10 May

Aviation -it's in our DNA -Safety and growth the double helix.
 
This week we have hosted divisional meetings for NZAAA, NZHA and flight training as well as attended the Governance Board meeting. The Governance Board click here are the governors and managers of AIA. They set the strategic policy and direction and provide assurance that the organisation i.e. the office is operating correctly. Members have an additional conduit to ensure the "office" is performing appropriately and this is via the Advisory Council chaired by Dale Webb, your President. This is the way we have operated since August 2011 when members voted in support of this constitutional arrangement. As with all changes there is a time to review and this has been a part of the focus of work for the President and members of the Council and Board. At this year's AGM, there will be some minor adjustments to consider. The objective being to strengthen our capacity to deliver "One Industry One Voice". The AGM is a time to have your say so mark 11.30am Friday 21 June, Dunedin in the diary.
 
Divisional AGM's will be held earlier in the week with a number of roles up for re-election (click here and here) for ballot papers.
 
Safety briefing
 
Pilot medicals - everyone agrees that CAA charges must be reduced. The question is to what level? The "boots" has always had a vision that the cost should be no more than the equivalent cost in Australia i.e. around $100 Kiwi. The question is whether this is obtainable under the present system? The answer is quite clearly no. It currently costs $2m plus to issue 7000 medical certificates annually so we have a major problem with the underlying overhead costs for that volume. Increasing the volume is not really an option as this is not inherently what most of you want. The problem has to looked at from an overheads basis. Computerising the present system delivers around a 20% cost reduction but we must look at the next 80% to get to our target of $100. Now the boots doesn't have all the answers but we are fairly confident that it’s a bit more than a tweak. One option is to make those pilots who cost the system more, to pay more i.e. user pays. Another is to reduce the amount of work done in CAA and a third, is to devolve the system completely. We'd be interested in your views because we want a solution sooner rather than in three or four years time when the next review of price occurs.
 
Risk profiling - the sector review of Ag aviation is progressing well. We've had some intensive briefings this week, with the key themes to be discussed in detail at conference. What is interesting about the approach is that it’s very data driven and highly engaged with industry. It gives Industry a much higher level of participation and engagement identifying the real risks and sustainable solution. While the exercise is some way off identifying accountabilities the point is that these will be assigned and there will be regular review and monitoring. Risk profiling is another tool in the safety tool kit but it does appear to add materially to the idea that rule making is not the primary or only solution.
 
 
Strategic supply of pilots - we have the latest CAA data which is indicating an upswing in completions of basic training. However, our leading edge data from ASPEQ in terms of how many are entering i.e. sitting exams, shows a reduction of around 25%. Our last meeting with MoE indicated they wanted an industry wide demographic study be conducted prior to any possible reconsideration of policy settings. We will be discussing this point further with officials in just over a weeks time, as it’s particularly difficult extracting this data. What we do know is the demand globally (and we see no reason why New Zealand should be exempt) is increasing and supply reducing. Under this scenario shortages are inevitable.
 
Growth
 
Building Sustainable businesses - this week we had a meeting with the Green Party and briefed them on strategies to build future sustainable businesses. It was particularly interesting to hear their views about helicopters and it’s not all about noise. They very clearly understand the role helicopters play in conservation, saving lives and non intrusive tourism, however what is objectionable and impossible to defend is heli-hunting involving destruction of native resources or aircraft operating over protected wilderness areas. It’s very hard for anyone to sanction such behaviour. So the message is it’s not the equipment it is the behaviour that is objectionable.
   

Aviation is in our DNA   Red boots

Nominations called for – AIA awards.  Each year the AIA makes two awards: to an individual in recognition of their long service to the industry; and to a company for their outstanding contribution.  If you know anyone or company who might meet these requirements please feel free to nominate by emailing admin1@aia.org.nz
 
CAA Directors Awards – note these are also open. Go to CAA webpage.

Trade Stands read more

Delegates read more

Sponsorship read more
 

Expressions of Interest – Executive Leadership programme, RNZAF Base Woodbourne 17-19 May  click here  
 

 

DOT OIG Report Highlights Opportunities to Improve FAA Maintenance Oversight read more

Resort Airports in Stormy SE Asia Leave Safety to Chance read more

FAA Safety Oversight Of Aircraft Repairs Faulted In Report read more

HAI President's message read more
 

New CEO for ARHT read more

Productivity Commission Submission read more read more

Pilot Training – Regulatory constraints and hurdles read more

 

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