CASA Media Release - 29 June 1999
CASA's ambitious reform program
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is setting itself an ambitious program of reform for the future, according to the new Chairman Dr Paul Scully-Power.
Dr Scully-Power says CASA is committed to continuing the rewriting of Australian aviation regulations and to fair and consistent enforcement of the rules.
He says aviation regulations will be simpler and easier to follow and will move closer to international standards.
"The CASA Board has a clear vision of the changes and reforms which are required to help improve the safety record of aviation in Australia and will work to ensure they are embraced by everyone in CASA and the industry," Dr Scully-Power says.
"Our long term goal is to make flying as easy as possible for everyone in Australia who complies with the rules and acts responsibly.
"In the short term CASA has a number of important projects under way that will deliver real benefits to the aviation industry and the travelling public.
"The most important of these projects is the continuing work to rewrite the aviation safety regulations.
"This is a huge job which has been progressing for some time and will take many more months to complete.
"Right now the new regulations governing Airworthiness Directives are being finalised and should come into effect by the end of October this year.
"Rules relating to Aircraft Registration and Markings will be rewritten in the second half of this year."
Dr Scully-Power says CASA has a range of other important initiatives being undertaken in the second half of 1999.
These include:
- introducing a world's first competency-based national flying training syllabus clearly defining standards for all private and commercial pilots;
- implementing a revised entry control and surveillance system to ensure operators maintain safety standards for the travelling public;
- finalising the restructuring of CASA to deliver better safety services to the travelling public and the aviation industry;
- certifying the introduction of leading edge satellite-based precision landing systems to enhance safety and operational efficiency for regional airlines (initially at Norfolk Island);
- establishing a comprehensive safety program for commercial operators which takes advantage of current human factors expertise; and
- completion of an extensive industry Y2K awareness campaign.
Dr Scully-Power says as Chairman of CASA he will seek to bring stability and assurance to the administration of the organisation.
"CASA has a strong team of people who are dedicated to making the Australian aviation industry as vibrant and as safe as possible.
"The Board will work to provide the CASA team with appropriate leadership and strategic direction.
"By doing this we can achieve the ambitious program of reform we have set ourselves for the rest of this year and in to the next Century.
"At the end of the day we will be working towards a clearly understood and transparent regulator which will act justly and fairly for the benefit of all Australians."
Dr Scully-Power also thanked Bruce Byron, AM, for his work as a member of the CASA Board since July 1997 and as chairman of the Board Safety Committee.
Mr Byron, a former RAAF officer, has not made himself available for re-appointment because he has accepted a senior appointment in the airline industry.
"Bruce Byron made a most valuable contribution to CASA and aviation safety, bringing considerable expertise and knowledge to CASA.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: ME9930PR