Spriteah

An interesting thread. I would like to point out that the position for GM is now advertised on Seek http://www.seek.com.au/job/26545165 Please forward to any Skilled Managers you may know.

In the interests of clarity I stress that Mark Clayton was performing well and the board were happy with his progress with repairing past damages and getting the Office back on track. His work ethic was excellent and he spent too many hours working!!! He has chosen to leave to pursue another option and will be returning to Queensland to be closer to family members.

In answer to another question there is a master plan for the RAAus which is being followed as best as possible with regard to resources.

It is the opinion of the Executive that the General Manager needs to be based in Canberra. Mark made that commitment when he joined our association. To run a virtual office for the GM at this time would not benefit the group. There are 13 staff that require management, numerous meetings require attendance (mostly Canberra) and daily issues that need to be combated. Perhaps into the future other options might become suitable but not at this time.

At present I believe there is no intention of relocating the office. It has been discussed (and will continue to be so) however as pointed out by a member we are currently under significant financial pressures and still working to protect our rights. We have many challenges to face in the coming months and relocating would add stresses that at this time are not needed.

Regards,

Jim Tatlock

RAAus Treasurer.

Isn't the RAA a member organisation? And if so then if enough members what more privileges then are they not entitled? Going off Geoffs comments he should be flying under 500ft and not crossing roads, is that what you do? Or are you now happy and do not desire more change? If that is the case I dare to say sounds very selfish.

Just because you are happy does not mean we all have to be happy. My two cents worth is change is good (sometimes) and the more privileges we can get the better. However, I do not support mandatory further training and compulsory endorsement with one exception = maintenance. If you want to maintain your own plane I do want you to be able to demonstrate that you have that skill set.

Jim Tatlock.

HITC have already mentioned them in other threads. Board are employees for the sake of the contact. Items such as : Contract negotiations, disciplinary matters, on-going investigations.

Regards,

Jim Tatlock.

Ok Guys and Gals, mostly directed to RAAus members or wanna bees. The attached is the agreement all board members are asked to sign. It took me a while to get the majority to approve the release. Hope it answers some questions and dispels many myths.

Regards,

Jim Tatlock

RAAus Treasurer

Confidentiality Agreement.pdf

Confidentiality Agreement.pdf

Confidentiality Agreement.pdf

Aero - Take up the challege. I don't have a copy of the confidentiality agreement. It was a one page document and yes as I arrive under the past administration I was not given access to forums until I had signed it. In fact when I shared some information on this site I was then removed from access to the board forum (without being informed). That was under the 'old' administration, several of the drivers of these actions have since left the board or taken a back seat. It was very clear the board was at that time a poorly functioning management tool. The CA is not a major issue. It is there to provide recourse if a board member intentionally breaches confidentiality. As a board were are requried to discuss contracts, staff, discipline matters, compliance and regulatory matters. As you could imaging if this information is in the general membership community during our discussions it would complicate or damage fair processes. It's not there to 'keep the membership in the dark'. However when I started on the board what I found was most of the board was 'in the dark', that has stopped I am glad to say.

It is significantly better now however has a way to go. Since I have been on the board the Association has gone from disaster to disaster. Most of the disasters were started years ago but only came to bite us when CASA started to look closer. Not surprisingly the CASA new exactly where to look to find skeletons. As time goes on we (staff and board) are dealing with issues and attempting to rebuild some relationships. Things are improving but at significant financial cost. These costs wont be short term. As the systems we are required to implement will need to be ongoing so the Association will be significantly more expensive to run. We can absorb some of the cost for a short period but that will not work for more than a few years. Again the problems we are facing now are because we expanded so quickly but the professional management didn't. If we are to prosper we need to be inovative, safe and dynamic (couple of catch words there).

I have said it many times if you have time and skills run for the board!!! Choose your representative carefully, we are not a club, being a nice guy doesn't cut it.

I'll see if I can get a copy of the confidentiality form and decide if it can cause harm by posting it. If it will not cause harm I will post it.

Regards,

Jim Tatlock

RA-Aus Treasurer

I had no idea I was signing up for a "serial pest"team, merely stating my agreement with the opinion he was stating at that time. That does not mean i agree with everything else some of those posters had to say.I agree we have some good board Members but I also remember the mess created when we had no information or control of the Boards direction. Some of those Board members may not have been at any fault but the members demanded more accountability and demanded an EGM to push that point. We have since changed some Board members but have made no changes to the processes that allowed that situation to develop in the first place. Regardless of how good or honest we think our current Board is, we must change the system to ensure such a situation can never occur again. Interestingly none of the Board Members elected since have been able to show they have been making any attempt to change the way the Board operates to make it more accountable.

 

Members have been accused of being apathetic as a reason the problems occurred, and I could well have been one of those. Not so much apathy but simply a case of not actually knowing what was happening within our association. I was flying, I was happy. I now know and as I wish to continue with my flying privileges will do whatever I can to make sure I am kept informed as the Board, even the current one, seem unable to keep the members up to date with what is happening within our association.

Jim Tatlock

Yes, Jim, I read the terms of reference and the Minister's media release when he announced it. I followed the appointment of Phillip Reiss to the review as the representative of GA and I hoped that there might be also be a lot of constructive dialogue in the RAA submission around the retrogressive strict liability, big R regulator that CASA has become under the current senior management.The introduction of strict liability into the whole of the CASR's is an attack on our fundamental rights and freedoms, something I would have thought particularly important to individuals noted for their free spirit approach to life. It takes away the most basic right of citizens in a free society - the presumption of innocence.

 

And the result of this is a loss of confidence in the system for reporting aviation incidents amid the fear of prosecution and imposition of regressive fines. The Regulator has already indicated that it is about to embark on the introduction of Infringement Notices but we seem to have heard nothing from it about its increased efforts to educate airspace users, maintainers, etc

 

But the reason for my comment that caused you to express disappointment was that I found the construction of the submission lacking the level of professionalism I would have hoped to see. I don't mean that criticism to be hurtful to any individual and I have no knowledge of its author, but in my view it was written as a friendly letter and not a structured submission with an introduction, a series of issues and solutions each clearly differentiated by a subject heading, and a reasoned conclusion. If you haven't looked at the AOPA and AAAA submissions, please do so as I think they are really instructive as to structure and have far greater depth.

 

Writing submissions to Government is a bit of an art that is possibly outside the skill set of our aviation minded Board. But RAA has enough money in the bank that when something as important as this comes along it could have been contracted out to a professional writer for a relatively modest fee. The importance of good submissions and their effect on credibility can't be overstated. I think I have a bit of credibility in this area because major submissions to Government and other major bodies are very much part of my work responsibilities.

 

As I said above, Jim, I don't want my comments to be taken as being derogatory of any individual, especially recognising the voluntary nature off their contributions, though no doubt some will still take them that way. I do want to see RAA continuing to grow and our love of aviation unimpeded by restrictive policies turned into regressive legislation.

 

Kaz

My understanding (passed on from our President who was in attendance) was the submission must strictly relate to the terms of reference and should be two to three pages long. If this is true then I consider our submission to be acurate and to the point within the terms of reference and requested format. As much as I enjoyed reading and personally support many views of the AAAA submission it did not in my view meet require criteria.

Ideally I would like to have the RAAus and AOPA submit a combine response to issues in the future when possible. Maybe one day we will achieve that goal. We can add about 9000 voices to any submission.

Regards,

Jim Tatlock.

RAAus Treasurer

Anyone who has flown a responsive chopper knows they need the most gentle touch. I could easily see gals better at this. As to military training young guys are indestructable and will try anything you ask them or tell them they can do. Girls I know don't think that way. They will delay, consider, analyse and ask questions before trying something they deem risky.

My views only.

Jim

Why don't we start with the board releasing ALL the emails surrounding middo's proxy mail out. CASA's suspension of the registration process from the original audit onwards will make fascinating reading. You got so much dirt you are sitting on. Not wanting to live in the past too much how about the current state of the insurance tendering process.I accept your challenge!

Insurance tendering is currently being invited. Again your Rep is aware of this point.

'how about the email surrounding the nomination of Myles. that would be a cracker to read'. Nomination for what? When you clarify the question I might be able to answer. PM me your email or feel free to email or call me and discuss any issues you have if you do not feel you can talk with your local member. Who is your State Rep?

Regards,

Jim Tatlock

RAAus Treasurer.

I understand that Maj. I just can't see where our submission really addressed the Regulators effectiveness.

 

I haven't suggested a combined voice at all, Maj. In fact I think it is really important that each group highlights issues of particular relevance to it. I suggested some serious collaboration may have been very worth while so everyone presented a united voice on core issues (same hymn book).

 

If we all just put our heads in our own little dung hill we will never get to smell the roses outside.

 

(Sorry for the horrible mixed metaphor )

 

Kaz

Jim.

Thanks Crezzi... Appreciate your helpI leave my pilot certificate in my aircraft and can't remember the number to log in

Having read it, it's probably better it stays in the members only section.

 

Kaz

Regards,

Jim Tatlock.

The board is a separate issue. They need to be able to squabble and swear at each other in order to run things . We don't need to hear or see these discussions. What we do need is transparency at the top, ie, when the gm write me a letter directly, and I respond to him with questions, I expect some form of response. Silence is not acceptable in this situation.The board keep each other in check, that how the system works.

Regards,

Jim Tatlock

All. Thanks for the advice so far. I have confirmed plugs are correct. 1432. It does not have a starter (hand start). Good visible spark when actuating Magneto. The 28 Deg is interesting. I have been setting to 8 Deg before TDC. Will experiments and try to retard more (which I have already done). I have checked its not 180 out (even reversed it to be sure). I really think that the spark is not in the correct spot. I have sent to Revmaster for some guidance.

Jim.

Hi all,

I have been trying to help a fellow flyer with a VW engine. I am having trouble getting the baby to start. Looking for ideas or advice.

It's a VW aero conversions.

Magneto ignition that has been re-timed. It's a Bendix dual mag D4RN 2021. Has been timed to the K mark and E gap at R which I think is 8 deg BTDC. It has an impulse system to delay 20 Deg to assist with starting.

When I check timing on the engine I can adjust it to open points at 8 Degrees BTDC. However the motor will not start. I get the occasional fire but just wont turn over.

Any ideas? Does the timing sound correct? Any advice from some that have experience with the VW's or Magneto would be greatly appreciated.

Jim Tatlock.

Fly and others, Good questions but hard to discuss at this point of time. I will say that these proposed changes are not being driven by RAA and we are working behind the scenes to get the best possible outcome. As much as I hate to sound secretive it would not be beneficial to our organisation to have a full debate on this issue on this forum and still expect to conduct productive talks with the regulator.

Statistics are something I am very passionate about. There are some troubling stats at this time that need to be address. Ie: 13 fatalities in 12 Months.

Regards,

Jim Tatlock.

I have built a GA experimental plane and a RAAus plane. Now to maintain the RAAus plane I will have to go through an examinaton, but I can do the GA maintenance and sign off the paperwork, without an exam.

Jim Tatlock

Victorian State Rep.

Back in August this year, I, (along with about 20 other guys) completed a one day course on Pilot/Operator Maintenance Training, and received a Certificate of Attainment, and endorsed by both RAA and CASA.I wonder if I still have to do the online course as well....

Hi Andy, (comment only)this statement covers it all. We are currently using cash accounting not accrual accounting. There is nothing wrong with cash accounting so long as you accept the ebb and flow of the reports over time. We are not a very complicated entity as far as our accounting goes, so I do wonder if an accrual accounting system will help manage the association any better.

Mind you if we are employing an expert (Auditor) then just maybe this is enough reason to change. If we bring in 2 yearly memberships or registrations we would need to use Accrual as well.

 

Chris

Jim.

Jim, With all due respect, and I do appreciate your communicating with us...however why is your number and name on the bottom of this notification as Treasurer ????......shouldn't it be Micheal Monk as Secretary ???.....or even the GM...............Maj....

I'd be at 9999ft the whole way in a thruster!

National Safety Officer – vacancy

November 1, 2013 | Mark Clayton

Recreational Aviation Australia Inc. (RA-Aus.) is a national membership organization responsible for administering – on behalf of the Civil Aviation Safety Authority – the training, assessment and certification of almost 10,000 pilots. The Association is also responsible for assuring the registration – and airworthiness – of almost 3,500 aircraft, and for overseeing the operations of a further 200 affiliated flying training facilities and clubs.

The National Safety Officer will be responsible for the development, deployment, and oversight of the Association’s organization-wide Safety Management System (SMS). The successful applicant must be able to demonstrate recent, relevant (preferably), and substantial experience with SMS development and deployment; risk identification, assessment and control measures; health and safety system, hazard and compliance auditing; and workplace inspection.

You will be a self-starter with a proven track record of teamwork, commitment, accountability, and flexibility. Effective verbal and written communication skills will also need to be evidenced, together with a strong work ethic. This is a part-time (20 h.p.w.) six-month contract position, with potential for extension. The appointee may periodically be required to travel throughout Australia. A competitive contract rate will be negotiated in line with the applicant’s qualifications and experience.

Applications to be received by c.o.b. Friday, November 15th.

Enquiries to Jim Tatlock (Mob: 0403 228 986)

Thanks Jim. I hope it all succeeds . If it doesn't, I'll probably retire. Nev

Jim, Correction, we have an acting tech manager at the moment, I believe now the position of tech manager has been advertised, as would be expected. We know where in - house appointments have got us in the past !............Maj.....

Jim.

The board should not be giving tech advice. They can interpret requirements. We have a tech manager for that role.

.

David, I understand your concerns. The re-write has been a significant failure, however, it is being rectified now. Maybe not to the liking of all and maybe not in the ideal way. The full board has been involved and consulted on the memberships behalf for both tech and ops manuals. I am confident they are better than in the past.

We are travelling a little off thread here. I am really looking for feed back on the board make up and ways to achieve it. I would like to hear from members on their thoughts of the following:

1. Could we apply criteria to board selection? If so what?

2. Should we target skill sets? If so which ones?

3. Do we need regional representation? Why?

4. What is the optimum size of the board?

5. Any else you can think of?

Regards and safe flying,

Jim Tatlock Victorian State Representative.

Jim, will the members get a look at the draft tech and ops manuals before they are implemented. CASA had the draft Reg 61 out for comment before implementation. The draft Reg 61 MOS was out for a long while.Thanks for the headsup

Jim.