RAA against freedom in medicals

[frank marriott]

Have a look at the AOPA letter and attached extract showing how Monk votes AGAINST medical reform for private flying.

 

For those still to realise the disastrous mistake made giving the autocratic control to a couple of people that quite obviously have a hidden private agenda that is contrary to the wishes/desires & benefits of ALL private flying.

 

Members of RAA really need to re-assess their position on this type of behaviour before an implosion

 

 

[Yenn]

Too late to re assess our position. The damage was done when we became sort of shareholders in a private company.

 

 

[frank marriott]

Too late to re assess our position. The damage was done when we became sort of shareholders in a private company.

With enough disgust there is still the option of calling a general meeting and turfing them out!

 

 

[turboplanner]

With enough disgust there is still the option of calling a general meeting and turfing them out!

There is, but it would have to be done a lot differently to the last time, or it would just be another defeat.

 

 

[winsor68]

Just shut them down over be next 12 months and share it out amongst the other organisations that already exist. Maybe then someone could re kickstart the AUF to represent the interests of Ultralight aircraft and their pilots.

 

 

[facthunter]

When more bother to vote we might do better. Some of those organisations have been as dysfunctional as we are. Nev

 

 

[billwoodmason]

The chickens are coming home to roost, and as a result RAA would now have officially the worst reputation amongst all of Australia’s flying organisations. This blatant push by Monke will be seen by others for the power grab that it is.

 

AOPA can’t be blamed for wanting to maintain their members.

 

Shame on Monke for his push for “the new GA”.

 

RAA needs to revert back to just having a “point of difference” to attract people who want to fly aircraft up to 600 kgs and should leave the older GA type aircraft to VH registration and CASA licensing (medicals or not).

 

Having a board full of ex (and current) GA pilots is not in the best interests of the members who joined RAA to fly ultralight aircraft up to 600kgs in a more relaxed regime. 8000 members joined knowing what the rules were - not where we are heading now. We are all fools to continue putting up what is being perpetrated recently.

 

 

[mnewbery]

The Last Minute Hitch: 14 September 2018 - Australian Flying

[Kiwi]

[quote="frank marriott, post: 679145, member: 1859"

 

If you were still on the RAAus board, how would you have answered the questions about the effect of self-certification private drivers licence medicals for GA RPL and PPL holders, and about the possible ramifications to the Raaus in to both membership numbers and finance?

 

Just for the record, I hold both Raaus and GA licences.

 

 

[Sloper]

You have to remember its all risk assessment nowadays, a safe pilot is a grounded pilot.

 

You can drive a 50t truck down the road, operate heavy equipment, but fly?????

 

RAA members could get a petition to go before the minister expressing there lack of support in the current medical standards.

 

l seem to have been deemed as having sleep apnea by casa, even though my doctor says no.

 

Heard a interesting rumor about Ospreys, yes the thing that the US marines crash, sorry use and emergency rescue in being pushed by the medical fraternity here in Australia.

 

regards Bruce

 

 

[frank marriott]

It is NOT the role of RAAus to attempt to stop medical (or any other for that matter)reforms in GA licensing.

A statement from RAA ref the maintenance on aircraft above 600kg MTOW (if they receive approval) included the comment “to ensure work for LAMEs”. - again NOT the role of RAA, it is not a political party.

 

RAA should concentrate on matters directly affecting its members i.e. conditions, licensing, education etc. at minimum cost and not stray into interference with other forms of aviation or attempt to guarantee employment to any profession.

 

Sticking to matters RAA related and run efficiently will ensure membership and not chase members away.

 

Trying to grow into some sort of GA regulator and assuming a CASA type role is not in the best interests of the organisation IMO, effectively increasing costs & staffing etc. There are many “issues” which should be addressed now in the <600kg range without meddling in GA matters.

 

I don’t know about Australia wide, but in my area, like yourself, many RPC holders are also qualified at various levels holding a part 61 licence.

 

With the amount of interest in medical reform over the last couple of years I am surprised at the lack of outrage (on this forum at least) to the current chairman of RAA voting to STOP any reform.

[Kiwi]

I believe the RAAus answered the questions put to them about the medicals correctly, they were asked questions and they answered them.

 

HOWEVER they should have abstained from the vote as there is a very obvious conflict of interest.

 

Kiwi

 

 

[gareth lacey]

sleep apnea incidents/accidents zero myself diagnosed with mild sleep apnea but show me the stats where this has caused death injury, zero,nada zilch someone in avmed thought it was a good idea what a crock

 

 

[turboplanner]

sleep apnea incidents/accidents zero myself diagnosed with mild sleep apnea but show me the stats where this has caused death injury, zero,nada zilch someone in avmed thought it was a good idea what a crock

It’s a serious problem in truck fatalities.

 

 

[gareth lacey]

driving a heavy vehicle has no bearing on flying light aircraft, most flights are 1 to 2 hrs at most, trucks drivers 4 hr stints at night get white line fever, very boring , for me flying keeps me on my toes, always something to do or see especially on the east coast, a blanket approach is not what is needed, other countries do the self medical with out any increase in death or injury, and as most of us older guys/girls fly we tend to be more cautious,

 

 

[facthunter]

Recreational pilots don't have to fly if they don't feel like it. It's done for pleasure, not profit. Any pressure to fly is usually self imposed. Big difference. Nev

 

 

[fly_tornado]

It’s a serious problem in truck fatalities.

driving a truck 12 hour a day is different to flying for a few hours on the weekend

 

 

[old man emu]

I think that sleep-related collisions in long distance heavy vehicle drivers is a result more from mind-numbing boredom and probably sleep deprivation than sleep apnoea.

 

You try stopping yourself from nodding off while you are sitting in one position, doing very little physical activity (power steering, automatic gearing and powerful engines that can pull massive loads without drivers having to work the gears all the time), on a road with many straights and gentle curves.

 

 

[Yenn]

Correct O.M.E.

 

I used to drive fast when I was youinger, not because I was younger, but because there was little chance of getting caught. Now I have to drive at a speed which I find boringly slow. That means I end up feeling tired after a while, whereas if I drove fast I would be wide awake.

 

Flying can be boring high up on a long trip.

 

 

[facthunter]

I used to drive fast to keep my attention up. It does work but you will contribute to the Policeman's ball considerably doing that these days.. The upgraded Hume Highway is probably the safest road in the country but it's quite boring. Fatigued pilots can drop into sleep even under stress situations.. Circadian rhythm is a factor. You body clock is important. At about 3 am you are at your lowest for awareness and reaction . That won't affect U/ L pilots for a while yet. Nev

 

 

[turboplanner]

Well bugger me, who needs a medical profession and their research.

 

 

[facthunter]

Avmed has made policy on the run, good or bad depending on the whim and fancy of the incumbent at the time. since the late 80's. Lately it's got onto the "latest" IN thing and pushed it until some other tack is inserted. Specialist Doctors are over ruled (because they CAN be) seemingly just to show they (avmed) have the authority to do so. Safety is the real issue around medicals. Is the pilot likely to be impaired and/or incapable of completing the flight? That's why/how it's justified

 

Probably food poisoning has featured significantly as an issue and Airlines respond by having crews eat different meals and avoid likely risky ones before and during flight.. For Rec Pilots similar recommendations should be applied. also dehydration may be a significant risk as some rather than land for a pee will go without water. for too long..

 

In flight stress can impose strain on one's heart with pulse rates being seen over 200 in bad weather /overshoot fuel critical events. This has been known to trigger a cardiac or stroke event soon after the stress is passed . Not that relevant to Rec flying..

 

The Class one medical is quite restrictive but has never proven to be a great guarantee against heart attack.. That's been a general view for at least the last 50 years. with people having problems (even dying) quite close to having passed (with flying colours) the medical that's supposed to be a guard against that happening. Even people in their 20's. They don't have to be OLD.

 

The people who voted in this instance against the simplified medical are not concerned if they cut short the aspirations of many quite healthy and safe individuals to fly small planes and enjoy themselves . It's too easy to say NO. They have ignored overseas practice/ trends to be more realistic. because it's no skin off their nose. The more I think about this the worse the actions of RAAus Look to me. A "Please Explain" A la Pauline is required and a "don't try anything like that again" instruction given. with an "or else" added. With friends like the RAAus management you don't need enemies on this one. They have got it wrong. Just like the more jobs for LAME's gaff. Cheap, Safe, affordable Flying. Write it 100 times and don't forget it..Nev

 

 

[storchy neil]

well buggar me so you don't get tired driving at high speed in a truck what brand were you on neil

 

 

[facthunter]

Home made adrenalin Neil. Nev

 

 

[Downunder]

I found this letter from the SAAA on their website, for those interested.

 

https://saaa.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Letter-SAAA-Tony-White-to-Carmody-Walker-McCormack-20180628.pdf

 

And another statement on their site. Claims and Statements by RAAus | Sport Aircraft Association of Australia

 

Seems like RAAUS are alienating their fellow organisations....