TIM ROBINSON

As this is my penultimate column for Uplink, I’d like to reflect on the collective work of the NZALPA team during my four years proudly serving NZALPA as President. 

NZALPA continues to be a strong and respected voice in the areas of technical expertise and aviation safety and making sure that, on behalf of our membership, we’re lobbying on the issues that really matter. 

Over the last four years aviation safety-related coverage has consistently reflected well on NZALPA and has gained us both the trust and the respect of the industry and the traveling public. This was particularly evident through our high profile campaign to ensure the safest runway end safety area (RESA) would be applied to the proposed runway extension at Wellington Airport. Our courage to take it all the way, and ultimately win our argument at the Supreme Court, is a testament to how much our organisation is committed to investing the time and resources where it really matters. As well as introducing the term RESA to wider public use, this victory was a precedent that others still talk about across the industry and within the interest groups and legal communities. 

With NZALPA’s continued campaigning and the considerable national and global media coverage of the issue, Government Ministers, the Transport Ministry and the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) are now listening to our call for compulsory registration of all RPAS/drones of greater than 250g, in line with international best practice. Whilst it is only one of a number of initiatives that will assist drones to be safely integrated into New Zealand airspace, we believe it will allow for significantly improved education and enforcement of the current RPAS rules. 

Meanwhile, with the number of reported laser-related strikes on aircraft and air traffic control towers throughout the country increasing annually, NZALPA continues to call for a total ban on the acquisition, supply and possession of high-powered hand-held battery-operated lasers (those of 1mW strength or greater). Despite the members’ bill on the issue about to be introduced to Parliament, we understand the Government is unlikely to support it. We are looking forward to their alternative strategy to curb this dangerous and reckless behaviour, hopefully before any tragedy regrettably occurs. 

NZALPA has developed and continues to build a high standard of Medical and Welfare services to the membership and to our profession. The Peer Assistance and Human Intervention Motivation Study (HIMS) programmes are industry-leading and have received recognition from Government, in public and also among our international peers. 

Most of our industry employers are now signed up to these programmes. As they reach critical mass, they will become even more embedded in our day-to-day workplace environments. The Professional Standards Programme is also being progressively accepted as the ‘first port of call’ in flight deck and tower/radar centre matters where their confidential intervention can often resolve issues that would otherwise escalate to formal investigations or disciplinary action. 

The 2019 NZALPA Annual Conference is about to be delivered again under the watchful oversight of Association Administrator Eliza Bradley. In addition to our full agenda, we’ll be welcoming a number of international speakers and, in recognition of the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations’ theme of ‘Building Bridges’, members will be joined by NZALPA stakeholders and partners, employers and Government representatives. With 23 remits to process, all delegates will be ready to engage and work hard at the Conference. Highlights will include a keynote opening address by the Minister of Transport Hon Phil Twyford and an informative international ATC panel discussing ATC global alliances and the value they provide for ATC members. 

From a decision made at Conference three years ago, NZALPA achieved its goal to become New Zealand’s undoubtable Voice of Aviation. Our significantly-improved capability in public relations, external communications, media liaison and government lobbying to achieve this is one of the areas that I am most proud of for our organisation.  Assisted by a supportive Board and membership we have used our collective skillsets and knowledge, coupled successfully with outside public relations and communications assistance from Convergence Communications.  With Convergence’s help we have worked tirelessly to get our messages heard by our employers, the industry, Government, the Opposition, the CAA as our regulator, and the New Zealand public. 

Our drive to be the ‘Voice of Aviation' takes ongoing commitment and perseverance and we have certainly not completed the task yet. However, we are in a substantially better place that we were four years ago and I thank all our representatives and staff who have contributed to this aim during my terms as President. As I now move into the role of IFALPA Director I remain committed to assist us advance this strategic goal and initiative.  

Whilst I step aside as your President I’m not going too far away as I commence a two year term as NZALPA IFALPA Director. I look forward to representing NZALPA at the IFALPA and international level, as well as working alongside the new President Andrew Ridling. While bringing a wealth of experience and passion to NZALPA, I know Andrew will commit himself fully to represent the very best interests of the membership over the next two years. A change in leadership for any organisation always brings fresh ideas and a renewed energy to the top role. I am sure Andrew will stamp his mark in his time as President, and will take us to the next level of member representation and industry influence. 

Thank you all, especially to our dedicated staff and officers, for your continued hard work, and your support and encouragement of me over the last four years – my message is please keep our voice loud and keep each other safe