Either the new CASA is experiencing some growing pains or it is simply a re-badged version of the old CASA, sort of like marketing the Toyota Camry as a Holden Apollo. The evidence lies in two stories that would appear to be inconsistent: the proposed AD on propellers and Mark Skidmore's directive to make regs risk-based and cost-effective. If industry analysts are right when they say the new PAD on props appears not be supported by evidence, then it is hard not to hold this up as an example of exactly what the DAS directive says that CASA won't do. Are we supposed to believe the right-hand or the left-hand? To give a bit, the DAS directive did come out after the PAD was released, but you would think the inconsistency would prompt it to be withdrawn.
On the upside, the helicopter people seem to be making headway in their quest to inject some sensibility into CASR Part 61. Clearly, they are prepared to step-up and show CASA how it needs to be done, and I believe their approach is the right way forward for the industry. CASA is lacking expertise in a number of areas at the moment, which is not helping them to draft logical regulations. They only way we can stop some of the non-sensical stuff flowing from Aviation House is to get in there and provide the expertise they lack.
I do like the look of the new Aeroprakt A32 LSA. A couple of years back I flew the A22LS for a feature in Australian Flying, and although I was impressed with the viz out the windows and the slow-flying capability, I remember thinking it could use a bit more pace. Now the A32 is promising the cruise TAS that the A22LS doesn't. The demonstrator is due in Australia pretty soon, and I'm sure a line will quickly form at the door. I just have to find a way to get myself at the front of the queue.
Most recently we asked our readers to give us feedback via an on-line survey. We've now closed the survey and are busy mashing the results together to see what you think of us. What we can tell you straight away is that 38% ranked our content as very satisfying, 57% as satisfying, 4% as "not my favourite" and 1% as "needs improving". It would appear that 95% are happy with what we're doing, so at this stage we intend to keep on doing it! However, the results showed some areas that you want looked at, so we'll do just that and make some changes in the coming issues. Thanks to everyone who participated; your feedback can only make Australian Flying better.
May your gauges always be in the green,
Hitch