frank marriott

The real problem is about 1000 members who returned the same directors to the board.  No change means no change -  I honestly give up - we are getting what we deserve ultimately.

A lot of people, who I speak to at least, have no interest in the political style take over OUR organisation.  Several asked me who they should vote for  (not happy with current outcomes) and all I could honestly say was I only know the members standing for re-election (and gave MY opinion of each of them) - the rest were unknown to myself and they could form their own opinion on what was presented.  

This was the PLANNED outcome in the takeover as when local representatives were involved they already had a personal opinion of the candidate.

The outcome was predicted and there is only ONE way to correct the catastrophe, but I don’t see enough enthusiasm,  at this stage, to correct it.  To be honest my enthusiasm to get involved again has been killed so apart from voting (& the occasional comment) I have given up and just fly myself & try to forget about the issues I see as critical.

Well 1954 are.  I guess the inclusion of the word “interested” explains a lot.

The proposal to appoint non-members as directors and give them equal voting power is a signal of the value of members opinions.  I certainly hope people take the time to read the proposed changes and make an informed decision on their views.

I hope all who voted for (& gave their proxies) to M&M to allow the take over of RAA from a member organisation are happy with the direction they have taken it.  I have serious concerns for the future of RAA but I continue to see some still happy in their “private place” as unbelievable as it may be.

Two options :  Sit back and watch (will be too late soon)

         OR          Take back control (although I don’t see much action happening in that area)

Good questions to raise...

 

Firstly, I am not aware of these particular issues you've mentioned, having only joined RAAus in April this year.  So it would be unwise for me to provide any specific responses since I am not aware of the details of these items you raise.

 

However, I am aware that RAAus has a Privacy Policy Statement (see https://www.raa.asn.au/storage/pol-2017-20-privacy-policy-18.pdf)

 

Not wanting to either defend or discredit any actions of the board previously, I can only assume that the release of private information was in line with this policy, from which I note the following: 

 

4.2.2. Sales, events, products

 

... In addition we collect your personal information so that we can carry out the following actions:

 

• to provide you with products and services that you have requested from us

 

• to provide your personal information to third parties that assist us in providing products and services you have requested, such as delivery service providers and fulfilment managers and staff.

 

5.3. Use and disclosure of personal information

 

...There are certain limited circumstances in which RAAus may use or disclose information for a different purpose (a secondary purpose) without consent, such as where the secondary purpose is:

 

• required or authorised under an Australian law or has been ordered by a court or tribunal

 

• for the purposes of collecting fees associated with airport use and access.

 

If RAAus uses or discloses personal information for a purpose other than what it was originally collected for, RAAus will keep a written notice of that use or disclosure as required by the APP.

 

8. Making a privacy complaint to the RAAus

 

An individual may complain about the way RAAus has handled their personal information. Complaints should be in writing and sent to the CEO Office using the contact details provided: [email protected]

 

The complaint should provide sufficient detail so the issues and concerns can be investigated.  Notification of an outcome will be provided as soon as possible and individuals will be kept up-to-date as to the progress of their complaint.

 

If I am elected, I will work to ensure our privacy policies are strictly adhered to and people with any concerns have them addressed officially by the CEO as per the policy.

 

You should have added “as amended without consolation for a private agenda”

OK, I’ll pose a couple of serious matters you may wish to comment on, or not depending on your view of where RAA should be heading:

1.  The decision to release private information to AVDATA without consent and the reason for doing so.

2.  The submitting of the Tech Manual to CASA without approval of the then board, later authorised by the defacto board of 3.

Certainly matters of credibility discussed amongst member I speak to. 

Sounds like some are pushing for another class of CHTR, no need it already exists just too expensive for a lot of people.

CPL, IFR (presume multi engine for NGT and IFR) all good to armchair experts BUT it already exists with the added cost of the extra conditions.

One can accept it as a cheaper alternative in some cases or just reject it.  Legislating it into the non viable area is the same as banning it.

There are already “some” commercial ops doing paid medical/rescue services.  Angle Flight has been an additional service for certain conditions, as I understand it organised private flights with fuel refunded, but naturally can be legislated out of existence.

I'm sure many members are on a not for profit board or a council. They will know that when a board member comes with a personal agenda it can be very disruptive. The best members come with an unbiased ability to assess and decide upon the matters that come before the board.

 

Consideration should be given to process and when actions are taken BEFORE board approval then the individuals responsible should be held to account - a prime example is the Tech Manual which was being strongly debated about its present form when it was submitted to CASA for approval.    BAD management and the only way they got away with it was the bastardised constitution where half the board was effectively sacked.  Not interested in standing again with this type of behaviour but you can rest assured the individuals will never be forgotten.

The subjects of PVT, CHTR & medicals will be rehashed and debated again as usual.

The real issue from my observations is compliance with VMC, IMC & night limitations.

NVFR in other than ideal conditions is always a serious issue.  Lengthy flights at night without a CIR requires more in-depth planning & considerations and the current available electronic devices (although helpful) do not substitute for training and currency.

RAA have said already that all above 600kg will have to be LAME maintained, probably because that is casa's position.

 

PLUS have stated it is “their” position.  Remember the ridiculous printed statement from Linke that they will contribute to the work for LAMES.   No self interest from Banfield of course.

Who should I vote for?

 

Bruce, I don’t think anyone should go there.  What individuals stand for and thereby the direction RAA will go is really up to the individual member to decide for themselves.  Comments about individual office bearers (myself included) are personal views/observations  which may have some influence on opinions (and maybe not) but ultimately it is up to each member to decide who they consider the best individual to represent their view of where the organisation should head.

I just hope members consider seriously what they want, contact current and prospective board members directly if in doubt, and then make an informed decision based on THEIR belief of the correct direction they would like to see RAA proceed.

Everyone will not be in complete agreement no matter who is ultimately elected.

Barry is 100% with Monk & Linke - if that is your desire.

Conspiracy theories abound about the death of JFK.  The best evidence based analysis, with the now released Warren Commission papers, as detailed in the book The Smoking Gun by Colin McLarin, details the most likely set of events IMO.

This details the fatal shot coming from Hickey and suggests a reason why so many different conspiracy theories were not discredited immediately as they served a purpose and to why there was a lack of a expert criminal investigation as the facts were already known but not desirable to be released. This book details at least a believable set of circumstances as opposed to some of the fanciful theories.

But many theories still abound.

and qualified that with the message that LAME's were not to be disadvantaged with loss of work due to any granting of increased limits; that way there business is protected.

 

Clear statement of intent.  I didn’t know RAA had any function in ensuring work for LAMEs.  Questionable priorities!

..

we have to support maintenance engineers

Although not surprised with the 2 responsible, I couldn’t believe it when they stated that in the Mag. Add to that the ongoing costs of CASA medicals - remember Monk voted AGAINST medical reform for the PPL on one of the BS committees he sits on (don’t kid yourself that a CASA medical does not come with any weight increase - not even being actively sort) - these two and a couple of their lap dogs are not good for the future of Recreational Aviation without whom would be a much greater organisation - but getting people to vote to show their real concerns is an issue, hopefully at least some more do before it is too late. Maybe even get back to a representative board where actual issues can be raised, discussed & voted on V the Canberra thought bubbles carried by 4 who believe they have greater understanding of everything aviation even though lacking in real experience in the aviation world.

My solution is I no longer use Cairns airport. I accept it is a defeatist attitude, but they win. The privatisation of airports has resulted in a widely predicted outcome where the new “owners” are anti smaller or private aircraft unfortunately. Thankfully Townsville is owned by the military.

Just select Quick Plan and enter your waypoints - then no reference to your current location.

where we had to explain where we were going and stick to the plan

Absolute bullshit. OCTA you could always go no SAR/no details if you wished. Full SAR was available but no longer for VFR flights - still available for IFR (at a cost).

The public nature of the GA sector is a concern but it's been that way for yonks.

The big difference the way I see it is GA is not involved with a private company releasing personal details without consent - I cannot see how it is legal, but I assume legal advice would have been sort beforehand, even if was only Spencer’s opinion.

A couple of points

a) I do not think you are in such a “small” group, many not publicly commenting - certainly amongst many I speak to. If only the silent MAJORITY could be convinced to vote the true popularity of the current administration would become apparent. They are counting on this not happening.

b) The board selection process is designed to discourage nominations by anyone who does not want to be part of a back-slapping exercise knowing they would be a voice in the wilderness but still be responsible, as a board member, for any undesirable outcomes. The organisation is effectively run by 4 board votes with a limited exposure to the real world of aviation.

c) As with politics, total control vested in too small a number of like minded people gives rise to outcomes that are not necessarily in the best interest of the organisation. A prime example is the releasing of members private particulars without CONSENT or even discussion with members.

d) The only way control can be re-established is another take over as done when this controlling group gained control. At this stage I cannot see enough members being prepared to spend the time and effort to make this happen (remembering the instigators and overt supporters are still out there clapping hands).

e) Although certain people at HQ will tell you that they don’t read this site, it is untrue - even to the extent of being able to refer to individual posts.

Yeah, i also just got an invoice for landing & refueling @ Chinchilla. avdata is really having a ball with it's new found list, I'm sure they are the M&M's new best friend, I bet they had a good party to celebrate that little aquisition. They are a bloody parasitic organisation.

As are M&M.

actively involved and the change is there People running things are not "hands on" and practically experienced so the outcome is as it is

Absolutely and add to that a lot of stupid decisions are being made/influenced by people with a vested interest (I.e. making money) out of the over regulation of activities requiring only the application of sense.

Every time you enter a competition or join a newsletter etc online your details go out

I don’t know about you but I don’t give my residential address to anyone lightly, nor accept someone else doing it.

RAA tech guru attending

Those four words really have a much greater meaning then you intended I would suggest.