Dick Smith, please tell me its not true
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Why does this self proclaimed expert on everthing keep getting rewarded and appointed to "fix" up things that he broke in the first place?? Oooops sory it wasn't him it was the people under him who didn't understand his genius.
Australian deserves beter than this amateur.
Airspace Management Smith style would be to declare the whole of it Class G or whatever, so that he doesn't have to go to the bother of telling anybody what he's doing or where he's going.
The world is becoming more dangerous by the minute.
Australian deserves beter than this amateur.
Airspace Management Smith style would be to declare the whole of it Class G or whatever, so that he doesn't have to go to the bother of telling anybody what he's doing or where he's going.
The world is becoming more dangerous by the minute.
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I was going to steer well clear of this one because I confess to finding it difficult to be objective on the subject of this man. But gaunty's post and Voice's teeth-gritting prompted me to go back through my records in search of an opinion piece I wrote while editor of our Aero Club newsletter after Dicky's first attempt at recreating Australian aviation in his own image. I copy it exactly as it appeared then with no editing for the passing years, and don flak helmet for the inevitable barrage from the dick lovers.
September 1992.........
"I was recently faxed a copy of an article written by the ex-Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority. What follows is a selection of His Master's Voice.
(I)..."The USA has one CTAF frequency and it is automatically allocated to every aerodrome .... that does not have a ground station. Over 90% of other airports use a CTAF/Unicom frequency of 126.8 meaning a pilot can fly virtually anywhere and only has to remember two frequencies. There is no such thing as an MTAF therefore there are no mandatory calls. The system is not overloaded as pilots only make necessary calls and it works superbly (Translation I didn't hit anyone in three days, why don't we introduce it here?)
(2) They (Canada and New Zealand) like the USA, rely on pilot training, commonsense and regulations against reckless flying to ensure that recommended announcements are used when necessary. Both Canada and the USA do not require radio for VFR aircraft up to 18500ft. This keeps costs down and means it is a pleasure to fly cross country without a radio constantly blaring in your ear".
(3) (Class D airspace) is highly efficient, requiring less staff as ATC only separate IFR aircraft; they give traffic advisories to all other aircraft. However Ansett has now sent the CAA a letter requesting that Class D airspace not be instigated. Unfortunately it will not just be Ansett paying the higher and totally unnecessary costs".
(4) Earlier this year, I went for a fly in a commercial helicopter on the Gold Coast. I couldn't help noticing that one of the first thaings that the pilot did was to turn the radio down. The reason --there was so much conversation in the huge CTAF area (which is now an MTAF) that it was simply impossible to absorb it all. In North America ... pilots in busy areas say very little and concentrate on keeping a good look out, ... It's called good airmanship".
Thanks Dick, nice to get the view of the common man every now and then, even if he did happen to be Chairman of aviation's regulating authority in this country.
Unfortunately, Dick, electronics whizz, self-made man, the Paul Hogan of the CAA, master of the simplistic, in common with most fanatics, sees everything through blinkers which restrict his vision to narrow self -interest and the self-righteous assumption of gee-whiz infallibility.
During his time as Chairman of the CAA, Dick made a lot of good and/or smart moves. He correctly assessed the Authority as being overloaded with dead weight, he correctly assessed the opinion of Everyman that anything to do with government of any sort is by definition inefficient, and more importantly from an ATC point of view, he scythed through a lot of regulations left over from WWII, if not all of them.
But Para 4 and the last sentence of para 3 above demonstrate his fatal weakness as Chairman. He simply never bothered to look past his own sphere of interest. The "good airmanship" displayed by the pilot on the Gold Coast was a prime example of gross irresponsibility in terms of the very procedures Dick Smith himself supposedly helped to formulate, and should by any definition have been subject to an immediate Incident Report. To brag about it in a nationally disseminated magazine explains amply the reason he was held in contempt by so many of his "employees". Good riddance."
All I can add 9 years later is that the idiots who put the squeakiest wheel in charge of the workshop back in 1988 have reaped what they sowed.
September 1992.........
"I was recently faxed a copy of an article written by the ex-Chairman of the Civil Aviation Authority. What follows is a selection of His Master's Voice.
(I)..."The USA has one CTAF frequency and it is automatically allocated to every aerodrome .... that does not have a ground station. Over 90% of other airports use a CTAF/Unicom frequency of 126.8 meaning a pilot can fly virtually anywhere and only has to remember two frequencies. There is no such thing as an MTAF therefore there are no mandatory calls. The system is not overloaded as pilots only make necessary calls and it works superbly (Translation I didn't hit anyone in three days, why don't we introduce it here?)
(2) They (Canada and New Zealand) like the USA, rely on pilot training, commonsense and regulations against reckless flying to ensure that recommended announcements are used when necessary. Both Canada and the USA do not require radio for VFR aircraft up to 18500ft. This keeps costs down and means it is a pleasure to fly cross country without a radio constantly blaring in your ear".
(3) (Class D airspace) is highly efficient, requiring less staff as ATC only separate IFR aircraft; they give traffic advisories to all other aircraft. However Ansett has now sent the CAA a letter requesting that Class D airspace not be instigated. Unfortunately it will not just be Ansett paying the higher and totally unnecessary costs".
(4) Earlier this year, I went for a fly in a commercial helicopter on the Gold Coast. I couldn't help noticing that one of the first thaings that the pilot did was to turn the radio down. The reason --there was so much conversation in the huge CTAF area (which is now an MTAF) that it was simply impossible to absorb it all. In North America ... pilots in busy areas say very little and concentrate on keeping a good look out, ... It's called good airmanship".
Thanks Dick, nice to get the view of the common man every now and then, even if he did happen to be Chairman of aviation's regulating authority in this country.
Unfortunately, Dick, electronics whizz, self-made man, the Paul Hogan of the CAA, master of the simplistic, in common with most fanatics, sees everything through blinkers which restrict his vision to narrow self -interest and the self-righteous assumption of gee-whiz infallibility.
During his time as Chairman of the CAA, Dick made a lot of good and/or smart moves. He correctly assessed the Authority as being overloaded with dead weight, he correctly assessed the opinion of Everyman that anything to do with government of any sort is by definition inefficient, and more importantly from an ATC point of view, he scythed through a lot of regulations left over from WWII, if not all of them.
But Para 4 and the last sentence of para 3 above demonstrate his fatal weakness as Chairman. He simply never bothered to look past his own sphere of interest. The "good airmanship" displayed by the pilot on the Gold Coast was a prime example of gross irresponsibility in terms of the very procedures Dick Smith himself supposedly helped to formulate, and should by any definition have been subject to an immediate Incident Report. To brag about it in a nationally disseminated magazine explains amply the reason he was held in contempt by so many of his "employees". Good riddance."
All I can add 9 years later is that the idiots who put the squeakiest wheel in charge of the workshop back in 1988 have reaped what they sowed.
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I've also heard the rumour about chairmanship of an airspace management authority (but I am wondering if it started here) however it is my understanding that the responsibility for airspace management is to remain with Airservices. A policy statement issued by John Anderson in Nov. 99 states in part:
This was also re-stated in his charter letter to Airservices dated Oct. 99. Both documents go to say that Airservices must develop a plan of airspace reform, and I suspect that is addressed in part by the LAMP project.
Notwithstanding this, surely Messers Anderson and Howard are not silly enough to consider him for chairmanship of anything?? It is worth recalling a few lines from the BASI report on the "G" airspace demonstration trial:
and
What I have also heard (and it may have been the source of the rumour) is that he is not happy with a concept of operations plan developed by the LAMP Airspace Working Group (AWG), and is presenting is own airspace reform plan to Airservices and the Minister in the next week or so. Apparently the AWG includes DoD QF RAAA RAPAC and others, so it would seem to comprise a fairly representative group. I'm not sure who the man represents, other than himself -
The Government has considered the report and decided that responsibility for the
design, declaration and management of airspace will remain with Airservices ...
design, declaration and management of airspace will remain with Airservices ...
Notwithstanding this, surely Messers Anderson and Howard are not silly enough to consider him for chairmanship of anything?? It is worth recalling a few lines from the BASI report on the "G" airspace demonstration trial:
Branch staff commented that the Chairman discouraged any decisions that he did not agree with, and also discouraged activities which may have delayed the implementation process. Moreover, staff commented that the Chairman was also reluctant to change his mind on many issues.
It was subsequently reported by CASA staff that the Chairman's management style was characterised by micro-management, an unwillingness to consider other views, and rigid adherence to a pre-determined path. The Chairman also appeared to show a low level of interest in activities that could lead to delays in the implementation process. Many of the problems associated with the planning and implementation of the demonstration were related to inadequate safety analysis, consultation and education activities. Although there were many reasons for the problems encountered, there is considerable evidence to indicate that the influence of the Chairman's active involvement and management style contributed to those problems.
BINOC - Whilst not an avid 'Dick Supporter' he does come up with some good ideas. The problem is they never get off the ground because many within the industry see where they come from and trash them without consideration. Over the years he has been a wake up to this and passed some of his ideas over to others and they have been a success. I think you have to look at these matters in an objective manner. We might just get something good from it.
The points 1 - 4 you quoted in your post are close to the mark and I would suggest that we will see much of this here before too long. The system here has held your hand for too long and the introduction of any ICAO based system will see more of what you quote….and you will just have to fit in, then you will know what airmanship is all about - and its not using the radio all the time either.
P/BROKE - Yes there is a strong rumour going around and I hear the job description is under discussion in the Ministers office at this time. My source says it is to chair some sort of committee to look at costs of aviation, especially in the bush!
The airspace office is something that has been on the boil for some time (over a year) and has got many a mention at the RAPACs around the place. Trouble is that the proposal is still sitting in the Ministers office. Once they wanted to add environment to it, seems it got a bit hard. You do realise that if Airservices (?) ever get any competition then the authority for airspace would have to move due to a conflict of interest. In the meantime Airservices get to butter their own bread and charge you for it.
As for LLAMP, well if it is not dead, its' not far from it. Maybe Dick had a hand in that as he took some glee in pointing out a dozen or so areas where it did not comply with ICAO. CASA also made some comments a week or so ago regarding alerted see and avoid which support the ICAO model and not LLAMP or Large MBZs.
Yes the AWG does include all those who you mention and then some, but it seems they don't want to move too far out of their comfort zone either. When the change comes you will know. And yes I do think Dick will be out there doing what 'he' believes in. You either fight him or join him… and if you fight him there is no winners! You only have to look over the past 10 years to see that. We all lost and we are paying for it still.
The points 1 - 4 you quoted in your post are close to the mark and I would suggest that we will see much of this here before too long. The system here has held your hand for too long and the introduction of any ICAO based system will see more of what you quote….and you will just have to fit in, then you will know what airmanship is all about - and its not using the radio all the time either.
P/BROKE - Yes there is a strong rumour going around and I hear the job description is under discussion in the Ministers office at this time. My source says it is to chair some sort of committee to look at costs of aviation, especially in the bush!
The airspace office is something that has been on the boil for some time (over a year) and has got many a mention at the RAPACs around the place. Trouble is that the proposal is still sitting in the Ministers office. Once they wanted to add environment to it, seems it got a bit hard. You do realise that if Airservices (?) ever get any competition then the authority for airspace would have to move due to a conflict of interest. In the meantime Airservices get to butter their own bread and charge you for it.
As for LLAMP, well if it is not dead, its' not far from it. Maybe Dick had a hand in that as he took some glee in pointing out a dozen or so areas where it did not comply with ICAO. CASA also made some comments a week or so ago regarding alerted see and avoid which support the ICAO model and not LLAMP or Large MBZs.
Yes the AWG does include all those who you mention and then some, but it seems they don't want to move too far out of their comfort zone either. When the change comes you will know. And yes I do think Dick will be out there doing what 'he' believes in. You either fight him or join him… and if you fight him there is no winners! You only have to look over the past 10 years to see that. We all lost and we are paying for it still.
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Social giants are those who in their time, make an important contribution to the advancement of a cause.
However such folk in their day. are better known as troublemakers- not giants.
However such folk in their day. are better known as troublemakers- not giants.
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T
That is true about social giants.
I don't recall Baden Powell, whilst developing an organisation with, for then laudatory motives, ever fitting that description.
That is true about social giants.
I don't recall Baden Powell, whilst developing an organisation with, for then laudatory motives, ever fitting that description.
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Gaunty, Just for you:
Beware the one who speaks in statistics,paints pictures with probabilities,and presents assurances in percentages,and worse still,fear the one who cannot discern the differences between them !!
Beware the one who speaks in statistics,paints pictures with probabilities,and presents assurances in percentages,and worse still,fear the one who cannot discern the differences between them !!
It is all about political influence. I understand that DS is a strong supporter (financial and otherwise) of the Liberal Party. Unfortunately few in government and business comprehend anything to do with aviation, and so consider DS something of a world expert in regulations - in reality he has dabbled his toes in the aviation pool here and there, but that is all.
If he gets such a job it will be due to political favours.
If he gets such a job it will be due to political favours.
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Dick reminds me of the person who stood on top of the hill surveying all the land around. When he saw a crowd of people in the distance he said, "I must go down and see where these people are going so I can lead them."
I wonder what crusade he will take up if and when this one fails.
I wonder what crusade he will take up if and when this one fails.
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Well well, the big Dick and Anderson have kissed and made up ????
Look out AsA, here he comes.
Anderson and Smith good budies again, NOT. How about just a case of keeping him quiet.
Though I can't disagree with that last statement made by David Spears from Sky NEws Aust.
"Its good to keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer"
Maybe Mr Spears can see some trees in the forest.
Look out AsA, here he comes.
Anderson and Smith good budies again, NOT. How about just a case of keeping him quiet.
Though I can't disagree with that last statement made by David Spears from Sky NEws Aust.
"Its good to keep your friends close, and your enemies even closer"
Maybe Mr Spears can see some trees in the forest.
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Surely it can't be true........ <img src="eek.gif" border="0">
IF it was true it would be here..... <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">
<a href="http://www.dicksmithflyer.com.au" target="_blank">http://www.dicksmithflyer.com.au</a>
And it's not, so it can't be true...... <img src="wink.gif" border="0">
IF it was true it would be here..... <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">
<a href="http://www.dicksmithflyer.com.au" target="_blank">http://www.dicksmithflyer.com.au</a>
And it's not, so it can't be true...... <img src="wink.gif" border="0">
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I always love how in Australia, everyone is so quick to criticise and never willing to listen and try.
I have flown all over the world in a variety of situations and have to say, Australia, as far as the radio goes is one of the most congested.
There are things which need to be improved all over the world, so let's start here at home, by coming up with suggestions or opinions on ways to make things better.
Don't knock it all till you have tried it! <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">
I have flown all over the world in a variety of situations and have to say, Australia, as far as the radio goes is one of the most congested.
There are things which need to be improved all over the world, so let's start here at home, by coming up with suggestions or opinions on ways to make things better.
Don't knock it all till you have tried it! <img src="rolleyes.gif" border="0">
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Lodown,
Dont you mean 'standing on the hill,overlooking the herd, with the young bull(ando)and saying why rush down and do(sic)just one when we can sit back,relax,and do(sic again)the whole damn lot over and over and over again.Please tell me it cant be true. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
Dont you mean 'standing on the hill,overlooking the herd, with the young bull(ando)and saying why rush down and do(sic)just one when we can sit back,relax,and do(sic again)the whole damn lot over and over and over again.Please tell me it cant be true. <img src="confused.gif" border="0">
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After having seen several TV reports on Dicks make up with Anderson, I must say that even the Media are starting to see him in a different light.
Sky News Aust - "Keep enemies even closer"
CH 7 - IS three times enough to asses his suitability.
CH 2 - After Andersons comments about, "who pulls the trigger" - ABC reporter added, but does he know where the gun is pointed.
At least CH Dick (9) did not have any problem with him bieng appointed.
Time will tell.
Sky News Aust - "Keep enemies even closer"
CH 7 - IS three times enough to asses his suitability.
CH 2 - After Andersons comments about, "who pulls the trigger" - ABC reporter added, but does he know where the gun is pointed.
At least CH Dick (9) did not have any problem with him bieng appointed.
Time will tell.
Just Binos
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I'm with you Lo Level. Can somebody tell me what this overgrown boy scout has been appointed to this time, and perhaps post a link to the news?
Gawd help us all, Howard is stuck in Groundhog Day, and we are all stuck there with him.
<img src="mad.gif" border="0">
Gawd help us all, Howard is stuck in Groundhog Day, and we are all stuck there with him.
<img src="mad.gif" border="0">
