Glen Buckley and Australian small business -V- CASA

[Lead Balloon]

CASA management and staff aren’t part of the APS...

[thorn bird]

Dunno lead, CAsA may not be part of the "Public Service", but lately much of the government bureaucracy has been described as the "Public Sector" guess CAsA would fit into that. Had one FOI tell me they were part of the industry, I asked him which part? the ass end?

" Public service Mandarins have been put on notice that they will have to meet greater community expectations of service delivery, respect the governments policy agenda and remove bureaucracy roadblocks if they want to keep their jobs.
The implicit message to be delivered by Scott Morrison today comes as the Prime Minister warned that his ministers too would be accountable for regulatory reform and policy rigour across their portfolios."

Ahem! PM.... mate. Are you aware of the following in regards to Aviation?

In the general aviation sector of the industry, expectations of service delivery are so far below rock bottom you need two decompression stops to surface.

Have CAsA ever respected Government policy? there's ample evidence they have thumbed their noses at Government Policy. Is it government policy to shut down the GA industry?, they are doing just that by stealth.

How many roadblocks can a bureaucracy put up? In Australia, CAsA have burdened the industry with tens of thousands of pages of very poorly designed, obtuse, indecipherable regulations in the name of 'Safety". In the USA they achieve better safety outcomes than us with less than a thousand pages of plain english rules. Their industry thrives, ours dies.
CAsA's attempts at "Reform", many would say is actually having a detrimental affect on safety. They have been at it for more than thirty years now, and expended hundreds of millions of taxpayer dollars to achieve NOTHING, except a dying industry. New Zealand adopted US regulations in less than two years, spent around five million dollars to amend and modify FAA rules, their aviation industry is thriving.

Your Minister, despite the recommendations from many inquiries and industry groups, obfuscates, and ignores the voices of the industry while CAsA runs amok, killing investment, stifling growth, innovation, incomes and in some cases denying natural justice.

So the big question Mr Morrison is are you really serious about the statements in the above press release or is it just Pie in the Sky?

[glenb]

My understanding is that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority is a;

“Corporate Commonwealth Entity”, and it does not engage staff under the Public Service Act.

Both bits of information from the following link. https://www.finance.gov.au/resource-management/governance/overview/#sectors


The Civil Aviation Act States;

Part II—Establishment, functions etc. of CASA 8 Establishment of CASA

(1) An authority called the Civil Aviation Safety Authority is established by this subsection.
(2) CASA:
(a) is a body corporate with perpetual succession; (b) shall have a seal; and (c) may sue and be sued in its corporate name.

Note: The Public Governance, Performance and Accountability Act 2013 applies to the CASA. That Act deals with matters relating to corporate Commonwealth entities, including reporting and the use and management of public resources.""


Am I correct to assume “they aren’t bound to act appropriately, only to use public funds appropriately” ?

[glenb]

To All Suppliers of MFT.I am in a very difficult situation.

CASA placed several restrictions on my parent company, APTA and its ability to conduct business in October of 2018. This lead to the sale of APTA recently, and it’s now under new ownership.

Importantly, at no stage was the CASA action based on any allegations of safety concerns. Also, at no stage have there been any allegations of regulatory breaches that CASA has been prepared to substantiate.

The fact is, there have been no regulatory or safety breaches. None!

CASA actions,
· Reduced our “surety of operations”, to never more than 90 days into the future.
· Prevented me marketing · Prevented me enrolling new customers
· Prevented me renewing approvals as they expired.
· Prevented me adding new approvals.

In October 2018, I identified to CASA that those restrictions on my business, would cost me at least $10,000 per week, to sustain operations until the CASA imposed restrictions were lifted.

Over the last 9 months, I have had to call on MFT to financially support APTA operations, as I had several other operators also depending on APTA for their own continuing operations. It was anticipated that CASA would resolve their confusion in a matter of weeks. I could not possibly have imagined it would continue for over 9 months, and still be unresolved. Those restrictions on my ability to trade have continued throughout the last 9 months, as has the associated stress on both me and the business. I now find myself in the current situation.

CASA has insisted on something they call “direct operational control” and this has required me to transfer all MFT operations to APTA, with the associated income going to APTA (under new ownership) and not to MFT (which I still own). This makes resolution of my current situation almost impossible, but I have called on CASA to define, “direct operational control”. Once I have that defined, it may be possible that MFT can continue, and I can derive revenue from MFT. At this stage there is much uncertainty.

Moving forward

The reality is that I have exhausted everything in fighting with CASA to maintain APTA. I have been left with nothing. No home, no business, no savings and no job, so I cannot promise an easy resolution.

I can assure you, there is not a higher level of shame, guilt and embarrassment that a human being can have, than to owe money, to friends and people that have supported him. I do not have a solution to put to you at this stage. I have no intention of running away or hiding from my responsibilities. I will be working for as long as it takes in an endeavour to ensure that every one of you is paid 100%. No haggling, and no discounting. It is a big call, and that is why I need your input.

As suppliers you have the right to act against me and have me declared bankrupt. I respect that, and can accept, and understand that stance. To be frank, to be declared bankrupt, and go and start a simpler life and concentrate on looking after my family is the easier path, and in the interests of my health, probably the sensible path.But I will head down the path of resolution, and as the saying goes. A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

I want to meet face to face wherever possible and call on those engagements to be respectful. I appreciate that several people are seriously affected, and not just myself. With the restructure in APTA, I don’t have the admin support that I had previously, and as you will appreciate, I have a lot going on. If you have an invoice for MFT, or are a staff member with an entitlement, could you please resend it through to a new email that I have created; [email protected] With the significant change of personnel in the office I need to collate this information accurately in the one spot.

Could I also call for a meeting at 4PM on Friday 30th August. I will advise a venue, but it will be at Moorabbin Airport. If someone cannot attend on site, please let me know, and I will arrange video-conference facilities. Please RSVP by text 0418772013, if you can attend. I will provide light refreshments (bread and water is all I can promise at this stage, but will swing past Aldi for any cakes approaching their "best before")

At that meeting I would like to:
· Stand in front of you;
· Introduce you to each other;
· Assess priority suppliers. i.e. I would call on bigger businesses to help me prioritise any individuals or smaller businesses for payment ahead of them wherever practical;
· Place several options to you for consideration;
· Have a robust, truthful and well-intentioned respectful discussion.

I genuinely want to get money where it belongs (the people I owe money to) and not in the hands of lawyers and accountants; I feel we can hopefully resolve this.

Thank you for your consideration, and more importantly, your support to date.For those that have a deeper interest in my issues please follow the following link https://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-aviation-questions/620219-australian-small-business-v-casa.html (https://www.pprune.org/pacific-general-aviation-questions/620219-australian-small-business-v-casa.html)

Respectfully, Glen.

[Global Aviator]

Glen I don’t know you but have to say reading the above.

Respect. Yep once an administrator gets involved the only people that get money are erm eee the admins.

Hopefully your suppliers will see your having a red hot crack.

Tough industry it is!

Especially when the regulator appears to do whatever they want and know they are unaccountable.


My only other question again - gofundme to take on the empire? Surely there are some very well to do aviation enthusiasts who could start. Even if they are belting around in their own jets, no one is immune to the empire. Just my 3 cents worth. I would flick you a little more than 3 cents if you set up.

[Sunfish]

This from an ATO whistleblowers gofundme page:

In the US, people use GoFundMe to crowdfund medical bills because they have a health system unfit for democracy; in Australia, we use GoFundMe because we have a system of civil liberties unfit for democracy.

I would be very grateful if you made a contribution within your capacity to help fund my legal battle against the ATO.

Perhaps a general fighting fund might be a good idea.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/ato-whistleblower-richard-boyle-legal-fund

[glenb]

I made many requests to CASA to resolve this situation, and they were fully aware of the commercial impact. Here is my first piece of correspondence identifying my concerns regarding the commercial impact;



24/10/18


Dear Mr David Jones,

I am in receipt of your correspondence F14/9540 addressed to the HOO, Mr Ermin Javier. A

s the nature of the correspondence is quite substantive, I have elected to respond in my role as the CEO. As you will appreciate, I was concerned to receive that correspondence. My initial thought is that something may be “lost in translation”, and therefore I request a face to face meeting with you and the appropriate Personnel within CASA to clarify a number of items.

As you will appreciate my timelines are tight, so I will fit in with your availability. The concept of APTA is sound and we felt that we had a good understanding with CMT 2. As you are aware we have had CASA closely involved during the creation of APTA and the writing of the manuals and procedures, we have had previous bases approved by CASA i.e. MFT, TVSA, LTF, and AVIA.

Through the application of our Continuous Improvement processes we continued to apply the same or improved procedures with our newer Members. I note that many of your concerns relate to the “temporary locations” for which we have a CASA approved procedure.

Our previous consultation with CASA suggested we should plan on somewhere between 6 to possibly 8 weeks for activation of a base from a temporary location to a permanent location. Experience has shown that the last approval took 12 months, and that is the sole reason for the protracted periods. It is simply not practical for Flight Training Organisations to be dormant for 12 months while CASA attends to the Sig Change request. The intent is that we operate a temporary location to facilitate continuing operations, while CASA is processing supporting documentation in the timelines that were suggested by CASA.

I have never had any expression of concern at all from CASA, and in fact we had an extensive Level 1 Audit in November 2017, since our CASA approval. The results were all attended to, and we were commended on the manner in which the entire process was handled. As you will appreciate this 180 degree change in direction was not expected, and it has certainly come from “left field”. I would like to discuss the “trigger”, as to this change of direction.

Firstly, I would like to confirm that the Aviation Ruling in fact applies to this situation. I appreciate that the Aviation Ruling is not a restatement of the law. I believe it was intended for the Charter Industry and CAR 206 operations, rather than flight training, which as you will appreciate is not a CAR 206 activity. It was drafted primarily many years ago for Charter operations in the old regulatory environment.

· 3.2 APTA uses a APTA employees on site as required at the locations. We currently have Company employees based at both LTV and Ballarat delivering the majority of the operations at those locations, and drawing a salary from us. At Moorabbin locations that engagement is achieved by the close geographical location and constant engagement. This face to face engagement on a consistent and regular basis is also supported by our well documented, approved and operating procedures. We regularly accommodate and base our personnel at these bases, conduct regular meeting and rove amongst the bases consistently.

· 3.3 All operations are highly supervised by the Chief Pilot. The Chief Pilot is role in a charter organisation. In the Flight Training sector we operate with a HOO and a strong supporting management team. All systems have been designed from the onset with high levels of supervision and integration. All Personnel at all bases are fully inducted into APTA.

· 3.5 There are no other operating systems other than the APTA systems and all Personnel are fully integrated.

· 6.1 I am very much of the view that the activities authorised by an AOC are carried out “within the organisation of the AOC holder” and that all operations are conducted in accordance with the systems of the AOC holder.

· 6.2 All operations are “under the oversight and management of the key personnel of the AOC holder”

· 6.3 All members utilise the facilities and documentation of the AOC holder.

· 7. As the CEO of APTA I am fully mindful of my obligations and accept total and absolute responsibility for all actions conducted under the AOC at all locations. There is only the one approval for all our bases and we are fully aware that all Flying training operations are APTA operations.

· 9. CAR 206 defines commercial purposes. APTA delivers only flying training and not Commercial purposes as defined in CAR 206.

· 10. I am of the opinion that all activities are done with significantly more than a “reasonable degree of care and diligence” I note your referral to CAA Section 27(8) referring to AOC. I concur, an AOC cannot be transferred. To be honest I feel drawing the Part 141 Flying Training Certificate to the AOC is a long bow to draw, and particularly as CASA explained that one of the intentions of the new regulations was to actually move that training away from an AOC requirement, and CASA has previously addressed this “the training businesses will not be required to hold an AOC”

I note that you requested a copy of the contract. At this stage could I ask that you draw on the contracts previously provided to CASA, for no other reason than commercial sensitivity. A number of contracts have been given to CASA previously and most recently to Dave Edwards and Harold Bankkien via email on 06/12/17.

If you would like me to resend that email, please advise. If you still require the individual contracts please let me know and I will attend to it. As this has come from “left field”, can I ask what the trigger is that has lead to the reversal of policy application. I would have expected that there would have been at least some engagement or consultation from CMT 3 prior to this correspondence. We have been working on this project for many years in close consultation with CASA, and in fact to date have felt that they are supportive of the concept

I am of the opinion that the activation of Temporary locations is a robust and Industry leading procedure, and far in excess of anything that was done previously in the industry. It incorporates, site visits, consulting with other operator, conducting a risk assessment, inducting and training all Personnel, and placing experienced APTA personnel on site for as long as is required. For clarity and planning purposes, can I clarify that CASA intends to do the following:

APTA Ballarat Base will be directed to cease operations.

APTA Latrobe Valley Base will be directed to cease operations.

APTA Moorabbin Base (LTF) is an APTA/CASA approved base, and that CASA is not retracting their approval to operate but not permitting operations at the new facility only.

There is no mention of LTF in the correspondence other than the sig change request for a change of location. My understanding from the correspondence is that they are not affected, or it may be an omission from the correspondence.

APTA Moorabbin Base (AVIA) is operating as an APTA/CASA approved base, and that CASA is reversing that approval APTA Moorabbin Base (Arc Aviation) will be directed to cease operations as temporary location.

APTA Moorabbin Base ( MFT) my own business established for 12 years will be directed to cease operations.

APTA Brisbane (Sim Jet) request will not be processed.

APTA Moorabbin (Vortex) has applied to join APTA, but that request will not be processed. APTA Ballina (Whitestar) will be directed to cease operations as a temporary location. As you will appreciate this will have significant impact on me, my family, my Business, my employees and a number of operators.

Unless CASA deems that APTA operations are deemed an imminent and grave risk to Aviation Safety can I respectfully request a 14 day extension to facilitate my employees into new positions with other organisations and shut down the Organisation in the most controlled manner possible.

I reject CASAs assumptions. I have invested very heavily to ensure I have a safe and compliant organisation delivering unparalled levels of oversight and supervision. There is only one Approval and all of us operate under that approval. APTA and myself in the role of CEO accept complete and total responsibility for all operations. These are not the traditional “arms length” agreements that were perhaps prevalent in the industry many years ago.

This is a highly supervised and integrated system that is CASA approved and intended to deliver safe and compliant operations. It has been operating for some time now, has previously been well supported by CASA. I find the initial approach extremely disappointing but hope that you will afford me the opportunity of a meeting to see if the matter can be resolved.


Yours sincerely, Glen Buckley

[glenb]

And again on the 25th October25/10/18 Email to David Jones“As you will appreciate this will have significant impact on me, my family, my Business, my employees and a number of operators…….”

[glenb]

I write to CASA again on 09/11/18

Dear XXXXXXX,

Thankyou for your letter. I appreciate the effort that is being put into the clarification around the aviation safety standards. That’s probably more of an issue to be resolved within CASA and I need to focus on minimising the impact on me. Its already dragged on way too long.

This has gone more than two weeks, and quite frankly I am at the “end of my tether”. I am exhausted, stressed, anxious and need this to come to an end. I cannot be affected by CASA trying to “get its house in order”.

Most importantly, the impact on me. I will be short and blunt. Seriously, just stop for one minute and imagine how I feel. I have an enormous burden on me. Far too much, and to be frank, I just want this over. I am extremely worried about my health and welfare. Your action against me has caused harm to me.

Your action was highly inappropriate, and it has affected me. It is unfair and bullying and intimidating in its nature.My complaint is against you and my CMT. I want this complaint accelerated to the highest appropriate person within CASA.

For perfect clarity. I wish to lodge a formal complaint at the highest levels available to me. I am of the opinion that you are “stalling” me and “buying time”. My complaint is against my Regional Manager and my CMT.

I feel that CASA actions compromise and degrade safety. Please clearly outline the procedure to ensure my complaint is being registered at the highest levels available to me.

My allegations will be highly substantive in nature. It is not appropriate that I am dealing with you, any more.I am going to be very direct and itemise my concerns and clarify the situation.

I require specific responses to my questions listed below.

1. At this stage I am extremely anxious to put any more money into APTA until CASA has this fully resolved. There will be no payments made for jobs until this is fully clarified and I have “clear and concise aviation safety standards. Please acknowledge this specific statement. As the Business Owner that is a reasonable request. I am a Business Owner given 7 days’ notice of a cessation of activities, and that is not based on a safety claim. This is absurd.

2. I am of the opinion that this action against me was triggered from within my own CMT. I have repeatedly tried to clarify this, and you continue to ignore my query. Can you allay my concerns? Can you confirm that the “trigger” was generated by my own CMT or was it initiated elsewhere? An answer to that question ill assist me to ascertain if my own CMT is acting to bring harm to me and my Business. You have chosen to repeatedly ignore this request and quite simply that is not fair. The request is reasonable and must be attended to.

3. In the interests of safety, I have made repeated requests to have a change of CMT. The request is reasonable. Can you specifically address this request? It has been made repeatedly of you. The request is based on safety concerns. It is unreasonable that you continue to ignore this request.

4. I am formally requesting that this matter be passed on to someone other than yourself. As you were the signatory to the letter that initiated the cation, it is reasonable that I think you could be complicit in bringing harm to me and my Business. My claims are valid. They are against you and the CMT. Therefore, I formally request that you hand this matter over to someone within CASA that has my confidence and trust. Understandably for me, you are not the person that I should be dealing with.

5. APTA has repeatedly advised that the contracts are available for viewing on site. The contents of the contracts are identical to the ones that have been provided to you numerous occasions, many months ago. You already have all of the information in order to make a determination. The only difference being that the filed contracts are “signed” and “dated”. The signature and date are not important to you being able to decide. Therefore, I do not feel it relevant. Can you specifically identify if it is the signature that is critical to your determination? As I stated before, you have had all required information, prior to initiating this action, so I do not feel that they are relevant. Your request must be valid and have a justifiable reason.

Your action is currently and continuing to bring harm to me and my Business. I wish to discuss with the relevant person within CASA reimbursement and potentially compensation. Can you please clearly outline the procedure. In summary. I wish my complaint to be accelerated. I require a response by 5PM today. I need to try and go into this weekend carrying reduced stress levels. It is imperative. Glen Buckley

[glenb]

Dear Steve (apologies I was unable to obtain your surname, so apologise for the familiairity)

I am the CEO of the Australian Pilot Training Alliance and I am having some significant difficulties with CASA.

I have also some substantive complaints about the nature in which they have acted.

This will lead to a full cessation of all our operations by weeks end, and I will be notifying all parties of that today.

I have attempted to resolve this within CASA, but the timelines are not acceptable for resolution. I do not want to appear comabative, although shortly I will be forced to engage the media. Prior to that my very strong preference is to have one last opportunity for a face to face meeting. Can I respectfully request that you establish contact with me on my mobile 0418772013, at you very earliest opportunity.

Thanking you in anticipation of your consideration.



Cheers. Glen Buckley

[glenb]

At an extensive meeting at Moorabbin Airport on 28/11/18, it was very clearly outlined in detail the commercial impact and the CASA representatives notes clearly indicate that.
The figure of at least $10,000 per week was identified at this meeting.

[glenb]

04/12/18 I sent an email to the Regional Manager, extract belowJust confirming that I will require 7 days from the provision of information from CASA. APTA is awaiting further information from CASA. My hope is that it can be attended to promptly as this matter has now dragged on for over 6 weeks. I estimate that each week costs me approximately $10,000, so the expense related to this exercise is now in the vicinity of $60,000. I appreciate that CASA is extremely stretched at the moment, however this does require prompt attention from CASA.

[glenb]

This matter has now dragged on for over 6 weeks. It is likely due to CASA slow timelines that this will extend well into next year.

I need to ensure that I am perfectly clear here.

The current CASA is understandably bringing me enormous and unacceptable levels of stress. The current CASA action costs me approximately $10,000 per week. Those figures can be substantiated. Can you please provide an estimate of when you think CASA will have this finalised. It is a reasonable request.

Thankyou in anticipation of your co-operation.



Glen

[glenb]

Dear Mr Shane Carmody,

I am writing to ensure that CASA as an Organisation is fully aware of the repercussions of its inappropriate actions.

CASA has advised that they intend to shut down my entire operation, and not on the basis of any safety concerns.

I intend to mount a very public and robust defence of APTA, the concept, and its members. The simple facts are that the CASA action will result in sending my Business bankrupt and CASA would be aware of those consequences.

If there is any doubt, then I reiterate it here. As a Company Director, I have obligations on me to maintain solvency of the Business. The CASA action will force me to close the Business, and CASA will be held fully liable for that. The claim will be substantial. I will however be putting a stop to that CASA action. The repercussions are too serious on too many people, and as this is not a safety matter it will not be proceeding, I can assure you.

CASA has not initiated this action on the basis of any safety concerns. Your bullying and intimidating approach will be held to account. By CASAs own admission the trigger for the action against me was the “Aviation Ruling”. I challenged that action on the basis that the aviation Ruling did not apply. By its own definition it referred to an “arms length arrangement”. Quite simply APTA does not operate with an arms length agreement. The fact is that APTA operates as the one Organisation in all matters regarded to Safety and Compliance which should be the areas of focus.

In addition I pointed out that it referred to “CAR 206”operations of which flying training is not. Furthermore the Aviation Ruling was written in 2006 for an entirely different regulatory environment. It also refers to a Chief Pilot, a role which does not exist in a Flight Training Organisation. This matter has now dragged on for two months at a cost to my Business, well in excess of $100,000.

I was advised at the meeting with CASA on 20/12/18 that the Aviation Ruling is now “off the table” and CASA is pursuing a completely different line of attack which will be advised to me via written notification. This is quite simply outrageous and immoral.

If CASA has determined now to change tact then I must hold you liable for the damage caused over the last 9 weeks. You are choosing to use brute force rather than any sense of decency. I will irrefutably demonstrate in the public domain, how

CASA has Acted with total disregard for its own Regulatory philosophy
Made false allegations in audits of a substantial nature that were challenged and retracted.
Failed to provide me with natural justice/ procedural fairness Blatantly breached the requirements of Administrative law
Operated in breach of requirements of the Public Governance, Performance and accountability act Acted to bring harm to me and my business Compromised safety Caused job losses and particularly in regional areas Caused enormous stress and harm to me, my family and my Business. Failed to achieve clear and concise aviation safety standards as required of it in the Act.
Produced a negligently inaccurate Regulation Impact Statement with regards to Part 61/141 and 142.

I have exhausted all opportunities to resolve this with CASA, and it must now proceed to the next step. My argument will be very public however at all times I will ensure that responsibility lands where it should. CASA is an organisation of many exceptional and Industry leading people. Unfortunately when senior management choose to act in such a combative and inappropriate manner you actually make the job of the “troops” that much more difficult.

My issue is not with the people at the coalface, and I intend to make that very clear. There are many people in that Organisation of whom I have a high level of confidence and trust. My battle is not against the individuals within the Organisation.

My issues are caused by a CASA approach of using bullying and intimidation as their preferred course of action. I will be encouraging you to follow my thread on this matter on Pprune. I will be soliciting support of this from the wider community and media, while also initiating processes to ensure legal recompense for all affected parties.

To all of the well intentioned professionals in the Organisation I wish you a merry xmas, happy New Year, thankyou for your efforts, and recognise that you are not “the problem”. To the few that cause so many problems for your work colleagues and for Industry, I intend to hold you to account.

Regards. Glen Buckley

[glenb]

08/01/18 Email to Regional Manager

It is this single unattended to and unsubstantiated matter that is causing so much financial duress to my Business.

I need to activate bases as the business requires.

The CASA action has bought a halt to me activating bases.

To date this costs me approximately $10,000 per week to subsidise my operation which cannot be offset because I cannot activate bases in accordance with my CASA approved procedures.

If CASA does not address this issue promptly, it is likely that the entire business will be irreparably damaged. This is obviously significantly impacting on my cashflow, deterring new members, shaking confidence in potential members, impacting on my relationship with suppliers, imminently about to lead to redundancies in the organisation, and a scaling down of my safety department to facilitate continuing operations.

For perfect clarity. I need CASA to promptly and clearly advise if they are stopping me opening bases that I am fully satisfied meet all requiremts.

[glenb]

Good Morning Will,

Ermin has advised me that the FSTD evaluation for Ballarat and Latrobe Valley will not be proceeding, with other tasks, on the basis that CASA is waiting for me to “supply documents”.

· APTA is CASA approved

· CASA has made a “request for documents” only at this stage.

· CASA has not clearly identified any breach to me, despite repeated requests going back over the 12 weeks.

· CASAs actions to date have significantly impacted on this business.

· Ballarat Base had made a significant investment in the new APTA sim. This increases safety and standards. It is imperative that they have it operating due normal commercial pressures of business.

· Working on the basis that one is “innocent until proven guilty”, CASA has not identified an offence, CASA decision has significant impacts on APTA.

Can you please clearly confirm to me that the sole reason for CASA electing not to move forward on any APTA submitted projects, is that you are waiting on documentation from me. From my perspective, it would seem fair to assume innocence, minimise the impact on my business, and proceed forward until CASA can clearly and concisely advise me of the regulation that has been broken, or the safety concerns.


CASA has obligations on it, to move forward in a manner that considers the impact of its decisions, on business. I look forward to your response.

Due to the important nature of the timelines, I do need to move quick and would respectfully request a response by close of business today. I am meeting with the Ballarat Aero Club committee at 4PM today, as we try to minimise the impact of CASA actions to date. I will need to submit this as a formal complaint to the ICC at 9am tomorrow morning if you have been unable to respond.

May I also lodge a formal request for you, or your nominee to meet with the Ballarat Aero Club committee. The impact of the CASA action could potentially lead to a complete cessation of their operations after almost 100 years. As you will appreciate, this is extremely concerning for them. I am meeting with them tonight, but have little to offer.

I really don’t understand enough about what is going on to explain it to them. I think it is a fair and reasonable request that CASA provide either yourself or someone from your office to meet with the committee at both Latrobe Valley and Ballarat aero clubs to brief them on CASAs perspective. It really isn’t my job to do, I don’t understand it, and I may not represent CASA as they would wish.

I have made this request previously and again it was completely ignored. Could you also indicate if CASA could facilitate that meeting. Please note that they are interested parties as your initial documentation very clearly identified and involved them.

Thankyou for your consideration, cheers. Glen

[glenb]

This time due to no response I write to my Team Leader, Mr Will Nuttall

04/03/19 Email to Will Nuttall

Surely there must be a presumption of innocence. CMT 3 initiated a process with substantial allegations in late October last year. Not one of those has been substantiated to date.

It seems grossly unfair that you would place a freeze on APTA, and especially considering the commercial impact of that decision.

I call on CASA to act with fairness and decency and lift the freeze. There have been no safety concerns expressed, and no substantiated regulatory breeches despite my repeated requests over the last four months for supporting evidence.

Im not being argumentative or combative, but this situation is extremely stressful and concerning, and it must be resolved, please.

That freeze is affecting a number of the APTA bases, and is in fact the CASA action that is causing significant commercial damage to those bases and the personnel at those bases. For your info, I will provide an overview of the current situation.

[glenb]

13/03/19

Dear Mr Will Nuttall, I am writing to you in your role as the Team Leader of CMT 3, and the CMT that initiated the current action against APTA.

You are aware of my views, that had you decided to approach me, this entire matter could have been resolved with a couple of hours of well intentioned discussion. In your role as the Team Leader, you decided on a different course of action, that I feel was not fair or warranted.

Nevertheless, I do appreciate that CASA has procedures and protocols to follow, and I can only assume and hope that you have followed them strictly.

As you are aware, my Business like many other aviation businesses across Australia, relies heavily on CASA in order to conduct its Business.I do wish to write to you again, and call on you to lift the freeze that you have placed on APTA. It is having a significant commercial impact on a number of bases.

I had hoped to have this resolved by now, and as previously advised, the Ballarat Aero Club has its meeting tonight. I was hoping to be able to advise the committee of an update, and unfortunately I am not in a position to provide one, in fact it appears that we haven’t moved forward for nearly 5 months, and I still feel no closer to a resolution, and I do not understand what it is that you want from me, or what legislative requirement I have breached, to justify that freeze.

I sincerely respect your position and understand that timelines on occasion, may be drawn out, in order not to compromise the safety of air navigation. However, this responsibility should not entirely remove the responsibility on you in your role at CASA to act expeditiously.

In short, there is no excuse for CASA allowing safety to become a mask for inefficiency, and in fact to date there have been no concerns expressed regarding safety.CASA should be aware that these delays can affect the livelihood of Organisations and Employees of those organisations.

The freeze you have applied causes undue financial stress, and that stress itself may impact on an Organisations ability to ensure safe operations, thus the administrative delay itself, may negatively impact on Aviation Safety, particularly in cases where an Organisation is attempting to move forward to provide a Safer and more Compliant organisation, as we are.

The “freeze” that you initiated on my business and the associated delays in processing are proving to be unacceptably costly to my Business, and my Members. CASA does still have a Common Law Duty of Care, as in the tort of negligence, and particularly so in cases where these administrative delays could in actual fact lead to a compromise to the Safety of Air Navigation.

CASA also has a Statutory duty to avoid unnecessary delayIn almost every aspect of my operations now I am being negatively impacted by the “freeze” that you have applied. In my opinion your action does not improve safety, in fact potentially compromises it.

Our systems and procedures are all CASA approved, and I feel that there is absolutely no basis to justify your actions, on safety grounds or regulatory compliance concerns.

The purpose of this letter is to request that you put in writing the reasons that you initiated the freeze and an explanation. I have tried to explain it to my members, but to be frank, I have absolutely no idea, and need your assistance.

As this Freeze has extended for many months now, I do believe that you in your role as the CMT 3 Manager, should be able to provide that explanation, and that my request is fair and reasonable. Can you please provide a time line when you anticipate you would be able to provide that explanation, as that will bring clarity to the situation.

Respectfully, Glen.

[Global Aviator]

Are you able to publish the responses from the empire? Or have you been advised not to? I think we all feel your growing frustration.

[Dangly Bits]

So even though the CASA DAS said that no administrative action is being taken against APTA, he was actually telling the truth, however, Inaction can also be seen as action.Lemme splain it to youse.As far as I can tell, CASA said “we believe you have broken these CASR’s…….., so that is the basis of why we committed to not approving the additional bases, Nor will we deal with the other approvals you put into the system that have nothing to do with it, while we work out what to do and for someone to make a decision.”So Glen asks for the evidence of so-called breaches of the CASR’s in relation to these alleged breaches at the 2 new bases and is bluntly stonewalled. How many times did you ask so you can address these so-called breaches? 10+ times to different managers? So Glen then tells CASA that you are costing me $10,000 a week with your inaction, which could then have allegedly seen the CASA Officers drag their feet even further, causing a loss of over $100,000 in as little as 10 weeks. Hypothetically speaking of course.Could I be so bold in hinting that the “In-action” is actually obstruction?

[glenb]

I write to CASA again trying to minimise the commercial impact

15/03/19

Irrespective, the CASA action has bought enormous harm to me and my business. I certainly don’t intend to be combative but I am on the cusp of robustly defending my own reputation, that of APTA, and of the personnel associated with me. I do require something of CASA however, and I feel my request is fair.

CASA has initiated a substantial action, that has significant impact. The cause of those issues is the “freeze” that has been placed on APTA. I do not believe that the “freeze” is fair.

I have a number of outstanding tasks, some waiting since August of last year, months after the freeze even commenced. I also have Ballarat Aero Club with their new simulator sitting idle for many months. They are trying to add a new resource to improve safety and standards. I also have Latrobe Valley base unable to renew an existing capability, as CASA refuse to conduct its required renewal on the sim. I have a 737 sim waiting in Brisbane for the addition of the MCC Course, and a full motion 737 sim arriving shortly at Moorabbin that will sit idle.

My argument is not against the freeze, although I am opposed to it. My request should be relatively simple in that I am requesting a written notification. David Jones, Will Nuttall, And Brad Lacey were the “triggers” for the action, and I have not received any formal notification after nearly 5 months of a “freeze”.

Would I be able to respectfully request a written notification as to what action has been taken, the reasons for it, and the basis of that action. I would imagine that such a substantive CASA action may have some corresponding written notification. This would help me to understand what is going on.

To date, David Jones and Will Nuttall have advised verbally that they have applied a “freeze” and I know it is happening, because we are certainly feeling it, but we have only the verbal intention of David Jones, and Will Nuttall. CASA has chosen to stop processing tasks that would normally be processed. I feel that negatively impacts on safety. For clarity, I am requesting that the relevant department within CASA provide written notification in support of the action that David Jones in his role as Acting Regional Manager, and Will Nuttall my CMT3 leader initiated.

Thankyou in anticipation of your co-operation.

[glenb]

"My understanding is that CASA has obligations to in fact proceed with these and avoid any unnecessary administrative delays. It is in fact these administrative delays that negatively impact on safety. I would be very appreciative if CASA can expedite the processing of these tasks, in order to minimise any further commercial impact."

[glenb]

21/03/19

Good Morning Mr Will Nuttall,

Thankyou for your correspondence. My reasonable expectation as a business owner is that prior to you initiating that “freeze” on my business, the supporting reasons for that action would be prepared and easily accessible.

From my perspective, the ONLY documents that CASA have sent me, is simply a request for documents. Simultaneously you have applied a freeze on the business that has now continued for a totally unacceptable 5 months.

To be frank, I think CASA has erred. I do not believe that such substantive action could be initiated by yourself, and I firmly believe that both policy and fairness would dictate that I have supporting notification.

To a business owner, it could reasonably be seen to be CASA applying unnecessary administrative delays by your continuing avoidance of addressing this issue.

I call on you again, and appeal to your sense of fairness. Can you please supply the accompanying required CASA documentation. If you feel that CASA has no obligation to do so, then I welcome an explanation. Please attend to this as a matter of highest priority. The effects of this freeze have been well documented in my previous correspondence, so there can be no misunderstanding. This of the highest commercial significance.

Respectfully, Glen Buckley.

[glenb]

09/04/19 I send another email to CASA"I have a business that for 6 months has had a short term expiration date placed on it, and that has had significant effect on morale and peoples concerns for their future security. The entire staff have now been in that situation for 6 months. Many are crushed. Morale is low. We feel as they we have incurred the wrath of CASA. I have not been able to market my product for 6 months, add capability, increase revenue streams, or renew existing capability. The business cashflow has been bled dry as a result of this, my Members have lost confidence and are leaving, I am financially drained, mentally exhausted, my reputation is tarnished, as is APTAs, and my life is pretty much in tatters, so to be perfectly honest, I find the CASA “positioning” disheartening, but not at all unexpected." I look forward to the confirmation from CASA that this 6 month process may shortly be finalised.

[glenb]

I could go on and on posting correspondence. This is only a sampling of what CASA has put this business through over the last 9 months

[glenb]

Thankyou to those who have been following this page, and thankyou to all the encouraging messages that I have received. I intend to keep trying to resolve this with CASA until 5PM this Friday 23rd August. Based on my experience to date, I feel CASA have very little intention to resolve this matter.

I do intend to have CASAs decisions tested in a court of law if they refuse to deal with me.

The commercial impact of CASAs actions on me, my family and my business have left me with no funds. I will potentially be calling on industry to assist me in bringing this matter to a determination.

The first stage is effectively a $50,000 case study, where an Aviation Barrister will pull the case apart, and provide an assessment of the merits of the case. I have established an email address [email protected]

I would be very appreciative of anyone emailing me, if they would potentially be prepared to support me. I am not asking for amounts or any contributions at this stage. I am merely trying to assess if I will be able to move forward with my claims, by gauging interest levels.

I will draw on legal guidance on the best path forward, but I will look at

a single action
a class action with me as the lead litigant.

I feel that my case may have wider benefits for the industry, and that will certainly be my intention. I do intend to shortly write to all Senators calling for support.

Thankyou all, respectfully, Glen.

[Stickshift3000]

The new edition of Australian Flying should be hitting the shelves now.

Whilst I have only read the draft, I must congratulate Steve Hitchen on his ability to deconstruct a very complicated matter so effectively. The magazine has long been a great supporter of Industry, and they have risen to the challenge again.


The Flying article has distilled the issues nicely. Kudos to Steve for requesting to interview CASA’s DAS and media officer (they declined) along with further information from CASA (minimal response was provided).

[zanthrus]

Once the Flying issue has had a decent run off the shelf, I would love to read it sometime if it or a link were posted on Pprune.

[AerialPerspective]

The Flying article has distilled the issues nicely. Kudos to Steve for requesting to interview CASA’s DAS and media officer (they declined) along with further information from CASA (minimal response was provided).



Got the magazine today and read it tonight. Great article. Very damning for CASA IMHO. I hope they are made to pay and pay big. As others have advanced here, Glen is one of the most decent people anyone could hope to meet. What has been done here is no less than an act of amoral repugnance or incompetence or both and there needs to be a severe penalty to to perpetrator so they learn the lesson of how to behave with industry in future.

[The name is Porter]

zanthrus, can I respectfully ask that you purchase the mag. I've read the article but will be heading out to purchase it. A lot of people put their nuts on the line, Mr Hitchen is one of them. Their endeavours deserve reward, I'm not talking personal reward but making a magazine strong and viable.

[flyingmac49]

It's a "yes" from me and some of my anon aviation friends who do not wish to be named; so get a crowd funding site up and running and we will be one of the first to donate!!!

[zanthrus]

Thanks Porter.

[djpil]

Got the magazine today and read it tonight. Great article. Very damning for CASA IMHO.Yes, but before anyone reads that article I suggest they open the magazine to page 77 and read CASA's Safety Matters page by Shane Carmody: ".... To continue to develop and maintain safety partnerships, CASA must focus strongly on managing its aviation community relationships more effectively, investing resources to maintain open and responsive communication, adopting appropriate technologies and meeting client service expectations." I'm sure Steve put that bit in bold italics for a reason.

I will send both articles to my local MP, Tim Wilson in the context of progress on the Forsyth Report recommendations https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/aviation/asrr/

[Melbjorn]

Well written article. That gofundme thing would really play nicely alongside now.

[glenb]

I intend to call on the public, and particularly those in GA to support my cause.

If I intend to call on the public for support, I want you to understand why, and I will clearly outline the impact of the CASA action on my wife, my members, my children, on me, my staff and suppliers, organisations that wanted to join APTA etc. It will be very open. I have woken up today feeling somewhat "angry". I am probably overwhelmed by the support I have had and somewhat re-energised. I will deal with that when I selfishly get to the post about me.

To the four CASA personnel that I believe are accountable for my current situation.

Those that know me and my family will know that I am blessed with the most amazing (read; patient) wife. We have been married for close to 25 years, and quite seriously had one argument in that entire period. For the record, that was about me not intervening in what my wife perceived as an animal cruelty act. Not by me, but I was in two days of strife because I didn't intervene.

She is a small and somewhat petite lady weighing in with a fighting weight of about 45 kg. Not a particularly strong lady physically, but with a strong moral compass. As she is the sole income earner in the house now she is working 7 days a week, with a couple of 12 hour shifts thrown in. She prepares dinner, and runs the household. She prepares different healthy meals every night for meat-eaters, vegetarians, and vegans that make up our family. She runs the kids around non stop and never misses a sporting event. She lets home be my refuge, and doesn't make me justify the stresses that this situation has caused.

SHe works in aged care, and as I remind her often, is one of the few people that really love their job. She receives recognition for her care and compassion and her services are highly sought after. She has offers to work off the books and bypass the agency, and double her salary, which is attractive in our current situation. She tells me she doesn't want to do it because she feels like she would be having an affair. i.e. betraying the trust of the agency.

She plays and talks with our young adult children, and I constantly gaze at her in amazement, and reflect on how truly fortunate I am to have her. Years ago we had a treadmill in the bedroom. I would lie in bed watching TV and eating a Magnum. She would be wrapped up in Glad Wrap (????) on the Treadmill. Her nickname for me is "Gu"

She would say "Gu, don't die before me, and I would respond. "Well do something about it, and get off the Treadmill as I bit into another bite of double coated Magnum. Anyway, you get the picture. I reckon she is a pretty good catch for a fella like me.

Simple fact is that above everything else in my entire life, and even above my own children's welfare. Whether I be by her side, or I have departed before her. She must be warm when its cold until,her very last breath. I don't want her in a room smelling like urine, and I want someone to lovingly stroke her all day making her feel loved if I am not around.

When I walked into work at 9AM on 23 rd October, I knew I had achieved that for her. As I walked out the Office that day CMT 3 had initiated a sustained program that has now taken that away from her.

To Mr Crawford, Mr Martin, Mr Nuttall and Mr Lacey. You are the people that I hold fully responsible for this matter, and I intend to ensure that my complaints are objectively and independently assessed. I am not going away I can assure you. I have far too much respect for my wife.

Glen.

[YPJT]

Good luck Glen.
Go Fund Me has to be an option.
What a shame the minister here cannot do what his counterpart across the Tasman did and sack the boss of the regulator. Then go through the rest like a dose of salts.

[glenb]

I have received the final response from Mr Carmody, attached. Cheers. Glen

[Sunfish]

Bought the magazine, read the article. I think I can guess what Carmody will say, but justice delayed is justice denied.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justice_delayed_is_justice_denied

This needs to go to the High Court to destroy the “safety” argument. The idea that somehow “safety” is a concept that only CASA can interpret is the same as medieval Catholic religious teaching - “no salvation outside the church” The CASA coat of arms should have the papal crossed keys for the same reason.

[tail wheel]

"We consider this matter closed and neither I nor the Chair will enter into any ongoing dialogue with you on the issues you have raised."

What does that mean - "closed"? You're out of business, or CASA will allow you to operate?

[glenb]

Hi Sunfish and others.

In actual fact CASA don't even have a safety argument.

For complete clarity for everyone. There have never been any allegations related to safety raised by CASA. The Manager of Regulatory Sevices and Surveillance said repeatedly that "CASA do not see any safety risk". There have been no safety breaches at all. In fact the CASA action demonstrably reduces safety.

That's why this entire thing is so crazy. I was operating my business, as I had been for 15 years, and the last 18 months of that in the new CASA approved format in the APTA model. The exact format that CASA helped me write over two years.

I had a change of CMT from CMT 2 to CMT 3 (the CASA oversighting teams)

As soon as I was notified of the CMT change, I requested a ONE on ONE, ON THE RECORD (not off the record) meeting with my Regional Manager to express concerns that a CASA Flight Operations Inspector (FOI) on my new team CMT 3, may act to bring harm to me and my business. That meeting proceeded.

That same person that I raised concerns about from my new CMT then initiated the action that

placed an "expiry date" on my business of 7 days. Over the last 9 months that CASA issued "approval for INTERIM operations" was as short as a minute by minute verbal approval, and never longer than 7 days.

prevented me from marketing by making allegations of "misrepresentation" against CASR 117, which CASA refused to substantiate despite repeated requests. refer post 222 for details.

prevented me from taking on customers

CASA refused to process tasks such as renew simulator approvals, add on courses and authorisations that we are entitled to deliver and CASA is compelled to approve unless on safety grounds.

The impact of those actions on any business, in any industry in Australia would be catastrophic, as it was for mine, and especially for a staggering 9 months while CASA tried to work out there confusion.

For perfect clarity. That action was initiated by a change of opinion by the FOI in my new CMT. The very person who should be enhancing safety by building relationships with industry. He chose not to even approach me about his concerns, but rather initiate an action on audit results that were never provided to me, and are substantially flawed.

A life long ambition, business and livelihood destroyed on a change of "opinion" . Despite multiple well documented requests, CASA steadfastly refused to justify their action.

It has nothing at all to do with Safety, I can assure you!!!!

[aroa]

"The Safety Case!. "safety" the buzz word that allows CAsa to do anything and everything as they see fit, especially if they have a request from a competitor company to 'do something about the competition'

Same in my case SFA to do with 'safety'. It was about 'commerce'
Casa dicks went to clients and collected invoices and cheque butt copies as proof of payments from clients, told clients some BS tru about CHT !! crashes, and a final statement to one client was 'this is not about safety, this is about commerce...but dont mention that in court' I kid you not
Later Casa even lied to the Minister that they had never done so...collected commercial material.
Is CAsA a **** show.?..you betcha. Supreme bastardry and then some.

[Sunfish]

Mr. Carmody invites a “civil” action against CASA. Given that CASA regulations prescribe criminal penalties against pilots, engineers and operators, we seem to have an equity and natural justice issue here..... ...among other things.

I fail to understand how justice, let alone equity, natural justice and procedural fairness has been served here. Let alone how the alleged Government priorities of investment, growth and jobs are being served by this action.

I particularly liked the come on about a lawsuit, considering CASA has unlimited funds to defend itself.

My own, untutored, rude and probably pointless response would be to consider feeding the entire exchange and results to Prime Minister Scott Morrison ...... and tell him to fix it or shove his entire speech of 19 August 2019 to the Institute of Public Administration up his arse. I think that’s the Australian way. ScoMo is a bull****ter if he lets this stand.

https://www.pm.gov.au/media/speech-institute-public-administration

I say this because I believe it is your legal right to communicate with Parliament.

......In actual fact, I wonder if it could go to the G-G? They may then be required to refer it to ScoMo. This is just a guess on my part.

[Sunfish]

Can I suggest the saving of a copy of this thread and attachments in case it vanishes for legal reasons?

[thunderbird five]

I can barely read much more if this. I don't know Glen or his business, but on a most basic level, the treatment he has received is seven miles beyond disgusting. And for what? Why do they do this? Not to weed out a rogue operator. Just to weed out an operator who is doing things well, maybe differently, all approved, and they personally don't like it? It's not right. Makes me sick, it really does.

[Stickshift3000]

Good to know that CASA are following this thread.

[Mumbai Merlin]

Crowd Funding will not work. CASA has shown their hand. The disgraceful letter from Carmody says it all.

$100 million or more would be burnt up over the length of time CASA were to challenge any Court proceedings. CASA could and would drag this out for 10 years plus, people in CASA would 'move on' and the case would become irrelevant.

The Prime Minister, via a direct approach is the only possible way forward. ScoMo has put all government officials on notice; now it's time to perform.

[Office Update]

Mumbai,

I believe you are correct! There has been lots of good word's of wisdom, from many well qualified sources, the numbers of 'views' is testimony to the seriousness of the matter.
A lot of support has come from people whom are now retired from the industry. People also whom remain gainfully employed, alas a few of them would be an operator as such.

Make no mistake; No matter how much sabre rattling takes place ANY operator that openly supports Mr. Buckley in his attempts to seek justice WILL be dealt with by CASA in an appropriate fashion. They will find intolerable delays in future processing of paperwork allied to their business. CASA will supress the industry and individuals to maintain their place at the pulpit. I know from first hand experience how dishonest CASA FOI's were to myself and my venture and how they lied to protect each other. I walked away in the interest of my health.

I'm actually surprised how quite Dick Smith has been. Dick is normally one to champion a good cause?

[thorn bird]

QUESTIONS
Reading through this thread one question that pops up time and again is why?

As Glen has argued where is the Safety Case?

Where is the Compliance Case, and Compliance with what?An Opinion?or the Law?

Carmody smugly suggests that Glen is perfectly entitled to go to court, knowing full well that he has practically no chance of achieving justice against the financial might of the government. "The law is for everyone, justice is for them that can afford it" and even if he won the argument, he'd still lose the war.

The shear bloodyminded arrogance of Carmody's reply to Glen beggars belief. A public official snubbing his nose at a member of the public who he is allegedly paid a very large amount of money to serve, with no logical explanation defies belief. The implied threats contained within it, puts us all on notice that dissent nor complaint nor criticism will be tolerated. This is totalitarianism 101.

Is it not the duty of a member of the public to call out any perceived corruption?

In the real world Glen's dilemma would have the media climbing all over it, yet there seems to be nobody with the internal fortitude to pursue the issue.
Has the press been warned off, in much the same manner as Glen has been warned off?

There are laws I believe to protect the consumer, Glen is a consumer, where are the agencies that allegedly protect consumers from unfair practice in all this?

Could one suspect that Glen was mislead by his first CMT, in which case they were at fault, or were the next CMT looking for a brown paper bag?

It may simply be that the upper echelons of CAsA take some perverse pleasure in destroying businesses and lives.

Very little else makes much sense.

[Stickshift3000]

The shear bloodyminded arrogance of Carmody's reply to Glen beggars belief. A public official snubbing his nose at a member of the public who he is allegedly paid a very large amount of money to serve, with no logical explanation defies belief. The implied threats contained within it, puts us all on notice that dissent nor complaint nor criticism will be tolerated. This is totalitarianism 101.

I too am surprised at the level of immaturity shown in the DAS’s response. Perhaps I shouldn’t be.

[josephfeatherweight]

That response from Mr Carmody is simply mind-blowing from a person holding such office.

[BigPapi]

The response really shows the organisational disdain for GA and small businesses in general.

[Bend alot]

Glen, sounds like they(he) are accusing you of posting fake CAsA correspondence.

[glenb]

Stickshift, in post 299 you mention immaturity. Let me provide an example of when that immaturity impacts on safety.

For those that do not understand the CASA structure. Victoria and Tasmania have 3 teams, referred to as CMT1, CMT2, and CMT3. Each team with several members, each being a subject matter expert on a particular subject i.e. a safety specialist, flying school operations, maintenance etc. CMT3 was the team I was transferred to. The role of these teams is to be the first point of contact with Industry. To provide support and mentoring, and to work with those organisations collaboratively to enhance safety outcomes. That is the reason they exist.

EVERY Flying School in Australia has a CMT allocated to it. With the exception of APTA. CASA made APTA the only school without a CMT. I made many requests for a change to either CMT1 or CMT2. I will post those emails. For many months APTA operated with no CMT. CASA cannot possibly justify that decision on safety grounds. It is seriously ridiculous.

So I am doing my best endeavours to conduct business safely and compliantly without a CMT. I have sold the business under financial duress, and I have been the business owner for over 15 years. I am a CASA approved Head of Operations, and I am the CASA approved CEO for the Organisation.

The new owner will move into the role, and is highly capable. However; he has not completed the Company induction. Has not been approved by CASA as the CEO, or in fact for any Key Personnel position. He is the new buyer, and has not had the opportunity to meet staff and understand the business. I am still the CASA approved person fully accountable to CASA in their own rules and regulations for all APTA operations, when I receive the following email. Quite seriously, its disgraceful, and it truly makes me question, whether these people seriously even consider safety when they make decisions.!!!. They truly wouldn't last one week in my safety focussed business. Once again they seize another opportunity to frustrate me but also compromise safety!!!

"Dear GlenThank you for your email. CASA understands that APTA Pty Ltd has been sold and that Mr XXXXXX will be nominated as the new CEO.In the circumstances, CASA will now communicate with Mr XXXXX on matters related to APTA...………"

[Sunfish]

Carmody probably didn’t write the letter. He most likely received a brief from senior management that finished with the recommendation that he sign the attached letter.

Carmody most likely received glens letter, went WTF? Then handed it to the very people who were torturing Glen for to craft the official CASA response.

NOBODY at that level does anything on their own. Carmody knows sfa about aviation. He would have had to ask and possibly been told that Glen was a wacko troublemaker with an axe to grind, such people exist and Carmody’s letter looks like exactly the response you normally. send. At least it didn’t threaten him with an AVO and the Federal Police.

[glenb]

On 16/05/18 I sent the following email to the Regional Manager requesting a meeting. The subject of that meeting was solely to raise concerns about a person on the new CMT that was to begin oversighting my business. I was concerned that this person may not work well with my organisation.

"Cheers XXXXXX,
Lets go for 3.30PM on Thursday. I wanted the opportunity for a one on one (but not off the record) meeting, and if CASA protocol is for someone else to be in attendance, I would be happy for XXXXX to participate. I anticipate it will be fairly brief, only about 15 minutes. After that I would be happy to meet XXXX"

I will be calling for those meeting notes under FOI.

[Sunfish]

I wonder if Glen is getting a few messages of support? My advice would be not to try and take on CASA on your own, you will go broke, mad or both.

[Sunfish]

Glen, you can call for FOI notes till you are blue in the face. “he said she said” is irrelevant now so give up on the personalities thing. You have been declared persona non grata, the drawbridge has been pulled up and they are not listening except for a slip by you that allows them to declare that you are not “a fit and proper person” to be involved in Aviation at all.

This problem is not going to be solved within CASA. You need to take your complaints somewhere else.

[Okihara]

Glen, sounds like they(he) are accusing you of posting fake CAsA correspondence.

Gordon Gekko's line in Wall Street seems appropriate in this context:
Stop telling lies about me and I'll stop telling the truth about you.

[Melbjorn]

The danger, I believe, is that they will try to discredit Glen's account of the truth. I disagree with those above who say that a crowdfunding effort would not pay off. It may indeed not reach levels necessary to hire top lawyers for years on end, but it certainly will spread the word and raise awareness beyond this forum. I truly mean no disrespect to the many of you who show support on pprune, but at the end of the day this forum is just that: a niche for initiated and by definition not mainstream. People could just scroll through the many threads here to conclude that disgruntled pilots converge simply here to rant on the system, hence views on this forum form by no means an objective depiction of the aviation authorities. A campaign for Glen's cause needs to reach people beyond aviation communities if it is gather enough momentum to takeoff (no pun intended). That's not going to happen through pprune alone but it may through crowdfunding and sharing on social media.

[Bend alot]

Glen seems a bit proud to ask for assistance, but we could invest in our future as an option.

https://thirdsector.com.au/introducing-australias-first-law-crowdfunding-platform/

[glenb]

Dear Mr Carmody,

I am compelled to respond to your recent letter dated 23rd August 2019 as my allegations are related to the conduct of 4 personnel working within the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). They engage broadly with industry, and if my allegations of misconduct are substantiated in a court of law, that has safety implications for the wider industry.

Those personnel have:

Breached CASAs own Regulatory Philosophy;
Breached their obligations under the PGPA Act;
Not acted in accordance with the Ministers Statement of Expectations;
Breached the obligations placed on them by Administrative Law;
Reduced aviation safety measurably and demonstrably by their conduct;
Clearly breached procedures outlined in CASAs enforcement manual;
Not acted in accordance with their respective Position descriptions;
Bought their fellow employees within CASA into disrepute through their actions.

I fully appreciate the substantive nature of the allegations, but the consequences of their actions are also substantive, and include not only negative safety outcomes but the closure of three businesses with an associated loss of jobs and the attendant domino effect down the chain. It is likely that more businesses will shortly be affected. As you are aware, I availed myself of CASAs internal procedure for dispute resolution, but the final report completely avoided the matters raised. The final ICC report was significantly “watered down” from the Preliminary Report, and the core complaints were completely omitted. The Prime Minister has called for members of the public service to work with industry, and many points from recent speech are pertinent in my situation. You have made it very clear that you will not be engaging further with me on this matter; accordingly, you leave me no option but to write to the Prime Minister.

Respectfully



Glen Buckley

[glenb]

Cheers, I just had a look at that website. I appreciate that I appear to be holding off. I can assure you that I will have no hesitation. First however I must satisfy myself that I have exhausted every option. Mr Carmody has firmly slammed the door shut on any communications with CASA.

I will write to the PM and all Senators, and post that correspondence on here. I will be working towards a resolution this week. During this week, I will also initiate a crowd funding campaign.

Thankyou all for your advice and support, cheers. Glen

[YPJT]

I had the misfortune to sit in on a presentation by Carmody some time back. What an arrogant pr>>k.

[Bend alot]

Cheers, I just had a look at that website. I appreciate that I appear to be holding off. I can assure you that I will have no hesitation. First however I must satisfy myself that I have exhausted every option. Mr Carmody has firmly slammed the door shut on any communications with CASA.

I will write to the PM and all Senators, and post that correspondence on here. I will be working towards a resolution this week. During this week, I will also initiate a crowd funding campaign.

Thankyou all for your advice and support, cheers. Glen
I was your first support on this thread, you have my respect on your stance.

Once you start I shall make regular contributions and I am sure others will.

Tell your lovely wife we support you and her & the very fine work she does with the elderly, I am sure your children have great ethics.

Well done.

[glenb]

APTA had endured the restrictions on its trade for a period of 9 months, and there was uncertainty regarding its continued operations. It had little value as a business, and was sold for a contracted nominal 5% of its agreed value. With the CASA restrictions and uncertainty, it had no value. I sold it for the value of the debt, and at that time CASA had still not made a determination on APTA despite repeated calls for CASA to do so. Had they at least made a decision I would have had something to appeal, and perhaps even a business that had some value.

I had a meeting with the Chair of the CASA Board requesting compensation on behalf of myself and affected parties. That meeting is summarised in my correspondence in posts 147 and 148 that I sent to him after the meeting.

The letter you refer to in post 287 is his response to my requests for consideration of compensation. Its CASA effectively saying NO!

During the last 9 months with the uncertainty over continuing operations, some members have had to cease operations i.e. Simjet in Brisbane , and Whitestar in Ballina. Other Members began working towards their own 141 approval i.e. LTF, ARC. Members that wanted to join were placed on hold, and were impacted, with some now having ceased operations while awaiting a CASA determination. CASA has insisted that all staff are paid by APTA in a model they call "direct operational control". I have asked CASA to define that, because that's what we had in my opinion. As expected they have not replied.

CASA insisted on this DOC Model. All MFT students and staff were transferred to APTA, and effectively my business MFT has been transferred to new ownership with all revenue and operational costs met by APTA. That's all well and good, but I have had to effectively transfer my business of 15 years to the new owners of APTA, depriving my business and me of any income. CASA have this insistence that all salaries must come from APTA and everyone must be an APTA employee. This is an unusual stipulation, and in my opinion flies in the face of accepted industry practice.

On 30/06/19 I sent the following email trying to get CASAs interpretation of an "employee" in the APTA context. Email to follow'

Dear Mr Craig Martin, I refer to your email on 20/06 where you made the following statement;

“ “For the avoidance of doubt, this would allow flight training to be contacted by APTA employees only – not employees of affiliates”

As you are aware there is only one Authorisation, and all personnel operate under that Authorisation. I note you state that “training can only be conducted by employees only”.

Personally I am of the opinion that I am 100% responsible for all personnel operating under the APTA approval, irrespective of where they draw their income, and in fact I feel that is the safest and most compliant option. However, whilst I have a different perspective, you are the regulator, and I am willing to comply. My concern is that you are actually making the situation less clear and concise, and may actually create a less safe situation, but obviously that is your determination.

I have tried to access the CASA definition of an employee, and am having difficulty locating it. In the CASR dictionary, I found the definition for an “employee” which stated; employee, in relation to an approved maintenance organisation, includes: (a) a maintenance services subcontractor; and (b) a CAR maintenance activities subcontractor.It appears that this definition fits in with my perspective on the situation i.e. accepting responsibility for all personnel operating under an Organisation including contractors.

It appears that your preference is to tie the definition of an employee, with where that person derives their income.. I also viewed the CASA Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP) guidance, and it makes the following comment; “It is important to remember that DAMP obligations extend to all individuals (including contractors, subcontractors and volunteers) who perform SSAAs for your organisation, regardless of whether they are directly employed by your organisation.” Once again it appears that the CASA definition was more in line with my own preferred approach.

In fact, my very strong preference is this definition as it is clear and concise, and covers all situations.As you will be aware, one of my major concerns is the failure of CASA to provide clear and concise aviation safety standards. Therefore, for me to finalise this matter, may I request provision of a definition of an “employee”, for the purposes of what you are trying to achieve. I suggest the clarification of this will help me to move forward. Yours thankfully, Glen

I sent a follow up request on 21/08, neither of those requests has been answered. It appears that CASA are working towards a new model tying responsibility to where they derive income rather than the Authorisation Holder. Its an interesting model, but fraught with danger and confusion in my opinion. I await there definition, but will not be holding my breath.

[aroa]

With the current ceo, just as the indecent, recent McComic, is no shining example of administrative integrity... what hope would have aviators and the GA Industry have for sanity and a future .?
May I make the pun, Buckley’s and none.
had the same response...take us to court. Believe me, as someone earlier here said re procedural fairness and natural justice..with CAsA there is none.
All hail to Glen. Should there be a class action, I,m in.
Dont forget to keep writing to Senators requesting a JI or RC.
signed : broke, mad and very very angry that the flying industry that we know and love has been allowed to come to this.

[Sunfish]

Glen, Don’t publish correspondence to the PM and Parliament here. Take it off line. If you do otherwise you risk being labelled a conspiracy nut loony and you will just get brushed off and ignored. At best, all you will get are “ I’m advised that Mr. Carmody has dealt with your matter” letters, at worst a lawsuit for defamation that will take everything, including this thread, offline and then bankrupt you.

You only go full operatic public publication nuclear after all other options are exhausted. You are not there yet. Trust Parliamentarians to listen to you if you give them a well reasoned and unemotional argument.

[Bend alot]

Trust Parliamentarians to listen to you if you give them a well reasoned and unemotional argument.
Can I have a bit of what you are taking.

[Horatio Leafblower]

Glen was in front of Barnaby, Wacka, and Glenn Sterle in November last year. Also present were Steve Campbell and Andreas Marcej...Marc...whatever his name is.
That went precisely nowhere.

[Lead Balloon]

So Glen, does all this boil down to the definition of “employee” in a regulation that is relevant to APTA’s activities? Someone in CASA decided that the word has its narrow meaning, and discovered that APTA has/had personnel who should be employees but are not?

[glenb]

Now before any moderators go pulling this down. This is my only "voice" and that will quite simply be too much for me.

To listen to Mr Morrisons speech last week on the ethics of Government was my absolute tipping point. I can wait no longer.

I am destitute. My families phones have been cut off twice. I have had no income for 2 months. My business is broken. I owe people money. My family do not use any heating at home. My electricity isn't far from getting disconnected, my son is having to leave his school, two other businesses have been destroyed, people have lost their livelihoods because of decisions I have made. Me and my wife truly have less than $10 in total between us, and my son is now supporting the family. I have lost my home, and I cannot afford the rent in less than 7 days.

Is this dramatic. Yes. Not as dramatic as if this thread gets pulled. Quite seriously Mr Carmody contact the appropriate person in the Ministers Department and tell him that all hell is going to break loose unless someone starts ******* listening to me. Quite seriously. NO MORE PING PONG!!!! You are messing with my wife's future welfare. IT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN

I am non contactable by any means by anyone over the next few hours so please do not try.

For clarity. I never broke any rules. I never compromised safety.

Dear Prime Minister.

I apologise for the editing that follows in the next post. But quite frankly I couldn't be bothered typesetting it as I cut and paste from Word. I was preparing this last night but quite frankly Im over it and couldn't be ******

Dear Prime Minister,
My name is Glen Buckley. I write to you with 25 years’ experience in Pilot Training in various roles, most recently as a CASA approved CEO, and CASA approved Head of Operations (HOO). Over the last 15 years I have operated my own large flight training business, and CASA records will indicate those operations have delivered industry leading levels of safety and compliance, and they have been well intentioned.

I write to respectfully inform you of substantive allegations that I am making against four personnel within the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). This correspondence is not vexatious, and the matters are not trivial. I will have no difficulty in establishing the facts of the matter, and I have well documented evidence readily available to present against every single allegation I make below. I am making allegations of improper, wrongful and unlawful conduct against four CASA employees. The four CASA personnel have clearly made decisions and demonstrated conduct that is outside of policy, directions and the law. Specifically, I refer to Requirements of Administrative Law outlined in CASA's own manuals and procedures and specifically CASA's Enforcement Manual. The Ministers Statement Of Expectations o CASAs own Regulatory Philosophy. ·

The conduct of those four personnel within CASA has measurably and demonstrably reduced aviation safety. I allege they have demonstrated unconscionable conduct and made decisions that a well-intentioned person would not make, if they were making decisions on the basis of safety and compliance. They have not acted with honesty and integrity, they have not acted with care and diligence, and they have not acted with respect and courtesy. They have in acted in a bullying and intimidating manner. ·

I allege those personnel have not used public and Commonwealth resources in a proper manner and have made deliberate decisions that have in fact misused substantial public resources. I allege those four personnel have made calculated decisions that have caused detriment to my business, and other businesses and that they have deliberately avoided attempts to work collaboratively and resolve issues. I allege that their decisions and actions potentially bring harm to the integrity and good reputation of their fellow Employees and CASA in general, which can only degrade safety. I allege that one of those four personnel has improperly used inside information.

I have been attempting to resolve this matter with CASA since October 2018. Three businesses have already closed, with an associated loss of jobs. It is likely that more businesses will be closed in the near future. This matter is also negatively impacting on safety. The matter is also receiving greater industry attention, with an article in “Australian Flying” magazines recently, which I have attached. A pilots forum on the subject has in excess of 120,000 views.The purpose of this letter: May I respectfully request that you nominate the appropriate person to meet with me and Mr Shane Carmody, the CEO of CASA. All I ask is that your nominee is well intentioned, and shares your vision for the Public Service. At that meeting I request the opportunity to present my allegations to Mr Carmody in the presence of your nominee, and provide well documented supporting evidence. If at the end of that meeting my claims were found to be vexatious or unsubstantiated, I would expect to held fully accountable in law.

Thank you for considering my request,

Yours respectfully

Glen Buckley

[Sunfish]

If anyone knows Glen, he needs someone with him now.

This thread is likely to be locked and removed I would think pending legal action on behalf of CASA, or worse.

[tail wheel]

This thread is likely to be locked and removed I would think pending legal action on behalf of CASA, or worse.

Oh? Is it? :E Not by this Mod! :=

Yes, Glenb probably is in a dark place and needs a little support, but I suspect he will come out fighting again. Nothing motivates a fighter more than being on the bones of his a*** with nothing more to lose.

[IFEZ]

Sounds like Sh**t's about to get real. Can I suggest that as many people as possible also fire off some correspondence to the PM's office and cc the like of Senators Fawcett, Sterle, Patrick etc. Surely those guys would love an opportunity to get their teeth into this appalling situation..(?). It needs more than just a grilling at the RRAT hearings too. We've seen how (non)effective that pantomime can be. Others are right - Only a JI or RC will do now.

[BERWP1]

As a previous student of MFT I cannot believe what both Glen and AFTA have endured. The support you have Glen extends well beyond the users here on 'rune. The second you have that gofundme page up, you'll have some monetary support from me. CASA ought to be hung out to dry for this. Fight hard.

[The name is Porter]

Glen is a good and decent man, he is a smart man, he innovated a concept that was a brilliant product. I can tell you just how good that product was but it would take a few pages. In the time I have known him he has always put his employees first. I've seen it first hand, paying his employees before he pays himself. Any student that passed through MFT would remember how busy it was and how good a standard was produced. It was a thriving business. Now more than ever, the industry needs to take this on, and FFS Glen, can you start the go-fund me page, we are waiting!

[Sunfish]

Does anyone know where Glen is?

[gchriste]

I really hope Glen is OK this morning, Hopefully someone that knows him is in contact! Have been following this drama since the start and I would like to offer my suggestion not just to setup a Go Fund Me for any future action that Glen may decide to take, but for Glen's own safety and well being, I for would would be happy to throw some money his way to help take care of personal finances to allow him to focus on what is important without trying to stretch the last $10. Not sure how we could best do that, but I hate to think what any other outcome could lead to. Hopefully someone that knows Glen can step in and help us support him.

No mater the merits of the case, it should never come to this level.

[Blueskymine]

I think we need a go fund me page ASAP.

I’d be happy to chip in some money for his family. I can’t imagine the affect this is having on him.

[Paul O'Rourke]

The 2 issues with this GOFUNDME idea are anonymity offered by this forum and Glen's pride preventing him from seeking assistance. I see there was a page running already. How legitimate is that? With regards to living expenses, a close friend and someone of sound character and reputation needs to step in and start administrating this type of assistance on Glen's behalf. I have never been made feel so unsettled reading a post on this site as I did reading Glen's this morning. And I don't know him. I hope my reaction is unfounded.

[Bend alot]

Does anyone here know Cale Johnston?

https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa

[Paul O'Rourke]

Does anyone here know Cale Johnston?

https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa

There is a Cale Johnston on LinkedIn, from Mount Waverley, 11kms to the north north east of Mentone. He would be about 19. Until his identity is known you just don't know.

[The name is Porter]

Yes,

Cale used to work for Glen at APTA. If the go fund me was started by him it's legitimate.

[gchriste]

It would definitely help to hear Glen offer a word of support for the Go Fund Me before donating, would help ensure it is legit and the funds will end up with him.

[Sunfish]

Yes please.

[Bend alot]

Gofundme have a guarantee.

Was good enough for me.

Rather funds for use as required by recipient so if an amendment can be made?

https://pages.gofundme.com/guarantee-policy/

[Charlie Foxtrot India]

If anyone knows Glen, he needs someone with him now.

This thread is likely to be locked and removed I would think pending legal action on behalf of CASA, or worse.



Not by this mod.

[Bend alot]

Not by this mod.
Good to hear.

[dreamagicz]

Being someone who has been in regular contact with Glen, I can confirm that he hasn’t responded to any form of communications in last 24hrs. I truly hope he and his family are safe. I can confirm gofund page setup by Cale will reach Glen.

[Bend alot]

Being someone who has been in regular contact with Glen, I can confirm that he hasn’t responded to any form of communications in last 24hrs. I truly hope he and his family are safe. I can confirm gofund page setup by Cale will reach Glen.
Thanks Mate.

[glenb]

A very "rattly" day yesterday folks.

I will be back a bit later on today, and we will be fighting. This will be the battle that leads to the Judicial Inquiry, Royal Commission, or Special Ministerial inquiry.

To many people have endured the cruelty and malpractice in that Organisation that does absolutely nothing to enhance safety, and as Industry will confirm, we have a unique situation in the Western World where CASAs toxic culture and total misalignment with Industry is actually dangerous, and I say that from first hand experience. CASA actually degrades safety outcomes, and damages the Australian owned sector of the industry.

Trust me, when I tell you that what I have posted on here over recent months is only the tip of the ice berg. Why will my outcome be different than those before me. Because unlike Bruce Rhoades and the many before me that have had there reputations trashed by that toxic culture. In my case. THERE IS NO SAFETY CARD to play Mr Crawford. In fact this time, I hold the safety card.

I will post later on today, but that post will be to you, the industry, my friends, my past staff, schoolmates, mentors, etc that have shown me so much support .

I truly love you, and I mean it. Im here today because of you. I mean it!!!!!

[tail wheel]

GlenB sent a PM to me at 09:37 am yesterday, Monday 26th Aug 2019.

[Bend alot]

Looks like this weeks rent is sorted mate.

Stay strong.

[Sunfish]

What was the link again??

[tail wheel]

This link?

https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa?fbclid=IwAR3cC9majXCkYlrq8VVBRxYaRN9a0GcKjWKTWnS3b-3lVXpz3Mt3w1v5h0A (https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa?fbclid=IwAR3cC9majXCkYlrq8VVBRxYaRN9a0GcKjWKTWnS3b-3lVXpz3Mt3w1v5h0A)

Almost $2,000 from eleven donors in 16 hours!

[Sunfish]

doesn’t work for me

[Bend alot]

Works for me $2,535 from 11 donors in 18 hours.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa?fbclid=IwAR3cC9majXCkYlrq8VVBRxYaRN9a0GcKjWKTWnS3b-3lVXpz3Mt3w1v5h0A

[Okihara]

Awesome! Now we need a way to spread the word to all aerodromes and all flight schools in the country to reach the GA community at large. Everyone stands to benefit from Glen's fight.

Someone who knows the gofundme instigator Cale Johnston might want to suggest a quick update to the text (created June 5 2019) and, if I may, a short, 1-2 paragraph summary/abstract in preamble followed by the detailed timeline of events. There's also a mention of a linked document (click here) that doesn't work.

[Stickshift3000]

Awesome! Now we need a way to spread the word to all aerodromes and all flight schools in the country to reach the GA community at large. Everyone stands to benefit from Glen's fight.

Two Facebook groups that spring to mind are ‘Pilots Lounge Australia’ and ‘Bush Flyers Down Under’. I would also suggest that Stefan Drury (YouTube) be contacted, he may (or may not) wish to discuss this issue on his channel. Just my thoughts.

[Okihara]

True. There's also https://www.recreationalflying.com/forum/5-ausnz-general-discussion/ which gathers some folks.

[gchriste]

This needs to be framed not as just financially supporting Glen in his fight, but supporting a key fight that should bring about an inquiry into CASA. I think that is the best way to get broad support right across the industry. There will be people that don't know Glen or his issues with CASA, but will have their own beef and want to see accountability brought.

Also given all the various threads on here over the years criticizing the regulator on all manor of problems, I would be expecting one Mr D Smith to be someone that we should be looking to for support.

[Squawk7700]

I would also suggest that Stefan Drury (YouTube) be contacted, he may (or may not) wish to discuss this issue on his channel. Just my thoughts.

I doubt he would want to get involved, otherwise CASA will hit him up for an AOC for making money from his YouTube channel !!

[0ttoL]

Australian Flying magazine on board.
Crowdfunding Page set up to tackle CASA - Australian Flying (http://www.australianflying.com.au/latest/crowdfunding-page-set-up-to-tackle-casa)

[gchriste]

I doubt he would want to get involved, otherwise CASA will hit him up for an AOC for making money from his YouTube channel !!


Which of course there is no irony lost on how absurd the rules have become!

[Blueskymine]

Can we also get a screen shot of your sons school fees
(just the bpay ref and amount)? It’d be nice if the flying community could keep him in his school for you.

[aroa]

Pecker up Glen !...may the force be with you.
Lets hope the growing ground swell of support can turn into a tsunami and finally swamp the rotten place out of existence with a JI or RC.
The GA Industry never deserved this bastard outfit, nor do we, the av-people have to put up with it..

[Bend alot]

8.18% of the initial $50K raised in the first 24 hours.

[Stickshift3000]

Two Facebook groups that spring to mind are ‘Pilots Lounge Australia’ and ‘Bush Flyers Down Under’.


There is a link to the Go Fund Me page on FB’s PLA group.

[Okihara]

That's indeed very good!

Currently the Gofundme page has no face on it but just the APTA logo, unlike most other pages which truly gives them a more relatable, human touch. I'm actually thinking that linking a small (2-3 min) YouTube video to the Gofundme page where Glen personally exposes his plight and gives a short summary would be beneficial to his cause. There'd be a link to the video from the Gofundme and, more importantly, in the other direction too. Many people share stuff over Whatsapp and a small video might be easier for strangers to connect quickly with Glen on this. YouTube videos have a strong potential to go viral. I expect it wouldn't take long for this to catch even more traction this way.

[Bend alot]

That's indeed very good!

Currently the Gofundme page has no face on it but just the APTA logo, unlike most other pages which truly gives them a more relatable, human touch. I'm actually thinking that linking a small (2-3 min) YouTube video to the Gofundme page where Glen personally exposes his plight and gives a short summary would be beneficial to his cause. There'd be a link to the video from the Gofundme and, more importantly, in the other direction too. Many people share stuff over Whatsapp and a small video might be easier for strangers to connect quickly with Glen on this. YouTube videos have a strong potential to go viral. I expect it wouldn't take long for this to catch even more traction this way.
A quick look and the crowdfunding for legal support is not that great, but there are exceptions.

Certainly parallels between CAsA and the ATO.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/ato-whistleblower-richard-boyle-legal-fund

[flyingmac49]

Folks
I have just spoken with Glen in the last 10 minutes and have arranged a coffee with he and his Dad Thursday morning. Glen is humbled and buoyed at the level of support on this site from all those that know him and also those he has never met!! Glen says he is "energised", certainly not depressed and ready to challenge CASA's immoral and unethical treatment of APTA, he and his family, his work colleagues and business associates. So let's help Glen show that CASA cannot be allowed bully and ride rough-shot over over aviation's small businesses by supporting him financially.
The GoFundMe site was started by Cale, one of Glen's former employees, to raise funds to commence a legal action against CASA; so if you feel like supporting Glen, any donation will help, whether it's the $ equivalent of the cost of a cup of coffee for a day, a week, a month or a year it will all help!! [unfortunately my previous post on this topic seemed to get lost in the ether]

[thunderbird five]

I just donated a worthy amount, AND I FEEL GREAT ABOUT DOING IT!
And I've never met him. What has been done to him is disgusting, actually, IT'S UN-AUSTRALIAN.

[Office Update]

I have known Glenn since he first set foot upon Moorabbin Airport. If my aging memory serves me correct Glenn has a beautiful Japanese wife whom he met when Glenn was an English language teacher in Japan. I hope I got all correct, it's been a while.

We all will have noticed Glenn's superb command of the English language in every single one of his posts.

So …….

Dick Smith got the 'top job' at CASA many years ago on a platform of a myriad of issues.

Time to promote the idea that Glenn Buckley, should be put forth as a potential future leader of CASA. Glenn has more experience than Carmody in all matters of aviation with sufficient wisdom to write letters with the expression and intent that sender and receiver would have respect for each other.

Give the matter thought, the timing is perfect; IT's TIME !!!

[Lead Balloon]

I hope Glen has the energy to continue to fight the good fight, and receives adequate financial support to do so. But be aware that it’s been fought many, many times before at a much higher level than a single ‘troublemaker’ like Glen, and he’ll pay a heavy price even if he ‘wins’.

The Aviation Safety Regulatory Review was ‘crowd funded’ - by the taxpayer. Outcome? Everything’s fixed.

The review of medical certification was ‘crowd funded’ - by the taxpayer. Outcome? Everything’s fixed.

These are just a couple of recent examples out of many.

Ask the CVDPA how much stress and costs a few members incurred and continue to incur fighting CASA Avmed, and how little financial support CVDPA got even from colour vision deficient pilots and aspiring pilots, much less the broader pilot population. And this is in a situation in which Avmed’s position has been shown to be based on superstition and in breach of the law about tests requiring the simulation of an operational situation, rather than an objective assessment of the evidence.

I hope I’m wrong, but I reckon the donations to Glen’s cause won’t make it to anywhere near $50K. (I will donate, as I have to the CVDPA).

[Bend alot]

I hope Glen has the energy to continue to fight the good fight, and receives adequate financial support to do so. But be aware that it’s been fought many, many times before at a much higher level than a single ‘troublemaker’ like Glen, and he’ll pay a heavy price even if he ‘wins’.

The Aviation Safety Regulatory Review was ‘crowd funded’ - by the taxpayer. Outcome? Everything’s fixed.

The review of medical certification was ‘crowd funded’ - by the taxpayer. Outcome? Everything’s fixed.

These are just a couple of recent examples out of many.

Ask the CVDPA how much stress and costs a few members incurred and continue to incur fighting CASA Avmed, and how little financial support CVDPA got even from colour vision deficient pilots and aspiring pilots, much less the broader pilot population. And this is in a situation in which Avmed’s position has been shown to be based on superstition and in breach of the law about tests requiring the simulation of an operational situation, rather than an objective assessment of the evidence.

I hope I’m wrong, but I reckon the donations to Glen’s cause won’t make it to anywhere near $50K. (I will donate, as I have to the CVDPA).
The Tax Payer is not crowdfunding.

Your examples are the same that the politicians use when they get granted 'large' pay rises - they were independently determined (by people we pay very well).

[BigPapi]

Crowd funding is voluntary.

Taxation is not.

[Lead Balloon]

Crowd funding is voluntary and taxation is not? Gosh, I’ll have to write that down.

Both of you have missed my point.

[BigPapi]

Write it down, it's got a lifetime guarantee.

[De_flieger]

It's up to more than 10% of the goal now, which is great to see.

[Blueskymine]

And this is why CASA is the way it is. Arguing about tax implications for donations. It’s the Australian way.

We sweat so much about the minuscule small stuff. There will be a committee appointed to work out tax implications for go fund me donations. A team of experts and consultants. Gender neutral mission statements. (The mission statement launch will be an event in itself, dinners and drinks). Geoffrey Thomas will get some air time. A 50/50 gender split for the committee. Although you don’t really know what you’re getting these days with fluidity. It can change in an instant Q and A will debate it. Yasmin will have an opinion about it. I mean there will even be a committee appointed for the committee. That’ll be the inclusiveness committee. Which of course will need a committee appointed to work out who’s on that committee as well. The end result will be inconclusive because the funding just wasn’t there to get a reasonable result.

Then of course it will become a parliamentary issue because of a lack of funding by the conservatives for gender inclusion in government departments.

I mean really. Give the man some dosh and give the ATO the bird (who are more rotten than casa). Or just don’t declare it.

[Lead Balloon]

Errrm, so far as I can tell we weren’t arguing about the tax implications of donations.

[Office Update]

Blueskymine,

Well done Sir,

Sir Humphrey would have been proud of you. Parliamentary Yuk speak at it's best. sadly you are correct ! The only thing you left out was the Junket abroad to see how other institutions handle the same problems.

[Sunfish]

I try and look on the bright side: think of all the investment growth and jobs that could flow from a reinvigorated GA business sector.

I drive past my local airstrip and on a sunny day, with a snow covered Mt. Buller in the background, think “if this was the U. S. or New Zealand, there would be scenic flights just buzzing, both rotary and fixed wing today”

Then in summer we would have shuttles to the high plains for bushwalkers and deer hunters, plus scenic, plus winery tours, and that’s just a start. Moorabbin is 45 minutes away by C172 or three hours by road. Why not an air taxi service?


I once tried to organize a helicopter tour for Two overseas couples - pickup, winery and lunch at Chrismont in the King Valley and maybe Milawa on the way back - was all too hard. I believe you can do it in the yarra valley, but who wants to risk setting up when you can get “Buckleyed” out of business by CASA on a whim?

[dreamagicz]

I had the opportunity to meet with Glen today. He seem to pumped up and ready to take this fight to the end. He was energised by all the support that he’s been receiving from his family and friends. Pls spread the word about the crowd funding for Glen. He said he intends to use those funds for his legal fight against CASA

[Bend alot]

$7,148.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa?fbclid=IwAR3cC9majXCkYlrq8VVBRxYaRN9a0GcKjWKTWnS3b-3lVXpz3Mt3w1v5h0A

[Global Aviator]

Dick Smith where are you?????

Why are you not matching dollar for dollar raised?

All talk no action.

You call for CASA change constantly... here is an opportunity for the battler to take on Goliath!

I only wish I could donate more to the cause! The more I think about what the evil empire did to me back when mythos was creating beer makes my blood boil... If only I had the smarts and balls like Glen back then.

How many license holders and AOC holders in Oz? Say $10 from every license holder, $1000 from every AOC holder what does that come to? (Yes I am far to lazy to ask Siri).......

[Bend alot]

Dick Smith where are you?????

Why are you not matching dollar for dollar raised?

All talk no action.

You call for CASA change constantly... here is an opportunity for the battler to take on Goliath!

I only wish I could donate more to the cause! The more I think about what the evil empire did to me back when mythos was creating beer makes my blood boil... If only I had the smarts and balls like Glen back then.

How many license holders and AOC holders in Oz? Say $10 from every license holder, $1000 from every AOC holder what does that come to? (Yes I am far to lazy to ask Siri).......

It is up to Dick if he wishes to support Glen's cause or not, he and no-one should be pressured.

Getting Glens story and the required funding for the legal battle, should Glen still wish to proceed (he still has a family that is a very high priority). Is more important than an individual or just some sectors of aviation getting involved - it will take planning and a strategy to move forward to a battle with CAsA.

A well drafted letter to all aviation sectors could be a good start and some suggestions could be to airport fuel suppliers X per litre for X period, charter companies X per charter hour, scenic ops X per seat sold, Maintenance X per Hr charged, airports x per landing/parking and similar.

If the X is small but repetitive, the end result will be large.

[Stickshift3000]

AOPA has information on their website & social media channels regarding this issue also:
https://aopa.com.au/david-versus-goliath-aptas-glen-buckley-versus-casa/

[Bend alot]

$7,148.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa?fbclid=IwAR3cC9majXCkYlrq8VVBRxYaRN9a0GcKjWKTWnS3b-3lVXpz3Mt3w1v5h0A
I should say $9,533 without donuts.

[Alpha Whiskey Bravo]

Whoever “Cup O’coffee” is, they just donated $2,275.

You Sir/Ma’am have my deepest thanks.

You too Andy Mac! Whoever you are...... ;)

[Sunfish]

It seems that any time a general aviation organisation gets to a size, or reaches a certain level of competence or public profile, CASA decides its a threat and kills it.

There is nothing worse for a manager and I guess regulator, to lose control of the agenda because your underlings seem smarter or more capable or more successful than you.

APTA would, I suspect, know more about running a flight school under the new part ??? regime than any individual at CASA, having lived through the transition process. I suspect that that FACT was seen as a threat by CASA management. Similarly Angel Flight (public profile) and perhaps schutts, civil flying school, polair (?) and others even like the humble folk who want to band together for a milk run. If you are seen as a threat you’re gone.

Readers might like to suggest their own examples.

Assuming what i’ve suggested is true, GA businesses might like to consider donating against the day that CASA decides it doesn’t like you any more.

[Bend alot]

It seems that any time a general aviation organisation gets to a size, or reaches a certain level of competence or public profile, CASA decides its a threat and kills it.

There is nothing worse for a manager and I guess regulator, to lose control of the agenda because your underlings seem smarter or more capable or more successful than you.

APTA would, I suspect, know more about running a flight school under the new part ??? regime than any individual at CASA, having lived through the transition process. I suspect that that FACT was seen as a threat by CASA management. Similarly Angel Flight (public profile) and perhaps schutts, civil flying school, polair (?) and others even like the humble folk who want to band together for a milk run. If you are seen as a threat you’re gone.

Readers might like to suggest their own examples.

Assuming what i’ve suggested is true, GA businesses might like to consider donating against the day that CASA decides it doesn’t like you any more.
Like charter, scenic and RPT ops in Darwin that recently took a big financial hits dealing with CAsA and the "delays" - luckily they did survive in some form.

[Bend alot]

In two days we have passed the $10,000 mark, the amount a week Glen was losing after CAsA'S card.

Glen will know exactly how much each $10,000 will mean - every week he had to decide where that money would go.

Till he had no-more.

I want Glen to think long and hard if it is best to proceed or give up and start again, either way he has my support both in spirit and money.

Glen do not do it just for us (we want it) but only if you have full support of your family, you will need them (more than us).

Take as much time as you need.

[glenb]

Hi all, Im back after a couple of days off air.

At the insistence of my wife, a visit to the doctor, which I am pleased to say confirms that I am stressed and anxious, but no hint of depression. I very much appreciate the sentiments and support, but be assured there is nothing to be concerned about. Energised and firing on all cylinders.

Regarding the Go Fund me page set up by a past employee. Thank you Cale. The support on there is overwhelming. My adult children don’t know all the details, after all it is a complicated matter. It must raise doubts when their Dad is banging heads with the Regulator. The messages of support and encouragement have removed ANY doubt from their mind. As a Dad, it’s a great burden to have lifted. Cheers all. Keep the messages coming. They send a clear message.

I appreciate the calls for Dick Smith to get involved. May I respectfully request that I ask Mr Smith to monitor. I believe I have a unique case to be tested i.e. nothing about safety, and nothing about regulatory breaches. It’s a clear demonstration of what happens when people apply opinion which cannot be supported by regulation. It strikes right to the heart of the PMs speech on expectations of the public service, CASAs regulatory philosophy, the Minister Statement of Expectations. It effects the entire industry, and I believe my case provides the perfect test case; I don’t know if I am right, but I think I am. Importantly, it won't be CASA that decides, and that is the purpose of the quest to raise $50,000.

If Dick Smith dropped $50,000 on the table, I suggest that would have less impact than 50,000 people dropping $1 each. Every donation is equally uplifting. I know some of the donors, and I know they are digging deep. This is a beautiful struggle and very uplifting. Whilst all the offers of assistance outside of the legal case are appreciated i.e. utilities, school fees etc, I see that very much as my own issue.

I am well underway on starting work as a Taxi driver, Uber driver, and a driving instructor. I am seeking support for the legal case only. If we can raise $50,000 that will facilitate a substantive law firm pulling the case apart and presenting their findings back to us on CASA’s unconscionable actions. Then I decide how to proceed.

I genuinely believe this first stage to be worthwhile.

I previously posted a letter to the PM and I can confirm that has been sent and received, I will shortly be writing to all Senators, and post my correspondence on here.

For those of you that have seen me shed a tear (admittedly the first to cry at a “chick flick” if that's PC still), that is not depression. That is actually the most heartfelt appreciation that a human being can have. Its something that hopefully few get to experience. But those that have experienced, will appreciate just how much each gesture means. Cheers all.

As a side note regarding Steve's article in Australian Flying, which I encourage you to buy a copy of the magazine; even buy a copy for your non aviator friends!! That is an enormous amount of work he has waded through. Massive file after, massive file, after massive file. I have no doubt, much of it unpaid. It really is an exceptional contribution, for me, and for the wider industry.

Lets go get em!

[dreamagicz]

Go n get ‘em champ!

[Global Aviator]

I can’t help but feel that the evil empire will be reading this and starting to think... What have we done... What have we started...

50k will be a start for sure but will not end the battle.

For GA and aviation to truly win, through the efforts of Glen is going to take a monumental effort.

Hats off to you mate, to have the fight left is truly inspirational indeed, the generation of today will learn from this.

The great Aussie movie The Castle comes to mind here.

[TonesL]

Just caught up on the news Glen. You’re fighting a good fight mate. This thread and the go fund me shows how many mates are behind you and how many people you have touched and influenced over the years. You have my support and thoughts. Good luck mate.

[tail wheel]

I can’t help but feel that the evil empire will be reading this....

CASA personnel are reading this thread, at least up to the last email to me on 7 August.

[Lead Balloon]

Here’s what happens when you have the kind of fight with CASA that Glen’s contemplating:


Polar Aviation Federal Court Case 1: Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (includes Corrigendum dated 27 April 2010) [2010] FCA 367 (16 April 2010) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2010/367.html?context=1;query=Polar;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCA)

Polar Aviation Federal Court Case 2: Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (No 2) [2010] FCA 404 (29 April 2010) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2010/404.html?context=1;query=Polar;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCA)

Polar Aviation Federal Court Case 3: Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (No 3) [2010] FCA 514 (26 May 2010) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2010/514.html?context=1;query=Polar;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCA)

Polar Aviation Federal Court Case 4: Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (No 4) [2011] FCA 1126 (30 September 2011) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2011/1126.html?context=1;query=Polar;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCA)

Polar Aviation Federal Court Case 5: Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (No 5) [2011] FCA 1187 (20 October 2011) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2011/1187.html?context=1;query=Polar;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCA)

Polar Aviation Full Court of the Federal Court: Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority [2012] FCAFC 97 (4 July 2012) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCAFC/2012/97.html?context=1;query=Polar;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCAFC)

One operator, 6 excursions to the Federal Court. You wouldn’t get much change out of $50K for the costs of just the first.

See if you can spot a safety issue in any of it.

[Bend alot]

Here’s what happens when you have the kind of fight with CASA that Glen’s contemplating:


Polar Aviation Federal Court Case 1: Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (includes Corrigendum dated 27 April 2010) [2010] FCA 367 (16 April 2010) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2010/367.html?context=1;query=Polar;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCA)

Polar Aviation Federal Court Case 2: Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (No 2) [2010] FCA 404 (29 April 2010) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2010/404.html?context=1;query=Polar;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCA)

Polar Aviation Federal Court Case 3: Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (No 3) [2010] FCA 514 (26 May 2010) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2010/514.html?context=1;query=Polar;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCA)

Polar Aviation Federal Court Case 4: Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (No 4) [2011] FCA 1126 (30 September 2011) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2011/1126.html?context=1;query=Polar;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCA)

Polar Aviation Federal Court Case 5: Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority (No 5) [2011] FCA 1187 (20 October 2011) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCA/2011/1187.html?context=1;query=Polar;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCA)

Polar Aviation Full Court of the Federal Court: Polar Aviation Pty Ltd v Civil Aviation Safety Authority [2012] FCAFC 97 (4 July 2012) (http://www.austlii.edu.au/cgi-bin/viewdoc/au/cases/cth/FCAFC/2012/97.html?context=1;query=Polar;mask_path=au/cases/cth/FCAFC)

One operator, 6 excursions to the Federal Court. You wouldn’t get much change out of $50K for the costs of just the first.

See if you can spot a safety issue in any of it.
The $50,000 is just for a case review - a bit like a TIF.

[Bend alot]

CASA personnel are reading this thread, at least up to the last email to me on 7 August.
I guess that is why there was the delay in opening Glens attachments back then!

[Stickshift3000]

CASA personnel are reading this thread, at least up to the last email to me on 7 August.


Where else can they go to learn about aviation..?

[BigPapi]

GoFundMe has hit $15k, really truly heartwarming.

[Bend alot]

Around 2 1/2 days since the first Gofundme donation - currently sitting at $15,433.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa

What is surprising compared to other Gofundme donations, is the average size of donations given to Glen's fund - many times larger than average.

Many people must really love Glen or have something against CAsA.

Some both I guess!!

[Okihara]

Here’s what happens when you have the kind of fight with CASA that Glen’s contemplating [...]
A good reminder of why proper legal advice and representation is not just recommended but a necessity.

Disclaimer: I don't have enough time to read through those court cases so I cannot appreciate how relevant those are and how they compare with Glen's case.
Common sense dictates here that Glen: a. didn't try to bend the rules, b. played the transparency card from the beginning, c. consulted the regulator before taking any action that could result in a fait accompli, d. showed exemplary behaviour (in my opinion).

I am the first to find CASA's initial approval and support for APTA's approach surprising. After all, what is to prevent all smaller flight schools from joining APTA and calling themselves Part 142? That is clearly not the intended purpose of the Part 141/Part 142 distinction (whether one agrees with its necessity is obviously a different matter). In a certain sense, I even agree that CASA has a right to take a second look and fix the situation it helped create. But there are certain ways in which parties are expected to behave. A respectful and considerate attitude would have been for CASA to acknowledge the significant changes that its new position would bring about and give APTA and its members ample time to "fall back into the ranks" to avoid any major financial disruption to those involved. Some kind of "Mea culpa, mate, sorry".

I think Glen has a compelling case where next to nothing can be held against him and that's why I support him and believe his legal battle is one worth fighting for. His story also illustrates that no operator is immune to the regulator's whims. That's why Glen's battle is every operator's battle. This is Australia mate; everyone here gets a fair go.

[aroa]

This is Australia, mate everyone here should get a fair go. ! We wish.
Alas with CAsA that is definitely not the case.

[Squawk7700]

I was telling someone about this thread yesterday and was asked about this. What is the relationship here?

https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/750x1334/c8b1b121_ffa3_40d1_9820_de9f3a386e62_395fcd4a85bedaf56d2a64e cfd58c6658664e8f2.png

[Bend alot]

I hope I’m wrong, but I reckon the donations to Glen’s cause won’t make it to anywhere near $50K. (I will donate, as I have to the CVDPA).
Almost a 1/3 raised in about 3 days, I do not think $50k will be hard once the word gets out.

I think 4 people in CAsA are spending a lot of time on the phone and not sleeping very well.

[mullokintyre]

Just added to the donations.
There are a number of MP's who fly.
Gordon Rich-Phillips is a Victorian state member from coalition who is a pilot.
John Wacka Williams is an RV pilot, who has retired from the senate might like to get back at CASA.
I think the bloke Brad Buzzard?? from NSW state libs is a pilot.
There may be others.
We need a champion in the Fedral Parliament to take on the conniving lying parasites at CASA .

Mick

[Horatio Leafblower]

John Wacka Williams is an RV pilot
I reckon in the 10 years or so I have known Wacka, and in the meeting I had with Wacka and Glen, he or his Chief of Staff would have mentioned a flying interest.

David Forsyth is an ex fighter pilot I believe?

[BigPapi]

Notice the header of the GoFundMe has been changed from "Glen Buckley and APTA v CASA" to simply "Glen Buckley v CASA".

[Bend alot]

Notice the header of the GoFundMe has been changed from "Glen Buckley and APTA v CASA" to simply "Glen Buckley v CASA".
Yep been that for a while now.

[Sunfish]

Almost a 1/3 raised in about 3 days, I do not think $50k will be hard once the word gets out.

I think 4 people in CAsA are spending a lot of time on the phone and not sleeping very well.

The “4 people” were most probably acting on legal advice. What you might want to know is who provided the advice and who briefed her to prepare it.

[Flaming galah]

The “4 people” were most probably acting on legal advice. What you might want to know is who provided the advice and who briefed her to prepare it.

Her? Who is she?

[Bend alot]

The “4 people” were most probably acting on legal advice. What you might want to know is who provided the advice and who briefed her to prepare it.
Oh the "Legal Team" such an honest mob!

[Bend alot]

P.S. Past the 1/3 mark to first target.

$16,723. So far

https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa?fbclid=IwAR3cC9majXCkYlrq8VVBRxYaRN9a0GcKjWKTWnS3b-3lVXpz3Mt3w1v5h0A

[Sunfish]

Wow, just wow!

I am not a lawyer but....I wonder if this applies?

Glen was told he was doing the right thing with his part xxxx work by CASA and that he was successfully operating to regulation (the promise) then all of a sudden, everything was now wrong!

However, this is American law and we may have no equivalent.

Breaking Down Promissory Estoppel

Promissory estoppel serves to enable an injured party to recover on a promise. There are common legally-required elements for a person to make a claim for promissory estoppel: a promisor, a promisee, and a detriment that the promisee has suffered. An additional requirement is that the person making the claim - the promisee - must have reasonably relied on the promise — in other words, the promise was one that a reasonable person would ordinarily rely on.

Another requirement further qualifies the required detriment component; the promisee must have suffered an actual substantial detriment in the form of an economic loss (https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/economicprofit.asp) that results from the promisor failing to deliver on his or her promise. Finally, promissory estoppel is usually only granted if a court determines that enforcing the promise is essentially the only means by which an injustice to the promisee can be rectified.



https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/promissory_estoppel.asp

[Stikman]

Wow, just wow!

I am not a lawyer but....I wonder if this applies?

Glen was told he was doing the right thing with his part xxxx work by CASA and that he was successfully operating to regulation (the promise) then all of a sudden, everything was now wrong!

However, this is American law and we may have no equivalent.



https://www.investopedia.com/terms/p/promissory_estoppel.asp

We do indeed have an equivalent.

https://www.owenhodge.com.au/blog/promissory-estoppel-what-is-it/

[glenb]

I was driving with my Dad yesterday, and he was checking how I was going.

I said, "Its pretty good, I might be the first person in the world, to go to their own funeral".

He was driving, and the car swerved slightly. He doesn't come on Prune, so its safe to say initially I didn't know if it was his "elderly" driving, but quickly noticed the concern on his face.

In the interests of road safety I quickly explained myself.

"Every other pricks dead at their funeral. I get to see all the comments of 25 years in aviation while im still alive. Its great!!!"

By the time we got to the café, I could confirm it was in fact, his elderly driving.

My family have cleared the decks for me this weekend, but I will devote this weekend to getting back to everyone, and thanks for all the support. On old industry stalwart came up to me today. Concerned about me "taking on CASA". He had tried before, and many had before him.

The difference. Poor governance can now be held to account via social networking. Those around me know how much I dislike it. But, like many of the younger people today. Im certainly receiving a groundswell of support that wouldn't be available before all that came in. Anyway I will be on here a bit over the weekend.

Thanks again for all thev support. This time. Its really gonna happen, I believe.

You would not believe how many calls I get from people whose lives have been destroyed in a manner similar to mine. Today, a gentleman living in a caravan park with his wife. Elderly, and not by choice. (Editing for clarity. I was referring to the living in the caravan park. Im sure he is married by choice,)

This must lead to a Royal Commission, Judicial Inquiry, or Special Ministerial Inquiry. We are an ICAO contracting state. Not a Banana Republic!!!

[Alpha Whiskey Bravo]

Best Boss ever!

[Bend alot]

I was driving with my Dad yesterday, and he was checking how I was going.

I said, "Its pretty good, I might be the first person in the world, to go to their own funeral".

He was driving, and the car swerved slightly. He doesn't come on Prune, so its safe to say initially I didn't know if it was his "elderly" driving, but quickly noticed the concern on his face.

In the interests of road safety I quickly explained myself.

"Every other pricks dead at their funeral. I get to see all the comments of 25 years in aviation while im still alive. Its great!!!"

By the time we got to the café, I could confirm it was in fact, his elderly driving.

My family have cleared the decks for me this weekend, but I will devote this weekend to getting back to everyone, and thanks for all the support. On old industry stalwart came up to me today. Concerned about me "taking on CASA". He had tried before, and many had before him.

The difference. Poor governance can now be held to account via social networking. Those around me know how much I dislike it. But, like many of the younger people today. Im certainly receiving a groundswell of support that wouldn't be available before all that came in. Anyway I will be on here a bit over the weekend.

Thanks again for all thev support. This time. Its really gonna happen, I believe.

You would not believe how many calls I get from people whose lives have been destroyed in a manner similar to mine. Today, a gentleman living in a caravan park with his wife. Elderly, and not by choice. (Editing for clarity. I was referring to the living in the caravan park. Im sure he is married by choice,)

This must lead to a Royal Commission, Judicial Inquiry, or Special Ministerial Inquiry. We are an ICAO contracting state. Not a Banana Republic!!!
Glen what does a dad say when nearly $20k is donated in just a few days by often strangers?
Must be pretty surreal and not just to him.*

[tail wheel]

Recent development's in Glen's struggle suggest his thread should be moved to our principal Aviation News Forum.

The thread title has been changed to more accurately reflect the current course of this matter - it is now more Glen Buckley versus CASA.

This thread now has the potential capacity to change CASA's philosophies, policies and actions.

Tail Wheel

[Sunfish]

This thread now has the potential capacity to change CASA's philosophies, policies and actions

​​​​​​​We can only hope. I’m amazed at the Gofundme response.

[glenb]

Subject : Potential impact of CASA actions, on Glen Buckley’s livelihood.

Saturday 31/08 19

Dear Mr Jason McHeyzer - CASA Regional Manager.

I am writing to you in your role as the Regional Manager for CASA.

I note that you are also a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on my matter. You have perhaps, the most comprehensive knowledge of any person within CASA. You have been involved since the very beginning, and been involved throughout. The handwritten notes that you left with me after our meeting way back on the 29/11/18, clearly indicate that you were acutely aware of the impact on me and my business back then.

You will not refute; all my engagements with CASA personnel on all matters regarding my employment as the CASA approved CEO, a CASA approved HOO, and currently in the role of Standby HOO, have been conducted by me, in a highly professional manner. My primary concerns are “safety, compliance, and the very best outcome for anyone affected by this current issue”.

I have significant “personal” differences with CASA at the moment, but my professional conduct in the work place in all CASA engagements has been exemplary. I have been warm, engaging, courteous, respectful, supportive, and professional. I have not compromised my professional integrity at any stage. You will not disagree.

You are aware of my view on Organisational ethics. I have an expectation, in any organisation including my own, and CASA, that when ethics, safety, or procedures are being compromised; as Professionals, we must make a decision. A decision to stand aside from that process and show leadership and integrity, or a decision to become complicit.

I sent the following email to you last Thursday morning. It has not been acknowledged, and I do require it acknowledged.



“Dear Jason,

Can you please advise or confirm that during the last 3 days you have not sent any correspondence to any Employer or potential employer that could potentially impact on any current or future employment for myself. Please advise by 5PM today, to assist me with future plans for me and my family. I call on you to provide that, rather than require me to make a request under FOI.

Glen”

To be frank. If you have made such a decision, and taken such a course of action, then you have over stepped the mark.

You are aware that this process has cost me everything. If you have taken any action to affect my future employment, I have a reasonable expectation that you can justify that on legitimate grounds.

Therefore. In the interests of protecting my reputation, I have advised you, that I have made a Freedom of Information request for that information to see if any such correspondence exists.

This correspondence is also being submitted simultaneously to the Industry Complaints Commissioner. I will provide CASA the “first right of refusal”. If the CASA ICC chooses not to deal with it, I will go to the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

My complaint.

If the Regional Manager, has taken action that may affect my opportunity to derive a livelihood, that should be based on justifiable grounds related to

Safety, or
Compliance, or
My professional conduct, or
Medical grounds.
I should be involved in any such correspondence, and I should at least be made aware of it.

Expected results from the ICC

I be provided with a copy of such correspondence if it exists.

If it exists, CASA issue a public apology to protect my professional reputation.

The ICC clearly state if this action by the Regional Manager is a breach of any stipulated procedures.


Thankyou, Glen Buckley


Please note. I will be publishing this correspondence immediately to minimise any further harm to my reputation.

[Smalahove]

Man, you have to stop this ****.

This tactic of writing letters to people within CASA and simultaneously posting them to Pprune HAS NOT WORKED.

And it WILL not work.

You need to understand that you will never, ever, defeat these guys using this tactic. It has cost you everything, and still you continue.

Please, for god's sake man, get a lawyer NOW. I am begging you. If'd you'd done so at the outset, you'd be in an entirely different place right now.

Somebody needed to say this, and nobody has stepped up.

There is no hope of success here without proper legal representation, and the first thing your lawyer will tell you is DO NOT CONTACT CASA AGAIN!

[Bend alot]

Please, for god's sake man, get a lawyer NOW. I am begging you. If'd you'd done so at the outset, you'd be in an entirely different place right now.



There is a very long list of (ex)companies that would disagree.

[Smalahove]

I won't argue the point, but writing accusatory letters and publishing them in public is a surefire way to a) make lifelong enemies, and b) fail in your objective. We are talking about the regulator here. They hold all the cards, and once they circle the wagons, which they've done in this case, you have a very tough uphill road ahead.

That ship has already sailed, so with new funding in place, what's next. I would suggest that a change of tactics is imperative.

[Jerr]

Dear Glen

I did my CPL with Melbourne Flight Training 10 plus years ago. You took the time to talk to me, you encouraged me, and you had a great team of highly experienced instructors. I fondly remember the Wings dinner at Brighton Receptions.

Recently I received an email from one of my flying buddies asking me to contribute to the GoFundMe page. He has a big contact list I believe. I then have taken the time to read this thread.

I am sorry that you have ended up in this situation. I was always very impressed with your philosophy and attitude. Running a business is hard enough, but then having the goalposts changed/altered down the track is simply unfair. Good on you for taking this on, you have my sympathy for what this has done to you and your family.

I have donated to the fund. I have also written and left a voicemail for my federal member of parliament. I encourage others to do the same.

I agree with Tailwheels comment - may be this is the thread that can make a difference.

CASA - Should be about safety and encouraging aviation, but at the moment the feeling in my flying club is that CASA is the Centre Against Sensible Aviation.

If there is anything else I can do, please PM. Hope to see you in Safeway again soon.

Blue skies

Jerr

[Torres]

Man, you have to stop this ****.

This tactic of writing letters to people within CASA and simultaneously posting them to PPRuNe HAS NOT WORKED.

I've been in that dark place. He got nowhere playing straight ball. He's given all and has nothing else to lose. All he has left is to play by his rules.

It worked for me! :ok:

[Smalahove]

He's given all and has nothing else to lose.He's going to have fifty grand from the GoFund page (to which I donated from half a world away, even though I've never met him and probably never will). Now, I'd like to think that will give him a fresh start... perhaps some fresh thinking about how to proceed is in order. Continuing to employ tactics that have failed quite spectacularly makes no sense.

[Global Aviator]

Yep I reckon this approach is the only way, yes it appears the legal wheels will turn. What would CASA try to suppress? Probably all of it. If what Glen is writing is 100% factual (and I have no reason to doubt it) then even Joe Public could read this and see he was screwed.

In this new world of social media using it to your advantage is smart.

When the empire touched me up a little it was because I gave up, knew I didn’t have the coin to fight.

This is going to be interesting, my gut feeling is the empire must now realise they have started an Royal Rumble of WWF proportions.

No doubt Glens legal eagles will be taking over shortly.

From reading all, he has appealed to the empire, short of begging for a response and nothing. Now imagine if this was private enterprise!

GOOD LUCK, gloves on!!!

[Flaming galah]

No doubt Glens legal eagles will be taking over shortly.



Yes, that is what we’ve all funded, legal fees.

[Astbury]

I would certainly be agreeing with Smalahove & urging some caution here

I can't see what benefit posting letters , & words written when you are annoyed brings you - how is this going to move you forward ?

It will only make the Regulator more determined to maintain their position

Litigation's in the mid-level & superior courts go on for years & the costs of getting to trial are immense($100K) , not without considering the costs of running a trial ($10K per day)

Everyday people are destroyed in the civil courts every week in Australia , often by their own lawyers who won't hesitate to bankrupt their own clients who can't pay their fees.

Do you really want to spend the next 3 + years of your life doing "litigation" - you won't have time for anything else , this will consume you

What is your "cause of action" ? , do you have one ?

I wish you well Glen but you have to be careful what you wish for

[ramble on]

From what Ive heard from contacts that know how he ran his school, CASA could actually do with his skills.

A good example of how they should be run....

[Sunfish]

smalahove/;


Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: Canada
Posts: 28
Man, you have to stop this ****.

This tactic of writing letters to people within CASA and simultaneously posting them to PPRuNe HAS NOT WORKED.

And it WILL not work.

You need to understand that you will never, ever, defeat these guys using this tactic. It has cost you everything, and still you continue.

Please, for god's sake man, get a lawyer NOW. I am begging you. If'd you'd done so at the outset, you'd be in an entirely different place right now.

Somebody needed to say this, and nobody has stepped up.

There is no hope of success here without proper legal representation, and the first thing your lawyer will tell you is DO NOT CONTACT CASA AGAIN!

I started out thinking the same as you. It works when you are dealing with government in an environment where both sides adhere to the principles of fairness, equity and natural justice.

However it appears, although we haven’t heard CASAs explanation, that Glen has been denied that - something that CASA appears to get away with, at least in the AAT, by shouting: “but........SAFETY!!!!

While I could be mistaken, the issue at hand is how can Glen one day be told what he is doing is right, yet the next day it’s all wrong and we will shut him down? Nothing about “SAFETY’.

So Glen has taken his case to the court of public opinion, which seems far more powerful than other courts.

P.S I wouldn’t just be writing to politicians. I’d produce a press pack and send it to every paper, magazine, internet blog, current affairs program and radio station in the country. The pack starts with a press release (a specialised document, don’t try and write it without expert media help), an explanatory plain english section with no jargon and contact and website details. That worked for me after fighting with an Insurance company. I went through all the hoops but they still told me to eff off.

I wrote to the CEO and told him I had sent my paperwork to the ACCC, The Insurance complaints review tribunal and that the press pack was going out tomorrow with the heading ‘on the release: “xxxx your a sucker not a number”. He rang me two hours later saying “how much?”. He then explained the effect negative publicity would have on his business.

Your press release suggested heading? “So you want to reduce red tape Prime Minister?.

[Bend alot]

Sunny, in cases against CASA the AAT have sided, so no amount of lobbing Senators will count.

There is a parallel with Immigration playing out now over deportation - backed by many, to their Senators to stand up but nothing. (But au pairs are fine to intervene on a Sunday.)

The press pack is required and a well produced one at that.

[B772]

Jason McHeyzer was a RAAF Navigator in a previous life. It appears he was responsible for the regulatory mess CASA are in. The following link makes interesting reading.
https://www.afap.org.au/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=XBYtZt_Q6y0%3D&portalid=0

Looking at the CASA board I am less than impressed. Even the Minister the Board report to is a lame duck. I am of the opinion there is a conflict of interest having the CEO and Director of Aviation Safety as a CASA Board Member.

[The name is Porter]

The press has started, Australian Flying, a very well respected part of Australian Aviation had the courage to publish on this. Steve Hitchen must be commended for this. If he has a licence he is putting it at risk in the fight against this mob. Most of us have something to lose here, when any of us speak out, CASA will target us. It's a pretty poor state of affairs when you have to donate anonymously, you can't put your name to it because CASA, monitoring this thread, will get you. I have first hand proof of this, it WILL come out when this goes further as the person with the proof has stated they will testify if required.

Glen, I speak to people who've never met you, they are donating, they are making appointments with their local members.

Keep it up, you will have many ups and downs through this. But the most uplifting part of your story is when you have nothing left to lose it's a massive weight off your shoulders.

I don't think people know just how much Glen has lost here. EVERYTHING materially and more. Glen could have easily moved out of GA, but he didn't. GA was his passion, he bought a SIM that was the best on the field at the time. MFT pumped because of his customer focus. I'd never seen anything like it at the time. None of the schools I attended previously came close. MFT CPL graduates pulled jobs on Glen's reputation.

As far as I'm concerned, if this fight is lost, it's all over.

[Bend alot]

If he has a licence he is putting it at risk in the fight against this mob.

Most of us have something to lose here, when any of us speak out, CASA will target us.

It's a pretty poor state of affairs when you have to donate anonymously, you can't put your name to it because CASA, monitoring this thread, will get you.

I have first hand proof of this, it WILL come out when this goes further as the person with the proof has stated they will testify if required.



Correct and many have proof if/when required.

[Smalahove]

So Glen has taken his case to the court of public opinion, which seems far more powerful than other courts.IANAL, but in my view he is dangerously close to getting sued for libel. The guy from CASA warned him; it's clear they are contemplating this. Knowing the vindictiveness of this organization, would it surprise anyone if they proceeded?

[Global Aviator]

If the empire did that it would be akin to bullying in the workplace...

Public perception will play a huge media roll as this progresses. It truly is becoming the Aussie battler story.

I certainly ain’t no lawyer but isn’t 99.99% of what’s been written direct copies of one side of the correspondence?

Hats off to all and sundry who have donated, my name adding to the list.

I just can’t see this going away now or being swept under the rug.....

[glenb]

Hi Smalahove.

First and formost, thankyou for supporting me. I will be honest, a small business owners battle half away around the world, probably wouldn't stir me enough to pull out my credit card, and that's the honest truth. You gesture is sincerely and humbly appreciated.

You mentioned that we may never meet. I hope that isn't so. I hope in fact, that everybody on here has the opportunity to meet me face to face and identify themselves. I would appreciate the opportunity to give you a good long handshake, look you straight in the eye, and thankyou.

I do have one particular request for you however Smalahove, after googling your "handle". Can we please go out for dinner, rather than you go to the trouble of cooking, and ahhh, I might choose the restaurant if that's ok.

Someone suggested recently that I should perhaps wind back the clock a bit and provide a background to the current situation, which will be my next post.

Smalahove, may I ask your drink of choice?What would go down well with that?

[glenb]

Following is a historical overview to the current situation. Cheers. Glen.

March 2002 In March 2002 CASA commenced the“Part 142 Project”. It was scheduled for completion of implementation in 2005.There was no mention that schools such as mine would lose access to the Integrated 150 hour CPL which my Business derived 90% of its income from.

July 2003 CASA released Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM312FS). It made no mention that schools such as mine would lose access to the Integrtaed 150 hour CPL

2006 I opened my Business, and in accordance with my Business Plan derived 90% of my revenue by delivering the 150 hour CPL. There had been no suggestion that schools such as mine were to lose access to the 150-hour CPL.

December 2011 CASA produced a consultation draft of the upcoming legislation. It made no mention of the loss of the 150-hour CPL to my Business. It dealt entirely with other non-related matters.

December 2012 CASA released the Regulation Impact Statement

February 2013 Part 61/141/142 became law and was scheduled to commence on 4th December 2013. This was a complete overhaul of the entire legislative framework.

Early November 2013 Repeated CASA assurances that new legislation was commencing on 4th December 2013, despite the fact that it appeared to Industry CASA would not be ready.

Mid November 2013 CASA reversed decision and announced delay to Part 61/141/142 until 1st September 2014. This had a cost impact on the business as significant resources had been diverted to the project.

September 2014 New legislation commenced and schools had until September 1st 2017 to Transition to what was classified as a Part 141 (lower category) or Part 142 (higher category school)

April 2017 APTA completed Transition approximately 4 months ahead of schedule.

In December 2012, CASA released the Regulation Impact Statement (RIS) on the impact of the new regulations (Part 61/141/142) on Industry. This Regulation Impact Statement covered in detail the proposed CASA changes and their impact on Industry. Significant decisions were made by CASA based on this document, and my own Business depended on its contents. I trusted it, and it was grossly inaccurate. With the passage of time that statement is easily supported and 100% of Industry will concur.

I will draw your attention to the section that addressed the impact on business.g with the impact of the proposed regulations on Businesses

“Businesses- The existing flight crew training businesses will be required to meet new standards, however, again, whilst these represent a deviation from existing standards the changes are relatively minor, which is supported by the feedback that CASA obtained from the consultation process”

There can be no doubt that statement was grossly incorrect. In fact the changes were the biggest changes ever to the flight training industry in Australia, and that has been the experience of the entire industry.

Importantly, the RIS still did not mention any suggestion that my Business was to lose access to the 150-hour CPL. We now know that the RIS was substandard at least.

Under FOI I obtained documentation and I wholeheartedly disagree with the statement, “which is supported by the feedback that CASA obtained from the consultation process”. The information released to me by CASA under FOI does not support that contention and in fact I claim that to be an untruth.

In fact the proposed changes were not supported by feedback from Industry.

The new legislation was scheduled to commence on December 4th 2013.I prepared as best as I could. This included contractual obligations with staff and significant diverting of resources. This process was made substantially more difficult as CASA obviously had not finalised most of the supporting material, and particularly did not have a finalised Manual of Standards which was the underpinning document for flight schools to prepare. I asked CASA if there was any guidance material to prepare. I was told that “the expectation was that a Part 142 School would have the capability to do it without guidance material.

I had invested significant time and resources into developing my own material, when CASA reversed its decision and in fact released guidance material. My investment in time and resources had been wasted, and the process re-commenced drawing on aspects of the guidance material.

In early November 2013, I received repeated assurances from CASA that the legislation was proceeding in approximately 5 weeks’ time on December 4th 2013. This seemed absurd to me as CASA had not finalised the Manual of Standards (MOS) which was the underpinning and essential document for Flying Schools. CASA repeatedly assured me the legislation was proceeding. Nevertheless, the investment was made, and I was prepared.

Two weeks later CASA reversed their decision, and delayed the commencement until September 1st 2014, with a requirement for Businesses to have completed the Transition to a Part 142 Organisation by September 1st 2017.

My Organisation was one of less than 10% of Australia’s schools that met the CASA deadline of September 1st 2017, as I was required to, and in accordance with CASAs desire for Organisations to Transition as soon as possible. I achieved a date of May 2017, approximately 4 months early. The number of hours devoted to this project was significantly in excess of 2000 hours , and that is in line with other operators experiences.

One month after I completed the Transition, CASA announced yet a further extension to the deadline of September 1st, 2018. I estimate the cost of that delay to my Business to be conservatively a further $600,000 in direct costs. I was effectively left with a “white elephant” but stuck with the additional costings associated with the 142 Approval.

In September of 2018, CASA introduced the delayed legislation.

[Torres]

"...in cases against CASA the AAT have sided..."

I presume you meant to say "... sided with CASA"?

From an article by Paul Phelan in Australian Flying:
24 Mar 99:
In a pre-hearing teleconference between Uzu, CASA and the AAT, the Tribunal indicates that it expects CASA to restore the AOC by close of business on Mar 26, provided the three CASA conditions are met (which UZU insists they already are).

In anticipation of a full AAT hearing the following week, UZU has already applied for summonses requiring CASA personnel to be present at the hearing. This means they will almost certainly be called upon to give evidence and to face cross-examination.

The AAT official indicates that she will be in her office for a further half hour after close of business, and that if the AOC is not restored by that time she will arrange a "substantive" hearing on Monday 29.

Late on Friday afternoon, CASA blinks. In a faxed message UZU is advised its charter AOC is restored "subject to the company implementing Class A maintenance” and check and training - a unique requirement, but at least the company is back in business.

"....so no amount of lobbing Senators will count."

Don't bet on it! :} CASA hates being questioned by politicians. Warren Entsch MP has been known to bring pressure on CASA.

It appears Glen Buckley has been stone walled, hung out to dry, denied natural justice and review in an appropriate Court. He has nothing more to give or lose. This forum and selected media is now his only recourse, as all other avenues have been denied by CASA.

I'm impressed with how his plight has motived a very wide cross section of the Australian aviation industry. Even this PPRuNe thread now has 432 posts, 168,298 views and assisted in raising $20,808 from 111 concerned people. The funds raised may not reach the $50,000 for a lawyer review, but they certainly give Glen funds to keep fighting.

I suspect a few in CASA may be concerned with how and when this will all end. :ok:

[Bend alot]

From an article by Paul Phelan in Australian Flying:
Quote:
24 Mar 99:
In a pre-hearing teleconference between Uzu, CASA and the AAT, the Tribunal indicates that it expects CASA to restore the AOC by close of business on Mar 26, provided the three CASA conditions are met (which UZU insists they already are).

In anticipation of a full AAT hearing the following week, UZU has already applied for summonses requiring CASA personnel to be present at the hearing. This means they will almost certainly be called upon to give evidence and to face cross-examination.

The AAT official indicates that she will be in her office for a further half hour after close of business, and that if the AOC is not restored by that time she will arrange a "substantive" hearing on Monday 29.

Late on Friday afternoon, CASA blinks. In a faxed message UZU is advised its charter AOC is restored "subject to the company implementing Class A maintenance” and check and training - a unique requirement, but at least the company is back in business.


https://www.ch-aviation.com/portal/airline/7UZ


Interesting as are the related topics below.

A skilfully mismanaged stuffup | Pro Aviation (http://proaviation.com.au/2013/04/28/a-skilfully-mismanaged-stuffup/)

[Torres]

UZU has already applied for summonses requiring CASA personnel to be present at the hearing. This means they will almost certainly be called upon to give evidence and to face cross-examination.

CASA tried every trick to avoid this - I don't think they wanted Assistant Director "Mumbles" cross examined! :}

To clarify, whilst Uzu Air's AOC was restored and they were awarded one of the first "low capacity RPT" AOC's by the Director of CASA personally at Horn Island, 66 days grounding and the loss of over $300,000 took their toll and the company was eventually voluntarily wound up for financial reasons. (Even then, vindictive forces within CASA tried to embarrass the Director for "taking control of an aircraft", a totally fallacious accusation).

Exactly what it appears a totally unaccountable CASA are now trying to do to Glen Buckley.

As a CASA FOI (one of the honest guys!) mentioned to me at the time "If CASA was required to hold an AOC it would have been cancelled years ago!"

[Okihara]

To clarify, whilst Uzu Air's AOC was restored and they were awarded one of the first "low capacity RPT" AOC's by the Director of CASA personally at Horn Island, 66 days grounding and the loss of over $300,000 took their toll and the company was eventually voluntarily wound up for financial reasons. (Even then, vindictive forces within CASA tried to embarrass the Director for "taking control of an aircraft", a totally fallacious accusation).

Does that mean that in the aforementioned case, UZU was only trying to get the AOC restored but didn't sue for financial loss ensuing from the wrongfully withdrawn certificate? It feels very inadequate a judgment in UZU's favour if it wasn't accompanied by financial reparations for the shortfall incurred to be made.

[Smalahove]

Smalahove, after googling your "handle". Can we please go out for dinner,Ha ha ha! Your sense of humour is intact, I see.

What would go down well with that?I honestly have no idea. I'm not sure I could manage anything after such a delicacy. But I'll be honest with you, I'll drink anything that's not water. ;)

[Torres]

Okihara, sue CASA for compensation - with what? The cash tin was empty.

Do you have any idea what it costs to sue the Commonwealth, or any entity with 24 million shareholders able to hide behind an Act of Parliament?

CASA knows it can operate totally unaccountable, denying natural justice and in a rogue manner outside the bounds of common decency.

It harbours a select group, devoid of morals, unable to get real jobs. The sad part is that the honest, competent professionals within CASA - and there have been many over the years - ultimately get frustrated and leave.

[glenb]

The Executive Manager of Regulatory Services and Surveillance travels from Canberra to Melbourne to overview APTA on Friday 11th January 2019.

He elects to extend his visit an additional day, so that he can conduct an onsite visit to the Ballarat operation on Saturday 12th January 2019.

That visit proceeded, and in fact the aero club received an email from the Executive Manager of Regulatory Services CASA.

That email stated
“ I thank you, fellow Board Members and staff from the BAC for your briefings on Saturday 12 January. My observations and the feedback provided provides strong support for the APTA model, and more importantly, evidence for a model that can assist ongoing flight training by regional and/or smaller aviation providers in a contemporary regulatory environment. My appreciation to you all – safe flying”

I was very much under the impression that the “revised CASA view” was very supportive, based on the above email.

In more recent correspondence released by CASA they have tried to paint a picture that there were concerns about the Ballarat operation. This “backflip” by CASA concerned me so I sent the following request under Freedom Of Information request on 20/08/19

Dear Mr Gobbitt, On Saturday 12th January 2019 , Mr XXXXXXXX, attended the Ballarat Aero Club to make his own assessment of APTA. He did this in his senior position as the Executive Manager Regulatory Service and Surveillance. Under FOI, may I request the notes that were made by him related to that site visit. Thanking you in anticipation of your co-operation, respectfully, Glen.

The response from CASA to the Freedom of Information request;

“I am the decision maker for your request. In accordance with subparagraph 24A(1)(b)(ii) of the ACT, I refuse your request for access as I am satisfied the documents you are seeking do not exist

Really?, One of CASA most senior executives travels from Canberra to Melbourne to look first hand at APTA. He then elects to gret a hotel and a rental vehicle and stay an extra day, and travels down to Ballarat Aero Club (1 ½ hour drive), spends a significant amount of time talking to everyone, gains a positive overview, and heads back to Canberra. Surely there would be something. Some kind of a report. Anything.

Of course it could be that the report was so supportive, that it had to “disappear”. It was clearly stated to me and my father that report would be prepared. I would reasonably expect that to happen. I cannot accept that “the document does not exist”

Side note. The Executive Manager Regulatory Services and Surveillance reports directly to the Head of the Aviation Group, Mr Graeme Crawford.

[glenb]

Under Freedom of Information I requested the Technical Assessor Worksheet. This is the CASA checklist from their own files. Over 600 individual items were each assessed and "ticked off" by CASA in order for APTA to get its Part 141 and 142 Approval. These were CASA stipulated requirements for my business if it was to continue operating after September 2017.

There is no doubt CASA were integral in the design. It cannot be refuted.

[Smalahove]

A couple of hopefully brief remarks before I take my seat:

I bring to this thread some 35 years as an employee of a government agency. I started as a labourer; I was in management when I left. I spent ten years as an inspector before they booted me upstairs in 2003.

My specialty was the "difficult" files. The ones nobody wanted to touch. The ones where one wrong move could land you in the newspapers, with all hell breaking loose.

I did it for a long time, and I loved it. So I know a little about what works and what doesn't when it comes to dealing with government agencies.

They key to success is to find a person inside the organisation that wants to help you. I don't mean some drone who will perform his duties by rote, I am talking about someone who WANTS to help you. If you can find that, you have struck gold.

I have gone to bat for ordinary citizens who felt wronged many, many times. I fought my bosses on their behalf, and 100% of the time my bosses acknowledged that I was right. They never once called me on my decisions, not once. I was trusted to make the call.

All this because I WANTED to help the person. I believed in them. And they approached me with respect and dignity.

Glen, if you had found someone like me within CASA at the beginning of this unfortunate saga, you might have trod a very different path.

Please try to learn from this. You have no hope of finding a sympathetic ear inside CASA now. That was your best chance, and it's gone. Now, your only hope is to find someone, somewhere, who believes in your cause, but more importantly, actually LIKES you.

Glen, please, you have got to stop attacking people. They may well deserve every bit of it, but in your situation you just can't do that. You gotta be cool like Fonzie, my man. You need influential people to like you, and they don't dig attack posts full of inuendo. I will say it again... YOU HAVE TO STOP THIS ****!

You need an advocate who has some influence. I used to be such a person. Can you cool your anger enough to find someone like me?

[Torres]

"You have no hope of finding a sympathetic ear inside CASA now."

CASA is not a happy place. 20 years ago, in Glen's position, I still found quiet support within CASA.

Glen, with all those "Yes" and "Satisfactory" responses, have CASA advise you that your organization is actually 'not compliant' and if so, with what?

[Lead Balloon]

Hi again, Glen. Let me reiterate my earnest hope that you will get something positive out of all of this. However, your posts do manifest a dangerous level of naïveté.

At post #440 you said:I sent the following request under Freedom Of Information request on 20/08/19

Dear Mr Gobbitt, On Saturday 12th January 2019 , Mr XXXXXXXX, attended the Ballarat Aero Club to make his own assessment of APTA. He did this in his senior position as the Executive Manager Regulatory Service and Surveillance. Under FOI, may I request the notes that were made by him related to that site visit. Thanking you in anticipation of your co-operation, respectfully, Glen.

The response from CASA to the Freedom of Information request;

“I am the decision maker for your request. In accordance with subparagraph 24A(1)(b)(ii) of the ACT, I refuse your request for access as I am satisfied the documents you are seeking do not exist

Really?, One of CASA most senior executives travels from Canberra to Melbourne to look first hand at APTA. He then elects to gret a hotel and a rental vehicle and stay an extra day, and travels down to Ballarat Aero Club (1 ½ hour drive), spends a significant amount of time talking to everyone, gains a positive overview, and heads back to Canberra. Surely there would be something. Some kind of a report. Anything.Your FOI request was not for “some kind of report” or “any” record created about the visit to, the meeting at or observations made about APTA and the Ballarat Aero Club on 12 Jan 2019.

Your FOI request was for “notes that were made by [CASA’s Executive Manager Regulatory Service and Surveillance] related to that site visit”.

If he didn’t make any notes, they do not exist. Even if one of his hapless minions attended as well, and took notes, the notes taken by the hapless minion do not fall within the scope of your request.

You’re in a gunfight, armed with a popgun.

Do your recent woes boil down to the interpretation of the word “employee” and CASA’s judgment of whether the expanding APTA had a sufficient number of suitably qualified and competent “employees”?

[Bend alot]

Can anyone answer AviatorDave question in Rumours and News?

Or a "few of the big pictures" that the numerous CAsA staff have at different locations.

[glenb]

This is the crux of my problem.

CASA had approved APTA some 18 months earlier in April 2017 as a Part 141 and 142 Organisation. The business had already been operating for about 12 years prior, but we were required to rewrite our entire manual suite to the new regulatory structure.

6 months after our Transition had been through a Level 1 audit (the highest possible) with a number of CASA personnel over number of days. NO problems were identified.

CASA was actually suggesting APTA to organisations that were struggling. Our membership was growing and I had members wanting to join. I had absolutely no reason to have any concerns at all about the business model.

Important to this case is the change of CMT. The CMT being the oversighting team. I was advised of my new team. Someone on that team "concerned" me. It concerned me enough to request a one on one ON THE RECORD, meeting with my Regional Manager. I expressed my concerns. The CMT change proceeded, and the entire attitude changed.

That notification in October 2018 came with no prior warning at all.

It was on the basis of the Aviation Ruling (later agreed by CASA to be the incorrect document), and the Temporary Locations procedure (which was later found to be CASA own procedure that they suggested we use, and they had approved, and audited).

It then moved to contracts requirements. CASA claimed we didn't have contracts. I proved that we did and they had been provided to CASA on multiple occasions.

It then changed to content of contracts, CASA could not state what they wanted, but only that they were not happy. I explained that I needed to know what "right" looked like if they knew what "wrong" looked like.

They provided suggested text, which I fully adopted, and they then rejected. They then provided further suggested text for the contract which I adopted. They said that is fine, we are good to go. Then they reversed their decision and said hold on. Then CASA still couldn't work out what they want, so went to an external QC at significant cost, and came with third set of guidance material which they advised I could not use word for word, so I didn't. I explained that I was satisfied with my contracts and called on them to make a decision, which they still have not done. Had they made a decision, I would have had something to appeal.

So in summary, there was never any accusation of a safety compromise at all. There was no allegation of regulatory breaches.

The allegations of regulatory breaches only came up many months later when it was identified that we had not been provided with the LTV audit results. In fact CASA supposedly didn't have any results, so undertook to write them up over the weekend which they did. The only problem was that these new audit results now contained new allegations of a number of regulatory breaches that had not been bought up for. Every attempt to resolve these new allegations was completely ignored by CASA.

I also had an allegation of flight and duty breaches at one stage, but CASA were not ever able to name the offending pilot. That is a rough overview, but effectively, it would be fair to say, CASA threw absolutely everything they had at APTA to bring it down, and I really have no idea why.

[glenb]

I actually did find that person within CASA, a name I have tried to avoid publishing in my correspondence. A man of exceptional integrity and ethics. Principled and well intentioned. Fair, and a big thinker. He actually came from outside of CASA from a significant contribution to a number of Government departments. He had my confidence and I trusted him. He was a "decompressor" in that he could take the heat and pressure out of situations. He is the individual that attended the Ballarat location to gain an overview.

In the CASA Organisational Structure he reported directly to Mr Graeme Crawford who is the ultimate decision maker.

I have the highest levels of trust and confidence in the ethics and integrity of Mr Peter White. Sadly, due to a health issue he has left CASA, and I sincerely wish him all the best.

I had him but lost him.

[glenb]

That is the worksheet that was used some 18 months earlier. Initially There was never any allegation of a regulatory breach. I am dealing only with a change of opinion, while CASA "think" about it. They have been thinking about it since October 2018. I wouldn't mind them taking so long if they weren't simultaneously placing restrictions on the businesses ability to trade.

[Okihara]

Bouncing on Smalahove's comment above suggesting that Glen finds someone with high moral integrity within the organisation, I start suspecting the opposite. I have the impression that someone there seems to hold a personal grudge against Glen. This sudden 180 deg reversal in their attitude, the relentlessness with the contracts rewrites and obsessive efforts to dismantle APTA after endorsing it in the first place almost has vengeance written all over it. And that's weird because the overwhelming consensus here is that Glen is not the kind of person that has untold numbers of enemies.

So what is it that's driving all this? Do we/does Glen know everything? Who stands to benefit from the dismantling of APTA? Maybe that's an angle to consider

[Bend alot]

$21,408

Happy Fathers Day Glen.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa

[Smalahove]

II had him but lost him.You were on the right track, but as you say, you lost him. I gotta take a break here, being across the Atlantic, but I urge you to rethink things. If you continue... ah, you already know what I'll say..

[glenb]

Please keep following, its a very emotional environment here in Australia, and impartial, objective and well intentioned advice is always valuable and must be considered. Respectfully, Glen

[Sunfish]

What Smalahove is saying is that you have wittingly or unwittingly adopted the Whitlam strategy of crash through or crash. Be very careful not to leave yourself open to a defamation lawsuit. Think very hard if you are offered ann option by CASA to get out of this mess.

my guess is that by now your files are all in the lawyers offices at CASA and no one, well meaning or not, in CASA is going to get a look at them. What that now means is the legal battle will start. As I said before, your only hope now is public opinion or having more money than CASA.

[glenb]

Thanks for all of the well intentioned advice, all much appreciated.

Regarding defamation.

CASA has made it clear in the correspondence from the CASA CEO that those individuals would potentially be able to pursue their own claim against me.

My perspective.

Far more unfair damage has been bought to my reputation, as a result of actions by the named individuals.
It is a matter of aviation safety
It is the truth, I can substantiate it, I am fully prepared to be held accountable in law.
I am truly destitute, so any financial threats, although noted and respected, cannot be addressed.
It is in the public interest.


I fully respect our judicial system, and would welcome the opportunity to defend my reputation. It would cost me little. I wouldn't get a lawyer. I will turn up on the day, neatly dressed and simply "tell the truth". If any of those CASA personnel elect that path. I will respect it.

In the interim, I will continue with my goal of working towards $50,000 on the crowdfunding. Once I achieve $50,000 I will initiate the process myself, if they haven't.
Thankyou once again for your support. It is overwhelming and clearly demonstrates that my concerns are shared by the wider industry

https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa

[harrryw]

IANAL, but in my view he is dangerously close to getting sued for libel. The guy from CASA warned him; it's clear they are contemplating this. Knowing the vindictiveness of this organization, would it surprise anyone if they proceeded?
Just what they do not want.. They have to PROVE his statements were false and malicious. They must answer to cross examination.

[thorn bird]

OKIHARA asks,

"So what is it that's driving all this? Do we/does Glen know everything? Who stands to benefit from the dismantling of APTA? Maybe that's an angle to consider".

A very good question, especially when things don't seem to make much sense.
Given the increasing interest in Australia's aviation infrastructure by entities from a certain foreign power and given their propensity for handing out Aldi shopping bags full of cash, one could suspect skulduggery, but that I guess we will never know.

[Smalahove]

I have the impression that someone there seems to hold a personal grudge against Glen.You would kinda expact that, wouldn't you?

[Smalahove]

The wounds are self inflicted, and I'm trying to urge a different approach that may be less agressive, but more effective.

The campaign has stalled a bit.... c'mon people, get behind the guy who gambled everything on your behalf and lost.

[Smalahove]

Why should anywone care about what some asshole in Canada Says?

Well, i cant think of a reason, but we do have a good reputation for being inclusive.

[glenb]

If my story is to be believed
CASA helped me design APTA
CASA changed their mind overnight and placed a number of restrictions on my ability to trade
This eventually lead to me losing absolutely everything.
I might add, and no individual in CASA will refute this. My dealings outside of Pprune, and in my role as a Deputy HOO have been uncompromising and professional. I have been warm, open, respectful, safety focussed, and compliance focussed. There can be no question of my conduct. Have I been a vocal critic of elements within CASA. Perhaps. I am simply screaming out to be heard after more than 9 months of this.With all the havoc and destruction that CASA have already wreaked on me, the Regional Manager then elects to become involved in my livelihood, and sends the following email that lead to the cessation of my potential role as the Deputy HOO into the future.

Tuesday 27/08/19, 2.14PM CASA Regional Manager to New Owner of APTA


Hi (new owner of APTA), I understand that Mr Buckley remains as APTA deputy HOO. This is no longer tenable with the comments that Mr Buckley is making publicly.Please confirm APTA’s intentions in relation to Mr Buckley as deputy HOO and whether Mr Buckley is authorised to speak on behalf of APTA. Thanks again Jason.



Really CASA, when is enough enough!

[glenb]

I might point out that I got that email, after I submitted a FOI request. It was handed over prior to that process commencing.

The owner of APTA was somewhat uncomfortable in his discussion with me, and I suspected it may have been initiated from within CASA., so I send him the following email, later that night after my employment was finished.

Wednesday 28/08/19 1.46AM Glen Buckley to CASA Regional Manager

Dear Jason, May I respectfully request f you make any determination regarding my continuing employment with my current employer, or have any concerns that may have an impact on my families welfare, or my ability to derive an income. that I be involved in that correspondence. Respectfully, Glen



Wednesday 28/08/19 7.57AM CASA Regional Manager to Glen Buckley

Glen, I acknowledge your email. I have asked the accountable manager (new APTA owner) to clarify whether you continue to operate as Deputy HOO, and whether you are authorised to speak on behalf of APTA.I will leave it to Mr XXXXXXX, as the accountable manager, to communicate his decisions to you. Regards. Jason McHeyzer Region Manager


Wednesday 28/08/19 8.04AM Email Glen Buckley to CASA Regional Manager

Hi Jason, sorry my inquiry isn’t actually specifically regarding APTA or my role within APTA. Im trying to plan for my family going forward. Im simply asking for you to consider my reputation when contacting any employers or potential employers. Can you clarify if CASA has concerns about me in a Key Personnel role only? I was about to get my instructor rating active but will change my plans if you are opposed to me having a wider involvement in the industry. I don’t think the question really needs to involve (New Business Owner), because it’s a query about my wider employability. Thankfully, Glen



Wednesday 28/08/19 3.51PM Glen Buckley to CASA Regional Manager.

Hi Jason, just after an acknowledgement of the previous email regarding my wider employability, cheers. Glen


Wednesday 28/08/19 4.51PM CASA Regional Manager to Glen Buckley

Hi Glen, I have been in a meeting all day. I acknowledge your email and I am not aware of any concerns in relation to your flight crew licence, instructor privileges or employment in the industry. Regards Jason


Thursday 29/08/19 5.14AM Glen Buckley to CASA Regional Manage

rDear Jason, Can you please advise or confirm that during the last 3 days you have not sent any correspondence to any Employer or potential employer that could potentially impact on any current or future employment for myself. Please advise by 5PM today, to assist me with future plans for me and my family. I call on you to provide that, rather than require me to make a request under FOI. Glen.




Thursday 29/08/19 6.09PM CASA Regional Manager to new APTA Owner

Dear Mr XXXXXI refer to your email excahange with Jason McHeyzer on Tuesday afternoon 27th August 2019, and in particular to Mr McHeyzers email to you of 2.14PM on that day.I understand that MrMc Heyzer spoke to you in a telephone conversation later in the afternoon of 27 August 2019 to clarify his intentions.

I confirm here that Mr Mc Heyzer sought to ensure that APTA was aware that Mr Buckley was representing his views as the views of APTA. The proprietary or impropriety of this was and is entirely a matter between you and Mr Buckley.

Please be assured CASA has no issue with Mr Buckley being or remaining an employee of APTA, and it is a question for you to decide whether he should be or remain so.Mr Mc Heyzer also sought your advice in relation to Mr Buckley’s role.In the event Mr Buckley, or anyone else for that matter, should be nominated by you as a person to hold a position in APTA for which CASAs approval would be required, we would consider any such nomination fairly, on the merits and according to the applicable requirements at that time, having regard to the relevant considerations.For now, I apologise for any confusion Mr Mc Heyzers email may have created, and I trust his follow up telephone advice of 27 August 2019 coupled with his message clarifies CASAs position.Yours sincerely, Craig

Friday 30/08/19 4.53AM. Glen Buckley makes Freedom of Information Request,

Dear Mr Gobbitt, I believe that at some stage during the week commencing 26/08/19, the Regional Manager, Mr Jason McHeyzer may have initiated and sent correspondence to my employer that has affected my continuing employment, and my families welfare. If that correspondence exists, as it primarily affects me, can I call for a copy of any such correspondence. Respectfully, Glen Buckley

Oh OK, CASA changed their mind (again) now its OK for me to return to my employment at APTA. Thanks Mr Mc Heyzer

[glenb]

Saturday 31/08/19 9.42AM Email simultaneously sent to CASA Regional Manager and CASA Industry Complaints Commissioner.


Subject : Potential impact of CASA actions, on Glen Buckley’s livelihood. Saturday 31/08/19

Dear Mr Jason McHeyzer. I am writing to you in your role as the Regional Manager for CASA. I note that you are also a Subject Matter Expert (SME) on my matter. You have perhaps, the most comprehensive knowledge of any person within CASA. You have been involved since the very beginning and been involved throughout. The handwritten notes that you left with me after our meeting way back on the 29/11/18, clearly indicate that you were acutely aware of the impact on me and my business back then.

You will not refute; all my engagements with CASA personnel on all matters regarding my employment as the CASA approved CEO, a CASA approved HOO, and currently in the role of Standby HOO, have been conducted by me, in a highly professional manner.

My primary concerns are “safety, compliance, and the very best outcome for anyone affected by this current issue”. I have significant “personal” differences with CASA at the moment, but my professional conduct in the work place in all CASA engagements has been exemplary. I have been warm, engaging, courteous, respectful, supportive, and professional.

I have not compromised my professional integrity at any stage. You will not disagree.

You are aware of my view on Organisational ethics. I have an expectation, in any organisation including my own, and CASA, that when ethics, safety, or procedures are being compromised; as Professionals, we must make a decision. A decision to stand aside from that process and show leadership and integrity, or a decision to become complicit. I sent the following email to you last Thursday morning. It has not been acknowledged, and I do require it acknowledged.

“Dear Jason,

Can you please advise or confirm that during the last 3 days you have not sent any correspondence to any Employer or potential employer that could potentially impact on any current or future employment for myself. Please advise by 5PM today, to assist me with future plans for me and my family. I call on you to provide that, rather than require me to make a request under FOI.

Glen”

To be frank. If you have made such a decision and taken such a course of action, then you have over stepped the mark. You are aware that this process has cost me everything. If you have taken any action to affect my future employment, I have a reasonable expectation that you can justify that on legitimate grounds.

Therefore. In the interests of protecting my reputation, I have advised you that I have made a Freedom of Information request for that information to see if any such correspondence exists. This correspondence is also being submitted simultaneously to the Industry Complaints Commissioner. I will provide CASA the “first right of refusal”.

If the CASA ICC chooses not to deal with it, I will go to the Commonwealth Ombudsman.

My complaint.
If the Regional Manager, has taken action that may affect my opportunity to derive a livelihood, that should be based on justifiable grounds related to
· Safety, or
· Compliance, or
· My professional conduct, or
· Medical grounds.

I should be involved in any such correspondence, and I should at least be made aware of it.

Expected results from the ICC

I be provided with a copy of such correspondence if it exists. If it exists, CASA issue a public apology to protect my professional reputation. The ICC clearly state if this action by the Regional Manager is a breach of any stipulated procedures.

Thankyou, Glen Buckley

[glenb]

Canadians do have a reputation for inclusiveness, and rightly deserved. I do think we give you folk a good run for your money though. In fact ,lets call it a draw at this stage.

Please don't think all Aussies are stubborn annoying little @$%^ like this fella.

Aussies are however, are known for: "going down swinging"

[Snakecharma]

Glen,

Whilst I sympathise with your situation, I suspect that you are perilously close to having CASA call your medical into question. I don't say this lightly, but as someone who has followed this thread and read your increasingly pissed off letters to casa (and I don't doubt the reasons behind being pissed off I might add) I get the sense that it would be easy for CASA to paint a picture of you as being, if you will forgive me, hysterical and as a result call your medical into question on mental health grounds. I am not saying it would be right or fair, just easy.

My advice is to let the dust settle, as difficult as that will be, and when the funds are available let your fingers do the walking and engage competent counsel and let them deal with the regulator.

Have a read of your correspondence with your managers hat on - how would you react to increasingly annoyed and dare I say paranoid sounding letters and emails hitting your inbox from a disgruntled instructor. If you can honestly say that you wouldn't raise an eyebrow then fine, but if you think you might start to worry about that hypothetical employee then apply that filter to your correspondence.

Play the long game and don't get knocked out of the war on a technicality

Hope I have not offended you and good luck to you and your family

[Dale Hardale]

.......close to having CASA call your medical into question

hysterical

....paranoid sounding letters.....

I don't know what you were taking when you wrote this, but on reflection, you may care to withdraw the post Snakecharma (The name is probably a reflection of the person)

[Snakecharma]

Ahhh why?

i read the posts and they appear, to me, to be as I described.

as I said I totally understand the sentiment and the intent, BUT they are directed at people who have the means to use the medical standards against the person writing the letter.

this is as much about politics as it is about substance and losing the game because casa got a free kick due to their perception of the state of mind of the writer is a big shame.

i may well be totally wrong about how casa will perceive it (I don’t and never have worked for casa), BUT if I looked at the emails and went “ohh they are getting increasingly agitated and paranoid” then I am pretty sure someone else, who might be looking to put Glen back in his box might too.

you don’t have to agree with me, I am just making a suggestion.

as for the username - you have no idea clearly, so keep your opinions to yourself

[glenb]

Hi Snakecharma, thankyou for your well intentioned post. I appreciate any feedback, whether it pumps up my tyres, deflates them, or makes me just get off the bike for a bit and check the tyres out. If it is bubbling around in your mind, I would rather it gets put out there I really would. If you are thinking it, then its likely others are.I had been peddling a bit hard, so the rest did me good.

If I don't get the feedback I might end up like Will Ferrell in Old School running naked past Aviation House in Canberra, all alone. That would justifiably bring the medical into question.

Dale, cheers and thanks also for stepping in, but it is an open forum and I really do invite anything. I have been a small business owner so appreciate that all feedback is good, and particularly if it leads to something "better".

Realistically, the medical is of little concern. Im best getting out of aviation longer term and into a "fresh start" away from CASA. I cant really see CASA and I ever being on each others Christmas card lists again, and if your not on CASAs Christmas card list, it could be argued that the path could be bit "rockier" compared to those on the Christmas Card list.

It is an open forum. Primarily, it is a fight for my wifes welfare. It is also I believe, a wider industry concern, so everyones perspective is highly respected, considered, and appreciated. But don't go too far away Dale, every well intentioned supporter is crucial, cheers. Glen

[Snakecharma]

Glen, don’t get me wrong, I am not throwing stones at you, just suggesting a step back and a look at the way things are unfolding from the perspective of you as a CEO and manager.

if you can read your correspondence with your managers hat on and be happy with it - no harm no foul, but if you put your managers hat on, read it as if it were coming from one of your instructors and you go “mmmm” then you need to stop and reflect.

it is really easy to get caught up in the middle and lose some perspective. I am merely suggesting that you take a moment and reflect and ensure that you have the perspective you need to ensure survival to the end, not trip at an early hurdle.

if casa or anyone else can discredit you, or even suggest something which casts a doubt on you personally, and I hope you would agree that there are plenty out there that would do so to save themselves, then you are on the back foot already.

thats all I am saying, and I wish you and your family well. BUT you and your family also probably need to discuss where the line in the sand is where you just chuck it in and walk away for all your sakes.

as dr phil used to say, “do you want to be right or want to be happy”

good luck to you and your family, I sincerely and genuinely feel for you all.

[Dale Hardale]

Thanks - But I will express my opinions within the rules on this forum as I see fit.

[Sunfish]

WTF is going on with Aviation in Australia??? Since when does a regulator have to “like” you and you have to “like” the regulator?

‘The essence of bureaucracy - as a public service model, is that there are rules and there are procedures and there are authorities granted to individual public service positions to make decisions by following the procedures that tell us if the rules have been complied with! This is settled law!

The whole idea is to keep effing personalities and personal opinions of what’s correct or incorrect out of it! You follow the rules, you get what you asked for, period!

The whole effing mess seems to be that the regulations and rules are deliberately written to allow CASA to regulate by the personal whims of its staff - and of course with no responsibility for outcomes.

Just use the FAA regulations and put the whole steaming Australian mess that CASA has extruded, at great cost to the taxpayer and the industry, into the compost bin of history.

[Bend alot]

The whole effing mess seems to be that the regulations and rules are deliberately written to allow CASA to regulate by the personal whims of its staff - and of course with no responsibility for outcomes.



Seems?

It is exactly what is happening!

[LeadSled]

WTF is going on with Aviation in Australia??? Since when does a regulator have to “like” you and you have to “like” the regulator?

‘The essence of bureaucracy - as a public service model, is that there are rules and there are procedures and there are authorities granted to individual public service positions to make decisions by following the procedures that tell us if the rules have been complied with! This is settled law!

The whole idea is to keep effing personalities and personal opinions of what’s correct or incorrect out of it! You follow the rules, you get what you asked for, period!

The whole effing mess seems to be that the regulations and rules are deliberately written to allow CASA to regulate by the personal whims of its staff - and of course with no responsibility for outcomes.

Just use the FAA regulations and put the whole steaming Australian mess that CASA has extruded, at great cost to the taxpayer and the industry, into the compost bin of history.



Sunny,
As Judith Sloan would say: "See, the thing is ----", The "rules" are not the core problem. the culture is the problem.

There is plenty of discretion built into the FAA rules when it comes to anything requiring an operating permission of some kind.

From time to time, there are flare-ups in FAA because somebody starts throwing their weight around, but not often, because the FAA culture is not aggressively anti- aviation, in large part because it does not recruit civil or military also-ran's or the industry's failure, to the organisation.

And, of course, the FAA and its predecessor, were from inception, civil organisations, not a branch or an offshoot of the military.

Australian "culture" also plays a part --- sadly, we live in a land where the first resort, rather than the last, is to more regulation ---- "they should pass a law" is the kneejerk "public" reaction to almost anything, even if it is already illegal but unenforced.

Of course, in this case, neither a FAR Part 141 or a Part 142 is required for basic flying training in US, so most of the bureaucratic problems Glen's "system" is designed address under CASR 142/142 just are not applicable in US, where there is no bureaucratic storm needing such a solution.

The "real" solution for the Australian scene, which is no help to Glenn, is to allow individual instructors to operate without the need for a Part 141, as per US.

Tootle pip!!

[The name is Porter]

The gofundme is stalling a little, EVERYONE needs to share it on facebook. You need to encourage your 'friends' to share it, it needs people with large followings to re-share.

[The name is Porter]

And what Leadsled said, thumbs up.

[glenb]

MEDIA RELEASE

CASA Bullying Small Business

Glen Buckley had a vision to build the most professional Flight Training School in Australia. For the past 15 years he had been working virtually non- stop growing his new business, a task that required a 24/7 commitment to make it happen. Melbourne Flight Training (“MFT”) in fact became one of Victoria’s busiest schools; was thriving as a domestic and international flight training school with an impressive array of accreditations and delivering industry-leading levels of both safety and compliance.

Then along comes the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (“CASA”) and decides to reinvent the wheel. It formulates changes to the Legislation for pilot training organisations known as Parts 61, 141 & 142. In late 2016 CASA finally introduced its “new regulatory program” a decade behind schedule, and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget.

Not surprisingly, CASA underestimated the workload required by each of the Flying Schools in completing the tasks. The Schools had to attend to over 600 new requirements. Each had to be individually assessed by CASA personnel. It took years and required CASA to work extensively side by side with the respective organisations, to ensure that all the “i’s were dotted and the t’s crossed”.

The ramifications were significant on Australia’s 350 flight training schools. CASA unrealistically sets September 2017 as the deadline for the conversion to Part 142 & 142 by all applicable flying schools.

Working with CASA, Glen took an innovative and collaborative approach to the expensive new regulatory structure, enthusiastically embracing the change. He called his system the Australian Pilot Training Alliance (“APTA”).

During the design of APTA, he insisted it must:

· Increase safety
· Increase regulatory compliance
· Protect the Australian Owned sector of the industry
· Have a an altruistic component and support struggling aero clubs in regional areas
· Create jobs.


As the CASA stipulated deadline of September 2017 approached, it was obvious that CASA was seriously under resourced, accordingly Glen requested CASA to allocate more resources to his own organisation, which was ready and waiting to “Transition”. CASA provided the resources, and APTA was proudly one of the first to be approved by CASA in April of 2017, approximately 4 months ahead of the deadline.

Unlike APTA, as the deadline of September 2017 approached and past, the vast majority of the schools (circa 95%) had not been able to complete the process to the Part 142 requirements of the new legislation.

CASA did not have the resources required for processing, and at the last minute CASA extended the deadline by a further 12 months to September 2018.

This was a major setback to those organisations that had made the significant time and financial investment to comply with the Parts, including Glen’s own business APTA. Nevertheless, APTA continued to grow and was exceptionally well received by the industry.

Then after 15 years of safe and compliant operations, the last 18 months of which was in the new CASA required Part 141 & 142 format, without prior warning in October 2018 a number of restrictions were placed on APTA’s ability to trade, in that CASA:

· Placed a “limited approval of operations” that has been as short as a minute-by-minute approval, and no longer than 90 days.
· Made allegations against APTA that prevented it from marketing its product.
· Prevented APTA taking on customers.
· Refused to renew existing capabilities as they expired
· Prevented APTA adding on capabilities.

Critically, these actions were not taken on the basis of safety or regulatory compliance, and the effects have been traumatic for Glen and for his business. The CASA action has now caused the closure of three businesses, with the associated loss of jobs. Glen has lost his home, his business, his savings, and is now fighting relentlessly to protect his reputation

So, unexpectedly APTA went from being the “hero” of Part 141 & Part 142 Transitioning to having its approval virtually withdrawn. To this day Glen is at a loss as to the reason why his world was turned upside down.

He has elected to fight back on this matter, gaining a groundswell of opinion and support from the aviation industry and fair-minded people. His complaints have been sent as high as the Prime Minister’s office including substantive ethical allegations against 4 personnel within CASA that impact on the safety of aviation in Australia, and go to the very core of good governance in CASA.

The matter is gaining significant momentum. More than 200,000 views by industry peers, on a website referred to as Pprune. https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/620219-glen-buckley-australian-small-business-v-casa.html (https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/620219-glen-buckley-australian-small-business-v-casa.html)

A Crowd Funding page has been established on his behalf, with $18,000 in donations raised within 48 hours for Glen to mount a legal case against CASA.

The site is experiencing strong support, with many comments from donors indicating the high level of emotion credited to this matter. https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa (https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa)

This is a matter that is not going away. It is growing rapidly, and gaining wide industry support. One supporter said “CASA has a bottomless pit of taxpayer money; Glen has none, only us!

MEDIA RELEASE:Glen Buckley+61 418 772 013
[email protected]

[Bend alot]

I think acronyms and parts are fine for us aviation personal - but you need non-aviation persons to get on-board. So a more general release required.

It is simply a government department (that the general public can relate to) that has too much power and abuses that power, and never accountable even though they can (often are) proved wrong - but then double down to send people/companies broke.

Maybe throw in a bit of CASA time frame and COST to implement these changes/regs with no near end in site (ever).

[Asturias56]

Here's a more Idiot friendly version with THE NEWS moved upfront:-

MEDIA RELEASE

Govt Aviation Bureaucrats Bullying Small Business

Glen Buckley had a vision to build the most professional Flight Training School in Australia and it looked as if it was succeeding until the Government Agency CASA made sudden & drastic administrative changes. The effects have been traumatic for Glen and for his business after 15 years of safe operation. The CASA action has now caused the closure of three businesses, with the associated loss of jobs. Glen has lost his home, his business, his savings, and is now fighting relentlessly to protect his reputation


The changes were purely administrative and were not taken on the basis of safety or regulatory compliance. Glen went from being a well-respected and approved early adopter to having his approval virtually withdrawn. To this day Glen is at a loss as to the reason why his world was turned upside down .

He has elected to fight back on this matter, gaining a groundswell of opinion and support from the aviation industry and fair-minded people. His complaints have been sent as high as the Prime Minister’s office including substantive ethical allegations against 4 personnel within CASA that impact on the safety of aviation in Australia, and go to the very core of good governance in CASA

For the past 15 years he had been working virtually non- stop growing his new business, a task that required a 24/7 commitment to make it happen. Melbourne Flight Training (“MFT”) in fact became one of Victoria’s busiest schools; was thriving as a domestic and international flight training school with an impressive array of accreditations and delivering industry-leading levels of both safety and compliance.

Then along comes the Govt. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (“CASA”) and decides to reinvent the wheel. In late 2016 CASA finally introduced its “new regulatory program” a decade behind schedule, and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget.

Not surprisingly, CASA underestimated the workload required by each of the Flying Schools in completing the tasks. The Schools had to attend to over 600 new requirements. Each had to be individually assessed by CASA personnel. It took years and required CASA to work extensively side by side with the respective organisations, to ensure that all the “i’s were dotted and the t’s crossed”. The ramifications were significant on Australia’s 350 flight training schools. CASA unrealistically set September 2017 as the deadline for the conversion by all applicable flying schools.

Working with CASA, Glen took an innovative and collaborative approach to the expensive new regulatory structure, enthusiastically embracing the change. He called his system the Australian Pilot Training Alliance (“APTA”).

During the design of APTA, he insisted it must:

· Increase safety
· Increase regulatory compliance
· Protect the Australian Owned sector of the industry
· Have a an altruistic component and support struggling aero clubs in regional areas
· Create jobs.


As the deadline of September 2017 approached, it was obvious that CASA was seriously under resourced, accordingly Glen requested CASA to allocate more resources to his own organisation, which was ready and waiting to “Transition”. CASA provided the resources, and APTA was proudly one of the first to be approved by CASA in April of 2017, approximately 4 months ahead of the deadline.

Unlike APTA, as the deadline of September 2017 approached and past, the vast majority of the schools (circa 95%) had not been able to complete the process to the new legislation and at the last minute extended the deadline by a further 12 months to September 2018. .Nevertheless, APTA continued to grow and was exceptionally well received by the industry.

Then after 15 years of safe and compliant operations, the last 18 months of which was in the new CASA format, without prior warning in October 2018 a number of restrictions were placed on APTA’s ability to trade, in that CASA:

· Placed a “limited approval of operations” that has been as short as a minute-by-minute approval, and no longer than 90 days.
· Made allegations against APTA that prevented it from marketing its product.
· Prevented APTA taking on customers.
· Refused to renew existing capabilities as they expired
· Prevented APTA adding on capabilities.

Critically, these actions were not taken on the basis of safety or regulatory compliance, and the effects have been traumatic for Glen and for his business. The CASA action has now caused the closure of three businesses, with the associated loss of jobs. Glen has lost his home, his business, his savings, and is now fighting relentlessly to protect his reputation

The matter is gaining significant momentum. More than 200,000 views by industry peers, on a website referred to as PPRuNe. https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/620219-glen-buckley-australian-small-business-v-casa.html (https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/620219-glen-buckley-australian-small-business-v-casa.html)

A Crowd Funding page has been established on his behalf, with $18,000 in donations raised within 48 hours for Glen to mount a legal case against CASA.

The site is experiencing strong support, with many comments from donors indicating the high level of emotion credited to this matter. https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa (https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa)

This is a matter that is not going away. It is growing rapidly, and gaining wide industry support.

One supporter said “CASA has a bottomless pit of taxpayer money; Glen has none, only us!

MEDIA RELEASE:Glen Buckley+61 418 772 013
[email protected]

[Bend alot]

Here's a more Idiot friendly version with THE NEWS moved upfront:-

MEDIA RELEASE

Govt Aviation Bureaucrats Bullying Small Business

Glen Buckley had a vision to build the most professional Flight Training School in Australia and it looked as if it was succeeding until the Government Agency CASA made sudden & drastic administrative changes. The effects have been traumatic for Glen and for his business after 15 years of safe operation. The CASA action has now caused the closure of three businesses, with the associated loss of jobs. Glen has lost his home, his business, his savings, and is now fighting relentlessly to protect his reputation


The changes were purely administrative and were not taken on the basis of safety or regulatory compliance. Glen went from being a well-respected and approved early adopter to having his approval virtually withdrawn. To this day Glen is at a loss as to the reason why his world was turned upside down .

He has elected to fight back on this matter, gaining a groundswell of opinion and support from the aviation industry and fair-minded people. His complaints have been sent as high as the Prime Minister’s office including substantive ethical allegations against 4 personnel within CASA that impact on the safety of aviation in Australia, and go to the very core of good governance in CASA

For the past 15 years he had been working virtually non- stop growing his new business, a task that required a 24/7 commitment to make it happen. Melbourne Flight Training (“MFT”) in fact became one of Victoria’s busiest schools; was thriving as a domestic and international flight training school with an impressive array of accreditations and delivering industry-leading levels of both safety and compliance.

Then along comes the Govt. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (“CASA”) and decides to reinvent the wheel. In late 2016 CASA finally introduced its “new regulatory program” a decade behind schedule, and hundreds of millions of dollars over budget.

Not surprisingly, CASA underestimated the workload required by each of the Flying Schools in completing the tasks. The Schools had to attend to over 600 new requirements. Each had to be individually assessed by CASA personnel. It took years and required CASA to work extensively side by side with the respective organisations, to ensure that all the “i’s were dotted and the t’s crossed”. The ramifications were significant on Australia’s 350 flight training schools. CASA unrealistically set September 2017 as the deadline for the conversion by all applicable flying schools.

Working with CASA, Glen took an innovative and collaborative approach to the expensive new regulatory structure, enthusiastically embracing the change. He called his system the Australian Pilot Training Alliance (“APTA”).

During the design of APTA, he insisted it must:

· Increase safety
· Increase regulatory compliance
· Protect the Australian Owned sector of the industry
· Have a an altruistic component and support struggling aero clubs in regional areas
· Create jobs.


As the deadline of September 2017 approached, it was obvious that CASA was seriously under resourced, accordingly Glen requested CASA to allocate more resources to his own organisation, which was ready and waiting to “Transition”. CASA provided the resources, and APTA was proudly one of the first to be approved by CASA in April of 2017, approximately 4 months ahead of the deadline.

Unlike APTA, as the deadline of September 2017 approached and past, the vast majority of the schools (circa 95%) had not been able to complete the process to the new legislation and at the last minute extended the deadline by a further 12 months to September 2018. .Nevertheless, APTA continued to grow and was exceptionally well received by the industry.

Then after 15 years of safe and compliant operations, the last 18 months of which was in the new CASA format, without prior warning in October 2018 a number of restrictions were placed on APTA’s ability to trade, in that CASA:

· Placed a “limited approval of operations” that has been as short as a minute-by-minute approval, and no longer than 90 days.
· Made allegations against APTA that prevented it from marketing its product.
· Prevented APTA taking on customers.
· Refused to renew existing capabilities as they expired
· Prevented APTA adding on capabilities.

Critically, these actions were not taken on the basis of safety or regulatory compliance, and the effects have been traumatic for Glen and for his business. The CASA action has now caused the closure of three businesses, with the associated loss of jobs. Glen has lost his home, his business, his savings, and is now fighting relentlessly to protect his reputation

The matter is gaining significant momentum. More than 200,000 views by industry peers, on a website referred to as PPRuNe. https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/620219-glen-buckley-australian-small-business-v-casa.html (https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/620219-glen-buckley-australian-small-business-v-casa.html)

A Crowd Funding page has been established on his behalf, with $18,000 in donations raised within 48 hours for Glen to mount a legal case against CASA.

The site is experiencing strong support, with many comments from donors indicating the high level of emotion credited to this matter. https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa (https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa)

This is a matter that is not going away. It is growing rapidly, and gaining wide industry support.

One supporter said “CASA has a bottomless pit of taxpayer money; Glen has none, only us!

MEDIA RELEASE:Glen Buckley+61 418 772 013
[email protected]
Better - but I still stopped reading half way.

Writing is an art to keep the reader interested.

[Asturias56]

Here's a even more Idiot friendly version with THE NEWS moved upfront:-

MEDIA RELEASE

Govt Aviation Bureaucrats Bullying Small Business

Glen Buckley had a vision to build the most professional Flight Training School in Australia and it looked as if it was succeeding until the Government Agency CASA made sudden & drastic administrative changes. The effects have been traumatic for Glen and for his business after 15 years of safe operation. The CASA action has now caused the closure of three businesses, with the associated loss of jobs. Glen has lost his home, his business, his savings, and is now fighting relentlessly to protect his reputation

The changes were purely administrative and were not taken on the basis of safety or regulatory compliance. Glen went from being a well-respected and approved early adopter to having his approval virtually withdrawn. To this day Glen is at a loss as to the reason why his world was turned upside down .

He has elected to fight back on this matter, gaining a groundswell of opinion and support from the aviation industry and fair-minded people. His complaints have been sent as high as the Prime Minister’s office including substantive ethical allegations against 4 personnel within CASA that impact on the safety of aviation in Australia, and go to the very core of good governance in CASA

The matter is gaining significant momentum. More than 200,000 views by industry peers, on a website referred to as PPRuNe. https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/620219-glen-buckley-australian-small-business-v-casa.html

A Crowd Funding page has been established on his behalf, with $18,000 in donations raised within 48 hours for Glen to mount a legal case against CASA.

The site is experiencing strong support, with many comments from donors indicating the high level of emotion credited to this matter. https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa

This is a matter that is not going away. It is growing rapidly, and gaining wide industry support.

One supporter said “CASA has a bottomless pit of taxpayer money; Glen has none, only us!

MEDIA RELEASE:Glen Buckley+61 418 772 013
[email protected]

[Bend alot]

Here's a even more Idiot friendly version with THE NEWS moved upfront:-

MEDIA RELEASE

Govt Aviation Bureaucrats Bullying Small Business

Glen Buckley had a vision to build the most professional Flight Training School in Australia and it looked as if it was succeeding until the Government Agency CASA made sudden & drastic administrative changes. The effects have been traumatic for Glen and for his business after 15 years of safe operation. The CASA action has now caused the closure of three businesses, with the associated loss of jobs. Glen has lost his home, his business, his savings, and is now fighting relentlessly to protect his reputation

The changes were purely administrative and were not taken on the basis of safety or regulatory compliance. Glen went from being a well-respected and approved early adopter to having his approval virtually withdrawn. To this day Glen is at a loss as to the reason why his world was turned upside down .

He has elected to fight back on this matter, gaining a groundswell of opinion and support from the aviation industry and fair-minded people. His complaints have been sent as high as the Prime Minister’s office including substantive ethical allegations against 4 personnel within CASA that impact on the safety of aviation in Australia, and go to the very core of good governance in CASA

The matter is gaining significant momentum. More than 200,000 views by industry peers, on a website referred to as PPRuNe. https://www.pprune.org/australia-new-zealand-pacific/620219-glen-buckley-australian-small-business-v-casa.html

A Crowd Funding page has been established on his behalf, with $18,000 in donations raised within 48 hours for Glen to mount a legal case against CASA.

The site is experiencing strong support, with many comments from donors indicating the high level of emotion credited to this matter. https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa

This is a matter that is not going away. It is growing rapidly, and gaining wide industry support.

One supporter said “CASA has a bottomless pit of taxpayer money; Glen has none, only us!

MEDIA RELEASE:Glen Buckley+61 418 772 013
[email protected]
+ at time of publish almost 50% of target funding has been achieved in "'X" days.

[Sunfish]

What bendy says. Try removing every second word (seriously). You need to take a week to get this right. if you have any media savvy friends please get them to help you.

the opening paragraph has to explain why this matters to the reader!

”glen buckley started a business that grew to xmillion and y employees training z airline pilots every year, then the government strangled his business with red tape and tried to destroy him. now he is fighting back....... something like that is your. opening.

then you state this is not about safety but bureaucratic BS.

‘’this is about the little guy fighting big government- glen is the underdog.

then this makes a reference to Pm morrison’s pledge about red tape.

that is your opener.

then a very terse summary of vwhat casa did.

then a reference to australian flying and industry comment.

the observation has to be tha no one can safely invest in aviation in australia while the regulator can destroy their investment overnight on a whim with no accountability to anyone...the action makes a mockery of the morrison government attempts to portray australia as a business friendly destination for overseas investment with a reformist “can do” red tape removing agenda.

finally a pithy quote from glen and an email address and phone number for journos.

Sorry, watching footy.

question; would the IPA like to hear about this?

[Chris2303]

People will read the shortest version.

Long articles turn people off

[glenb]

A problem shared, is a problem halved.

Some great suggestions, thankyou.

Will be back with the mother of all press releases.

I have some extremely good media contacts, and was offered some more at breakfast with some friends this week.

If there are any press watching this that would like to contact me please feel free, and if anybody has any valuable contacts, please contact me at [email protected]

Thanks again for sharing the battle with me everyone. Cheers. Glen

[Bend alot]

Might hit the halfway mark ($25,000) today, 11 days after the first donation.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/glen-buckley-v-casa?fbclid=IwAR3cC9majXCkYlrq8VVBRxYaRN9a0GcKjWKTWnS3b-3lVXpz3Mt3w1v5h0A

[Bend alot]

$25,053 on GoFundMe.

[Lead Balloon]

$2,000,000 was raised in a week to fund Israel Folau’s legal stoush.

The public doesn’t care about you, Glen.

You’re up against people who either have no shame or, more dangerously, earnestly believe they are contributing to ‘safety’ by driving you out of business (and vilifying Angel Flight pilots). CASA is ‘saving’ the public from the likes of you (and those dangerous Angel Flight folk, and those dangerous colour vision deficients, and those....).

I hope $50,000+ is raised to fund your fight, and I hope you win. But don’t say you weren’t warned about what you’re up against.

[Bend alot]

$2,000,000 was raised in a week to fund Israel Folau’s legal stoush.

The public doesn’t care about you, Glen.

You’re up against people who either have no shame or, more dangerously, earnestly believe they are contributing to ‘safety’ by driving you out of business (and vilifying Angel Flight pilots). CASA is ‘saving’ the public from the likes of you (and those dangerous Angel Flight folk, and those dangerous colour vision deficients, and those....).

I hope $50,000+ is raised to fund your fight, and I hope you win. But don’t say you weren’t warned about what you’re up against.
Revisit Israel's fund raisers - the second far outweighed the first for a reason.

Not that they are comparable cases/personalities.

[Petropavlovsk]

Glenn, CASA destroyed me with lies and bull****, FOI's whom were unqualified to make assessments backed each other up, my health was more important.

THIS WILL END VERY BADLY FOR YOU !

[havick]

What’s he got to lose at this point? Keep holding their feet to the fire! Good luck!

[Asturias56]

I'm with Glen but agree it can get very dangerous...........................

be prepared to quit Glen - especially when your nearest & dearest advise................................

[mattyj]

Eventually someone has to make a stand..or you can just keep living under an unfair incompetent regime and continue grumbling about it but ultimately doing nothing. Support the guy and hope his crusade is successful..if not, at least he can say he tried..CASA has been due for a ground up rebuild for over a decade since I worked in Aus..go Glen

[Asturias56]

Yeah - but you don't want to finish up gibbering in a corner of a bar having spent your whole life bent out of shape either........

It's certainly;y worth the fight - but not at ALL costs........

[Bend alot]

Yeah - but you don't want to finish up gibbering in a corner of a bar having spent your whole life bent out of shape either........

It's certainly;y worth the fight - but not at ALL costs........
I called Glen a few nights ago (I do not know him but he took my call) he seems to still have all his marbles.

He seemed fine to me and is fully aware of the big pictures, both good and bad.

[Blueskymine]

Maybe it’s time G.A. started an association. You all chip in X amount per year and there’s cash in the kitty for when CASA comes knocking. Plus the association can have in house lawyers etc. why not do it as part of the federation (AFAP?)

There would need to be some type of entry criteria, etc. if it’s not you, it’ll be the next operator.

I’d imagine this scenario is exactly what casa saw in your business model. Which is what they didn’t want.

[Sunfish]

You don’t need yet another association, all that will do is fragment the industry’s voice even more. You already have an alphabets worth of associations - which is part of the problem. As far as I can tell, the U.S. gets away with AOPA and the EAA and the business aircraft alliance. They may have more, but they are ten times the size anyway.

[machtuk]

Good luck Glen, just have an out somewhere though, you are no good to yr loved ones becoming ill, don't make CASA the reason you live. As we all know CASA are a very powerful corrupt force far greater than one man!
The general public mostly know little to nothing about aviation at the GA level & what they know of CASA is that they are just a safety body to keep them safe whilst they fly in an Airliner to Bali, outside of that ask any man on the street, Glen who?
Again best of luck:-)

[LeadSled]

As a CASA FOI (one of the honest guys!) mentioned to me at the time "If CASA was required to hold an AOC it would have been cancelled years ago!"
Folks,
An identical view was expressed, to me personally, by the ICAO Lead Auditor, during the conduct of said late 1990's ICAO audit.
The sentiment it reflects is widely held by national aviation authorities, where it counts..
Tootle pip!!

[harrryw]

Good luck Glen, just have an out somewhere though, you are no good to yr loved ones becoming ill, don't make CASA the reason you live. As we all know CASA are a very powerful corrupt force far greater than one man!
The general public mostly know little to nothing about aviation at the GA level & what they know of CASA is that they are just a safety body to keep them safe whilst they fly in an Airliner to Bali, outside of that ask any man on the street, Glen who?
Again best of luck:-)

And that public then goes to Bali on a non Australian aircraft with limited CASA input because it is cheaper.

[Sandy Reith]

Just to reinforce why CASA has taken the action against Glen. Years ago I attempted to hand over my flying school AOC permit to a couple that had been operating it for some time, one being Chief Flying Instructor already, and using their own aircraft. In other words everything exactly the same except the ownership name of the permit on a piece of paper. Would CASA transfer the AOC?
No.
Why? because they would have lost out on the money, some $ thousands in application, scrutinising and vetting backwards and forwards of a one off Operations Manual. CASA personnel would also have lost salary justification. These are the factors that have lead to the CASA change of policy towards Glen’s logical system to spread the administrative burden over a number of schools. Glen’s successful model was a direct threat to the make work money machine of CASA, the whole house of cards topped off with the fatuously titled Director of Air Safety on $600,000 pa.
Real reform requires political action, ring write contact your federal MP and Senators.

Flying school permit Australia; months? years? $50,000? $100,000? Several approved personnel, including graded instructor.
Flying school USA; No permit required.
Gain Instructor Rating (no gradings) $15.99 book and start immediately anywhere. (Yes the AIM price has risen $1.04 since last posted).


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune.org-vbulletin/566x754/cb1b70bb_909a_47b6_b7c7_922c434ada8a_32131c408bd9b8ab555b5bd 65f0b011c0d6af4af.png
US:- $14.95 book with index. Start immediately with ins. rating. CASASTROPHE edited library $thousands, months or years, maybe permissible eventually.

[flyingmac49]

Written to Prime Minister, Treasurer (local MP) and Minister on this gross miscarriage of justice but they are not listening!! It will take more than a few of us to get the relevant politicians' attention; perhaps, we need the whole of the aviation community "up in arms" harnessing the wider social media to get Glen's story top of mind.