CASA Media Release - 1 July 1999
Aviation industry to report on Y2K readiness
Australia's aviation industry is to report on its state of readiness to deal with the Y2K problem.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is calling for Y2K statements of accomplishment from air operators, aviation maintenance organisations and licensed aerodromes.
At the same time CASA is distributing a comprehensive Aviation Y2K Guide to readiness and contingency planning.
The statements of accomplishment will provide detail of the aviation industry's actions to minimise risks from the millennium date rollover problem.
Aviation organisations will detail:
- whether they have drawn up inventories of computer and other date sensitive equipment and carried out Y2K assessments;
- work to replace or fix equipment at risk from the date rollover; and
- contingency plans to maintain safe aviation operations even if equipment or systems fail due to the Y2K problem.
Aviation organisations are also being asked to certify that they expect the safety of their operations to be maintained despite any Y2K disruptions.
CASA is calling for statements of accomplishment from all 1800 holders of Air Operators Certificates, Certificates of Approval and Aerodrome Licences. This includes Foreign Air Operators Certificate holders who fly in Australia.
CASA's Assistant Director Aviation Safety Promotion, Mike Smith, says the statements of accomplishment are part of an ongoing campaign to ensure millennium date rollover problems do not pose a risk to aviation safety.
Mr Smith says CASA has been working with the aviation industry for more than a year on the Y2K problem.
"We have produced education material, held seminars and operate a telephone hotline," Mr Smith says.
"We are now distributing a very comprehensive self-help guide for all aviation organisations on how to detect, fix and overcome Y2K problems.
"The step-by-step guide is targeted at smaller aviation organisations including regional operators, maintenance companies and licensed aerodromes.
"It contains check lists covering all areas of aviation operations, naturally concentrating on safety equipment and systems.
"This is a very valuable tool for aviation organisations with limited resources to deal with the Y2K problem."
Mr Smith says CASA is confident the Australian aviation industry is well prepared for the millennium date rollover but will continue to work to ensure safety is not compromised.
"The larger airlines, airports and maintenance organisations have collectively spent hundreds of millions of dollars dealing with the Y2K problem.
"Many smaller aviation organisations are also Y2K prepared or well advanced with their Y2K work.
"The statements of accomplishment and the Y2K Guide are further steps to minimise risk from the millennium rollover in the aviation sector."
The aviation industry will provide Y2K statements of accomplishment to CASA by September 30.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: ME9932PR