11 May 2012

You could describe this week as one of the more challenging this year from the perspective of industry reputation.  Two TAIC reports in one week is fairly unusual, albeit one interim and one final.  The mere fact that both reports were on aspects of “adventure” aviation placed some pressure on our tourism partners, however it should not be overlooked that these reports were and are about aviation and our sectors practices.
 
Disappointing as always was the media’s need to shame and blame.  Noteworthy was a single line in one media report that the police and CAA were meeting to see whether charges should be pressed in respect of the Fox Glacier accident. Apart from the fact that there is a significant and major problem with the juxtaposition of such statements i.e. the TAIC “truth and honesty” report and potential prosecutions, we think this issue goes to the heart of one of the problems of the new CAA organisation and that is the failure to separate safety investigation from enforcement investigations.
 
Now “red boots” is a major supporter of the new CAA organisation, particularly the Chairman, Board, Director and Senior Management team having experienced all in action over the past two to three weeks.  But, my experience has also been that outside agencies such as the Police and the public’s desire for accountability impinges on the CAA’s genuine desire to adopt best practice in safety regulation.
 
On that point AIA will be coming out in support of the call for mandatory drug and alcohol testing for persons holding safety sensitive roles in this industry, so watch this space.  We know many companies already have such regimes in place and have had so for at least 10 years if not longer, however with the two reports reporting the presence or potential presence of recreational drugs then such reports reflect adversely on the whole industry.  Quite simply our reputation cannot be tarnished even by the actions of a handful. 
 
Consultation is underway with Airways on pricing charges – it’s definitely a story of swings and roundabouts.  More in next week’s newsletter.                       
         
 

Until we speak again take care and stay risk aware Red boots

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Government News

AIRCARE™

Congratulations to Amalgamated Helicopters on gaining additional EMS AIRCARE™ accreditation and Northland Helicopters, full NZAAA accreditation

Congratulations to Amalgamated Helicopters on AIRCARE™ accreditation.
 
CD Noise abatement training – A training CD has now been produced by John Fogden and now approved trainers will be able to deliver the course in house to their own staff. One of the prerequisites is that the trainer will have already undertaken the course under Foggie


Attend conference and be into win we have two prizes up to the value of $2k plus GST to companies completing their AIRCARE™ accreditation.  This is available for new applicants as well as those renewing.  All you have to do is attend conference and be there at the draw.
 
Noise abatement training – click here

AIRCARE™ ACCREDITATION process read here

AIRCARE™ ACCREDITATION CONTRACTS YOU CAN ACCESS - here

AIRCARE™ TRAINING - Rotorua 9th August.

AIRCARE™ accreditations Click here
 

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