Australian Government Wants Boost In Safety Standards

Owners and operators of ex-military aircraft used for joy flights, air show displays and private flights are being urged to work together to lift safety standards. A special safety seminar for people who fly and maintain warbirds is being held in Sydney in early June.

The seminar is being organized by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority, with support from the Australian Warbirds Association. A range of experts will present essential safety information to pilots and engineers on flying, restoring and maintaining ex-military aircraft.

Key issues include safety during flying displays and passenger-carrying adventure flights conducted by warbirds. The seminar will also look at community concerns about noise from these aircraft.

CASA’s chief executive officer, Bruce Byron, says the seminar is important because the number of ex-military aircraft in operation has been steadily growing.

Byron says at the same time a range of issues in relation to warbirds has been developing. "There has been an increase in the level of community attention to noise and perceived safety issues," Byron says.

"CASA is also concerned about instances of poor airmanship and breaches of safety regulations, as well as confusion over requirements for air displays. The seminar is a unique opportunity to hear how other people manage their warbird operations and to raise concerns about safety and operational issues. I urge everyone involved in ex-military aircraft to make the time and commitment to come along to the seminar and contribute to the continuing safe operation of these aircraft in Australia."

The seminar will cover four critical areas: pilot proficiency and training, engineering support, display requirements and experience and environmental and community issues.

FMI: www.casa.gov.au