The State of the Unity
General aviation in Australia may never have a better opportunity to achieve real reform than it has right now. For the first time in many decades, there is an appetite for change emerging at both the regulator and the department that could deliver general aviation from its bureaucratic bondage. It is becoming apparent that the shackles are starting to loosen under repeated blows.
However, there is doubt that the GA community is in any shape to take advantage of that opportunity.
The status quo is full of barriers to progress, and neither the Department of Infrastructure and Transport nor the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) seem prepared to move away from that until a better alternative emerges; an alternative that is clearly supported by GA experts so that bureaucrats and politicians can defend the reforms.
No such alternative is emerging because at a time when the GA community needs their leaders to present a strong, unequivocal alternative for the future of the industry, the government is instead hearing a cacophany of different opinions.
Divided we stand
Despite the entire community having access to consultation platforms, the power of advocacy lies with the array of associations that represent the various sectors of aviation. From the Australian Aerial Application Association (AAAA), to the Aircraft Owners and Pilot's Association (AOPA Australia) and the Regional Aviation Association of Australia (RAAA), these umbrella groups look after their members' interests as their primary function.
Add to that the voice of Approved Self-administering Aviation Organisations (ASAO) like Recreational Aviation
