Tony,

Been out of the office for the last week and only just read read your email. Hope you can find a way of coping with medical situation - I think we will need you for some time to come.

Its funny the different attitudes to flying that Oz & Kiwis have isn't it. A lot of Kiwis seem to think it is just another tractor. It almost reminds me of the attitude difference between Army/RAAF to flying. Army think aircraft are simply a truck and can't see what they should need the all that money to run it properly or spare parts.

Ref the CASA board, Yes I think it is worth writing direct to them. Even Brazaka thinks that they are "trying" to improve things. I just strongly suspect they haven't got a clue on how to do it. They are seeking and I think would be very appreciative of possible solutions to accompany the raising/identification of any problems. They do seem to at least recognise their problem is CASA middle management not communicating industry problems to upper management - so on those grounds, for any correspondence to CASA middle management which is traditionally not helpful or obstructionist, I would address it to the middle management with a CC to the Board (Toller & Scully-Powers). That should ensure some action since middle management will then know the problem has been seen at Board level. Then any tardiness of response would need a damn good reason.

Any correspondence, I would info more than one member of the board. For example if writing direct to Toller, info Scully-powers and at least 2 other members as well. This way I believe they cannot hide from saying "we didn't get it". If we don't get timely responses, a reminder should be sent stipulating a required time in which you expect a suitable response or a copy of the original paper will be sent to the Minister for Transport and aviation with it info'd to all the original addressees...... that’ll put the fire under them. Since they MUST respond to a Ministerial.

Especially with the historical FACTS that you have. I would be tempted, if/when asked if nothing is seen to be done and if the above processes get bogged down and attempted t be buried in the bueaurocracy after replying to the minister - the press should be the next stop using the chap from Karumba as the key to raising the press's interest and linking in this whole debacle of accountable flying time.

I haven't had a chance to finish the emails to Toller yet. Been flat out since the CASA meeting. I will let you know when I have sent it. shall try and work on it over Easter.

Cheers

21/04/2000