18th March 2020
Mr Shane Carmody
Director of Aviation Safety
Civil Aviation Safety Authority
GPO BOX 2005
Canberra ACT 2601, Australia
The Hon Michael McCormack MP
Deputy Prime Minister
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
PO BOX 6022,
House of Representatives
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
AOPA Australia Calls on CASA for General Aviation Industry Support
Mr Carmody,
I write to you on behalf of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association of Australia (AOPA Australia), seeking your direct assistance and support for Australia’s general aviation industry and community during this unprecedented time.
The corona virus pandemic has set off a devastating financial chain-reaction throughout the Australian aviation industry. Our International, domestic, regional and general aviation sectors are now all under extreme financial stress and require direct and meaningful assistance for them to survive.
AOPA Australia is calling on CASA to provide the general aviation industry with all measures of support available, including;
– Waver all CASA charges for general aviation participants; – Waive all CASA charges for pilot medical applications; – Suspend the Implementation of any New Regulations until the situation has stabilised; and – Suspend the new Flight and Duty / Fatigue Management Regulations for general aviation operators until the situation has stabilised.
There may be additional measures available to CASA to assist the general aviation industry, AOPA Australia and our Australian General Aviation Alliance offer our assistance to meet with CASA via tel-conferencing at the earliest possible time to discuss options.
Thank you in advance for your assistance and I look forward to speaking soon.
Yours Sincerely,
BENJAMIN MORGAN
Chief Executive Officer | AOPA Australia