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I learned that although the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) ensures some common practices worldwide, each country has its own unique differences. Airspace systems, for instance, evolve from local political and industrial pressures. My vision for Australia’s aviation reform is to look at each country’s practices, take the best ideas and put them into one system – something no one has ever done.
I’ve done well in my businesses in Australia by constantly asking advice and copying the best. It would give me immense satisfaction to apply these principles to aviation reform. The problem is that aviation presents far greater challenges than retail or publishing industries.
I’ve found that Australian aviation is surrounded by people who have been trained in a particular system and want to stick with it. They are absolutely genuine workers who are happy with their present jobs and have no interest whatsoever in how things are done overseas. I call it the “it wasn’t built here” syndrome. Not surprisingly, many of these people regard any change as a threat.
I've put a lot of hard work into aviation reform and I’m not about to give up. Given the chance, I’ll incorporate the experience I’ve gained from thousands of flying hours and the best ideas from around the world, such as Class E airspace, which maximises the use of air traffic control and radar, and combine them with Australia’s best, such as our practice of self-separation in low traffic density terminal areas.
I believe that we can create a system that will make Australia the world leader in both flight training and recreational aviation. The return to Australia would be thousands of extra jobs and hundreds of million of dollars in revenue. Just look at the graph below at what is happening to general aviation. It is so sad and it is so unnecessary.
I am also concerned about the myriad of regulations which add to cost but not to safety in a cost effective way
Most importantly I am very concerned
at the moment both in the way that the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, the
ATSB and Airservices appear to be “captured” by those who resist any change at all.
I’m also extremely concerned that our airspace classifications and
procedures have never been properly updated since the old Flight Service
non-radar days.
If ever I get the chance to make the reforms mentioned above, I will do it.
Unfortunately, the present Government has no overarching policy or vision in relation to aviation. Without this, the various departments and organisations pursue their own agendas with their own self-interest. There is clearly a culture of never asking advice and never copying proven safe systems from overseas.
The Government needs clear, visionary policy backed by legislation which includes that there be a safe and financially viable aviation industry with the highest participation levels possible.
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