General Aviation Advisory Group starts Work

The new General Aviation Advisory Group has met for the first time, discussing a range of key issues including the classification of operations, levels of flying activity, skills and training, and regulatory reform.

The advisory group is made up of industry people with expertise across most GA operations, with Royal Flying Doctor Service CEO Martin Laverty as chairman.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester attended the first meeting in Canberra and said direct engagement between the industry and the government was key to achieving the common goal of a safe, growing and sustainable aviation industry.

"The General Aviation Advisory Group will ensure the industry has a voice at the heart of government by providing advice directly to me on matters affecting the general aviation sector,” Chester said.

“I look forward to working with the GA Advisory Group to address the challenges and take advantage of the opportunities that lay ahead for the sector in Australia."

He reiterated that the aviation sector should develop strategies to attract young people, including more women, into the industry.

The GA Advisory Group will also act as a reference group for the Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics (BITRE) General Aviation Study, which the government announced last year.

BITRE briefed the group on the progress of the GA Study, providing an opportunity for the group to provide initial feedback.

The group also agreed on its terms of reference and operating protocols.

The next meeting of the group is expected to be held before the BITRE finalises the GA study, which is scheduled to be completed by 30 June 2017.

Members of the GA Advisory Group