The 2017 Aviation Leadership Conference, sponsored by none other than Oceania Aviation, was held at the Distinction Hotel in Hamilton and for those who were unable to attend please read below for an overview.

 

 

MONDAY 24th JULY

Monday began with an open forum where a panel of seasoned professionals discussed their opinions on the various challenges they saw the industry facing, one stating the issue of how to attract, train and retain young aviators particularly in the flight training sector. Another brought up the challenge many businesses are finding in the increased pricing for mod approvals. With a somewhat focus on “people”, Don McCracken as CEO of Oceania Aviation was asked for his opinion on how best to manage people. He discussed the need for staff members as well as for the wider industry to work together and to use the expertise of others, including regulatory bodies, training facilities, and professionals within the industry. When opened to questions from the floor, one complaint came about the new fit and proper procedures. However, many came to the defense of these procedures.

“Rules are in place for the guidance of the wise and the obedience of fools”

Another argued that “CAA is not the bad guy. We want the same outcomes. We may go about it differently but we want the same outcome and we need to work together.”.

With the conference’s theme of “Improving Performance”, attendees heard case studies from Trackplus, Eye in the Sky and Spidertracks followed by CAA Chief Executive and Director, Graeme Harris, speaking on The Role of the Regulator. Sue Moroney, Labour MP, continued with The Future Importance of Aviation, bringing up the need for aviation professionals to speak up and inform the New Zealand governing body of the aviation industry's requirements, telling the audience

“Don’t let the bureaucrats make the decision for you.”

The presentation held by Transport Accident Investigation Commissioner, Stephen Howard, was used to inform attendees on TAICs position within the industry. With the addition of Robinson Helicopters on the TAIC Watchlist in October 2016, TAICs involvement in the aviation industry has had a wide spread effect on many individuals and businesses, making this presentation one many attended. Howard used his time to explain the role of TAIC as one to scrutinize the performance of transport safety in the air, on water and rail. They are an independent and impartial inquiry body of 4 commissioners appointed by the Governor General with a mantra of “No repeat accidents. Ever.”.

He explained that TAIC do not ascribe blame or legal liability but rather report findings to circumstance and cause of accidents and incidents, and make recommendations to address these safety issues. Howard also talked about his history as a fighter pilot, which many would agree was impressive. Conversations following this presentation brought up an appreciation for the Commission having a professional aviator amongst their ranks.

Joe Dewar, from the CAA, dove into the numbers with his talk on Incident Safety Reporting which was followed by attendees separated into their respective streams. NZAAA with Issues with EPA, SSE with a Technical Training Presentation, T&D with a workshop from the CAA on Instructor Training and Supervision and NZHA’s discussion on Improving Safety in Commercial Helicopter Operations.

The final presentation for Monday came from Robinson Helicopter’s Director of Flight Safety, Bob Muse, where he addressed a packed room with the presentation he had delivered just three weeks prior to owners, operators, and pilots across New Zealand. Heated debate followed Bob’s presentation but was wisely shut down due to the presence of both Radio NZ and the NZ Herald reporters.

Like any good conference, day one was concluded with a Welcome Cocktail Reception, sponsored by Petroleum Logistics.

 

TUESDAY 25TH JULY

Tuesday began with a presentation on the Outlook For Aviation. And the day progressed as follows. 

- The Insurance Risk by Arden Jennings of Avsure

- Fatigue Risk Management by Prof. Philippa Gander of Sleep Awake Centre, Massey University

- Reducing Risk Through Just Culture, Drug and Alcohol Testing by Chris Mehlhopt and Simon Nicholson of Airline Pilots Association

- Saving Money, ACC Levies by Martin Wouters of Manage Company

- Trauma In The Workplace by Lesley Bird of New Zealand Police

- Fatigue Risk Management Workshop. What are the implications of GA, NZAAA and NZHA operators? How do they fit into a wider FRMS framework? How can we be sure that what is developed in NZ is fit for purpose? by Prof. Philippa Gander of Sleep Awake Centre, Massey University 

- Employers Of Low-Hour Pilots: Relationship Building, Needs, and Expectations. Workshop by TFO with T&D

- Fatigue Risk Management For Engineering by Prof. Philippa Gander of Sleep Awake Centre, Massey University

- Australian Helicopter Industry Update by Peter Crook of Australian Helicopter Industry Association

- What We Are Doing Right, What We Are Doing Wrong, Challenges For Our Future Workshop.

- The Benefits of Hourly Maintenance Programs by Richard Warren of Jet Support Services Inc

For more detail on these presentations please get in touch with Aviation NZ.

 

 

GALA DINNER

The conference was concluded with the Oceania Aviation sponsored Gala Dinner held at The Verandah Café & Function Centre. Guests were bused from the conference centre and welcomed with bubbles and hors dóeuvres. The formal part of the night began with the singing of the national anthem by none other than Alan Beck and his “choir” consisting predominately of Heli A1 staff who had been heard practicing the night before, in the bar…

The coveted industry awards were presented as follows.

2017 Director's Awards Flight Instructor Award   Craig Whyte, Chief Flight Instructor, Massey University School of Aviation Award for an Organisation   Massey University School of Aviation  Award to an Individual   Robert (Bob) Fletcher, Former Head of Operations Support, Air New Zealand (retired May 2017)

Aviation NZ Awards Individual Award   John Sinclair Company Award   Advanced Flight Ltd Richard Pearse   Award Aspeq Ltd

NZAAA Awards     Jim Burtenshaw Brian Casey

The guest speaker for the 2017 Leadership Conference Gala Dinner was an absolute hit. Rob Hamill, a former New Zealand rower, political candidate and the winner of the first Trans-Atlantic Rowing Race in 1997. He took the guests on a journey, covering many of his accomplishments and the extremely emotional setback he experienced the loss of two brothers. For those who would like to know more about his story, you can find it here.

The theme from the beginning of his presentation was that “with passion, anything is possible”, from which Hamill concluded that we must “seize the day”. And we will leave you with that sentiment.