Page 112 - AA 2018_11

Getting together
AIRPORTS
CAROLINE WILKIE
CEO – AAA
Gearing up for the National Conference

ovember will see more than 600 undoubtedly will be an important topic when they return to their airport.
delegates descend on Brisbane of discussion at the conference this year. The regional stream will feature a case
for the 2018 AAA National We will be privileged to host the First study on Launceston Airport, and how
NConference. Commissioner of the Federal Police the three-time AAA Major Airport of the
The conference is always a real Belgium, Jean-Pierre Devos, as one of Year winner has delivered a distinctive
highlight on our annual calendar and our international keynote speakers. experience reflecting the local region.
provides a rare chance for airport As one of the first people on the scene A panel discussion will also examine
representatives from across Australia after the attack on Brussels National route development challenges and
to come together to discuss their Airport in March 2016, he has a unique opportunities for regional airports
achievements, challenges and plans for view on responding to a security incident, looking to grow services to their
the future. and the lessons learned from the attack. community.
We have an extensive range of topics The conference will also feature a The commercial stream will look at
covered in this year’s program, from number of sessions on meeting customer how airports must respond to the age
broader industry issues that affect us all needs, as airports continue to create of the digital shopper in their retail
‘Security to new technology and innovation being memorable and enjoyable airport spaces, and will also go behind the
implemented at airports both large and
scenes of Cairns Airport’s terminal
experiences for their passengers. SITA
undoubtedly small. vice president Catherine Meyer will be redevelopment.
We look forward to welcoming our
The program also features a range of
among those sharing their expertise on
will be an networking opportunities, including the engaging with the customer. delegates to the conference for what will
be a busy and informative four days.
AAA Airport Industry Awards, which
While our dedicated regional airport
important will showcase some of the very best stream returns again this year, we will takes place from 13-16 November
The 2018 AAA National Conference
projects and initiatives in our industry.
also be hosting a commercial stream to
topic.’ global security environment, security ensure delegates can find sessions that in Brisbane. To find out more, visit
As we continually adapt to an evolving
will deliver value for them in their roles
airportsconference.asn.au.
Defining GA FROM THE REGIONS

Finding appropriate regulatory oversight for general aviation MIKE HIGGINS
CEO – RAAA

ast issue we reported on the three rule sets that classify and cover emerging policy proposal from
highly successful ‘Reclassification these three ranges of activities. It CASA in terms of both operating
of Activities’ initiative and has CASR Part 91 for (Safe) general and maintaining aircraft could well
L presentation to senior industry aviation/aerial work operations. It be that if you are not in air transport
participants and government officials. has CASR Part 135 for (Safer) smaller operations, you are in GA.
Concurrently, the Minister is taking air transport operations and it has
a serious look at the health of general CASR Part 121 for the (Safest) large air NEXT STEPS
aviation in Australia and is seeking transport operations. In order to take the risk analysis (and
input into a comprehensive definition Consequently by definition, if CASR therefore the required regulatory
of general aviation, in order for Parts 121 or 135 do not apply to you, oversight) of GA down to the next
government to more comprehensively then you must be in GA/aerial work. level, we should again refer back to
and effectively identify and understand Secondly, we need to consider the Reclassification of Activities. That
the sector’s issues. which maintenance regulations is, we identify who is on board (either
Air transport operations are would complement the operational passenger, participant, task specialist/
regulated by a set of operational rules Part 91 regulations for GA. It is crew) and/or if the operation of the
and maintenance rules and GA is no understood that under a developing aircraft undertaking a particular
different. CASR Part 91 governs the CASA-proposed CASR Part for GA activity is exposed to an increased ‘Additional
operational aspects and most operators maintenance based on the FARs, no level of risk. Additional risk mitigators
maintain their aircraft under CAR 30. maintenance organisation approval (crewing/training/equipment) can risk mitigators
Firstly, the reclassification of (currently CAR 30) would be required then be applied as appropriate. CASA
activities presentation concludes that for carrying out maintenance of and the rotorcraft sector of the industry can then be
Australia should have essentially three aircraft, engines or components other (using the Sector Risk Profile studies)
CASR Parts for operational regulations, than propellers and instruments. This have done this work very successfully applied as
based on risk, that provides for the would apply to all aircraft not engaged and we would endorse the same
safety assurances of ‘Safe, Safer and in air transport operations. approach for fixed-wing GA/aerial appropriate.’
Safest’. CASA indeed already has Therefore it appears that an work operations and maintenance.

112 AUSTRALIAN AVIATION