CASA Media Release - 7 May 1999
CASA move to lift aviation expertise
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) is pioneering an innovative aviation staff development scheme to lift expertise in key areas of the air transport industry.
CASA has reached agreement with both Qantas and Ansett on short term job-swapping in senior management positions.
CASA's Director of Aviation Safety, Mick Toller, says the interchange of staff between the major airlines and CASA will improve skills across the aviation industry.
Mr Toller says technical excellence will be boosted while understanding and cooperation will be fostered.
"CASA has recognised for some time that it needs to tap into the expertise that exists in the broader aviation industry," Mr Toller says.
"CASA needs to raise its technical skills to even higher levels and have an even closer understanding of the issues and concerns at the forefront of industry thinking.
"People from the aviation industry will learn about CASA's roles and responsibilities and our concerns and sensitivities.
"CASA people will get the latest day-to-day working knowledge of the aviation industry as well as an inside view of the industry's vision for the future.
"For the CASA, Ansett and Qantas staff who take part in the program the experience will be invaluable training which will improve their career development and prospects."
Mr Toller says CASA will also bring in highly experienced people from the aviation industry to advise on key issues when required.
He says the first adviser from industry will be Captain Alan Slater. Captain Slater was until recently the Training Manager for the Airbus at Qantas.
Captain Slater will lead a small task force to develop better flying training procedures and standards for CASA flying operations auditors and standards staff.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
ph 02 6217 1015
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: ME9915PR