RAAA Spring 2019 NEWSISSN 1839-146X From The Lefthand Seat Jim Davis RAAA Chair Director, Regional Express

This year saw our third RAAA reached between the AFAP, the RAAA In This Issue convention at the Royal Pines Resort and Alliance . The agreement is From The Lefthand Seat on Queensland’s Gold Coast and we not perfect and there is still a process Jim Davis - RAAA Chair made a few changes in response to to be gone through before this is feedback received following last year’s finalised and the FWC hands down its From The Righthand Seat convention. In particular we tried to final ruling. Mike Higgins - RAAA CEO increase the networking opportunities What is encouraging is that on balance Technical Update available to members and to encourage the full bench of the Commission Where are the next LAMEs coming from? members to spend more time in the were inclined to introduce the concept AvSuper - Salary Sacrifice trade hall and circulate more amongst of a training bond into the Award Bureau of Meteorology's eye on space helping the exhibitors. and favoured the arguments of the keep global air travel safe I want to thank everybody who has employer representatives over that In the Cabin provided feedback on this year’s event of the AFAP. This led to the AFAP Pionair and encourage those who haven’t yet being prepared to negotiate a clause De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited but would like to offer some comment, to allowing training bonds whereas its do so to one of the board members or to previous hard line position had always Flight Briefing been that training bonds had no place Wellcamp Airport export hub to boost region’s the RAAA office. Our initial impression global potential in the Award. from feedback received and comments Tracware aquisition by JSSI made at the convention itself was that In addition under the BOOT (Better PPG Semco Specialty Nozzles the changes made this year met with Off Overall Test) the AFAP had been Scholarships 2019 - Update some success and we will be looking to mounting a campaign to largely improve on that for the 2020 convention. nullify training bonds currently A key decision to be made for next year existing in various Enterprise will be whether we stay with the Royal Agreements. Due to the current Pines for another year or whether we Award wording they had achieved look for a change of scenery and this some success with legal will be decided by the board at our challenges against training bonds November meeting. Another decision but this will all change once we get we will have to make will be the future training bonds inserted as part of of the RAAA Christmas function. The the Award. last year or so has seen a decline It is worth bearing in mind that in attendance from the days when it the purpose of the Award review is was always fully booked and standing to simply clarify the existing Award room only on the harbour cruise. We and not to re-negotiate it or any are particularly keen to hear members’ clause contained within. It is highly opinions on these two matters. encouraging that the full bench of the A major focus for the past year has FWC was prepared to contemplate the been our representation at the Air Pilots introduction of training bonds into the Award Review taking place in the Fair Award as a means of interpreting the Work Commission. The most recent existing clause on pilot training. hearing was held on 12 November 2019 where an in principle agreement was

Unit 11, 26-28 Winchcombe Court Mitchell ACT 2911 Australia +61 (0)2 6162 0305 | [email protected] | www.raaa.com.au From The Lefthand Seat IN THE COCKPIT

Continued.....

This has been an extremely an interest in being on these groups expensive exercise and one that with around 140 being selected so many small operators would far based on expertise and industry priority. Dealing with the Department struggle to finance on their own. representation. The RAAA has been of Home Affairs represents a whole However using our collective very well represented on the groups new challenge and will no doubt resources the RAAA has been formed so far and it is encouraging frustrate us at times. Its bureaucrats able to mount such a challenge on that CASA has featured us so have little understanding of our behalf of its members along with prominently. With little exception our industry or appreciation of the damage their new rules will do if , and Rex. input has been taken seriously by enforced as they currently stand. The benefits to operators of having CASA and has been acted upon. an enforceable training bond in An important TWG currently being the Award, which the AFAP will convened is the one looking at be unable to dispute, cannot be Parts 61, 141 and 142. The RAAA overstated. The results so far are is again well represented and encouraging and we look forward hopefully we will finally be able to to the end of this protracted and remove the worst parts of these ill expensive process. begotten regulations. Work still proceeds on finalising the As mentioned at the convention the Regulatory Reform Programme with RAAA will be working closely with 2019 RAAA CASA’s new consultative process our members in the freight industry and in particular with the Technical in 2020 to try and make sense of Events Calendar Working Groups appointed by the the proposals covering domestic Aviation Safety Advisory Panel. freight screening. With the Air Pilots 28 November 2019 There are now over 700 people Award Review nearing completion Sydney NSW registered with CASA expressing this will now become our highest Ó Board Meeting Ó Technical Working Group Ó Annual Christmas Function

2020 Dates To be Advised

Please mark these in your diary. We look forward to seeing you there.

Serving regional aviation, and through it, the people and businesses of regional Australia 2 From The IN THE COCKPIT Righthand Seat Mike Higgins RAAA CEO

The RAAA continues to Represent Aviation Across Australia. located in communities from our attempts to attract young people Rockhampton to Wagga to Albury We have welcomed 12 new into aircraft engineering as a career, members since this time last year. to Bendigo, Mildura and Adelaide. as there remains no clear career Unfortunately, we had no response (In 2018 we were joined by 13 new pathway. to invitations to meet with them. members). New members include: Australian Indigenous Aviation I had assumed that the emerging • Cobham Aviation Services Foundation (AIAF) CASR Part 135 and 135M would • Axiom’s Edge raise the level of interest in what the We are in the final stages of preparation for our funding drive • Black Diamond Aviation RAAA can provide to current charter providers. I expect an increase in amongst government agencies and • East Air activity next year as implementation corporate Australia. Some of our members have expressed a strong • Flight Options dates are more widely advertised by CASA. interest in employing successful • MagniX Technologies graduates. The key distinction this ‘457 Visa’ training initiative offers is that rather • Wilson Aviation Services We have been invited to continue than just training for trainings sake, • De Havilland Aircraft of engagement with Home Affairs in we are training for actual jobs. We Canada relation to the Skilled Migration met recently with the Indigenous • Flight Standards Occupation List. Consultation with Ministers Chief Of Staff and the us began anew on the 18th of this Governor General David Hurley. • Pionair Australia month. Home Affairs advise that We enjoy the complete support of • Fly Pelican pilots and engineers will remain the GG who has a personal interest firmly on the Medium and Long- in all matters around indigenous • Secure Sheq Term Strategic Skills List. Pilots and engagement and development. Strategic vs Tactical Engineers are now once again able CASA Technical Working Groups Most of the activities that consumed to be sourced from overseas. Labour (TWGs) our time over the past 12 months Agreements are the vehicle to use and are available from Home Affairs. The volume of work with the have continued to be tactical and industry TWGs on the six main reactionary in nature. Whilst it’s Fatigue Risk Management System CASR Parts has been very time important to manage these issues consuming. I am involved in 7 in a timely manner on behalf of our The rule set for CAO 48.1 is settled. It is in a much better shape today TWGs and a couple of Sector members, we also have to make due to our unrelenting pressure Safety Risk Profiles. CASA are time for strategic development and involvement in policy setting planning on having these draft activities. To this end, the board workshops over the past three regulations ready for making by met in Darwin in May and we spent years. years end, still an ambitious target half a day discussing our strategic indeed. objectives. We are continuing to Engineering Training work on refining this plan. General Aviation Advisory Group Industry has failed to convince CASA (Network) Regional recruitment drive of the need to adopt the latest EASA Part 66, instead, burrowing further The GAAN is a group of industry Once again this year I planned into the hybrid disaster they have experts appointed by the Minister to to meet with interested potential created some years ago. This is advise him on matters of concern. I members located in the area despite the Ministers task force into represent the RAAA on that group. between Canberra and Renmark the skills shortage demonstrating an Other members include Department and from Darwin to Mt Isa to urgent need to change direction. I of Infrastructure, Regional Canberra. I also planned to visit hold little hope for change until after Development and Cities, RAAus, interested potential members on the next election. This means at AOPA, Royal Flying Doctor Service, the regional J curve. That is those least one more year has been lost in Ward Air Flight Training, GippsAero/ interested and potential members

Serving regional aviation, and through it, the people and businesses of regional Australia 3 From The Righthand Seat IN THE COCKPIT continued.....

Mahindra Aerospace Company, Aerial Application Association of Australia, Seair Pacific, Australian Helicopter Industry Association, philosophy. This will free up both Linkedin Industry and CASA resources from Air Sport Australia Confederation, Both the office and I have profiles Australian Association for the burden of less than effective in Linkedin. Combined we both administration and cost which has Unmanned Systems and Australian have around 1400 followers. This is Business Aviation Association Inc. been the bane of the smaller end an effective media to promote the of the industry for decades. Both We have been invited to commit to various activities of the RAAA. our involvement for a further two CASA and the Industry can now see years. the need for a review. The matter is The Australian Aviation in the hands of the Department of Association Forum (TAAAF) Reclassification of Civil Aviation Infrastructure and this is where we Activities and subsequent Civil We continue to support the TAAAF Aviation Act Review will be targeting our advocacy efforts. through active involvement in as Work Experience UNSW students many meetings as we can. Firstly in terms of the classification of activities we need to determine The office will again host three Productivity Commission Report what outcome we are trying to students for one week each early in on Airport regulations achieve as an industry. This way the new year. We continue to work We completed a submission and I any changes can be fully informed closely with the UNSW, Swinburne appeared at the commission and by an articulation of what we need and RMIT in promoting the RAAA at gave evidence. I highlighted that changed in the Act and subsequent an annual lecture to students about not all airports were operating in a regulation amendment. In a the regional aviation industry. monopolistic manner and quoted nutshell we need to firstly draft a ABC country radio some of our airport members reclassification the Civil Aviation and being fully supportive of We have been involved in several Activities that are based on risk regional airlines. There was a radio interviews on topics ranging and informed participants, rather less than satisfactory response from the Productivity Commissions than commercial imperatives. from industry to the PC report and work on Airport charging to Only then will we be in a position the government is reviewing the pricing to pilot shortages. to make informed and effective matter. To that end I was invited to consequential changes to the Australian Aviation Magazine appear before Treasury to again Act. This would, in turn, enable put our case and to suggest a way We continue to provide a bi-monthly us to undertake any subsequent forward. Clearly a regulation around article. amendment to the regulations, negotiation and arbitration is the when we do a Post Implementation sensible way forward. Review of the regulations that currently in the making. Government have been struggling with this reclassification concept since 1986 and the time has come to grasp the nettle and resolve the legacy issues embedded in the traditional approach to regulation. Rather than being bound by the ‘commercial’ or ‘hire or reward’ imperatives, a fresh look at a genuine risk based approach is required. This fresh perspective would give traction to the various CASA publications which espouse a risk based and outcomes focused

Serving regional aviation, and through it, the people and businesses of regional Australia 4 Where are the next LAME’s coming from and what will be their pathway to holding professional qualifications? TECHNICAL UPDATE

At the recent RAAA convention there was much discussion around the time. That said they are shortage of Aircraft Engineers (AME’s not all performing poorly and, in the and LAME’s) versus the projected assessment of co-writer Doug, the Queensland Government owned need for them into the future. Where the last 10-15 years? I suspect the indeed are the next crop of LAME’s Aviation Australia should take a bow number is small. coming from? for having the foresight and initiative to do it right. So now that we are all utterly There are many challenges currently - The Australian NAA / Regulator depressed – what can be done? confronting how we as an industry CASA seemingly being unable to The first fundamental and biggest adequately provide maintenance and finish the job that has been started challenge is how do we attract engineering support to our aircraft to harmonise with EASA - widely the youth of today to the aviation fleets into the future. regarded as the best practice NAA industry? Sadly, in this age of in this space. This uncertainty is computer gadgets the aviation Sadly in a time where there is the creating confusion at a time when industry is not considered sexy like greatest demand we have seen for we really need CASA to have its act it once was. The answer has to be a a generation, (driven in part by the together. So many other countries collaborative effort with all industry massive growth in Asia) there are that are quickly becoming our sectors playing their part in any credible projections of a shortfall of competitors have actually completed marketing and awareness programs technicians and pilots combined, of the regulatory journey. Sadly, the as we as an industry certainly cannot an eye watering number in excess advice some of us old timers give the just leave it to the schools and a few of 100,000 positions, in the APAC up and coming LAME’s of the future other seemingly fragmented industry regions over the next 10 years. is to get their EASA LAME Licence and training organisations to educate In a terrible irony, we are seeing a as well as their CASA Licence, which and inform school leavers, as well as perfect storm of unpreparedness also speaks volumes. those looking to change their chosen for a generation! - It is also worth mentioning career, regarding what a rewarding that the Australian Defence Force career aviation can be. One of the best examples that speaks historically provided a significant volumes is the average age of an number of trained AME’s who after In some states coordinated programs aircraft tradesperson in Australia leaving Defence would go on to do actually exist; such as the being 63 years old! become LAME’s supporting the Gateway Schools program and Year broader Industry. This level of training 11 & 12 Certificate II in Aircraft Line So how did it all go so wrong and how was wound back in the 1980’s and Maintenance courses conducted by did we end up at this point? It’s easy 1990’s, with the introduction of the Aviation Australia in conjunction with to criticise, but consider the following; Commercial Support Program, the State and Territory Departments of Education in QLD and the - A lack of stewardship or guidance an initiative now largely forgotten, Northern Territory. Whilst supported by the federal government to bring although sadly the negative legacy by some in the industry, it cannot each of the states under the one lives on! singularly alleviate the impending common initiative in delivering the - And whilst on Defence they have shortage crisis that has been broader training curriculum. Simply seen the light where CASA have not, mentioned above. put we need a one size fits all by recently introducing and mirroring approach to suit all operators. the European 145M model for their As an employer, what is currently - A very chequered report card on recently introduced DASR regulatory available to assist in the employment the performance of the States in their suite. of apprentices or trainees these days varying approaches to training the - We in the civil aviation industry and how long does it typically take LAME’s of the future amid a period arena don’t escape scott free, until they have the necessary theory of shrinking training budgets when because arguably we were being paid and practical skills to qualify and be arguably the budgets should have to ensure the risks facing the industry awarded a LAME licence that will be been beefed up – again it’s easy to were being appropriately ameliorated suited to a typical General Aviation criticise. There are some downright and clearly they weren’t. How many company? It does vary from state to embarrassing examples of poor/ organisations can hold hand on state but there is generally funding unprofessional performance by a heart and say they have maintained assistance in each of the states to couple of the states in training aircraft or increased their training budgets, assist employers in this area. tradespersons - but now is not the particularly related to apprentices, in

Serving regional aviation, and through it, the people and businesses of regional Australia 5 Where are the next LAME’s coming from.... continued.....

Queensland is a little unique in TECHNICAL UPDATE that there is a fantastic program for students which completes all the provides a more theory for a trade certificate (AME), structured and organised including some practical training, prior pathway – you may ask why? to the obtaining of employment by the student. This allows the employer The previous civil training model someone who understands the to have the advantage of very little was quite clunky. You went to trade process. school, usually a TAFE, and did your time away from the workplace by the However all the above still is of little student/apprentice to complete their apprenticeship, then you separately went on to sit CASA basic exams, benefit unless we can attract the trade certification, thereby maximising students to the industry in the first productivity. Once the practical fill out CASA’s schedule of type experience booklets without any real place. So when asked to speak at phase is completed, further funding your local school about a career in assistance is available to upgrade guidelines just knowing you needed enough “relevant” experience to gain aviation think about what this actually this training, via a traineeship, to a your initial licence. This was usually means for the industry more broadly, Diploma (LAME outcome), which as it is vitally important to us all as can be achieved within an overall only in one trade category, which in those days was either airframe, stakeholders of the aviation industry 4-year employment period, noting in Australia. students have spent 9-11 months in engine, electrical, instrument or class prior to employment. Of course, radio. In other words, all the study And last but not least as we are and exams you did at TAFE didn’t also available is the traditional block coming to learn the hard way that equate to much as far as the CASA release method where the apprentice LAME’s don’t grow on trees, we as regulations went. It was all about is employed and then released to an industry should not rely on anyone whether you had the knowledge to the training organisation during their else addressing our problems and apprenticeship from time to time for achieve a 75% pass mark for the basic address them ourselves via well and type exams and being able to the theoretical component, again planned pathways programs in the demonstrate you had the necessary taking around 4 years to complete, . schools and yearly apprentice intakes however currently they will spend up prerequisite practical experience and training. to 11 months during the 4 years off These days it is generally more of an the job at school and that is funded by A very good example of a company integrated process with the exams planning its future staff needs has the employer i.e. they pay their salary that apprentices or trainees are sitting whilst receiving theory training. been Hawker Pacific at Cairns. Since are, or should be, the Part 66 exams the establishment of their MRO In other states the student can be and these, in conjunction with their in Cairns they have consistently directly enrolled into the either the issued journal of experience, form every year recruited Certificate IV the fundamental requirements for the trade course or the diploma course, graduates from Aviation Australia both being 4-year terms and generally issue of an initial LAME licence once at Cairns. To date they have taken completed correctly and submitted with the diploma course being the on over 80 apprentices and their to an approved Part 147 training LAME outcome, with the assistance average LAME age is now in the of some government funding along organisation. This is why it is very mid-thirties. Their planning has possible that with the correct attitude the way. In WA, VIC, TAS, NT, and addressed the aging aircraft engineer in QLD Aviation Australia currently and application to the task a LAME problem but most importantly it has have contracts in place for the above outcome can be achieved after 4 also enabled them to expand their program’s and with the right attitude years. The journal should highlight the operations to now conduct jet heavy and application you can have a required tasks and cover the various maintenance events and therefore complexities in accordance with the LAME with certification capability reversing the recent trend of these for non-type rated aircraft in around Part 66 syllabus, which is very different events going to overseas MRO’S. 4 years. This would be for aircraft from the blank SOE we used way back We need to plan how best we train < 5700kgs and of course for Type when. However, because of confusion that exists in the industry due to and sustain the LAME’s of the future rated certification further appropriate training and practical experience is the partial or non-completed CASA and fast given the alarming amount required. harmonisation process with EASA, of current LAME’s that will retiring there is much confusion and ignorance over the next few years! Whilst the introduction of Part 66 and as to the current requirements. This Written by three crustry old LAME's Part 147 can appear to be a little has to be addressed and quickly, and namely; Chris Pigott, Mark Thompson confusing and difficult it actually frankly would not be a difficult task for and Doug Park

Serving regional aviation, and through it, the people and businesses of regional Australia 6 TECHNICAL UPDATE

Salary sacrifice By Silas Dingiria for AvSuper that salary sacrifice only applies to Is it compulsory? money earned after the agreement Salary sacrifice is not a legal is made, a clear written agreement Have you thought about allowing obligation for employers or of the terms is prepared and your employees to salary sacrifice employees. Thus, you can choose the amounts sacrificed must be additional superannuation to offer it to employees, or not, and contributed to a super fund (not contributions? they can choose whether or not to cashed out). accept that offer. It is good for your employees as it Benefits for employers builds their retirement savings and By law, if you make a salary Super contributions you make under generally reduces their income tax, sacrifice arrangement, you must thus is an employee retention tool for keep a copy of your agreement a salary sacrifice agreement are not you. But what does it really mean for and documents relating to any counted as a fringe benefit (unless made to a non-complying super you and your business? expenses for five years. Salary fund). They are reportable employer sacrifice amounts are not counted super contributions and thus need to So what exactly is superannuation as part of your employee’s be included on employee’s payment salary sacrifice? assessable income on their summaries. payment summary but must be It is simply an agreement between included as reportable employer you and an employee to have part of For employees under the age of 75, super contributions. you can claim tax deductions for all their future earnings paid into a super contributions made to employees’ fund instead of directly to them. What are the eligibility rules? super funds, including salary Salary sacrifice can’t include Employees can choose to salary sacrifice contributions. You can also earnings already earned or paid. The sacrifice as much of their earnings claim a deduction for payments money is withdrawn from their salary as they wish, unless their working made within 28 days of the end of or wages before tax is calculated, award or industrial agreement month in which an employee turns meaning you deduct less PAYG tax provides limits. Salary sacrifice 75, and for older members if their for your employee – the money is contributions are counted as award or agreement allows for that. then concessionally taxed by the employer (or concessional) Remember that deductions count for super fund. contributions and thus impact on the financial year in which the fund the employee’s contribution limits receives the money, regardless of How does it affect my which may influence how much when you calculated and paid it. superannuation guarantee (SG) they decide to salary sacrifice to obligations? super. AvSuper is a profit-for-members, MySuper- compliant super fund dedicated to the You must still pay SG contributions Your employees can renegotiate for all eligible employees. Salary aviation industry. This information is of a or cancel a salary sacrifice general nature only and does not take into sacrifice contributions must be paid agreement at any time, subject account your personal objectives, situation by SG quarterly cut off dates. to any employment award or or needs. Before making a decision about industrial agreement in place. If AvSuper (ABN84 421 446 069), you Note that from 1 January 2020, should consider your own requirements a salary sacrifice arrangement salary sacrifice amounts cannot be and the relevant Product Disclosure is not functioning correctly, the used to meet your SG obligations Statement. For a copy or to discuss your contributions become part of the and that SG calculations must be super, call 1300 128 751 or visit www. carried out on the full salary (ie employee’s assessable income, avsuper.com.au. subject to PAYG tax, and will not be before salary sacrifice deductions are made). deductable. Thus, it is important

Serving regional aviation, and through it, the people and businesses of regional Australia 7 TECHNICAL UPDATE

Bureau of Meteorology's eye on space helping keep global air travel safe Australia's role in a new worldwide space weather information service for civil aviation.

A new era of global cooperation in air safety has begun, with the Australian Bureau of Meteorology playing a key role in one of three international centres, created to ensure air traffic is safe from the potentially harmful effects of space weather. plans and developing operational Even within the Bureau, this Australia, Canada, France and Japan new responsibility has created form one of the three global centres procedures for managing flights in new connections, as the Space within the International Civil Aviation the case of powerful, earth-directed solar flares," Mr Anderson said. Weather Service has teamed with Organisation (ICAO) mandated the Volcanic Ash Advisory Centre aviation space weather advisory "The products focus on the effects to ensure it provides a seamless system. of space weather phenomena round-the-clock service when we The Bureau of Meteorology's Brett on high-frequency radio are On-Duty. Anderson, General Manager Aviation, communications, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based Space Weather explained Land and Maritime Transport, said Space weather events are caused "Thanks to the unwavering support of navigation and surveillance systems, and the potential for by solar flares and particles ejected the Australian aviation industry, the from the Sun. These events mainly Bureau's world-class space weather elevated radiation risks for different flight paths," he said. affect the ionosphere, a layer of the team has commenced providing the Earth’s upper atmosphere critical first consistent global services that Each global centre will take turns for effective communications using will help guard against the impact of as the On-Duty Centre, issuing all HF radio, with the potential to space weather events on aviation global advisories for a fortnight, impact vital navigation systems. operations." while the other two centres are in back-up roles. These roles then Solar particles are absorbed by the "The aim of the ICAO space weather rotate every two weeks giving each atmosphere, but the high energy advisories is to better inform flight centre a time On-Duty. particles interact with atmospheric crews, operators, air navigation particles to trigger secondary service providers and civil aviation ionising particle cascades which authorities when preparing flight can, during very significant events, increase radiation levels onboard aircraft. The dose from these particles is greatest at the highest aviation altitudes and decreases with altitude.

Events that exceed the ICAO radiation thresholds are rare. Only four events have exceeded the ICAO threshold in the last two decades.

Serving regional aviation, and through it, the people and businesses of regional Australia 8 IN THE CABIN Welcome Aboard

Please welcome Pionair to the RAAA We are pleased to welcome as an Ordinary Member. De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Pionair is a long-established State and Federal Government Limited to the RAAA as an Associate Member. passenger and cargo charter airline agencies, corporate clientele, that originated in New Zealand and mining, energy, transportation expanded into Australia in the year companies and major airlines such 2002. We specialise in FIFO, Ad Hoc as . Charter, ACMI and are a specialised dangerous goods service provider. With the current devastating fires in NSW and Queensland we are With its acquisition of the Dash 8 We have BAE146-200 aircraft providing passenger capacity to shuttle RFS personnel from home aircraft program, Longview Aviation configured to carry 46 VIP Capital has proudly relaunched De passengers in sumptuous comfort, or base to the fire front and home again. We are proud to being able Havilland Canada, one of Canada’s in 84 / 97 economy class. most iconic brands. De Havilland to support the RFS in this capacity. Canada’s portfolio includes sales Our dedicated Bae146 freighters, are very versatile with payloads of In addition to an Australian CASA and production of the Dash 8-400 aircraft, one of the world’s most up to 12 ton. The Air Cargo division AOC, we hold a PNG Foreign Air important commercial aircraft, as can move loads on an ad hoc or Operators Certificate (FAOC), which well as support for the worldwide scheduled basis in containers or provides us with the ability to move secured loose loads. Drill pipes cargo loads and people between fleet of Dash 8-100/200/300/400 aircraft. The company is committed and other unusual sized cargo can Australia and Papua New Guinea. to maintain the brand’s 90-year-old be easily accommodated with the oversized Cargo door. Early in 2020 we will be introducing reputation for expertise, excellence Embraer E190-E2 services for and reliability in its manufacturing and commercial operations Pionair’s current fleet consists of Air Kiribati ushering in a new era 5 Passenger BAe146 aircraft and for the company. These aircraft and, through its global network, providing enhanced customer 6 Freighters. The fleet is mixed will be crewed, maintained and between Bae146-200 and -300 series operated by Pionair. We hope this services and support. Increasingly, the company is focused on the cost aircraft, and our 11 airframes make will lead to even greater expansion us the biggest operator of the type in of the business with the aim to add competitiveness of aircraft across the world. further E190 type aircraft within the their lifespan. following 12 months. For further information about Our current domestic and De Havilland Canada please go to To find out more about our services international customer base includes and capabilities, please visit https://dehavilland.com www.pionair.com.au or call 02 9707 1117

Serving regional aviation, and through it, the people and businesses of regional Australia 9 FLIGHT BRIEFING

Wellcamp Airport export Wellcamp Airport general manager hub to boost region’s Robert Kasch said it was a proud Centre backed the ambitions of the global potential day for the region which was region’s producers including pork selected along with Cairns for the DARLING Downs producers export hubs. producers Swickers in Kingaroy, wanting to tap into the export and Gatton based vegetable market to meet booming demand “We look forward to building growers Qualipac. for the region’s clean and green a centre which will take the “The facility will give many of product will have easier access with agricultural export capacity for this a new $10 million hub to be built at those businesses … a greater region to the next level, for the Wellcamp Airport. opportunity to expand to other benefit of generations to come,” Mr The Regional Trade Distribution Kasch said. marketplaces,” he said Centre, to be built by Wagners Further information about Despite initially planning to fund Group Holdings, is one of two to be Wellcamp Airport can be found at one centre, the government said constructed in Queensland. www.wellcamp.com.au or you can both Toowoomba and Cairns in the Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk Far North would receive the hubs contact directly via email: [email protected] said the export hub would ease due to strong competitive bids. access to international markets and create jobs in the Darling Downs. Natural Resources, Mines and “This will supercharge rapid Energy Minister Dr Anthony airfreight access for agricultural Lynham said the Regional Trade producers,” she said. Distribution State Development Minister Cameron Dick said the hub would capitalise on the region’s global reputation for market-leading agricultural produce. The hub will add 3,500sq m to the airport, with construction set to start late next year. “The new facility will be used to process premium export goods including beef, dairy products, fresh fruit and vegetables, pork and packaged nuts,” he said.

Serving regional aviation, and through it, the people and businesses of regional Australia 10 FLIGHT BRIEFING MRO Software Specialist Tracware Expands in Australia with Maroomba Airlines Tracware Limited, a JSSI company, recently announced that Perth-based Maroomba Airlines has selected its flagship product, Aerotrac, to manage the regional airline’s Part 145 aircraft and engineering business activities in Western Australia. Tracware provides affordable, high-quality aviation process control software designed to manage workflows for third-party MRO providers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and those managing their own aircraft fleet.

As one of Perth’s most established OEMs and those managing their own business and regional jets and and reputable air charter companies, aircraft fleet, to take control of MRO helicopters around the world. As a Maroomba Airlines will now utilize business processes in one innovative result, we manage close to 10,000 Aerotrac to streamline business application. maintenance events per year, operations for its fleet of Bombardier working with a wide cross section of Dash-8 100s and Beechcraft 1900Ds. “This is an exciting opportunity for us MROs. Tracware’s comprehensive From its base at , the to apply the advanced functionality of understanding of the specific airline connects customers in Perth Aerotrac to bring significant business processes and requirements with destinations across Western benefits to a regional airline,” these businesses need to thrive Australia and beyond. commented Andy Maley, managing operationally, combined with director of Tracware. “We are JSSI’s capabilities, presents many “We are committed to implementing confident that, with greater visibility of opportunities to better serve our solutions that ensure we remain all functions, Maroomba will be able customers at every stage of aircraft the leading air charter operator in to analyze the critical data they need ownership, and to deliver technology Western Australia. Aerotrac will to make fully informed maintenance enhancements to industry partners,” provide us with an unparalleled view planning decisions that will drive said Neil W. Book, president and of our maintenance planning and business growth and enhance the CEO of JSSI. engineering operation and offers service they deliver.” the digital tools we need to improve “We are proud to join this global and business performance. Ultimately, this The news follows the September innovative company and look forward means we can provide better value 2019 acquisition of Tracware by to pairing the exceptional customer and service to our customers,” said Jet Support Services, Inc. (JSSI), service, stability, and technical Jon White, engineering manager at the leading independent provider of expertise Tracware is known for with Maroomba Airlines. maintenance support and financial the maintenance industry expertise, services to the aviation industry buying power, and global reach of Aerotrac is a functionally rich, off-the- and a RAAA scholarship sponsor. JSSI,” added Andrew Maley, founder shelf software solution specifically Celebrating 30 years in business, the and managing director of Tracware.. designed to align and manage the Chicago-based business acquired “This business combination will unique business processes and MRO software specialist Tracware allow us to further enhance our workflow needs of aviation MRO to enhance its growing suite of current products and service organizations of all sizes. The technology-enabled services. This offerings, leveraging decades of JSSI software has evolved significantly is the latest in a series of strategic maintenance data to better meet the since its first iteration in 1999 with acquisitions for JSSI, which includes requirements of MROs globally.” the ongoing collaboration and input business aviation establishments, Further Information of customers worldwide. Today, it Conklin & de Decker and S3 Aero provides a 360-degree view of all Specialists. Tracware was formed in the UK MRO functions and enables users, in 1999 by a team of aviation “At JSSI, we are responsible for including third-party MRO providers, professionals, project managers, maintaining in excess of 2,000

Serving regional aviation, and through it, the people and businesses of regional Australia 11 MRO Software Specialist Tracware (continued...) FLIGHT BRIEFING business analysts and engineering consultants with extensive practical experience in aviation MRO and manufacturing. The company is headquartered on the Isle of Wight, off tools for managing the often the south coast of England. For more unpredictable costs of operating and service. JSSI serves customers information, visit tracware.com. maintaining business and commercial globally and manages maintenance jets, turboprops and helicopters. As JSSI provides its customers with services through its worldwide the creator of the revolutionary Tip-to- comprehensive, flexible and infrastructure of certified Tail® Program, JSSI is the only single affordable financial programs and technical advisors. For more source provider of this trademarked information,visitwww.jetsupport.com

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Serving regional aviation, and through it, the people and businesses of regional Australia 12 SCHOLARSHIPS 2019

At the recent RAAA convention the RAAA was privileged to recognise new talent in our industry and award scholarships to some of our amazing newcomers. This year scholarships were sponsored by the following organisations:

• AvSuper • Jet Support Services Inc. (JSSI) • Ansett Aviation Training • Moorabbin Flying Services (MFS) • Hawker Pacific • Jeppesen

A big thank you goes out to everyone involved in making these scholarships happen.

Serving regional aviation, and through it, the people and businesses of regional Australia 13