Extra safety checks for small air operators

Citation

(2006), "Extra safety checks for small air operators", Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology, Vol. 78 No. 4. https://doi.org/10.1108/aeat.2006.12778dab.014

Extra safety checks for small air operators

Extra safety checks for small air operators

Keywords: Aircraft safety, Aircraft industry

Australia's smaller airlines and air charter operations are to be subject to an extra level of safety oversight by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Dedicated new teams are to be established by CASA to review the safety of low capacity regular public transport and larger passenger carrying charter operations.

The initiative is part of a series of reforms being undertaken by CASA to improve the safety regulation of Australian aviation.

The focus on smaller passenger carrying operations is based on the analysis of safety data over recent years.

CASA's Chief Executive Officer Bruce Byron says the new checks will be over and above scheduled audits, other regular safety surveillance and safety education and training support.

“CASA already commits significant resources to overseeing the safety of the smaller passenger carrying airlines and the larger charter operations,” Mr Byron says.

“But our analysis shows that an additional review of our oversight of these operations is warranted and will help this part of the aviation industry to maintain high standards.”

“This is part of a new drive by CASA to use a greater level of risk analysis as a key tool in deciding where and how to use our resources and people to get the best safety outcomes.”

“However, this initiative does not mean CASA is taking resources away from overseeing safety in the large airlines. CASA's level of surveillance and safety support for the major airlines will in fact also be increased over time.”

“CASA is moving more of its resources and people into front-line safety activities that support all passenger carrying operations – large and small.”

“To achieve this up to 65 positions currently based in CASA's head office in Canberra are being abolished so new positions can be created in front-line offices across the nation.”

“Both of CASA's key operational groups – covering air transport and general aviation operations – are to have their headquarters moved to Brisbane, a fast growing aviation centre.”