I have to reiterate something my colleague Doug Nancarrow said this week: we will not publish comments and opinions that are sent to us anonymously. Usually it comes via a third party who also will not put their name to it, and most often is something posted on a forum using a pen name. That makes it heresay at best. That does not mean we want to publish your name; we can use a pen name for the author, but we won't accept comments unless we know the real name and bona fides of the author.
How good is Michael Smith? This man is a shining example that the spirit of adventure in aviation is most certainly not dead. Michael has hopped his little Searey amphibian around the world, with only the leg home through SE Asia to do. He's done it leg-by-leg, without chasing sponsorship or publicity. He's done it just because he reckoned it might be fun. Hats off to you, Michael ... and may the last week of your journey be the easiest and safest.
CASA's 2014-15 Annual Report still needs a lot of analysing, but there are three main things that jump out. Firstly, the regulator made a $5.5 million operating loss; secondly, they are forecasting a loss nearly double that next year then surpluses each year after; and thirdly, the number of pilots licences active has declined by about 9000 in the past five years. The loss has been attributed to a drop in income from the fuel excise, which means less fuel is being burned and consequently less flying is happening. That sort of corresponds to the drop in active pilots licenses; another indicator of less activity. Not surprisingly, the greatest drop is in aeroplane PPLs, of which there are 2000 less active now than in 2010. So, how has CASA decided that it's going to get into surplus from 2017 onward? Unless activity takes an upward curve, there's only two ways to do it: raise more income or cut operating costs. Let's hope it's the latter; any substantial increase in fees to the industry could undo any relationship-mending that Mark Skidmore has managed to achieve.
The other thing I noted from the annual report is that the job as head of the GA Task Force (GATF) is still not filled. After Peter John moved on from the role, CASA has not made a lot of effort, I believe, to replace him. Does this mean the end of the GATF? Will anyone notice?
The Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development has tasked Transport and Logistics Industry Skills Council (TLISC) to do a study of skills within the aviation industry. They've set-up an on-line survey and are asking members of the aviation community to complete the survey. This is our conduit to the department; we shouldn't hold back when it comes to telling them the state of play, especially when it comes to maintenance people! Two surveys are waiting for your input: one on the industry and the other on training. There's one week to go until TLISC has to close it off.
The latest issue of Flightpath is now ready for you to read! With a magnificent Phil Makanna shot of a Hawker Hurricane on the cover, it certainly stands out on the shelves. This issue features the 75th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Britain, and takes a timely look as some legendary aeroplanes having second careers as firebombers. Good stuff all around.
May your gauges always be in the green,
Hitch