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Old 24th May 2012, 20:21
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New helicopter association in Australia

The Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) is being launched to give a voice to rotorcraft operators four years after the collapse of the Helicopter Association of Australasia in October 2008.

Organisers hope to complete the registration process in July 2012 with an official launch anticipated at the Avalon Airshow 2013 near Melbourne, Victoria.

Those behind the effort say it was spurred by the death of long time ABC helicopter pilot Gary Ticehurst in a crash near Lake Eyre in August 2011. He had been active in the HAA and was an icon in the industry.

Convening the AHIA is Rob Rich, who wrote in the group’s first newsletter in April: “It has taken Gary’s death to jolt people into doing something positive for the industry once again.”

Rob said there were many pressure points obstruction the development of the industry, ranging from the need to seek training and business opportunities for the Australian companies in the nearby Asian market to a review of the alleged delays in the pilot licensing and examination systems.

The group says the helicopter industry is six times larger than when the HAA was founded in 1984 and is growing at 9% per year. 1,950 helicopters are registered in Australia. (UK has 1,299 and USA 10,100).

Due to the enormous growth of the mining and off shore energy exploration activities caused by the huge demand from Asia, the multiengine fleet is expected to grow from 211 to 544 over the next five years.

The question being asked: “Do we have sufficient training resources to handle expansion of the industry and also establish a civilian organisation to train Army and Navy helicopter pilots.

Let the headache begin!

Last edited by robsrich; 24th May 2012 at 20:24.
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Old 25th May 2012, 23:42
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First of all Rob I would like to commend your enthusiasm. Could the structure of the new association come under the umbrella of AFAP? I say this not to provoke debate, but logic. The AFAP is well established in EBA assistance and loss of licence insurance, and many reading this are members. I would be interested in supporting your new venture, but would be loath to shell out AFAP fees and a rotary association fee.
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Old 4th Jun 2012, 07:40
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yarpa,

One of the strengths of the old HAA was that it did not set up to be a pilot's association, nor an attempt to be a (trade) union. Certainly this led to various mumblings about being a TV pilot's organisation, then an owner's association, etc, but that can happen when certain personalities put up to be regional chairman or similar. We were very successful in Victoria, with both social and professional events on a regular basis: our first Avalon show took ~$90k in joy flight income, shared equitably and amicably between the operators and the HAA. Sydney HAA couldn't get their hands on it fast enough though...

Another regular event was a get together with ATC on a social basis, absolutely brilliant for getting problems sorted to the benefit of both sides. State Government 'issues' weren't much of a problem, either, with the GG's Secretary being a member and allowing landings on the front lawn of Government House

If Rob can get a modern equivalent up and running and gives a Senior's discount, he has my support
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Old 5th Jun 2012, 00:14
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Mmmm ...

.... Seniors discount ..... what a good idea!
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Old 5th Jun 2012, 05:51
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Devil HAA mark 2

It would be of value running an electronic office with
  • no paid employees
  • no snouts in the trough.
    • electronic office

People working fulltime have a better appreciation of how important their time is, maximising bang for buck.

Who ever is doing the representing needs to ensure they are NOT representing their own barrow or feathering their own nest or sucking up to Govt or CASA.

The significance of adequate representation is reflected by one helicopter operator driving ( not rpt flying ) from Mt Isa to Townsville to attend one of the past Air Co-ordinating Committee meetings.

GAPAN works well using volunteer members along similar lines as John is well aware.

Last edited by catseye; 5th Jun 2012 at 05:51.
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Old 5th Jun 2012, 06:04
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catseye,

GAPAN is still trying to get interest from helicopter drivers: I have pushed for some issues (RAPAC Victoria) on behalf of the helicopter industry, but our industry does tend to attract individuals not used to a team effort!

We are long overdue for a united approach on behalf of the Australian helicopter industry. Authorities are generally well versed in 'divide and conquer' principles, and will take every advantage they can if we don't play the game their way.
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Old 7th Jun 2012, 04:46
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Surprise Australian GDP growth is good news for our industry

After several recent government reports indicated a gloomy forecast for our economy, the Reserve Bank reduced the official interest rate to 3.5% in early June 2012. Things seemed a little glum?

However, several days later Australians were stunned when the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) figures were released which indicated the opposite! In fact, the economy is growing at its fastest annual rate since the start of the global financial crisis around September 2007.

Most of the annual growth came from the three mining states; the Northern Territory which recorded a growth rate of 13.8%, Queensland 9% and Western Australia 7.7%. Naturally, this has caused some degree of optimism in the helicopter industry as these three states have around 1,200 helicopters (60%) of the 1,959 rotorcraft on the CASA Aircraft Register.

AHIA stated June figures were a complete surprise as we were expecting a slowdown in the Australian economy following the unstable events in Europe and the perception China was experiencing a slowdown in growth. It is hoped the continuing expansion of the energy and resources boom in the north of Australia will continue and drive up the demand for helicopters to an even higher level than the present growth rate of 10%.

Sixty percent of our helicopters are located in the three states now enjoying enormous economic growth and as yet most projects are nowhere near fully developed. For example, the ABC recently stated the 40 mining companies who are commencing a major expansion of their capacity within Queensland had accumulated a profit of $133 billion in the past year. These figures are really quite extraordinary even before the bulk of the on-site workers are yet to arrive!

Note for international readers. Australia has a population of 22 million, about the size of a major city elsewhere in the world? Queensland 4.4 million, the same as nearby New Zealand).

The AHIA also believes there has been little discussion about the fly-in fly-out workers who may need helicopter transportation from the regional airports, out to the far-flung mining sites and back. Hopefully, this could be an opportunity to introduce high capacity passenger carrying helicopters to facilitate the movement of specialist (expensive) technical staff between the outlying industrial sites and the regional airport, where the passengers would then connect with their return flight to the capital cities, etc.

Australia is really a lucky country. The annual growth rate is now 4.3%, which is highest since September 2007. The unemployment figures have continued to drop and now are at 4.9% which is an extraordinary figure when you compare the unemployment rates in the rest of the developed nations.

Despite this growth rate inflation is down to 1.6% which is well below the government target of 3%. And of course, the official interest rates have now been reduced to 3.5% with a possible cut in August, according to media reports.

The AHIA is making good progress in developing a representative body to replace the Helicopter Association of Australasia (HAA) which collapsed in October 2008, after serving industry for a quarter of a century. The helicopter fleet then numbered 1,450. Despite an accelerating growth rate three times that of the past GDP and ten times more than the aeroplane fleet; the helicopter industry has had no representative body.

The not-for-profit AHIA will provide a wider coverage of industry than the previous HAA which was basically a pilots’ association. In the past, this suited the needs of an industry then operating relatively unsophisticated rotorcraft, where logistic and maintenance support requirements were minimal. Today, more expensive and technically advanced helicopters are coming into service and the logistical and technical support industry has developed substantially, due to the increasing number of civilian and military heavy helicopters.

The news of the registration of the AHIA in July 2012 has been well received.

An inaugural executive group will appointed several months later. This process will be formalised around December 2012 when the first AGM will be held. The new executive will be tasked with updating the Constitution and seeking issues which are troubling operators and regulators alike.

This team will then be available to work with Aerospace Australia Limited (AAL) to promote the helicopter industry at the Avalon Airshow 2013 if needed. This is currently being discussed and progress has been very good. Readers will remember how the AAL provided facilities at Avalon 2005 for the first HAA Helicopter Showcase. The following year the HAA was provided with a venue at Darling Harbour to run HAA’s Rotortech 2006, next to the major maritime convention known as Pacific 2006. The latter was attended by Naval and Army helicopter key people, aviation executives and helicopter regulators from CAANZ and our CASA.

Based on the recent changes of the distribution of the helicopter operators and other industrial facilities, the AHIA has proposed their new structure will include a National Executive, (President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Membership Coordinator).

There will be six Branches which will cover the current CASA boundaries.

Last but not least there will be Divisions which will focus on the specific development of new operational roles, advances in technology and large industry groups, such as: SAR, HEMS, off shore, mustering, training, police and CASA regulatory review of NPRM, etc.

The AHIA will cover more than the HAA in the international aviation community by monitoring at least a dozen other helicopters association around the globe. The US based HAI, in particular, has a long history of working with Australians. The AHIA will join forces with the Australian Army Aviation Association to be a partner at various trade shows and seminars, such as the Rotortech 2006 in Sydney.

The aim of the overseas links is to be part of the enormous growth in helicopter training activities which will occur in the Asian region, much the same way as Australia supported the Asia-Pacific airline industry pilot training programmes. Initial enquiries show the education, training and auditing needs of the nearby emerging regional economies is substantial.

At present helicopters make up 13% of the 14,711 aircraft on the CASA Aircraft Register. A decade ago it was less than 9%. Despite the GFC, helicopter numbers have increased in Australia by 53% over six years, or 9% per year. New Zealand’s helicopters represent 17% of their 4,600 aircraft. Their growth rate has slowed to 3% per annum due to the post GFC problems.

CASA has 947 current Air Operators’ Certificate holders of which 259 are helicopter. Although helicopters make up only have 13% of the overall aircraft fleet, they have 28% of the AOCs. The large mustering industry has 69 (27%) of aerial work AOC. Charter numbers are 190 (74%) of which 15 (6%) have international approvals. This latter group is entering a growth phase due to energy exploration operations being planned in the north of Australia.

The AHIA welcomes expressions of interest from people who would like to work within any of the proposed segments of the AHIA as it is being built up later this year. A complimentary monthly electronic newsletter is available – just send your contact details to industryassociation[at]bigpond[dot]com
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Old 25th Jun 2012, 08:57
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Australian helicopter growth is becoming a challenge

Just an update and PR

As the Australian financial year draws to a close on 30 June 2012, observers have noted the Australian helicopter fleet is undergoing an expansion which is showing no signs of abating.

At present, the industry growth rate is 10% pa or three times that of the Australian economy. Helicopter numbers have doubled in ten years, from 980 to 1,970 and will double again in only seven years due to the accelerating rate of growth caused by the demands from Asia for energy and mineral resources. The SAR and HEMS operations are also increasing as the public demands improved emergency services in remote areas.

The latest government GDP figures show our economy is growing at 4.3% pa, the best since 2007. The three best performing regions were in the north and west; the Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia, where the growth rates are at least twice the GDP. By coincidence, 60% of the Australian helicopter industry is located within these fast growing regions and will naturally benefit from the emerging energy and mining industries.

But the move from a light industry to one with long range multi engine machines has raised some concerns. The 21% pa growth of the twin engine fleet which is nearly three times more than the single engine 8% pa rate. This segment will be further pressured by SAR, HEMS and offshore orders coming from NT, Qld and WA. Many senior managers are worried about Australia’s capacity to train staff for the new multi-crew IFR capable helicopters arriving in the next six years.

In June 2012, the top five twin registrations were: Bell 412 (33); BK117 (31); S-76 (29) Eurocopter 332 (22) and AW139 (11). It is predicted the ME numbers will treble from 211 to 756 over the next seven years due to Asian needs for oil, gas and minerals.

In particular, the transfer of Army and Navy helicopter pilot training to a civilian contractor, scheduled to start around early 2016 will drain the 30 Australian flying schools of any highly experienced staff. The lack of night, instrument and NVG instructors even now is becoming critical.

Since 2008 the helicopter industry has not had a representative body. The Helicopter Association of Australasia (HAA) became a casualty of the GFC and folded in late 2008 after 26 years of service to the helicopter community.

Recently, the Australian Helicopter Industry Association (AHIA) was formed to fill the gap left by the demise of the HAA. Convenor Rob Rich told The Australian registration of the AHIA will be completed by July 2012 and an inaugural executive appointed soon after.

It is anticipated the official launch of the AHIA will take place at Avalon Airshow 2013.

At present the steering committee is working with many organisations such as Aviation Australia to see how the skill shortages, especially in the engineering trades can be minimised. Need more information? Email: helicopterassociation{at}bigpond(dot)com
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Old 25th Jun 2012, 11:58
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who's the boss

Rob Rich is the convenor, the committee, the group AND everything else that is the AHIA. Those that have been around the industry for a while know the past of the HAA and those that ran it. Where did all the money go???, ($250,000).(Nothing to do with Rob, she knows).
Some of us know.Stand up Rob, use the word "I" when you are writing about your new venture, that way you won't have to quote yourself.

Last edited by deeper; 25th Jun 2012 at 12:00.
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Old 26th Jun 2012, 20:40
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Deeper, I am sorry you feel this way. Maybe you should follow the contributions now appearing on bladeslapper where a robust for and against discussion has been underway since February.

As the second last President of the HAA, before the association collapsed due to lack of funds and rapidly falling membership, I can assure you no past members of that executive is involved in the new AHIA. In any case, most of the final committee were not helicopter people, so they are probably not interested now their source of casual employment has been removed.

My role as the convenor, is to start gathering the matters of administration together, so others can participate formally when the AHIA is functioning. (These are very early days).

The AHIA will not be registered until the end of July, an informal steering committee will continue promoting the AHIA and seeking industry feelings on what the final constitution should look like. The first AGM will formally elect office bearer several months later. Also, we will have been offered an opportunity to have our “official launch” at the Avalon Airshow 2013.

With respect, I must disagree with your comments about being a one man band. About 100 people have emailed me offering their assistance - and even international corporations. I have been to dozens of meetings, chatting with people, including CASA. Many are contacted daily seeking advice on particular topics.

The final hurdle “I” have to cross – to become “we” is the nomination of divisions, which is not yet complete. Once the divisions are accepted by everyone, then people waiting to help more can be listed in a division (National Office matters) and also everyone will asked to nominate which regional branch they would like to be registered within – usually where they work, so the social and funs activities can be sorted. These branch representatives can then listed.

Until then, in order to preserve the privacy of individuals, corporations and government bodies looking at what we can do together I have reassured them their offer to help is private - to avoid personal sledging that eventually starts up as per your post Deeper. Once we are registered, I can announce the steering group list.

As to the financial management of the last HAA executive during the two final years, I cannot comment as this executive this is still subject to potential defamatory legal proceedings by a third party. No AGM was conducted correctly, financial statements were never made public by an independent auditor (ASIC & ATO requirements). Several government and banking organisations launched their own investigations. The old executive was totally cleared of allegations made at that time. As to the funds – where did they go? – We will never know. It is all history.

Deeper if you want a free regular newsletter with updates on the progress of the AHIA, then please send us your email. As you appear to have serious reservations about a retiree doing something for his the industry, to replay past kindness, then you are most welcome to take over the often thankless task of getting an association up and running.

Your call?
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Old 27th Jun 2012, 05:26
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Well said Rob......There are always those who take the easy route and criticise but few like you who will stand up and DO something.Good luck.
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Old 29th Jun 2012, 09:30
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Poaching engineers in avation publications

Horror horror has the end started?

Thanks to Steve Creedy, Aviation Editor of The Australian newspaper we were able to be the lead feature in this Friday’s aviation pages. In this media release we focussed on the existing and worsening skills shortages. You know my views on the loss of so many engineers in recent years. Today, in the north, mustering based engineers are probably being paid at least three times that of the guy or gal in the helicopter.

Horror horror has the end started?


If you read our article and drop your eyes down to a brightly coloured advert it reads,

“Follow the path to success. Are you an aviation LAME looking to transfer to the mining industry?" A job description follows.

Talk about poaching our precious and essential engineers …………

What do we do???
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Old 29th Jun 2012, 12:27
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Today, in the north, mustering based engineers are probably being paid at least three times that of the guy or gal in the helicopter
At least twice and they get to go home every night. I've heard of 130, to 140 K being offered with no takers. It's an ideal world for those wishing self employment.

Wages during apprenticeship though in the face of the mining industry truck driver, gopher even fitter's offsider are another story as it's impossible to pay much for someone who has to be supervised strongly.

Certainly a big issue.
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Old 2nd Jul 2012, 13:09
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The HAA stopped from lack of funds because the last president "arranged" a quorum and changed the constitution to pay herself. All previous presidents worked for nothing for the HAA. $80,000 a year for three years and the $240,000 that was in the bank was gone and so was the HAA. legitimate robbery, or was it??.
Membership fell because no renewals were sent or acknowledged for months after the meeting that started the end. The President herself said the money she was being paid would be recouped from new memberships ending up numbering none.
It seemed to some who took notice at the time that everything was designed to empty the bank account, that happened.
If this is not the case then in the words of some actor, "show me the money", please.

Heli, this is not criticism these are the facts as we know them.

Please don't get any more "icons" in the mix, there are plenty of worms in the can.
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Old 3rd Jul 2012, 01:25
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Annual RW Report - Australia - Year ending 30 Jun '12.

Report Card: End of FISCAL Year 2011/2012 shows accelerating growth in helicopter industry

Note: These figures are more accurate as they track a longer period, the FISCAL Year from 1 Jul '11 to 30 Jun '12.

The CASA Aircraft Register at end of June 2012 showed the Australian helicopter fleet is undergoing an expansion which is showing no signs of abating. In the previous year ending 30 June 2011, the growth rate had edged up to around 10%. The FISCAL year just ended has the growth rate at an all time high of 11.4%, which is three times that of the Australian economy.

Helicopter numbers have doubled in ten years, from 980 to 1,964 and will double again in only seven years due to the accelerating rate of growth caused by the demands from Asia for energy and mineral resources. The SAR and HEMS operations are also increasing as the public demands improved emergency services in remote areas.

By comparison, the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority Aircraft Register has increased from 14,462 over the past year to 14,749 an increase of 287 or 2% in the year. Helicopters made up 182 of this increase. If the helicopter figures are removed the aeroplane fleet, then the non-helicopter registrations grew by only less than 1% (0.7%). If the latest GDP figures of 4.3% are considered, then the FW growth rate in six times less than the growth of the economy.

Helicopter enthusiasts will no doubt shout loudly that the rotary wing growth rate in at least ten times more than the “plank wings’ as they are known in the helicopter community. In theory 3.5 helicopters are added to the register every week since 1 July 2011 or over four new jobs each week, according to past studies.

Registrations increased from 1,782 to 1,964 an increase of 182 (11.4%). However, the piston fleet still dominates with an increase from 1,098 to 1,253, which is 64% of the fleet. An extra 155 piston helicopters entered service resulting in a growth rate of 14.1 %. The Robinson Helicopter Company products were 998 (59% of fleet). The R22 model leads with 531; and is closely followed by the R44 with 467 registered. The rapid increase in the R44 fleet, especially with private owners is following a worldwide trend. Trailing the Robinson fleet in Australia are the Bell 47 (78), a number now quickly falling, Rotorway (51) and Hughes-Schweizer 269 at (53).

The single engine turbine registrations slowed somewhat to a 3% growth. Their numbers increased from 488 to 502, up only by 14. Top five are Bell 206 (227); the AS350 (134); Hughes 369 (25); Eurocopter 120 (26) and OH-58 (18).

Although the multi-engine (ME) group showed a marked increase over recent months, the annual rate was 7.6%. Numbers increased from 196 to 211. It is anticipated the heavy industry in the north of Australia will push the ME growth rate beyond that of the lighter piston fleet during the next two years. It is predicted the annual increase will be substantial around 2015 as the military outsource pilot training to the civilian industry. This will coincide with major oil and gas projects entering their final development stages. Off shore demands will also put pressure on heavy side of the industry, raising concerns about recruiting staff; especially in engineers where many are being poached by the mining companies.

In June 2012, the top five twin registrations were: Bell 412 (33); BK117 (31); S-76 (29) Eurocopter 332 (22) and AW139 (11). It is predicted the ME numbers will almost double from 211 to around 400 over the next seven years due to Asian needs for oil, gas and minerals. In particular, the transfer of Army and Navy helicopter pilot training to a civilian contractor, scheduled to start around early 2016 will drain the 30 Australian flying schools of highly experienced staff. The lack of night, instrument and NVG instructors even now is becoming critical.

Need our free monthly newsletter with more data and news - just ask! Email: helicopterassociation[at]bigpond(dot)com
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Old 3rd Jul 2012, 01:47
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Past HAA actions - in the past

Deeper,

Perhaps we should let this line of discussion sit awhile. It is so painful to most of us, including yourself it seems, and all those involved. As the leader of the second last executive, I suffered much from a campaign of misinformation and false accusations.

Fortunately, a financial enquiry was instigated by a third party (government) and the previous executive (my mob) was cleared of any wrong doing. In fact, we were commended for our record keeping by having independent bookkeepers, accounts managed by a CPA accountant and audited by an independent (and expensive) registered auditor.

All our accounts were electronic with backups at various locations. Most of these things are required by the ATO (not-for-profit) and ASIC who have no senses of humour.

The new HAA executive cancelled most of these arrangements before the collaspe. But that was their call - they were in the chair.

It was not a pretty sight and it be best left in the past.
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Old 11th Aug 2012, 00:21
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AHIA Updates

Back from holiday …. AHIA updates

Aerospace Australia Limited offering assistance. The AHIA steering group has received welcome offers of assistance. The organisers of the Avalon Airshow 2013 have been very helpful in offering access to the Melbourne Convention Centre and the airshow venue at Avalon Airport. This will allow the AHIA to have an “official launch”. As a result the Australian helicopter industry will become better known in the Australia and nearby countries, especially those in Asia. This is a wonderful opportunity to promote ourselves as best we can. The lead up and post event PR going around Australia, the Pacific and Asia from Aerospace Aviation Limited will filter down into regional electronic and print media outlets. Hopefully it will lead to better business in 2013?

Aerospace Aviation Limited (AAL) is the organiser of Avalon Airshow 2013. They have in the past helped the now closed Helicopter Association of Australasia. AAL also supports other aviation industry associations. The AAL Board is considering the Steering Committee’s request for assistance at their board meeting on 30 Aug ‘12.

Steering Committee nominates key positions. The AAL Board has asked the AHIA to nominate a steering committee. These nominations are temporary appointments, subject later to an AGM planned for Saturday 3rd November 2012 at Brisbane Airport. Unfortunately, our recent request for volunteers was a zero return exercise – as were the comments on needed divisions, etc. Never mind you are all busy. After a lot of phone calls we managed to obtain two very suitable people to run the Steering Committee up to the AGM, and hopefully continue in the roles they have accepted. As an aside, the National Executive manages the state branches and helps common interest divisions with their work on projects, etc. Management skills and business skills are paramount for the national executive appointments. Branches and divisions will attract the more hands-on players and work under the mentors in the national executive.

Volunteers offering to help. The volunteers who have offered their assistance are:

Steering Committee President – Peter Crook.
Steering Committee Vice President – Mark Scrymgeour.
Steering Committee Secretary/Treasurer – Rob Rich (current convenor).
AHIA Business development, membership and expositions – Rob Rich.

These appointments will become effective from early September after the AAL announces a sponsorship package to allow the AHIA to obtain the resources it needs to be a major player at the Avalon Airshow 2013.

The Secretary and Treasurer’s position will be filled at the inaugural AGM in November by which time the administrative, financial and legal process required for registration as a not-for-profit association will have been completed by the AHIA convenor Rob Rich.

Peter Crook. President designate Peter Crook is based in Sydney. He is well known to most of the key players in the aviation industry and has had extensive aviation experience both as a civilian and military pilot. Peter has also held many and varied positions in commercial aviation including senior executive positions in large multi-national corporations. Peter has a total of 14,000 flight hours in both aeroplanes and helicopters. After a long career with Bell Helicopter Sales, Hawker Pacific, based in Sydney, Peter recently established a private consulting company, PKC Aviation Pty Ltd which specialises in sourcing and selling helicopters, pre-buy inspections, Certificates of Airworthiness, finance, insurance, freight, maintenance and repair and overhaul activities. For several decades, Peter has attended most of the regional and international aviation conventions and conferences and has an excellent understanding of aviation business, regulatory and operational issues.

Mark Scrymgeour. Vice President designate is Mark Scrymgeour who is also based in Sydney. Mark is the Fleet Logistics Manager for Fridgelog, refrigerated transport company that has a fleet of ten refrigerated trucks and fifteen drivers that service contracts with Linfox (Coles distribution), Baiada Chicken, Bells Ice, Bidvest, and Darrell Lea Chocolates.

Previously Mark was the National Franchise Development Manager for Caltex Australia, which has approximately 30% share of the Australian Retail Petrol Market. Caltex Retail has approximately 430 franchisees operating 560 sites nationally. This makes Caltex one of the largest franchise networks in Australia. Mark holds a commercial helicopter licence and brings extensive executive experience from other transport related industries to the AHIA. His corporate knowledge and management experience will help the Australia wide AHIA’s state and technical divisions develop under a National Executive umbrella.

Rob Rich lives in Brisbane. He is an aviation marketing consultant, aviation writer and RABSQA Quality and Safety Management Auditor. His company Cranford Publications Pty Ltd provides undergraduate and post graduate training and education programmes. Past Australia & NZ Representative for the Air Med & Rescue Congress China 2011. He has owned and published magazines such as Aero-News, Aero-Safe, Heli-Safe, Heli-News Australasia and other training publications. Now conducts theory and IREX courses. Second last President of the Helicopter Association of Australasia.

The AAL people suggested that the incoming President and Vice President would have an advantage if they were near to Canberra and CASA. Both Peter and Mark are Sydney based and this will assist in having good access to CASA people during our launch year. All Rob needs is a letter box, computer and banking facilities for the early days. Aviation Australia has offered free use of their training venues for routine meetings, such as the initial AGM.

Celebration 2000 and AGM. The AHIA will celebrate the CASA Register passing the 2,000th helicopter milestone during weekend 3–4 November 2013. The event is titled “Celebrating 2000th Helicopter and AGM”. Venue is being sponsored by Aviation Australia, located at Brisbane International Airport, Queensland. The two days of presentations and local tours of nearby aviation manufacturing facilities will be based at the Brisbane Campus of Aviation Australia. Interstate visitors arriving by air will arrive a short distance from Aviation Australia, and budget accommodation. Good public transport. For those flying to Archerfield Airport should note venue is within reasonable public transport travelling time. More later about aircraft parking at Brisbane. Oodles of free car parking.

AGM. The inaugural AGM is scheduled for 2:00 pm on Saturday 3rd of November 2012, followed later by a casual dinner. Sunday’s activities will focus on training and careers for aircrew, engineers and managers. Nominations from potential speakers are most welcome. Admission is free. More info: helicopterassociation(at)bigpond[dot]com

Avalon Airshow 2013 activities.
Mon 25 Feb ’13. "AHIA Helicopter Conference", Melbourne Convention Centre. Venue sponsored by Aerospace Australia Limited who are the airshow organisers. Official launch of the AHIA. Conference is suitable for senior executives, industry regulators, international aviation associations and members of the ADF involved with helicopter operations, etc, etc. Conference fee will be charged to raise funds for the AHIA. Attendees are invited to formal dinner in the evening. (Cost TBA.)

Tue 26 and Wed 27 Feb ’13. Trade Days for industry at Avalon Airshow 2013. Facilities for displays, presentations and conferences sponsored by Aerospace Australia Limited will be provided. Admission is free. AHIA meetings and presentations can be held from 0800-1300 and 1415-1600 each day. Flying displays will be restricted to lunch break to avoid disturbing conferences. AHIA helicopter people wanting to be involved in promoting the industry are invited to contact Rob Rich, AHIA Convenor via helicopterassociation[at]bigpond(dot)com. Our thanks to Aerospace Australia Limited for providing a venue for the AHIA.

Going to HAI? The AHIA activities have been inserted early in the Avalon programme so people going to HAI's Heli-Expo 2013, 5-7 March 2013 can make Las Vegas in time for the start - you gain a day going East. So you can fly easily from Melbourne.
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Old 11th Aug 2012, 00:23
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Just a reminder – have you registered for a free subscription to AHIA Official Journal “Helicopters Australasia”.

July issue included attachment “Board Room Briefing” which reviewed Chinese on-shore and off-shore activities and associated business opportunities. We can send out to you if you missed out. We have now 4,000 subscribers.

August issue almost finished. “Board Room Briefing” will look at Timor Leste to our immediate North. Now that stability has returned after the elections, there may be better opportunities for helicopter operators.

September will feature PNG, now the drilling has started for gas and the plans for the pipeline are mind boggling. One PNG source suggested 15,000 workers will be involves in this project. More later.

If you want to submit and news items or notices, then send them to us. The price is right! No advertising allowed, but you can be listed in our complimentary Australian Helicopter Directory.
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