show some transparency and post your medical. Let’s all see who the real Gerry111 is.

Dick Smith

25th Apr 2018, 11:29

Fan tome. Of course it is.

LeadSled

25th Apr 2018, 14:00

Dick and Ben,
Best wishes for the event tomorrow, wish I could be there, but just not possible.
Tootle pip!!

TBM-Legend

26th Apr 2018, 11:46

Very interesting to read the comments here. Many like Dick and AOPA are trying to bring issues of the failed CASA and various government policies and failed implementation to the public and therefore political arena while the sniping from a few that never actually do anything but that persist. I recall being in a Canberra meeting with the then Director, Col Freeland, who made the statement [after the tea lady departed the room] that general aviation is beset with factions and nothing will change until a clear agenda is put forth by industry. The year was 1989. Support your local AOPA and contribute good ideas please...

Capn Bloggs

26th Apr 2018, 11:59

who made the statement [after the tea lady departed the room] that general aviation is beset with factions and nothing will change until a clear agenda is put forth by industry. The year was 1989.
No guesses who the main protagonist of the factions was... :cool: :rolleyes:

TBM-Legend

26th Apr 2018, 12:38

No guesses who the main protagonist of the factions was...

see, I'm right! A nothing statement here. The industry deserves better to get up off the canvas...

Jenna Talia

26th Apr 2018, 16:12

So how did it go?

Trevor the lover

26th Apr 2018, 21:23

Mr Smith - I've not always, or even often, agreed with some of your posts and views (particularly attacks on the RAAF), but your fight against the destruction of GA is to be commended to the highest level. Like the rorts that the governments get away with, the snouts in the trough, the sense of entitlement to use public money for their own benefit - they just do not care two hoots. The Bishops - Julie and Bronny - steely eyed defiance to any criticism of public fund usage - they make it so hard for the little man to affect morals and effect change. Thinking back to the early eighties learning to fly at Albion Park's South Coast Aero Club with Ron Berry and Shereen Verdon - great days with smiling instructors and a huuuuge social culture in the club. The place doesn't even exist now.

Well done Mr Smith and all those fighting the same fight.

TBM-Legend

26th Apr 2018, 21:37

Folks how about a prominent big billboard in Wagga so he and his constituents see it every day?

A picture of McCormack with the red crossed circle over him and a simple statement..

AOPA

27th Apr 2018, 03:16

STOP THE LIE – UPDATE THE ACT
DICK SMITH WAGGA WAGGA PRESENTATION, THURSDAY 26TH APRIL 2019

The Dick Smith presentation in Wagga Wagga on Thursday 26th April 2018 was a great success and it was fantastic to see so many AOPA Australia members along with local Riverina constituents in attendance.

The venue was at capacity with only standing room available, clearly demonstrating the importance and genuine interest in the issues presented.Many thanks must go to the local media, who turned out en-masse to document and report.

I had the opportunity to speak with a number of newspaper and television reporters, who were all very eager to communicate our industry’s concerns.

A big thank you must go to Dick Smith, who clearly and passionately communicated our industry’s frustration regarding the lack of action and reforms from our political representatives.

The presentation exposed nearly three decades of inaction and neglect, along with explaining the damage to regional townships and communities. Utilising a range of key data, including charts provided by AOPA Australia, Dick highlighted that declines in general aviation flight training and maintenance, which are the result of government and political neglect, have now manifested themselves into an airline pilot and maintenance employment crisis.

For the first time in the history of Australian aviation, our general aviation industry is unable to meet the employment demands of the airline sector, struggling under the enormous weight of regulatory burden, which has rendered general aviation uncompetitive and unsustainable – should the current regulatory framework continue.

The outcome now is that the airlines are desperately seeking to bypass general aviation in Australia by importing foreign pilots and maintenance crews under 457 VISAs.

The AOPA Australia is deeply concerned for the future of our general aviation community and stands fully opposed to the wholesale granting of 457 VISAs for pilots and maintainers, which we regard as a bandage to cover the open wound of regulatory and political failure.

The AOPA Australia believes that Australians want the assurance that comes from being flown by Australian trained pilots, whom have earned the reputation as being the safest in the world, the source of these pilots is general aviation.

Dick has called on the Deputy Prime Minister, Michael McCormack, to take positive action by reforming the Civil Aviation Act. The Deputy Prime Minister responded through local media stating;

“I’ve had a number of discussions with Dick Smith, and I appreciate that the industry wants to see changes made as soon as possible, but what I won’t do for anyone is rush policy change, especially when there might be safety implications”

“It’s all well and good to bind me to the Barnaby Joyce agreement, but the fact is Barnaby is not transport Minister anymore and, while I appreciate that he had discussions with Anthony Albanese, I was not in on those discussions.”

Capn Bloggs

27th Apr 2018, 03:18

see, I'm right! A nothing statement here.
It wasn't a "nothing statement" at the time. To say the industry was fractured, and has remained so since, would be an understatement.

The place doesn't even exist now.
No wonder. LSP, incessant and completely unnecessary changes in procedures turning pilots off, user-pays, Affordable Safety, dictatorial attitudes, what did you expect? Of course there are other issues like drink-driving and smoking rules, but from the early 90s, the "industry" was going only one way. Down the gurgler. And instead of a united front engaging Canberra, what happened? Crash through or crash. Yep, crash it was.

AOPA

27th Apr 2018, 04:11

Folks how about a prominent big billboard in Wagga so he and his constituents see it every day?
A picture of McCormack with the red crossed circle over him and a simple statement..

TBM Legend, the AOPA Australia has a sponsor who is prepared to fund a sign as you have suggested. If you have a location in mind, could you let me know.

BENAJMIN MORGAN
AOPA Australia - Executive Director

Lead Balloon

27th Apr 2018, 05:58

Just remember: If all you manage to do is oust the incumbent in favour of someone from a different major party, you’re only perpetuating the underlying cause of the problem. The underlying cause of the problem is the cosy Labor/Coalition duopoly, and an indolent bureaucracy that has evolved to feed off supporting the cosy duopoly.

Both ‘sides’ have allowed the expensive hoax that is the regulatory ‘reform’ program drag on for decades, leaving a trail of ever-increasing complexity, cost and industry devastation in its wake. Is either of them going to undo airport privatisation or enforce airport leases properly? Any substantial differences on immigration and 457 visas?

If Dick told the populace that he’d lost faith in the major parties’ competence to run the country in the national interest, there might be a glimmer of a chance of getting actual change. You don’t need to come up with your own candidates if you’re running an “anyone but them” campaign.

If the concern is that more non-major party aligned parliamentarians will lead to instability, remind yourself of who turned over 5 prime ministers in around 5 years.

vne165

27th Apr 2018, 06:17

AOPA membership sub just paid.
Thanks to Ben and to Dick and to all the others that are pushing this into plain sight.

Wunwing

27th Apr 2018, 06:48

I've been watching this with interest but I'm still not convinced targeting a Lower House MP is wise. It may give everyone a good feeling because you have a target but surely the more productive is going for a Senate seat. In our current Parliament we see time and time again the power of individual Senators. Right now we are watching the Bank Royal Commission unfold before our eyes and who got that up? That's right, a small number of Senators.

If an unknown group like the Motoring Action party can do it with such a small base, why cant AOPA?

Wunwing

Cloudee

27th Apr 2018, 08:00

It’s not about winning a seat. It’s about getting enough votes to scare the incumbent to do what you want them to do.

Blueyonda

27th Apr 2018, 10:07

Re electoral signage:

planning (https://www.legislation.nsw.gov.au/#/view/EPI/2008/572/part2/div2/subdiv13)

A negative sign may be unlawful, i,e, - McCormack with a red circle. But give’em one for me.

Piston_Broke

27th Apr 2018, 10:15

It’s not about winning a seat. It’s about getting enough votes to scare the incumbent to do what you want them to do.Whether McCormack is scared or not depends on how many people in his electorate he thinks would be likely to not vote for him at the next election over an aviation issue.

The voters probably consider there are more important local issues to them e.g. health and support services, agriculture issues, infrastructure, utility costs etc.

Blueyonda

27th Apr 2018, 13:41

That does not mean to say one cannot drive a trailer through the district. Do it!

rutan around

27th Apr 2018, 21:54

The voters probably consider there are more important local issues to them e.g. health and support services, agriculture issues, infrastructure, utility costs etc.

When you consider the mediocre job they have done on these, the aviation issue may just be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Wunwing

27th Apr 2018, 22:35

Cloudee
I thought that the plan was to push Government into doing something? The loss of one seat wont change that unless there is very close to a "hung" Lower House. The loss of a single seat, even if it is a minister's seat is not a big deal. I agree that the locals will be more interested in medical, taxes etc and so even a number of angry aviation influenced voters have little chance to influence the outcome in a rural electorate. This is reflected by the Minister's initial statements on safety which as we all know is the usual cop out. Also given that Labor is looking better by the week, losing a country Coalition seat is no big deal to them.

However targeting a Senate position in an era when the Senate and individual Senators are weekly, influencing the direction of Government is the way to go. Its not as "warm and fuzzy" as a Lower House seat because there is no obvious named target but as Roddy Muir and a string of others proved it gives a hell of a lot of influence. Just ask the heads of the big 4 banks if they think that the Senate and the independent Senators have power or not?

Wunwing

dhavillandpilot

28th Apr 2018, 00:04

If you want to create change everybody should read today's Australian page 5 headed "Back paddling ensures kayaker so stay afloat".

It is a lesson in how McCormack's department backed down under a deluge of emails and pressure from unpowered kayaks being charge by AMSA for search and rescue and yet fishing boat got let off with almost zero charges.

TBM-Legend

28th Apr 2018, 00:24

McCormack is the Deputy PM and Leader of the National Party so he's not just a run of the mill backbencher. He has clout and needs to keep up a facade of public support.

In the Qld election a few years ago a billboard campaign against the LNP worked and got the candidates to change their tune. It is visible unlike emails...

Piston_Broke

28th Apr 2018, 01:06

I don't think pushing McCormack to change words in the Civil Aviation Act will do a damn thing for the industry.

Even if he did change the words, what would you do then? What do you think would happen?

It won't change CASA's culture. It won't speed regulatory simplification or reform. It won't foster expansion and investment in the various elements of the industry, and clearly the latter wasn't helped by "get out of aviation before you lose all your money" antics.

To reinvigorate the industry and encourage grants, investment, scholarships, people through the door etc. AOPA and the other associations need to get together and brainstorm a set of tangible proposals and reforms they can push to "someone" - a Senator or McCormack - to support.

My two cents -

rutan around

28th Apr 2018, 05:14

To reinvigorate the industry and encourage grants, investment, scholarships, people through the door etc. AOPA and the other associations need to get together and brainstorm a set of tangible proposals and reforms they can push to "someone" - a Senator or McCormack - to support.

Multiple reforms and proposals confuse punters and politicians alike. Chose just one that's simple and important to us and push it like hell. May I suggest that would be Australia changing to the FAA rules. Clear examples are available that show countries which have done that have thriving aviation industries and at the same time save bucket loads of money by not having a bunch of useless drones making up senseless rules applicable only to Australia and understood by no one.

Stationair8

28th Apr 2018, 05:21

Keep it simple go with the FAA rules.

buckshot1777

28th Apr 2018, 07:19

rutan around

28th Apr 2018, 08:51

buckshot1777 (https://www.pprune.org/members/70664-buckshot1777)

I doubt that a nebulous "adopt FAA rules" would get up though.

I don't see anything unclear or hazy about the straightforward proposal but if it would make some politician happier it could be worded along the lines of :-

"If elected my party proposes to adopt worlds best practice in aviation control and development by using the rules and practices of the nation that invented flying and successfully manages safely 10 times the traffic we have in this country .It does all this in an airspace similar to our own at considerably less cost per aircraft.

What is there not to like about this proposal? Iron ring excepted.

Sunfish

28th Apr 2018, 22:57

Rutan: AOPA and the other associations need to get together and brainstorm a set of tangible proposals and reforms they can push to "someone" - a Senator or McCormack - to support.

That way lies madness, period.

Its the regulators job to handle that impossible task of balancing competing interests, including the public interest. That is what they are paid for.

What is required is a rewrite of the Act to include the prime directive of the fostering of a vibrant, growing, diverse aviation sector.

That makes the test of any regulation: 'Is it consistent with "fostering of a vibrant, growing, diverse aviation sector"? AOPA and other associations then can argue with the regulator over the potential outcomes of regulations instead of getting bogged down in useless detail.

This is the only way forward that prevents the regulator from fulfilling its safety mandate by strangling the industry.

To put that another way; The debate over the FAA regulations then becomes: "Would adopting the FAA suite of regulations do more for fostering a vibrant, growing, diverse aviation sector than the current system?".

Such a rewrite of the Act makes the Board and Department responsible for the state of the industry in terms of not doing anything that kills it.

To try and change anything without making this fundamental alteration is a waste of time.

To put that yet another way, asking AOPA and the other alphabets to come up with a proposal for regulatory reform is impossible. There are too many agendas and that is without CASA inserting itself into the negotiations to divide and rule.

Lead Balloon

28th Apr 2018, 23:08

Its the regulators job to handle that impossible task of balancing competing interests, including the public interest. That is what they are paid for.Wrong. That's what the parliament and policy department are paid to do. They've abdicated that responsibility to CASA.

That's one of the primary reasons why Australia is in the regulatory mess it's in.

It's like giving the police force responsibility for writing the road rules and setting speed limits, while making the police responsible for the road toll.

Frank Arouet

29th Apr 2018, 00:21

Don't the FAR's include "foster and promote" the industry it regulates?

Stab Bar

29th Apr 2018, 03:10

Well that's only true, IF they do some online training thing and apply to become a "DAME 2" So we've all been conned, again.

Jeez, imagine having to do some online training - oh the humanity!

Lead Balloon

29th Apr 2018, 05:31

Jeez, imagine having to do some online training - oh the humanity!Track down one of the many erstwhile DAMEs who’ve bailed out of being a DAME, and ask them why they bailed out.

rutan around

29th Apr 2018, 06:30

To reinvigorate the industry and encourage grants, investment, scholarships, people through the door etc. AOPA and the other associations need to get together and brainstorm a set of tangible proposals and reforms they can push to "someone" - a Senator or McCormack - to support.

Sunny this was posted by Piston Broke. My response was:-
Multiple reforms and proposals confuse punters and politicians alike. Chose just one that's simple and important to us and push it like hell.

I chose that response because of experiences I had way back when I was a union rep. When we did scatter shots about numerous issues we won none of them. When we narrowed it down to one or two issues that were considered very important we had much greater success. Perhaps we aviators should learn from that experience. None of our wins involved strike action but did involve senior public servants and politicians.

CaptainMidnight

29th Apr 2018, 08:43

What is required is a rewrite of the Act to include the prime directive of the fostering of a vibrant, growing, diverse aviation sector.

That makes the test of any regulation: 'Is it consistent with "fostering of a vibrant, growing, diverse aviation sector"? AOPA and other associations then can argue with the regulator over the potential outcomes of regulationsAnd realistically, how long is that going to take?

The industry needs an injection of support now, not 5 - 10 years down the track.

Agree with Piston Broke and others. Forget the Act, AOPA and the industry associations should meet and come up with a succinct list of proposals to push.

Sunfish

29th Apr 2018, 11:24

Without a change to the Act. reform is pointless. You are building on sand. Do I have to spell it out?

P>S. Sorry for misquoting you Rutan around.

OZBUSDRIVER

29th Apr 2018, 22:47

The bureaucracy must be targeted through the Senate. The culture is toxic and needs to change. The regulations reflect the regulator, not the industry. Without change within the bureaucracy at under secretary, department head and deputy head...we will never see any improvment. Remove the office of legal council from regulation input would go a long way to seeing anything written in plain english.

Piston_Broke

30th Apr 2018, 09:10

Well, I hope AOPA in conjunction with the other associations are also working now on a few other proposals to present and push that will benefit and reinvigorate the industry in a shorter timeframe than the few years (at least) it will take to change the Act and reassess all the regulations.

That's even assuming the Act changes etc. get up which is not hopeful, given what the minister and CASA have already said.

TBM-Legend

30th Apr 2018, 11:14

Forget the Act, AOPA and the industry associations should meet and come up with a succinct list of proposals to push.

The Act governs the whole show. Various other issues will follow and as it has been said a shotgun effect in this case is not as effective as a snipers bullet at the target.

Also don't see other interested associations or groups flying flags of support, I guess they'll let a few do the heavy lifting here while a few individuals mock those trying to effect positive change.

gerry111

30th Apr 2018, 14:35

Forget the Act, AOPA and the industry associations should meet and come up with a succinct list of proposals to push.
If only! But it hasn't over the last 30 years and I reckon it will never happen. Too many big egos and individual cabbage patches to protect...

Jenna Talia

2nd May 2018, 13:33

Ben, Have you ever applied for a medical to fly an aircraft in Australia? Perhaps if so, when and where?

No quite sure what you are attempting to imply Gerry111.... See attached

How about you show some transparency and post your medical. Let’s all see who the real Gerry111 is.

Hey Gerry, over a week has passed and no medical posted. Come on, YOU are the one who threw out the challenge and it was appropriately answered. Your turn. Or was this just another one of your inane, sideline smart arse remarks.

gerry111

4th May 2018, 13:09

Jenna Talia

5th May 2018, 10:31

Has he gone solo yet?

Why don't you ring him and ask? 02 97919099.

AOPA

5th May 2018, 12:15

Jenna Talia, There was a rumour going around that despite Ben's obvious good work as AOPA's Executive Director, he wasn't actually a person who had actually flown a GA aircraft solo. (And thus my concern that he may not fully appreciate the AVMED issues that concern so many.) But it's great to see that he has a Class2 medical. Has he gone solo yet?
P.S. Perhaps not much point posting a medical with my name and address removed?

Gerry111, a quick inspection of my logbook this evening... I flew my first solo flight on the 4th June 2003 in a Basiar C152 VH-LBJ from Bankstown Airport and my last flight was in a Clamback & Hennessy Piper Warrior VH-PZW on the 18th April 2018 (photos of which are attached - and apologies for how bad they look).

If I could offer some advice Gerry111.... get some new sources, because the ones you are listening to are letting you down.

BENJAMIN MORGAN
AOPA Australia - Executive Director

Lead Balloon

5th May 2018, 12:22

What licences and ratings do you hold, Ben?

You need to understand that the people in CASA whispering in the ear of the Secretary of the Department and the advisers to the Minister already know this stuff.

Jenna Talia

5th May 2018, 13:06

Oh FFS. Shane Carmody doesn’t even have any type of pilot license. What relevance is Ben’s license, ratings or the size of his dick to what he is doing and has achieved? You seriously suggesting that those in CASA or the minister discuss his ratings amongst themselves?

How about you put a stop to this primary school behaviour toward a guy who puts time into engaging young kids at various regional airports, such as Wollongong this weekend encouraging them and their parents toward either a flying career or just flying for enjoyment.

Unlike a few on this forum, Ben clearly stands by what he says and is transparent which says a great deal about his character.