The Department of Infrastructure and Transport's think-tank, the General Aviation Advisory Group (GAAG) will concentrate on the three key priorities set down in the GA Flight Plan strategy announced last month.
The GA Flight Plan stems from the work of GAAG and the BITRE GA Study conducted last year, and comprises three main priorities:
- Develop a broad long-term strategic perspective for GA
- Propose how air safety regulation can support GA through clear, consistently applied and proportionally responsible administration
- Maintain and enhance GA industry capability through workforce planning and access to airspace and infrastructure.
"The Work Plan sets out the priorities for 2018-19 and the group will be focussing on these matters rather than producing a separate report," a Department of Infrastructure and Transport spokesperson told Australian Flying. "Specific advice to the Government from the Group on these priorities will be provided during the year."
Some of the specific areas GAAG is expected to look at include:
- Define GA, its role, strategic direction and legislative framework by identifying levers to better promote GA in Australia as a contributor to social and economic development as part of the broader strategic plan
- Inform and help shape the GA policy framework by responding to the challenges and opportunities outlined in the BITRE GA Study
- Contributing to the development of unmanned aircraft systems industry and use in Australia
- Articulate an industry philosophy for the regulation of GA by developing guiding principles for CASA's consideration to assist in the future design, determination, and administration of aviation regulation as it applies to GA
- Provide examples to CASA of inconsistency in application of regulations across regions as well as suggested improvements to improve consistency and transparency across CASA Regional Offices
- Articulate a GA industry workforce strategy, responding to pressures such as an ageing workforce and commercial airline competition for personnel
- Promote appropriate access to airspace and aerodromes for the GA sector by developing specific industry proposals for consideration by the Minister for Infrastructure and Transport.
"I welcome the establishment of the GA Flight Plan and I have asked the Department of Infrastructure, Regional Development and Cities and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) to work with the Group in responding to these priorities,” Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said when the plan was made public.
“To ensure the Group is able to complete the work outlined in the GA Flight Plan, the Group's membership and operations will continue for a further two years and I look forward to working constructively with the Group during this period.”