Mr Skidmore resigned from CASA?

Rumour from another site that Mark Skidmore has resigned from CASA. Big news if true and could have implications for RAAus. Has anyone else heard this?

Confirmed. Resignation of Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) Chief Executive Officer and Director of Aviation Safety, Mr Mark Skidmore AM | Civil Aviation Safety Authority

Sudden anouncement..

He just released his monthly news brief yesterday.

I wonder if there has been any ministerial pressure?

probably drew up a list of things that could be fixed in CASA, looked at his super balance and thought "nah" better to retire, go fly some planes before my medical expires

Which new shrub will we get now?

lantana, bitu bush or petersons curse?

Pattersons curse you mean....lovely lilac

Also known as Murray Valley bluebells.

Heart leaf.

Salvation Jane

Bathurst bur.

Gentle Annie. Nev

The Bronwyn Belle.

Someone up there had rose tinted glasses when it described the great changes MS brought to CASA.

Now is the time to talk to your local MP and see if he can find out why CASA can't keep directors and doesn't change while aying there are big changes.

The Ministerial Statement reads (in part):

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester also thanked Skidmore for his service and wished him “all the best for the future”..................“I remain focused on working with the board and staff of CASA, in partnership with industry, to maintain and enhance our safety record and, just as importantly to support a viable aviation industry.”

Translation for those not familiar with bureaucrat-speak:

"I can't work with him. I will replace him with a grovelling yes-man."

Skates as he is known in RAAF circles is actually a very intelligent and decent person, and a very keen aviator. Yes of course political statements crap on about "achievements" etc but my hunch based on him leaving well before his term is up is that his vision for changing CASA was probably stymied by his own board or at the political level quite a lot - enough to say "screw this......I'm packing up and going home".

Mr Skidmore was trying to change CASA and making some good progress I believe. I'm more inclined to think the major road block was the public service within CASA rather than the board. Mr Skidmore could help general aviation a lot if he could give a detailed, warts and all, account of his brief encounter with CASA. To go so soon without explanation would be an opportunity wasted. However, if he wants more government work (like Sir Angus Houston) he will probably choose to say nothing that will embarrass his political masters. I hope he rejoins AOPA and continues the fight from the outside.

To get a handle on just how rotten CASA is internally, see: 'Palace Revolution', in: ProAviation’s submission to the ASRR | Pro Aviation

Thank you, Dick Smith, this is what you gave to us.

It will be interesting to hear what he has to say when he gives a talk to us at Moorabbin Airport soon.

Royal Aeronautical Society - Melbourne Branch

It will be interesting to hear what he has to say when he gives a talk to us at Moorabbin Airport soon.Royal Aeronautical Society - Melbourne Branch

Wonder if he will rejoin AOPA?

Kaz

He confirmed today that he is turning up.

Mr Skidmore could help general aviation a lot if he could give a detailed, warts and all, account of his brief encounter with CASA.

You might get some abstract hints, but you won't get a warts & all account.

I'll be very surprised if that happens. Governments and even most big corporations are excellent at writing very punitive "non-disclosure" clauses into early termination of contracts. They do not want their dirty laundry aired in the public arena.You might get some abstract hints, but you won't get a warts & all account.

Which new shrub will we get now?

Brent:groan:

The Ministerial Statement reads (in part):Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester also thanked Skidmore for his service and wished him “all the best for the future”..................“I remain focused on working with the board and staff of CASA, in partnership with industry, to maintain and enhance our safety record and, just as importantly to support a viable aviation industry.”

 

 

Translation for those not familiar with bureaucrat-speak:

 

"I can't work with him. I will replace him with a grovelling yes-man."

 

Skates as he is known in RAAF circles is actually a very intelligent and decent person, and a very keen aviator. Yes of course political statements crap on about "achievements" etc but my hunch based on him leaving well before his term is up is that his vision for changing CASA was probably stymied by his own board or at the political level quite a lot - enough to say "screw this......I'm packing up and going home".

This would indicate that the lower levels of the organisation are in control.

Next step (Perhaps) Install a caretaker CEO, (Or toe cutter) to clear the decks.

Coming off an election, there must be a few of the party faithful that are looking for a job.

CEO of CASA is the classic poisoned chalice. The organisation has been allowed free rein for so many years that it has developed its' very own culture, which has proven impossible to erase by simply giving lucrative early retirement to a few heads of section. CASA is on autopilot and the GPS NAV mode is frozen!

I'm disappointed that Mark Skidmore has quit so early. He did respond to an email from me regards Part 61, and I know he read another email regards suggested fixes. I believe he knew that the whole process had been cocked up: but was trying to juggle 27 balls without upsetting the apple cart. I wish him well, and hope that he now rejoins AOPA, and that we see him around the flyins.

As to his successor: Lets hope that he/she has good managerial skills gained in private enterprise rather than the public service. And has some civilian flying experience, though I don't see this as important as the business experience.

happy days,