A quiet evening whimsy.
Been in the stable all day, at the workbench, restoring an ancient (and I do mean old) Grandfather clock; it is thing of great beauty and some wonder. The craftsmanship is superb and I have learned a few new ‘shortcuts’ from the old masters (cheats if you like) – clever fellahs. They of course used the ‘animal hide glue’ which, in itself, is an art form. Totally absorbing – anyway; the glue is setting nicely and the clamps and cramps are all square; so nothing to do but watch the glue dry - with an Ale to keep me company, while a gentle, cooling breeze stirs the dust motes into patterns in the evening sunlight – perfect.
Stray thoughts slip into and out of focus; some humorous enough to warrant a chuckle, some frivolous and whimsical, some down right scary and others which seem to tug at a string ringing a deeply seated small bell. AOPA, Angel Flight and CASA is one such bell and it keeps on ringing. Idly, without too much mental effort I allow the whole story to unfold without any questioning or examination – “just the facts Ma’am”.
Looked at prosaically, it seems to be a veritable storm in a tea cup – commonplace enough occurrence. Yet it has stirred up political shit storm; a conga line of politicians all ready to knock seven bells out of the CASA. What could be the motivation for this sudden swell of ‘political’ interest? The easy answer is that with an election just around the corner every vote will count; a cynic would be content with such an answer, for it certainly ticks the top row of boxes. But, I wonder – dare we push the thinking out a little further than it all being a shallow vote getter. There’s a BRB argument which will run the whole night. But, not tonight.
Here’s the thing – I’ve met and ‘chatted’ with a few of the parliamentarian stripe; many seem to have a deep understanding of the ailments affecting matters aeronautical. Many have a story or two to tell and those took no pains to hide their contempt of both ATSB and CASA, not that they ever will publically acknowledge that. Furry Muff – rice bowls, constituents, party line and ‘other’ business to take care of first. Perhaps AF is the perfect storm, the tip of the arrow which allows things unspoken of to emerge. Who knows – certainly not I. But it is an interesting proposition for quiet evening whimsy. And yet.
The argument falls down in round 1. If you put aside the never ending wrangle over the regulatory disaster; the government sanctioned autocracy and ministerial protection racket – what’s left on the table? Accidents, or near accidents is what. There is an incredible number of ‘potential’ aviation disasters which have been ‘glossed over’. Why then have the politico’s not dived into those potential disasters and whipped up public concern for ‘safety’? Let’s face it – Neither Qantas nor Virgin can fly without fuel (they wish), that little show at Mildura was a close enough call for anyone. Rex courted disaster with an innocent coal loader, Virgin ran about the country side with a seriously defective aircraft for a while; etc. Nary a fart in the general direction of ‘public safety concern from the political heavies after any of those very close shaves. Then we arrive at the Essendon DFO accident.
It all leaves me wondering why the ‘Conga line’ of politicians are running red-hot and panting to oppose one of the most fatuous, inutile, emotional smoke screens ever mounted by an autocracy which will move heaven and earth (not Hell – the boss won’t allow it) to avoid reformation of the Air Navigation Act and righteous inquiry into the absolute pigs ear they made of the ‘new’ regulations. Huh?
Aye, 'tis all passing strange to me – however; my glass is empty, the whimsy has waned and, there’s dinner to eat – best get a refill. “Let’s eat” the dogs most beloved command – strange; you never have to teach a dog about that. Heigh Ho.
Toot - toot
Been in the stable all day, at the workbench, restoring an ancient (and I do mean old) Grandfather clock; it is thing of great beauty and some wonder. The craftsmanship is superb and I have learned a few new ‘shortcuts’ from the old masters (cheats if you like) – clever fellahs. They of course used the ‘animal hide glue’ which, in itself, is an art form. Totally absorbing – anyway; the glue is setting nicely and the clamps and cramps are all square; so nothing to do but watch the glue dry - with an Ale to keep me company, while a gentle, cooling breeze stirs the dust motes into patterns in the evening sunlight – perfect.
Stray thoughts slip into and out of focus; some humorous enough to warrant a chuckle, some frivolous and whimsical, some down right scary and others which seem to tug at a string ringing a deeply seated small bell. AOPA, Angel Flight and CASA is one such bell and it keeps on ringing. Idly, without too much mental effort I allow the whole story to unfold without any questioning or examination – “just the facts Ma’am”.
Looked at prosaically, it seems to be a veritable storm in a tea cup – commonplace enough occurrence. Yet it has stirred up political shit storm; a conga line of politicians all ready to knock seven bells out of the CASA. What could be the motivation for this sudden swell of ‘political’ interest? The easy answer is that with an election just around the corner every vote will count; a cynic would be content with such an answer, for it certainly ticks the top row of boxes. But, I wonder – dare we push the thinking out a little further than it all being a shallow vote getter. There’s a BRB argument which will run the whole night. But, not tonight.
Here’s the thing – I’ve met and ‘chatted’ with a few of the parliamentarian stripe; many seem to have a deep understanding of the ailments affecting matters aeronautical. Many have a story or two to tell and those took no pains to hide their contempt of both ATSB and CASA, not that they ever will publically acknowledge that. Furry Muff – rice bowls, constituents, party line and ‘other’ business to take care of first. Perhaps AF is the perfect storm, the tip of the arrow which allows things unspoken of to emerge. Who knows – certainly not I. But it is an interesting proposition for quiet evening whimsy. And yet.
The argument falls down in round 1. If you put aside the never ending wrangle over the regulatory disaster; the government sanctioned autocracy and ministerial protection racket – what’s left on the table? Accidents, or near accidents is what. There is an incredible number of ‘potential’ aviation disasters which have been ‘glossed over’. Why then have the politico’s not dived into those potential disasters and whipped up public concern for ‘safety’? Let’s face it – Neither Qantas nor Virgin can fly without fuel (they wish), that little show at Mildura was a close enough call for anyone. Rex courted disaster with an innocent coal loader, Virgin ran about the country side with a seriously defective aircraft for a while; etc. Nary a fart in the general direction of ‘public safety concern from the political heavies after any of those very close shaves. Then we arrive at the Essendon DFO accident.
It all leaves me wondering why the ‘Conga line’ of politicians are running red-hot and panting to oppose one of the most fatuous, inutile, emotional smoke screens ever mounted by an autocracy which will move heaven and earth (not Hell – the boss won’t allow it) to avoid reformation of the Air Navigation Act and righteous inquiry into the absolute pigs ear they made of the ‘new’ regulations. Huh?
Aye, 'tis all passing strange to me – however; my glass is empty, the whimsy has waned and, there’s dinner to eat – best get a refill. “Let’s eat” the dogs most beloved command – strange; you never have to teach a dog about that. Heigh Ho.
Toot - toot