Former Airservices Australia CEO Greg Russell has been appointed Honorary Chair of The Australian Aviation Associations Forum (TAAAF).
Russell takes over after the previous TAAAF head, Chris Manning, left to take up a role as Commissioner with the Australian Transport Safety Bureau earlier this year.
According to the TAAAF announcement issued today, Russell "was unanimously endorsed by Forum members and brings a strong background in management, aviation services and knowledge of the agencies involved in the regulation of aviation in Australia.
"The Forum moved a vote of thanks and deep gratitude to the inaugural Chairman of the Forum, Mr Chris Manning, for the guidance and wise counsel he provided to the Forum members since 2008."
TAAAF members also met with CASA Director of Aviation Safety Mark Skidmore in Canberra to discuss aviation safety and regulation, issuing a statement of support for the future of the regulator.
"The Forum strongly supported the new direction of CASA," the statement said, "and especially the new focus from the Board and the DAS on risk management and cost impacts of regulation in accordance with the Government’s red tape reduction principles.
"The Forum encouraged the CASA executive to continue its drive towards improved industry consultation and cooperation and offered whatever assistance and support CASA needed to make this clearly difficult cultural transition."
Among many issues discussed, TAAAF strongly urged CASA to take some immediate actions including:
- Deferring CAO 48.1 on flight and duty times
- Addressing the new costs imposed on flying schools by CASR Parts 141 and 142
- Simplifying the controversial Part 61 on licensing
- Simplifying maintenance requirements for small aircraft
- Removing high costs such as the need for CASA to access aircraft types already approved by overseas agencies.
TAAAF is a group of aviation peak bodies that works together to advance the cause of aviation in Australia, in particular to make sure aviation presents a united voice when dealing with the government and regulators.