CASA media release - Tuesday 24 June 2008
Northern Australian Air Safety Sweep
A month-long safety sweep of aviation operations right across Northern Australia is being conducted by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
Detailed safety checks will be carried out on pilots, engineers, aircraft maintenance and aircraft operations at more than 60 locations across the Top End of Australia.
CASA will also be providing safety advice and education to the Northern Australian aviation industry during the safety sweep.
Two teams of CASA inspectors, investigators and safety advisors will visit aerodromes and airstrips in North Queensland, North West Queensland, the Northern Territory and WA’s Kimberly region.
The CASA safety teams will fly in a fixed wing aircraft and a helicopter and will cover more than 8000 kilometres during the month. The safety sweep began this week and will run until late July.
Teams will arrive unannounced at large and small aviation operations, aerodromes and airstrips to conduct checks, provide safety advice and investigate any evidence of breaches of the regulations.
CASA’s acting chief executive officer, Shane Carmody, says the safety sweep across northern Australia is a first for CASA.
“CASA regularly carries out targeted surveillance of specific areas or operations but we have never mounted this type of exercise across such a wide region,” Mr Carmody said.
“We are recognising that Northern Australia has unique aviation challenges, such as distance and physical conditions, and this means a different approach is needed to make sure safety rules are being followed and safety advice and education can be delivered.
“The Northern Australian safety sweep will see CASA checking on small airlines, charter flights, mustering operations, private flights and aircraft maintenance.
“Where action needs to be taken CASA will step in and make sure safety standards are improved. However, we will be equally looking to provide advice and safety education as part of the drive to keep Northern Australian skies safe for everyone.”
The safety sweep will cover locations such as Cairns, the Torres Strait, the Gulf country, Mt Isa, Darwin, Katherine and Broome. It will not be limited to major aerodromes.
The sweep will target general aviation operations – that is commercial and private aviation carried out in smaller aircraft and helicopters.
Industry Notice
Increased CASA presence in Northern Australia
CASA will have an increased presence throughout Northern Australia during June and July 2008 with a fixed wing and helicopter team operating in Northern Queensland, the Northern Territory and Kimberley.
This will include spot audits on pilot and LAME qualifications, aircraft operations and maintenance facilities to ensure operators are operating safely.
Operators will also have opportunities to seek advice on safety issues, regulatory services and provide feedback regarding CASA related issues.
If you have any questions regarding this activity, please contact the Manager of Safety Oversight, John Bromley, via email at safetyoversight@casa.gov.au.
Media contact:
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR6908