Departing Director of Aviation Safety, John McCormick, believes CASA is a better and more effective regulator than it was when he was appointed over five years ago.
McCormick leaves the post on 31 August, with no word yet on a replacement.
In his final CASA Briefing, McCormick said: "The last five and a half years have been challenging, satisfying and at times difficult. I firmly believe that as I leave CASA it is a better and more effective air safety regulator and I know it is respected by leading regulators around the world. Like any good organisation CASA is a team of people with a mix of skills, knowledge and experience that when constructively managed deliver excellent outcomes."
McCormick acknowleged the criticism that had been level at both CASA and himself, saying that constructive criticism was welcome, and that he "never pretended CASA has all the answers to every issue relating to aviation safety."
For most of his time in office, McCormick battled the fall-out from the Pel-Air ditching at Norfolk Island in 2009, the ensuing Aviation Safety Regulation Review (Forsyth Report) and his owne concerns over a declining safety record in the recreational sector.
Although a legacy of previous Directors, McCormick also presided over a relationship with industry that often descended into acrimony.
"I have had no problem with people putting their point of view and arguing their case as that is their right if they disagree with CASA," he states in his message. "But just because some people may disagree it does not mean CASA is necessarily wrong or should step away from its position.
"Sadly when some of CASA’s critics have not got their own way the debate has degenerated and become personal, which is not constructive and does nothing for aviation safety. It is a fact of human nature that some people will personally attack others as a way of diverting too close an examination of themselves."
The full CASA Briefing for August is available on the CASA website.