President’s Opinion

2011 kicks off with the overhaul of the present licensing system for LAMEs. As you will all be aware by now, CASA is implementing a new licensing scheme based on European licensing regulations. It’s a big operation, which will see each one of Australia’s 6,000 LAMEs having their licence privileges converted to the new system in the coming year.
 
At Federal Conference in December, CASA officials including CEO John McCormick fielded extensive questioning from delegates over serious concerns about the new system and undertook to iron out a number of outstanding issues before it is fully implemented.

CASA will write directly to all LAMEs with details about their licence and how it will be converted. Once you receive this paperwork, it’s important that you check it very carefully to ensure all your qualifications under the old system are covered off under the new licence. LAMEs will have a 6-8 week window to respond to CASA about licensing issues, but if you are concerned it’s essential that you get the process rolling straight away by contacting CASA then if further assistance is required notifying the ALAEA. We do anticipate hiccups with implementation of a project of this scale and we are committed to working with all members and CASA to solve issues as they emerge.

A number of incidents covering various airlines have again been making headlines over the January holiday period. I’ll simply make the point that airlines who conduct their business in-house have the greatest oversight over the work performed and thus minimise the chances of things going wrong, in other words these incidents may have been preventable. Correct application and supervision is critical in making sure standards are met and that unlicenced personal receive the support and assistance when carrying out vital work. There have been several occurrences lately that suggest airline management do not understand this and continue to push the boundaries of safety without thought to the consequences.

Whenever I am asked, be it by the press or by the public, I make the point that aircraft maintenance is critical maintenance and critical maintenance should always be done to a set standard not to a set price. Safety before schedule, every time and no exceptions.

Keep safe

Paul Cousins,
President

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