Regional Aviation Safety Forum

August 31, 2010

President AOPA Phillip Reiss attended the Regional Aviation Safety Forum hosted by CASA on Friday August 10 at Sydney Airport. Phillip congratulates CASA CEO John McCormick on his initiative in establishing this Forum, which will be held two or three times per year. The forum provided a great opportunity for open discussion about air safety concerns between aviation industry leaders and the regulator.

The agenda covered a broad area. AOPA had the asked that the National Airspace System, as it relates to Class D and E airspace be put on the agenda, as AOPA’s preferred position is that the NAS airspace system following the USA model be adopted across the country. Phillip questioned recent airspace changes at Karratha and Broome, where Class D at 5,500 feet and out to 40 nm has been adopted, which is not in line with the NAS Class D of 2,500’ to 4.3 nm with Class E above. Graham Rogers of CASA’s Office of Airspace Regulation indicated that this was a temporary change and the preferred model is the NAS US system. AOPA will be keeping a close watch on this development as it could have wider ramifications for airspace if similar changes are made to airspace elsewhere.

CASA indicated that changes to transponder carriage requirements will occur within the next few years. Safety problems at Bathurst were identified involving glider operations within close proximity to airfield which are being discussed by Rex and the Glider Federation. John McCormick asked that the outcome be documented and the procedural changes to the route that Rex have adopted, be available other operators.

Communications in remote areas and the use of Sat Phones was also discussed. HF communication is often difficult, but at this stage is the only acceptable means for Airservices to establish two way communication. Sat Phones for SAR cancellation is acceptable, but not for position reports, nor as a general substitute for HF.

The agenda also covered English language proficiency, and ageing aircraft. A briefing was given a briefing about the newly established “Flying Standards Branch – Unmanned Aerial Systems” covered under Part 101. At present 21 manufacturers and 26 other companies are preparing to operate unmanned aircraft with 12 operating certificates covering 6 fixed wing, 3 rotary wing, 2 multi rotor and 1 airship. 3 industry associations, 7 R & D organisations the ADF and 15+ universities and secondary schools are involved. Key issues are growth, regulatory development and the hobbyist crossover along with airspace access, training and licensing of pilots and controllers, as well as airworthiness.

Under the direction of John McCormick, CASA is working with industry and listening to our concerns. AOPA does not always agree with CASA, but welcomes the opportunity as part of the industry to work in a co-operative manner with the regulator at these forums.