TIM ROBINSON

Happy New Year and welcome to 2019’s first issue of Uplink! 

Many of us may just be getting a break after working through yet another record busy holiday period. As New Zealand’s Voice of Aviation, NZALPA’s commentary and views have produced widespread coverage, regarding both the challenges and opportunities faced by our growing and increasingly diverse membership. 

The prevalence of RPAS or drones dominated headlines, particularly with a device causing a near miss incident with New Zealand Police’s Eagle Helicopter over Auckland on New Year’s Day. This was in addition to, internationally, the swift regulatory changes and powers put in place in the wake of drone incursions into both Gatwick and Heathrow airspaces.

While acknowledging New Zealand efforts by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to invest in education and a dedicated website for drone operators, NZALPA is increasingly frustrated at the lack of government action regarding the increasingly widespread use of drones and has stepped up even further our calls for the registration and licencing of these devices over a certain weight. This is further necessary given the increasing numbers of New Zealanders, including children, who received such a device as Christmas gifts, or purchased in this year’s holiday sales.

It feels like a bizarre situation of ‘catch up’ given we’ve been discussing this issue with government and industry for several years now. Through these efforts we’ve high hopes that 2019 will be the year the government takes clear action and starts listening to those who are in the most vulnerable position – our members and their concerns for the travelling public. NZALPA supports the development and use of RPAS and drone technology but needs to see them integrated into our New Zealand airspace in a safe and regulated manner.

Meanwhile, along with our international counterparts, NZALPA has lent our support and solidarity to our American air traffic controller, aviation worker and union colleagues who endured the unprecedented shut down of government services, putting considerable pressure on both the industry and the potential safety of both workers and the travelling public. As you’ll read further in this issue, our ATC sister organisation, the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) was one of several federal workers' organisations forced to sue government over unpaid wages during the shutdown. Unfortunately legal actions to force payment to workers were unsuccessful despite being expected to work without pay since the ATCs were furloughed on December 22. As we said in media interviews, we understand that the total US controller headcount is at the lowest for 30 years and the traffic level at its highest.

NZALPA has a close relationship with NATCA and here in New Zealand, where ATCs currently face their own workload challenges and resourcing challenges, we consider NATCA a true leader amongst global aviation trade unions, by demonstrating their ability to function flawlessly to support and encourage their members in their greatest time of need. 

Of course a low supply of experienced and qualified aviation professionals here in New Zealand is an issue NZALPA continues to actively highlight and address. In conjunction with Massey University Flying School, our release of the pivotal study “Pilot Progression in New Zealand” (see December 2018 Uplink) also received considerable attention in the New Year. We now have the data that underpins NZALPA and other aviation industry groups calls for government to extend student loans and we are currently in positive discussions with airlines to more quickly address pilot career progression, and a potential lack of pilot supply, in light of strong current and future demand for pilots. 

We have been clear that the current situation is unsustainable, limiting a flying career to only those who can take on the inequitable expense and preventing a more diverse range of candidates from considering flight training. NZALPA is continuing to discuss the study’s findings and options for change with key decision makers – including the airlines, government ministers, the CAA and tertiary education officials. 

It’s been heartening to receive feedback that NZALPA is viewed as an organisation of leadership and courage – not afraid to take on the important issues facing our vital industry, its people and its rapidly changing infrastructure. With a resurgence in union activity over the last year due in part to a new Labour-led coalition government, we’re hearing that we stand out. For 2019 we’ll continue, on behalf of our membership to strive for respect and success - not just in identifying and highlighting the necessary issues, but also our actions to find solutions, working across the industry and getting buy-in from others. 

Here’s to a safe year!