SHOW YOUR SUPPORT & PLEDGE

Help to save the General Aviation Industry and access to Airports in Australia by participating in our national petition.

Show your support by signing this national petition, which will be presented along with our letter of help, to Mr Kevin Rudd, Prime Minister of Australia.

We are seeking federal government intervention, to protect the rights of the general aviation industry and to provide fair and equitable access to airport facilities across Australia.

We ask that you provide your name, company name if applicable and a valid email address. You are also invited to provide a comment regarding your personal opinion and views regarding this important issue.

Please note that aviationadvertiser.com.au will display your support on this website for public viewing. Please refrain from using any form of offensive language or comments.

Benjamin Morgan, Aviation Advertiser
Please help aviation in Australia. We need the federal government to provide intervention, to guarantee the aviation industry fair and equitable access to aviation infrastructure across Australia.

James Crockett, Pacific Blue
Disgusting BAL

Tim Blatch, AOPA
I urge anyone who has any association with or interest in general aviation to join this action

xxxxxxxx, Red Baron
Privatisation does not work, we have seen time and time again that the consumer is the big loser when it comes to privatisation.

Aminta Hennessy, Clamback & Hennessy
I do not remembeer ever giving the Federal Government the right to sell my business to private enterprise

Ray Clamback, Clamback & Hennessy
I do not remember giving the federal government the right to sell my business to private enterprise

john mcneill,
the preservation of bankstown airport is vital to country dwellers as is the provision of ongoing training of pilots who will eventually be piloting the business charters that we are sometimes forced to make in the bush to go about our normal busines lives

Peter Flanagan, Pacific Avionics
I am a business owner on the airport and have suffered at the hands of BAL. I am appalled at what is happening at this airport. I am disgusted at all governments and all level of government. The absolute disinterest that they have shown at our plight is nothing short of criminal in my opinion. The constant reply of "it's not my problem" from various members of parliment is a total reflection of politicians lack of support for the common people in this day and age.

Darrin Ward, Basair
The Governmnt has created this disaster, and we're seeing greed and lies take it to the level we are now seeing. Help is needed from the political side to save these assets because once they're gone - they're gone forever.

Phillip Hanic,
As a student pilot, Bankstown is absolutely vital to the aviation training industry, and its loss would cause irreversible damage not only to the industry, but to proprietors such as Ray and Aminta. It is obvious that we cannot rely on corporate social responsibility to prevent such outcomes in the wake of privatisation. I appeal to everyone to get involved and join this cause. I also urge ministers and MPs to see that the loss of Bankstown airport would be a disaster. It may be too late in some aspects, but regulation is needed to minimise further damage.

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xxxxxxxx,
I am appalled at the performance of BAL and their total dis-regard for the aviation industry, let alone the life work of people such as Aminta and Ray. This is a real test for the Rudd Government - big business or the people who elected them - Mr Rudd it is your call you can still put a stop to this wanton destruction.

xxxxxxxx, Alto Group
This is an absolute abuse of power. Clearly against what we were told by the Government prior to selling us out.

Phillip Reiss, Reiss Aviation
The short sighted policies of the Howard Government with regard to aviation infrastructure has almost destroyed GA. The sale of three airports to one consortium, with the right to subdivide and sell off one of those airports for Industrial and housing use is disgraceful, the Sydney Basin will only have two airports for GA use. The FAC gave undertakings to allow renewal of leases at these airports, now rapacious developers are not renewing leases and resuming the assets of these those people who have built hangars in good faith, this is unconscionable.

DAVID GEMMELL, Gemmell Helicopters
TYPICAL VIEW OF SHORT TERM GOVERNMENT SUPPORTING SHORT TERM GAINS FOR THEIR SUPPORTERS. NOTHING TO DO WITH THE LONG TERM PROSPERITY OR EMPLOYMENT OF THE AUSTRALIAN PEOPLES. REVERSE THE DECISION USING THE INFRASTRUCTURE FUND.

Daniel Thompson,
Learning to fly is as great a thing as learning any other trade, profession or worthy personal pursuit. Bankstown airport offers a path to both personal and professional aspirations for many in Sydney, and the prospect of its closure should be considered as gravely as if a university or other significant learning centre was to be shut down - especially given the scarcity of alternatives to pursue aviation. Its closure will also put a close to the opportunity to pursue aviation to many in Sydney, and thus this petition should be considered for the greater public interest at threat.

xxxxxxxx, Pacific Avionics
Bankstown Airport is critical to Sydney in it's existence. What happens if we have a disaster like New Orleans and Sydney CBD and Sydney Airport become temporarily 'out of bounds' and people have to be evacuated. The only airport within a sensible service area is Bankstown. Also, by encroaching on airport operational land, BAL are putting all of those people who will work in these industrial sites at risk of having a wayward aircraft plow into a building. What a stupid, stupid situation. The same thing has happened in the US much to the regret of airport operators. Wake up before it's too late.

Jeff Dunaway,

Richard Phillips, Sandel Avionics
If the government allows BAL to increase the lease rates like they want, it will set a dangerous precedent for the future life of general aviation in Australia.

Antoon Morreau, Stream Industry Pty Ltd

xxxxxxxx, Private Aicraft Operator
It's an absolute disgrace whats happened with YSBK, YSCN, and ultimately YHOX. I strongly believe in promoting & developing GA, and making the industry cost prohibitive for most leaves basically not much hope for the future

xxxxxxxx,
Bankstown airport exists only to service the runways on the field. This means that it is there for aviation purposes. Now that BAL own the airport their attitude is to treat it as a commercial operation. This is untenable for aviation which is only marginally profitable but provides essential services for training pilots(there is now a shortage) and maintaining general aviation which is an important part of the aviation industry.There are good reasons for unused areas of the airport to be used on a commercial basis to enable subsidisation of the whole operation but the costs to the aviation industry should be based on affordability not what would be charged away from the airport. With the never ending price gouging by BAL, general aviation and associated pilot training will become non-existent as is happening now. This will be a disaster for a city the size of Sydney having no general aviation and pilot training (other than Camden, which cannot be expanded). In other words a disgrace. The current owners, I believe, paid 1M for the three airports and now that Hoxton Park has been converted to freehold and is to be developed the owners will recoup their investment and probably make a substantial profit. Surely, the aim of the Government was to have Bankstown Airport continue as a viable aviation activity and would not have wanted the successful tenderers to price aviation out of existence

David Brown,
Surely they have the right to remove the building which they built. I would bulldoze it in spite of them. How does the Lease allow such things? Criminal is the only word that comes to mind.

Steve Moxey, Pacific Avionics
The greed shown by these types of corporations has resulted in the current financial meltdown. It's time that the government reigned in these cowboys who have no regard for long term health of the industries they pretend to invest in, for the short term bottom line which allows them to pay themselves ridiculous bonuses.

Brad Granger, Pacific Avionics
BAL are charging full commercial rates for my lease of land and expect me to just give them my building for free on termination? Not going to happen! If they want to charge full commercial rates for the land, they should pay full commercial rates for the building! This is an unconscionable act by BAL.

Barry Smith,
The Federal Govt must bear responsibility for this see-off of vital national infrastructure, and must intervene.

Gabriel Kalotay, Private
What is happening here, is outrageous, it's more it is criminal. BAL is morally bankrupt!

Brian Dehlsen, Kelvindale Products Pty Ltd

Michael Greene,
We live in the United States, but we have known Aminta Hennessey for many years. We know particularly her very special contribution to Australian aviation over a 40 year period. When she was awarded the Medal of Australia a few years ago, we thought it was a fitting tribute for her life's work and the benefit she gave to the country. To give her a highly coveted medal and then steal her business and her pension seems to me an act of such cynicism it defies reason and decency. I still find it hard to believe that the Government of Australia will allow this to go through and deprive Aminta of the benefits of the very activities that the nation has thankfully recognized her for.

Walter Bock, W & F Bock
We were clearly told that our lease would automatically be rolled over upon request for another 25 year term. [See the recent statement from the then general manager]. On that understanding we bought the hangar, our superannuation. Now 'our' hangar is being confiscated without any compensation. It is wrong!

George Srank,
When I left my small then communist country over 20 years ago I firmly believed that government sanctioned destruction of essential infrastructure and corporate theft of assets owned by private persons, which is exactly what we are witnessing at Bankstown and other GA airports around Australia, was was a crime only possible back there. Prime Minister Rudd, any thoughts ?

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James Moline, moline associates

Kevin Haydon,
Where is our political leadership on this issue?

Darrn Privitera, Fligt Data Systms Pty. Ltd.

Maralyn Kastel,
Absolutely outrageous. Time to band together to stop this - keep pushing the politicians - bombard them with emails, letters, and phonecalls. Stick together and don't let apathy get in the way of survival

Jay Lennox Layfield,
What is happening to Clamback & Hennessey and others at Bankstown is disgraceful. The over-development of Bankstown airport puts greed before safety and shows a total disregard for other established businesses and livelihoods. This must not be allowed to happen and the Government must step in to make this right.

Peter Hocking,
The Federal Government should change the terms of the privatisation agreement putting caps on price increases, preventing seizure of privately-funded assets, preventing encroachment of non-aviation enterprises, and re-opening the cross runway. If compensation needs to be paid to BAL, so be it. The new government can blame the previous government for this mess anyway.

Keith Clark,
In a country that pioneered aviation and grew a world icon like Qantas from its simple general aviation beginnings, it distresses me greatly to see Australia’s Federal Government instigate the death of an industry so essential to Australia’s ongoing development. A country seen as a great training ground for pilots from all over the world is loosing the ability to train and will soon be an importer of such skills rather than an exporter. The actions of the Federal Government in its deal with BAL seem to be boarding on criminal. On a personal level having spent nearly ,000 and two years of hard work constructing an aircraft, I now despair as to how I can find an airport/airfield to fly from and house my aircraft. New Zealand is starting to look far more welcoming.

Bill Stone,

Morgan R Kelly, formaly w/King Radio
To you who have aquired the Bankstown Airport. Your actions remind me of a case of someone who was in a simular situation where they had an unreasonable strangle hold over another party. This infureated the opressed person to the extream and he shot the opressor dead. Take good care of your back as some people will resort to anything when they are pressed hard enough.

Graham Swannell, Aeronautical Engineers Australia

John O\'Driscoll,

Zane Davis, Aerospace Aviation

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Gary Carter, All Aluminium and Cast Iron Welding Services
I have been using and working off and on at Bankstown Airport since 1976 when it was the busiest airport in Australia since then i have seen a major change in the way pilots and airport bussiness have been slowly been closed down due to BAL having there own plans in place for the airport not caring for the needs of aviation since there takeover its looking less like a airport and if they get there way they will slowly sell it off after all its about the money as far as they are concerned not caring about the people that have put their lives into aviation.

Billy Nicolopoulos, Nicolopoulos Sheetmetal
I am a subcontractor at Bankstown Airport and it will be people in my employment situation that will be first out of work. This government needs to not only intervene but regulate these big operators now with no compensation or consideration as they (BAL) have shown the the families and workers of this industry

Jan Stone, Aerospace Aviation

Peter Allan James,
It is only a matter of time before BAL has blood on its hands owing to its drastic reduction in aviation safety at Bankstown Airport. The decimation of aviation related business at this airport by BAL is abhorrent.

xxxxxxxx, Rowtag Pty Ltd

Henry Knight, Private
All owners over 40. Sell out now and go onto the dolw. You will end up with more money than you will have after BAL strips your assets. Import the pilots from overseas - that is what is happening with the rest of industry in Australia the unidustrialised country!!

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John LeMarquand,
The federal government allows the closure or downsizing of our secondary airports, then calls an enquiry into why Australia can't train enough pilots or maintain a viable General Aviation industry. Wake up Canberra!

Kathleen LeMarquand,

Judy Pay, The Old Aeroplane Company P/L
What will it take for the various levels of Government to recognise that aviation is vital to a country the size of Australia?

Graeme Spedding,
Discgraceful result of selling off public assets, and to companies that are ONLY interested in land development. The same is being attempted by JAL at Jandakot Airport in WA.

xxxxxxxx, Minovation
Disgraceful though this situation is, one can only hope that by BAL going a step TOO FAR far and treating Clamback and Hennessy in this way, the Federal Gevernment will finally sit up and do something about the situation where developers see our commonwealth owned transport infrastructure in the form of secondary airports as "just another land bank" and the GA tenants as a temporary obstacle to their ultimate ambitions, rather than an essential and highly skilled part of our economy - much of which brings in millions in export dollars in the form of overseas pilot training. If nothing is done about this we can only assume that Rudd and his ministers condone this kind of behaviour, and should be brought to task to explain why they consider the airport head leaseholders "fit and proper" to hold the leases if they don't comply with the terms of the lease and the Airports Act.

Michael Gordon, Paper Planes
BAL's actions regarding property leases forced the closure of a well respected maintenance company where I had worked for 16 years. The entire workforce was left unemployed, with some ex-employees moving interstate in search of work, instead of being available to service the industry in Sydney. As for me, I set up my own company off airport and thank my lucky stars I will never have my fate placed in the hands of BAL ever again.

Rod Cork,

Steven Howarth, Howarth Aviation
Just another land grab by the goverment we can not let this happen to the aviation industry

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xxxxxxxx, none
Once these valuable national assets have been destroyed for the sake of private profit there is little if any chance of them ever being replaced. Its just not acceptable.

Philip Maley,
The Australian culture and economy is largely built on agriculture and mining, which have both grown up relying on general aviation. By eroding support for general aviation you erode the foundations of our economy. Labor candidates said they would change the privatisation policies if elected. Please stop this nonsense now or bring on the next federal election and we'll find a party with more sense.

Travis Grant, Qantaslink

Daniel John,
Another example of corporate & government greed. it is quite apparent BAL has no interest in aviation & it's only motivation is how much profit it can make at the expense of aviation.

Mal McKenzie,
This situation is occurring at all the secondary airports in Australia. Soon, all will close with the land re-developed. It is another case of the Federal Governments opting out of their responibilities, once again. Another case of misguided, criminal, illegal and stupid decisions by government. The government set the terms for the airports take over but refuses to enforce them.

Ben Wyndham, Atlass Aviation, Scone
Australia simply does not have the population or the business volume to support privatised airports. These airports are critical components of national infrastructure and must be returned to public control.

Andrew Learmonth,

mark jones,
When are governments going to learn that an aerodrome is a public road!

xxxxxxxx,

Darren Gibson, Macleay Aircraft Maintenance

Mike Smith,
Australia should be investing in infrastructure, not selling it off and closing it down. The actions by Government in respect of Hoxton Park and Bankstown Airports are short sighted and ill advised. The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has allowed theses airport operators to vary the terms of their leases without proper regard to the intent and spirit of the relevant agreements.

greg ackman, Mobile One Australia
The Rudd Labour Government should be disgusted with the way the previous administration sold off the Secondary Airports to GREEDY PROPERTY DEVELOPERS. These developers only interest is in getting rid of Aviation at these airports so they can develop them into profitable Industrial Estates. As gateways to the local communities these airports are vital infrastructure the same as MAIN ROADS and should be reacquired and retained by the Federal Government for the people of Australia who paid for their development. This should be done immediately.

xxxxxxxx, Rottnest Air-Taxi

xxxxxxxx,
This move could possibly have great impact on the path to becoming a commercial pilot, from a Student pilot. General Aviation is still an essential.

xxxxxxxx, Complete Avionics P/L
Do not believe for one instant that not every airport in this country is not in the same peril it has already happened at the Gold Coast. It is my opinion that it is only going to get worse and in a different way as the tax payer in the end is going to have to bail out the current crop of airport owners. I would be asking the Federal Govt to look at their infrastructure and see how they are going to exist without Government support. Especially when both Jetstar and Virgin have informed some airport operators they will not be paying any inceases in passenger charges? At time of writing GCAL is trying to increase land rent fees from around A.00 a sq mtr to A.00 a sqr mtr for land that is designated by Federal Government and GCAL as general aviation use only in their master plan.

Brendan & Carol Filbey,

Charles Perry, RBA
I learned to fly at Bankstown nearly 30 years ago and have been a professional pilot ever since. The organisation, Rex Aviation, that taught me no longer exists and the land that they occupied is now non aviation office space and a parking lot. Bankstown, Morrabbin, Archerfield and Jandakot should NEVER have been privatised anymore than roads, railways and bridges should be privatised. These are natural monopolies that were paid for, and should remain the property of, all Australians. Airports have an intrinsic value to the local community in terms of ancillary employment that will also be lost if a private enterprise. Not only pilots train at airports but so too do aircraft engineers and air traffic controllers. Both disciplines in terribly short supply in Australia at present. How many high quality engineering apprenticeships have been, and will, be lost if the current situation at ALL secondary airports in every capital city continues? Apprenticeships that lead to well paid jobs in essential careers.

Robert Fox,
This is quite simply a public asset being pillaged

xxxxxxxx,
Bankstown is now the only viable General Aviation airport for anyone in the north or east of the city a two hour drive each way for a one hour lesson from Camden is simply not viable for any trainee or private pilot.

Peter Pagac, Screensound Pty Ltd
We have recently seen what happens when markets are allowed free reign over the fundamental needs of a society. Airport infrastructure IS a fundamental need, especially in Australia. Reign it in Mr Rudd, or lose it. Airports cost a lot less than roads.

xxxxxxxx,

GaryCriddle, Australian Aerial Surveys Pty Ltd
1. BAL price increases are based upon the commeercial property market rather than any aviation based comparitor. 2. Now that the global economy is in recession perhaps BAL will "get real" as to the commercial worth of Banktown airport land. 3. The community and our government must be made aware that an outrageous increase in rental at a time when a new BAL lease is negotiated is tantamount to robbery. 4. I OWN a building on leased land at Bankstown. Preliminary discussions with BAL management indicates that they do not intend to purchase MY building. Instead they choose to simply wait until my current lease expires to then assume ownership of my building. When the new lease is issued BAL then charges to new tennant (presumably me, but not guaranteed) to rent to building that I currently own - that's legalised highway robbery! 5. Churlishly, BAL states that I may remove my two-storey brick building from their property (and remember to restore the land to a virgin condition). They underestimate me entirely, because I will demolish the building before I hand it over to them! 6. If the Federal Government is serious about keeping Australians in work, then they should know that future BAL action (in respect of my leases) will result in 12 Australian pilots and engineers being unemployed.

mark boast,
The preying of australians upon australians should be seen for what it is. In this case the motive is simple and deserves a similarly simple and blunt response. The law is perverted if the spirit of the legislation supporting it is corrupted or ignored. I think the answer for our lawmakers is obvious. Don't just put out the brushfire - get rid of the firewmakers!

Paul Casley, Avincorp P/L
Unfortunately Sydneys' aviation community is suffering a similiar plight to that of South-East QLD. We've had notification of closure of three aerodromes in the past few years on the Sunshine Coast alone. These aerodromes are the life-blood of significant industry and jobs for thousands of people. I wonder whether the general populous understand the connection between General Aviation and our Air Transport carriers. There is a tangible connection between the state of our GA industry and the safety issues that follow. If the public thinks that QANTAS is in trouble now I fear that the real test is yet to come. Without GA we cannot introduce new pilots, new engineers, new technology to the aviation industry and the loser at the end of the day will be 'Aviation Safety'. I implore all interested persons to respond not only to this petition but to Bruce Byron, CEO CASA and Federal Government to address this attack on a once burgeoning industry.

xxxxxxxx,

Adam Purcell,

Mr R.J.Cowley,
Arrogant disregard for Aviation.

Lyn Gray, Fly Oz
The government is aiding in the stealing of people's hard earned assets and making years of work worthless.

GIORDON CRAIG,
this kind of thing is also happening at ybaf in qld , these people are not avaitors , these aerodromes are required to remain open for flying activitys not to be reduced

Brian Abraham,
Airports for light aircraft are an important part of a countries infrastructure and short sighted in the extreme to think otherwise.

Rodney Johnston, Bush Flight
The reality is that these facilities were public areas just like roads, streets and footpaths are to the motoring or pedestrian public. If this were to happen in any other arena there would be a huge outcry and it simply wouldn't happen because it would affect the vote. As an industry, for the first time in a couple of decades it is critical that we unite and fight this sort of abuse.

Thomas Warren,
As a person who has worked for several Bankstown companies and has been a client of several others over the last decade it disgusts me to see the corporate bullying from BAL. Charging people when they pull their aeroplane out the front of their hangar is ludicrous! It's time for all of us (the whole of GA) to do something practical to illustrate to BAL that we will no longer put up with their offensive and disgraceful behaviour!

Mark Woods,

Tracy Shannon,

xxxxxxxx, UniSA Aviation Academy
the future of aviation is precarious enough without the additional hazard presented by rapacious developers with no interest in the industry.

Olga Ward,
hope this doesn't spread to Jandakot- though we have plenty of cost increases and a lot of building going on in the previously gorgeous pristine bushland round the airport.

Simon Somogyi,
Once an airport closes, the services supplied to the broader community will never again be available. Jandakot airport is in the same boat as Bankstown, run by a real estate developer who has absolutely no interest in aviation, and have done nothing to improve the airport infrastructure. Mind you, they're doing a great job of carving the Commonwealth land into commercial parcels. In the end, it's the flying Doctors, Police Airwing, and all the other General Aviation busines that suffers, for a property developer's short term gain.

Robert Edwards, Airflite
This is not helping Aus Economy

Andrew Firman,

Kevin Swash,

Doug Stickland,

Rod Irvin, Private Pilot ATC
General Aviation and related services at Bankstown (and like type secondary airports) are vital infrastructure for Australia! Airports should remain just that Airports! Aviation facilities such as Bankstown should be supported by the community via government and made affordable for those businesses and individuals providing these unique services!

Warwick Henry,
The land-grab and forcing out of aviation industry at Bankstown is outrageous. Sydney is already the most poorly-served city in Australia for airports. When Bankstown Airport Limited (BAL) was awarded the lease the purpose of the operation was supposed to be for aviation but they are squeezing aviation out in clear violation of the terms of their lease.. This type of behaviour is also occurring at Archerfield, Brisbane

Michael Danielson, Student CPL,
Having commenced my PPL training with Ray and Aminta many years ago at Bankstown I am somewhat gobsmacked at their predicament after serving the aviation community for so long. I moved to England for many years and unfortunately GA is in the same boat there. Obviously it is all tenants of BAL that are suffering and the government needs to intervene and reverse much of Mr Howards short-sighted wrong doing. If Mr Rudd ca not do so the it is indicative that he condones what is being done

Alan Skeoch, Basair
Bankstown is more profitable socially as an airport, not a damn business circus! Why did they get rid of the Nth/Sth Runway? ..for 39% of the year the wind is from a southerly direction.. why did they get rid of the Nth/Sth runway? And furthermore why are they getting rid of the only remaining Nth/Sth runway (hoxton park) in the entire sydney area?

Karen Janssen, Qantas

xxxxxxxx, Basair College
BAL should be appalled, cancelling such an important aerodrome to the GA of the sydney basin could cause a high increase to air traffic and training, which could possibly lead to disaster..

Andrew McIntosh,
BAL, You are a pack of mongrels, aided and abetted by the mongrels who sold my airport to you

Michael Flood, Royal Flying Doctor Service
The Federal Government need's to understand the importance of General Aviation in Australia. It is an extremely vital industry, responsible for many many services, and the base of pilot training. It MUST be protected.

xxxxxxxx,

Bradley Porter,
What has happened and continues to happen to general aviation in the Sydney Basin is absoloutely disgraceful and the labour government should step up to the plate and do something to stop it's demise.

Darren Lambert, Basair aviation college

Ian Campbell,

Lars Lindemann, Denmark
Shame on you BAL. I trained at Bankstown in 1990-1991, and I still treasure the memories. The Airport should be left to prosper and train future pilots for Australia.

xxxxxxxx,
Kevin Rudd and the Federal Government MUST step in now and save our airports from any further damage. I'm hopefull that an intelligent bloke like Mr Rudd will not sit idle only to watch the aviation industry slowly dissapear at the hands of developers. Aviation is so much more than just another industry and you just can't build another airport in Sydney like you can a Bunnings. Come on Kevin, we're counting on you. Be remembered as the bloke who saved the grass roots of Australian aviation, not as the bloke who had the opportunity to do something but let it dissapear.

Andrew Andersen,
The Australian Government - under a Minister supposedly vitally interested in rural interests - sold us out. They could not have cared less. The lifetime commitment of people like Aminta and Ray in truly worthwhile pursuits, including recognised contributions to the development of aviation training and safety, matters nought to self-serving politicians and developers who only care about the polls and their cut. Spiralling rents and sharp dealing will eventually mean no GA to support rural communities and no small operators; more road traffic, larger planes and fewer jobs. But there will be plenty of big shopping malls and apartments! Everyone, including aircraft owners, airport workers, neighbouring resident families, and dependent industries, including the airlines, will have irretrievably lost - and the nation will have forfeited the potential of a productive asset and countless future opportunities. The key question is whether the new government, which built its campaign on supporting working people, will actually do anything about it.

Scottie Galloway,

Haidee Wong,
We have been talking about a pilot shortage recently. People have spoken about the flow on effects to the major airlines and the regionals, but have yet to ask - how did this happen? Without a training ground, we simply cannot have future generations of pilots. The Australian public must decide - in today's world - can they afford not to fly?

cliff brown, airsales wa

Simon Whitehead, Jetpoint Pty Ltd
The management at Gold Coast (Coolangatta) Airport have done the same with many businesses being told to dis-appear this year. My 20 year maintenenace business will close this year on 31/12 because they will not renew my lease and o reason has been given. I have to hand over my hanger and office complex for free to Gold Coast Airport Limited. 2 other businesses have gone already in the last 3 months, with more to follow as their leases run out. I have alerted all 3 levels of government who have responded saying its not right but they can not help me. I thing GA businesses should be looking at a class action.

mike costin, Metafore pty ltd
airports are vital infrastructure, once they are gone, the are gone for ever

Daniel Ball, Student
As a student pilot I am one of the victims of the bankstown airport’s privatisation. All the increases in rent and landing fees directly affect the cost of my formation: for instance I am now paying 0 per hour dual on a 152! Even though I am only young and have only studied economics at school, even I can see that selling off the three sydney GA airports to one operator, BAL, will create an absolute monopoly and giving BAL the option of doing what they want when they want as they have NO competition to contend with. It is time for the government to wake up and step in in order to prevent the situation getting any worse. The Australian government must follow the example of the British government when they broke up BAA’s monopoly over London’s busiest airports. Although the economy is in a slump at the moment it is important to realise that this situation will not last for ever and as the Australian and indeed global economy starts to get back on its feet and pick up the pieces, a demand for air travel will again surge. But how would the aviation market cope with this dramatic increase in demand if they do not have the labour to fly the planes? Where would the airlines and GA get pilots from if airports such as Bankstown continue to decline? Wake up Australia, if you want cheap and accessible air travel to continue you must provide the resources and infrastructure to train pilots, cabin crew, engineers… Without the infrastructure, pilots will become very thin on the ground and as a direct consequence, the cost of the average ticket will inevitably rise. That’s my take on the whole situation, now I shall turn it over to the people who can do something about this and simply hope for the best…

David Healey,
So, who will train Australia's next pilots? Who will service those in regional and remote Australia? Will Australian Government and enterprise reciprocate by giving its support to those who have helped to build a vital industry, and been recognised for doing so with the country's highest honour? It was not the Government's intention to sell it's airports to an operator who would turn it into a retail and industrial land development by stealth, so now that the intentions of the owner are clear, there is a responsibility on the part of Government to step in. The rest of industry and the tenants of Bankstown airport need to be quite vocal about this. It is the tip of the iceberg. One by one as air operators are forced to close and the airport's land handed over to fast food, retail and "more valuable" non-aviation industrial uses that will escalate rents for the rest of the tenants until they too have no option but to close the hangar doors. Once the critical mass of air operators goes, so will the case of having a viable airport be closed and the owner-developer will have its way, quite contrary to the intention of Government, and the Australian people. This is a serious issue and a dangerous precendent. It requires action from the highest levels and demands your support.

GRAEME BRITTEN,
In my opion, taking ownership of a hangar that clearly is not there's is criminal.

David Skeoch,
Aviation Facilities are crucial to Australia's Aviation industry. The Aviation industry is crucial to keeping Australia as a world competitor in industry generally. These facilities are the backbone of Australian General Aviation and the spawrning ground for the Heavy Metal side of Australian aviation, both operationally and industrially for both pilots and Engineering & Maintenance. Such an important facility MUST be returned to Commonwealth control. This is not a sector that should be risked with deregulation. Howard stuffed up here as in so many other areas. The Labour Government must be seen to repair this damage.

Aaron Brownlow,

Dominic Aloe, Pacific Avionics
SHAMEFULL & ABSOLUTELY DISGRACEFULL.No regard for the "Fair Go" that Australia is famous for.

xxxxxxxx,

Ryan Macdonald, Pacific Avionics

Dave Sando, Unity Airlines
Please keep up the good fight. We are all behind you.

xxxxxxxx,

Tiju Thomas, A Small Shed Plus
In my opinion the current situation general aviation is in, is indeed grave, but the future seems to be far far worse. If our government can bail out bankers who needed no bailing out, childcare providers who lived dangerously and automotive behemoths that had larger clout that small countries, why will it not step in now before aviation and all jobs and people associated with it come to grief. The big problem as I see is that there is not enough people (if any) who are elected representatives that are passionate about or even understand aviation. We now desperately need our champion.

Geoffrey Hill, HilAir
Following the recent actions and attempts of the GA airport owners in W.A. I want to offer my strongest support for the owners and operators at YSBK. The practice of selling off Australian aerodromes to private enterprise has been an exceptional burden to all operators who do not have the wherewithall to pass on those costs to their customer base. The customer base just will not support these costs. Whilst the standard commercial and business practices enjoyed by the airlines may be amorted over several million airline passengers at primary airports the same financial and operational models do not fit the general aviation industry. It is clear that the costs to own and operate a major general aviation airport can not be recovered directly from tenants nor is there sufficient transit trade to adequately pay for airport oprations. This is akin to the all boat owners paying in full for the use of all of the harbours, piers, wharves, jetty's etc. or rail passengers paying in full for the costs of each rail station they pass through or the owner of every car, truck, bus etc. being expected to pay for the use of traffic lights or roundabouts. If the Australian government expects to have a first class high quality national transportation system then it needs the appropriate infrastructure, which they need to pay for by getting back into the business of directly supporting avaition.

Greg Schmidt,

PETER BERNARDI, pvt
It may be to late to save our secondary airports unless action dont procrasternate ,people,s business and lives are being ruined .there is a need for these airports,to improved not only for light to medum aircraft but for employment and as part of the local business community.....Peter Bernardi

Ian Woodhead,

Robert Merrylees,

Anthony Watts,

xxxxxxxx, Plantworld
This level of greed is also happening at Jandakot Airport in W.A. and is killing off G.A. in Australia. The Federal Government needs to intervene and force the airport owners operate the G.A. airports for the purpose they were intended.

roger turner, roger d turner
I am concerned that this would set an unfortunate precedent for general aviation in Australia

xxxxxxxx, W R Wallace Consulting Engineers P/L

geoff Shield, grshield
This abuse of trust has got to be addressed

Tim Allen, Southern Highlands Aero Club
We're fighting the sale of Goulburn Airport. As can be seen above history shows us what will happen when it's sold.

Geoff Hopkins,
I earnt my private license at Hoxton and currently own an aircraft at Bankstown (hangared) and it is such a shame that the govt has sold aviation out. I won't be able to afford to teach my kids to fly by the time they are of age.

Michael Broome,

DU TRAN, PACIFICAVIONICS
MONEY, MONEY, MONEY THATS THE BAL

Jeremy Williams,
Bastards!!! What's happened to Australia? Where is the heart? Are we becoming a little America?

JOHN B DAVISON, DAVISON AVIATION SERVICE
Typical of Government sell off of public owned property, fully owned by tax payers, for a short term profit, the turning over of private property at these airports is a disgrace, if not illegal, do we live in Australia ??

Eddie Seve,

Neil Kershler,
What is happening here is a national disgrace!!!

Dave Pyett, Airag Aviation
BAL should be investigated by ICAC/ACCC. It is a monoply provided and breaching the Trade Practices Act in my opinion.

David Laughton, Practical Computer Services P/L
Permitting the sale of airports sold by the Government into private hands is nothing more than a transfer of public assets to the commercial benefit of a few, at the same time denying the public a valuable resource. It is akin to selling all of our parkland to private interests and then allowing them an unfettered right to on sell it at a huge profit. It seems that 'Yes Minister' may have been a documentary, not a comedy, and that their inspiration came from unconscionable action such as this

douglas atcheson,

ADuncan, AD & SE DUNCAN
Bankstown,Hoxton Park....JANDAKOT NEXT ??

Robert Evans,
This country needs a vision for aviation and far-sighted leadership, not acquiesence to short term greed. Mr Rudd, these assets belong to all of Australia. Please ensure they are managed wisely for the benefit of all.

Willem van Ast,
WA nearly lost Jandakot in the same way but thankfully for now the Fed/Govt put a stop to that. Australia needs to retain the airports we have, once sold or redeveloped into commercial lots it will become that much harder to foster Gen/Aviation. It is abundantly clear that privatising our airports in the long term is not the way forward but rather a large step backward.

Allan Ould, TRX
All operators of GA Airports must be FORCED by the current Government to regognise that the lands they lease are AIRPORTS, not business parks. GA is an integral part of Australia's development and the Federal Government would be derelict in its duty if GA Airports are not preserved for Aviation purposes.

Andrew Whiteman,
A disgrace and the Government should be sacked for allowing this to happen, who to blame though, this was started under Howard, and Kevin 07 was fighting for "working families". Mustn't be any working families involved in aviation or reliant upon it. Anyway aviation is something only the very wealthy can take part in or benefit from right???

Stuart Green, Aust Dental Fix
Government was quick to support ABC child care centres collapse,and this is one company. Yet it (GOVT) wont assist in saving many companies suffering at the hands of greedy investors. How much is enough for these people. One can only hope they feel the apprehension in years to come as they take a seat on a commercial flight piloted by Captain Abdul Iwanttocrashaplane of unknown training and hidden agenda

Paul Whetham, Wizard Home Loans
I have been licenced for 40 years and over recent years have become allarmed at the non proliferation of Australian aviation and support from Federal and State goverments, In July of 2008 I went to the USA and hired an aircraft in Chicago. We flew to Canadian border, down through the great lakes to Niagra, east and the south to Boston, New York, Washington, Kentucky, Tennessee and back to Chicago. Almost on cue each day the weather would deteriorate to non VMC and it was a godsend that the US Govt. had kept and maintained every describable sort of landing strip for us to make emergency landings. This was done in areas of high commercial value and it is a credit to their administrators to have the foresight to realise the importance of general aviation to the wider community. To sell off airfields is akin to selling coastal environmental areas, once they're gone, they can never be replaced. WAKE UP YOU PLANNERS BEFORE IT"S TOO LATE Paul Whetham

Conrad Gration, Private pilot and farmer
We need government to recognise that "development" is not always the continued growth of the cities at the expense of lifestyle,food production and the ever increasing need for surbaban infrastructure.General Aviation is a founding school, and like all schools needs space.Are we to import our food, clothes,equipment and future pilots? our poulation is becoming convinced that progress is more and more people ,building more and more service industies,to provide the support for the ever increasing poulation density.There is no real wealth for the community in selling the assetts we already have to enable a paper profit in the short term for a very few.The next move could well be that the people are asked to finance new traing aerodromes,when in reality they already owned some very good ones.

Norman Pearson,
It is very hard to replace such a godd airport for training this close to Sydney

John Nuku, Northwest Shedmasters
I see this "act" by BAL as nothing,but FRAUDULENT & bordering on a crimminal process.

Philip Ayrton, Philip Ayrton + Associates
This shows clearly that privatisation does not lead to any improvement in the sold facilities, as intended. Privatisation should be approached very carefully...once a facility or utility is sold it is gone forever.

tim porter,

IAN GOLDIE,
The federal Government MUST rectify the slaughter of general aviation sanctioned by the previous Government.There is no reason aviation charges have to be elevated when there is non aviation tenants.This is also why HOXTON PARK should not be closed!

David Ind, skyline@skylinensw.com.au

Trevor Withnall, TME Systems Pty Ltd

Alex Baldwin,

Chris Johnson,
I support this petition and urge all aircraft owners and pilots to get behind any initiatives to pressure the Federal Government to intervene in this issue at Bankstown, and similar situations with other Australian airports.

Bob Bosanquet, Ryan Aircraft Sales
At a pre election meeting of the Archerfield Airport chamber of Commerce Martin Ferguson ALP stated it was he who first put forward the proposal to privatise our airports. Members of the ALP made numerous promises, some on camera regarding their Aviation policies. Don't hold your breath. It was also Bob Hawke who promised Essendon Airport would be closed.

xxxxxxxx,
Successive governments have failed to enforce their own legislation to protect aviation facilities at all capital city secondary airports, and are now walking away from enforcing the ALOP contract terms in the regions.

Martin Ongley,
I am amazed that the owners of Bankstown, Camden and Hoxton Park airports are being allowed to destroy General Aviation in the Sydney basin. The airports should belong to the people of Australia, not the current group that is intent on driving general aviation from Sydney. Shame on you BAL for doing this to the people that have poured their lives into aviation businesses - how do you sleep at night? And shame on the State and Federal Government for sitting back and allowing it to happen in direct contravention to the agreements that were signed to protect aviation interests at the three Sydney airports. How sad it will be when our grandchildren ask "where did all the little planes go?"

John McCorkell,

Russell Puttock,
What the government has allowed to happen, not only at Bankstown - but at airfields across the nation - is tantamount to theft. Not only that, but extended to it's inevitable conclusion - the current state of affairs will only add to the increasing costs of gaining employment in aviation. This has obvious repurcussions for Australia as a modern economy in the 21st century. Wake up Mr Rudd, and do the right thing here - for our future as a nation.

Senja Robey, Robeyair
Those operating Bankstown, Hoxton Park and Camden have no interst or understanding of how manage aviation safely, their only background is managing and making money from real estate. The chickens will come home to roost when it is too late to save aviation in this country and this country needs aviation.

xxxxxxxx,
This is typical corporate behavior. It is also greedy and disgusting, there is no need for it.

David Adkins,

xxxxxxxx, Private
Absolutley shamefull BAL (Bad Airodrome Leases)

Graham Harvey,
Disgraceful activity! It's obvious to anyone who visits Bankstown "airport", or soon where Hoxton Park airport used to be, that BAL have an active interest in decimating general aviation - and they're good at it! Once gone, gone forever. Australian Government - the Country, and the individuals who've invested in and grown this industry, deserve better.

Gary Dunn,
The Federal Government's primary responsibility to the Australian Community at large is to provide for infrastructure and services that benfit the community as a whole irrespective of the individual's ability to pay. Obvious examples of this are Education, Health Care and Public Transport. Believe it or not, Aviation does fit in this category, and the greatest loss will be to the wider community who rely on aviation far more than they realise.

xxxxxxxx,

xxxxxxxx,
The sale of the airports to Macquarie Bank now hiding as BAL should be investigated for corruption as they were obviously sold way under thier true commercial value. Unless the Government steps in and puts a halt to the damage being done private aviation in Australia will become a dying breed.

Mal Shipton, Formerly GOANA Air Safaris
This is a massive problem Australia wide and changes deserves the support of all in aviation at any level.

Christopher Newna, Concept Aviation Supplies Pty Ltd

Greg Porter, Central Air Services
Short sighted small minded Politicians at work again

Lindsay Lobwein,
Having been forced to make an exit after facing the ever increasing costs of operating at Camden since the "sale" of the airports, I appreciate fully the problems faced by the Bankstown General Aviation Community. Impossible costing leads to impossible returns. The Airport Owners do not display any support or encouragement to their tenants, so they leave all the investing and risk to those who they in the end control. I am glad to be out, but feel for those left. Good luck.

xxxxxxxx,
The Clamback & Hennesey story sickens me - BAL should be ashamed

Ray Feltman,

Martin Russell,
Aiports are too important not to be owned and operated by the Government (ie all the people) instead of a small group of shareholders.

Lincoln Robinson, Save Essendon Airport Group
Ben Keep up the good work mate. I launched a campaign to save Melbourne's Essendon Airport and within two months the government announced they have decided not to shut down the airport. It needs the general public and aviation community to jump on to this campaign to save Bankstown. I remember the good days at Bankstown and to shut this airport would cause chaos to Australian Aviation

Clive Johnson, Johnson Properties Pty Ltd

Peter HALDEN,
What a way to run the government. Putting profit before the people who built this industry.

Andres Kornijczuk,

Keith Sweeney, INLAND CITY AEROPARK, GOULBURN, NSW
Clearly, BAL presents as a bad example of what can occur as a result of privatisation of airports. But not all private airport owners should be touched by the same brush. BAL have made all the mistakes and show themselves as uncaring and pre-occupied with short term gain! However, when it comes to private ownership, we may soon see a better way forward in the form of a revitalised Goulburn Airport and adjacent Aeropark. GA needs a new path into the future; operators need to ensure they don't revisit the same fundamental error: never take on leasehold land! Acquire only freehold aviation land, and make your own decisions on matters affecting your business. Keep an open mind towards change in the industry, for, indeed, change is coming, thanks to the likes of BAL. Not happy at Bankstown? Well, take your business to somewhere where you will be appreciated - GOULBURN!

Margaret Sullivan,
The north/south runway at Bankstown airport should be reinstated immediately and for safety reasons no building any closer to the runways

Maurei Baston, Air Transport Management
And when the time comes and another demand for aviation trained persons occurs, like those trained and developed at places like Bankstown..........and they aren't available, what then Mr Minister? Like Qantas when they canceled apprentice training a decade or so ago?

xxxxxxxx,
Flying Studnet.

David Peterson, Orbitec
I have written to Minister for Transport Mr. Albanese in relation to this matter. We cannot afford any further degradation of our GA industry and community.

John Gallacher,

Eloise Matheson, Private

Louise Woods,
This is appalling to say the least.. I cannot believe the government and powers to be are so short sighted!! Where do they think our commercial pilots start their careers to fly? Everyone starts with a first flight, PPL and progress from there. I beg the authorities to be sensible about this issue and refrain from devastating the very life and breath of aviation... our closeness with flying starts with these private individuals. It should not become a political scapegoat. Do not back down nor back up - provide support!

Allan Tudehope,
GA is the lifeblood of aviation - no GA, no future aviation industry in Australia!

Helen Perry,

Craig Shepherd,
I started my Pilot training at Bankstown Airport in 1989 and am still flying there today. Leave Bankstown Airport alone and let the Businesses there run so pilot's like myself can continue their training. Shame on you BAL.

Jacki King,
The Howard Government sell-off of these airports effectively sounded the death knell for general aviation in the Sydney basin and enabling the closure of Hoxton Park airport in mid December is the final nail in the coffin. But who cares about Hoxton Park, the only north-south runway available after Sydney Airport and a superb training area for both fixed wing aircraft and helicopters?

xxxxxxxx,
Bankstown is the tip of the iceberg as far as privatisation of GA airports is concerned. If the Federal Government won't take a stand here against "commercial" private operators of airports, then they can look forward to seeing higher unemployment figures due to their inaction.

xxxxxxxx, SFC

Don Martinez, aircentre.com.au
China has woken up to the value of GA after more than 50 years of negativity towards light aircraft - see http://www.china.org.cn/china/national/2008-11/01/content_16699000.htm

Anne Greene,
It is unfortunate to see the disappearance of small aviation companies, particularly one owned by an honored Australian pilot, well-known in our country.

Sean Kennedy,
I've witnessed first hand the degradation of general aviation facilities and services in the Sydney basin, the NSW Central Coast and the changes at Jandakot. There needs to be a more balanced approach to maintaining and managing these vital elements of national infrastructure.

xxxxxxxx, Manilow Pty Ltd
This is an absolute disaster for GA. There has been no thought given to the future of the industry.

xxxxxxxx,

Gary Weeks,
It is time the Australian Government started to support and protect General Aviation in our vast country.

Clinton Brisk, Airborne Solutions
We are experiencing the same senario in Darwin. Can't compete with commercial development. No where else to go.

Stan Wright,
What do we pay taxes for? Governments must give back something in exchange for taxes paid. I am against privatisation of airports and roads.

Liz Dobe, Bulldog Transport

B.V.Quinell, Pay,s Air Service
This is typical treatment of citizens following privatization of a once Government owned facility.We are once again being screwed.

Charlie Bamborough, CKB Civil Pty. Ltd.
B.I.G.--------Bankstown Industrial Getto !!!

Lionel Smith,

W. Sheedy,
As a hangar owner on leased land at Camden A/D, I am extremely concerned at the conduct of the owners of the "PIRATED" airports,Bankstown, Camden & Hoxton Park Ned Kelly was a gentleman.Their total outlay was/is being recovered by the sale of Hoxton Park & now their actions to maximise their profits are going to be the demise of Australian Aviation.WAKE UP MR. RUDD.

xxxxxxxx,

Ralph Holland,
The sale and change of land use at Australian Airports is a cancer that is attacking General Avaiation, which will lead to the erosion and cancer resulting in the demise of safety and availability of Regular Public Transport. No only does the increase expense and forced closure directly affect General Aviation business and its infrastructure in the form of Training and Maintenance, and Sales of Parts, it also has follow-on effects to the Health and Safety of the General Public. How much longer can you stand by and let government sell off public assets? Lobby for the regulation and resumption of airport lands.

xxxxxxxx,

Ian Edwards,
And I thought we lived in the clever country. Shame on the Australian Government and organisations such as BAL. Don't they realise that we won't have an industry in years to come due to their narrow mindedness and greed. Shame....

xxxxxxxx, Nil

xxxxxxxx,
We are having exactly the same problem at Archerfield.

xxxxxxxx, Credit Suisse
As an English student pilot, I thought Australia was the place to train. Things like this are making me think again.

Christine Carter,
Gunnedah local Council is in the process of giving long term lease of our airport to private enterprise and with no guarantee the assets of the Aero Club and private operators will be protected!!

xxxxxxxx,

Hugh Nivison, Mirani Pty Ltd
Sydney (as well as all major Australian cities) needs a well serviced secondary airport for GA. Location relative to the CBD and transport is important, meaning places like Camden do not qualify. Governments, both State and National, should ensure that this vital infrastructure is maintained and enhanced for the benefit of the whole community.

Yehoshua, Neyeah Aviators
Having sufficient trained pilots is as important to the Australian economy as any other skilled trade or profession. Training airfields should have government support similar to that given to TAFE colleges and universities. Educational and training institutions, including flying schools, cannot operate at the same cost level as mainstream business organisations.

xxxxxxxx,

Xavier LECROART, Basair Aviation College
My name's Xavier and as flying instructor at Bankstown, I totally disagreed with the decision to close Hoxton Park ! Regards

Richard Dale, Flight Club Pty Ltd

Mark Smith, Mark Smith Aviation.
Aviation infrastructure is a vital COMMUNITY asset. The previous ultra right wing Govt put the potential profits of privatization ahead of what's good for the whole of society. Problem is society only sees GA as a bunch of rich guys with their expensive toys. For the good of Australia this madness must be stopped.

Sue Campbell,
Disgraceful. Needs exposure at the highest level.

Dr. John Lowrey,
The Bankstown affair is reflected around airports all over Australia.The greed of the owners of these airports is matched by their cynical disregard for the owners and operators who have built up businesses, over generations in some cases.PLEASE help!

xxxxxxxx,

Alan Cohen, Charter Pilot Bankstown
This issue will only be addressed when the people speak out. Most voters don't support aviation in their back yards but that doesn't make it right to take away the lively hood of thousands of workers. That's what they are, workers like every other person. We contribute taxes like everyone else. The sale of the Snowy Mtns Hydro was stopped by people power. We can do the same. Let your local federal member know your outrage at the original deal and its outcomes that we see now. Copy all the responses shown hear and send them to your federal member. The reason for the sale was to allow the assets to be better maintained and improved by a private body. The Govt should now revise the terms of its privatisation agreement as the original terms of the sale are not being fufilled by the new owners. Insist your federal member makes representation to the minister and replies to you. Only when they get the message will change begin.

Michael Keating,
GA is the cradle of ALL aviation in this country, from the RFDS to Qantas. The Federal Government is sitting idle while GA in this country is being decimated. How can they be so blind as to not see the greed? Why are they not enforcing the Comonwealth Airports Act.

Andrew Kotzur, ME&C
For a compnay based in regional Australia, GA is vital to us. There is no practical alterntive to travel to visit our clients. It is the governments role to ensure that GA has the same access to infrstructure as the motoring public, the transport idustry, or RPT operators.

Neil Richardson,
General Aviation facilities in major centres are being neglected for property development. At our particular airport, General Aviation is being neglected for military and passenger travel. Government & Councils need to remember that without General Aviation, there will be no passenger travel in the long term due a lack fo trained pilots.

reg shiel,

xxxxxxxx,
There is already a pilot shortage. If we close down GA airports, where will our much needed pilots come from, Overseas?

xxxxxxxx, Airservices Australia

Terry Travers,
Once they're gone, the community has lost them forever - in the name of the dollar!!!

Terry Travers,
Once they're gone, the community has lost them forever - in the name of the dollar!!!

Scott Abela,
Flying - Just another thing we'll soon be importing into a country that can't do anything for itself anymore. Australia used to buid aircraft and a space industry, now we're helpless and dependant on overseas production for nearly everything.. Taxpayers built and own the airports, now sold to greed, at our expense. The Government can still act, under the Airports Act 1996, they retain power which must be excercised to keep airports as cost efficient airports for us all. Critical infrastructure for Australia.

Robert Young,
Will we get to the stage where Cessna 152s are landing at Mascot with 1st solo student pilots in command, or will aviation training just be pushed out into the sticks, interstate, or worst still overseas?

xxxxxxxx, Aerospace Aviation

Ivan Grigel, former Pacific Avionics technician and Clamback and Hennessy student,
As an European who worked and flu at the YSBK airport for over 3 years I noticed that more than anywhere else in the world the Australian GA takes a massive place and is vital for the country. I found the Aussie GA to be of the highest quality. I reckon it took lot of time and effort by many to build it up. Really not many countries around the world can show off and enjoy such quality environment. YSBK should be proudly preserved as a heritage and a healthy place for GA industry, not destroyed or traded for another of all the 100’ Sydney's shopping centres! It seems to me the government (or who ever is responsible) forgot the achievements and fails to see and appreciate this unique asset Australia has mate.

Jim Crocker,
Always the way, an idea that probably was born with the best intentions gets hijacked by gready people and the politicians and bureaucrats just drop the ball. So as usual we the flying tax payers get shafted again.

Henry Sweetland,
Yet another industry disappearing due to the greed and benefit of a few. Less jobs, less self independance, more control by the government on the less fortunate to make more money for the "top end " ( politician's buddies). NOW I GET IT!!!

Russell Flanagan,
Just another aspect of the greed that is now hurting the entire world with the current global financial crisis. Governments are supposed to be there to support its people, not sell them down the drain.

Kurt Newman,
Privatisation has made Bankstown unsafe. Closing the crosswind runway, and closing the closest crosswind alternative for GA in Hoxton Park.

Daniel Lauder,

Ros Irwin,
Thoroughly disgusted with BAL and the decision to privatise in the first place. Please do the right thing.

xxxxxxxx,

Marnya Flanagan,
The organisational performance of BAL to responsibly and ethically manage the provision of sustainable systems, structures and facilities, and provide a safe environment for the protection of the health, safety and welfare of all at Bankstown Airport is under scrutiny. BAL, actions to date do not demonstrate ethical leadership or commitment to socially just or accountable outcomes for the Bankstown Airport leasees, the Aviation Industry or for this and future generations. Mr Rudd, please provide a collaborative process to bring about a sustainable, ethical and just outcome.

amanda flanagan,

xxxxxxxx,

Roger Serong,
Moorabbin is following in Bankstown's footsteps. The privatisation of our airports has been a windfall for property developers and a disaster for General Aviation. Ever-increasing costs are forcing aircraft owners off the airports and long-standing businesses are closing. This government must reverse the previous mob's failed aviation policy and implement a new, supportive strategy to nurture our industry back to health. Once the infrastructure is lost it will be gone forever. The closure of Bankstown's cross runway was criminal, making the airport less safe in changeable weather condtions, and yet the Government and its Regulators just sat back and allowed it to happen. Likewise, Moorabbin's 04/22 is virtually useless unless you like scraping across the factory roof built at the NE end.

marjorie campion,

Chris Wheatley,

Robin L Wilkie,

xxxxxxxx,
Fantastic work Ben

michael Campbell,
These secondary airports provide a vital link for country people to the major cities. They are also used as a major base for aerial firefighting aircraft to serve both city and country people alike. Dont lose sight of what they should be kept for.

Doug Thornton,
Due diligence by the Australian Federal Government in privatising Australian airports was lacking and now the private owners and operators at Bankstown Airport suffer the consequences of their poor judgment. Avaricious property developers and “big business” will stifle the future of general aviation in Australia. To belittle a life time of work and “steal” assets under the guise of profits for share holders is extortion. A good days work, family, friends, retire as a self funded individual and take pride in knowing that you gave your best to your chosen vocation and community. That is what life is all about. We must not let this quagmire prevail. The present abominable situation is untenable and we must all stand united to thwart BAL’s plan to irreversibly destroy the airport and its tenants.

Rob Cumming,
The effectiveness of our transport infrastructure is being severely impacted by these un-bridled changes and imposts to normal business activities.

Chris Clark,

Andrew Harris,

xxxxxxxx,
Daylight robbery! Especially in the current economic crises and I thought the banks were bad.

Mark Quintano, Basair

Tracy Tees,
Seems grossly unfair.

Brendon Cleaver,

ben triefus,

Nick Carpenter,
As a student pilot I am one of the victims of the bankstown airport’s privatisation. All the increases in rent and landing fees directly affect the cost of my formation: for instance I am now paying 0 per hour dual on a 152! Even though I am only young and have only studied economics at school, even I can see that selling off the three sydney GA airports to one operator, BAL, will create an absolute monopoly and giving BAL the option of doing what they want when they want as they have NO competition to contend with. It is time for the government to wake up and step in in order to prevent the situation getting any worse. The Australian government must follow the example of the British government when they broke up BAA’s monopoly over London’s busiest airports. Although the economy is in a slump at the moment it is important to realise that this situation will not last for ever and as the Australian and indeed global economy starts to get back on its feet and pick up the pieces, a demand for air travel will again surge. But how would the aviation market cope with this dramatic increase in demand if they do not have the labour to fly the planes? Where would the airlines and GA get pilots from if airports such as Bankstown continue to decline? Wake up Australia, if you want cheap and accessible air travel to continue you must provide the resources and infrastructure to train pilots, cabin crew, engineers… Without the infrastructure, pilots will become very thin on the ground and as a direct consequence, the cost of the average ticket will inevitably rise.

Dr Peter Duffy, private pilot - IFR
On review of my 25 years of flying from Bankstown, general aviation has been squeezed alomost out of existence, airlines have progressed massively & off airport sports aviation has grown up away from the metropolitan airports previously dedicated to training & light commercial activity plus general avaition support businesses. In Sydney, we have lost Schofields.Hoxton Park is next to go & whither Camden? One of the second bigest citues in Australia - Western Sydney- does not have an airport, unlike nearly all country towns. Sydney was going to "get Dural" but then it changed to B....(name escapes me temporarily but think chook sheds)) and we did not get a West Sydney airport there either! RAAF Richmond was to be moved to Dubbo - but fortunately it's still there- but a bit foggy on winter mornings. Mascot is gearing up to maximum utilisation & perhaps would like to restrict it use to heavy jets & perhaps divert NSW Regional traffic to elsewhere - but where! Bamkstown will be a Business Park with a vulnerable school on at least on corner. Bankstown is Sydney's second airport & from nearly all persectives except those of the Bankstown Airport Corporation & noise concerned local residents Commonwealth & NSW Governments should move to end the real estate game providing windfall profits to a samml section of the community at absolute real disadvantage to the general aviation & long term serios disadvantage to the general community. So Mr Rudd, another look at this problem please, from a national & community perspective rather than with a short term fiscal myopic view.

Michael Motts,
Airports are an integral part of a nations infrastructure. The loss of any airport is a blow to the entire country. Privatisation of a taxpayer owned asset is equivelent to theft.

Llew. Martin, Australian Mobile Services Pty Ltd
To my knowledge the privatisation of airports has rarely been successful. The future of general aviation is at risk without federal government intervention and continued participation in the ownership of land. Aviation as a whole is dependent on the quality training of both pilots and engineers. Bankstown airport provides a unique opportunity for Sydney and New South Wales to continue to offer exceptional training for both Australians and overseas students. Action must be taken NOW before the experience and expertise of the Bankstown aviation community is lost for ever. Llew. Martin

xxxxxxxx, N/A

Dianne Becker,
Soon aviation will only be for those rural folks with airstrip properties

Mike Burns,
Airports are part of the national infrastructure and require continuous investment. Privatisation of such assets does not work and invariably leads to increased costs and reduced quality. Leaseholders of Australia's airports should be reminded by the Federal Government that their PRIMARY purpose is the operation, maintainance and improvement of the airport for aviation purposes. If the leaseholder can not comply with this condition of their lease they should have their leases revoked.

Kesch Roberts, AEROTUNE
My greta uncle,uncle,father and myself worked at bankstowm airport.My mother met my father at bankstown airport at a hanger party in the 70's.I want my son to enjoy and see a part of our familys history one day.General Aviation is in our blood,we do it for the love of this wonderful industry.Like many others also do,this is where many young people start their dreams of a career in aviation.

Tony Peters, Gippsland Flight Centre
I have been involved in the Australian Aviation Industry for 44 years – 40 years as a professional pilot – both rotary and fixed wing. I was fortunate to find my niche in the flight instruction role in the early 1970’s, a time when flying was fun, affordable, and both recreational and professional operations were in the main successful. This was a time when most LICENSED AIRPORTS were PUBLICLY OWNED. In recent times we, the GENERAL AVIATION COMMUNITY have seen these airports sold off to PRIVATE ENTERPRISE by the FEDERAL GOVERNMENT with little if any REGARD for the LONG TERM CONSEQUENCES. We few, in this INDUSTRY SO CRITICAL TO AUSTRALIA can see clearly what is going wrong, but typically our few voices fall on deaf ears and votes are insignificant. We collectively can only hope and urge KEVIN RUDD AND HIS GOVERNMENT to launch an INDEPENDENT ENQUIRY into the PRIVATISATION & OPERATION of airports CRITICAL to the SURVIVAL OF GENERAL AVIATION IN AUSTRALIA. We must have the recommendations from any such enquiry initiated without fear or favour of any party. The Rudd Government was NOT THE PERPETRATOR of this GROSSLY FLAWED INITIATIVE; however, his government could be the last hope and saviour of this industry so critical to Australian country and city dwellers alike. Signed Tony Peters CFI, Gippsland Flight Centre

xxxxxxxx,

Michael Morgan,
This is clearly the worst possible time to be closing training airports in Australia.

Michael O\'Leary,

Bruce Nash,
Successive governments have for far too long paid lip service to general Aviation infrastructure. The time is well overdue that some serious leadership was shown by the federal government into stopping the destruction of general aviation airports in favor of greedy land developers.

Naeem Siddiqui,
Please keep these greedy guts away from our airports.

Ben Esler,

Brian Tyas,
Reading through the responses here,the general consensus seems to be of the opinion that the privatisation of Bankstown airport is criminal.I could not agree more.I wonder if the Howard Government recieved any donations from BAL.Legislation should be introduced in this country whereby it is illegal to sell off government..read taxpayer.. owned property unless it is put to the electorate and voted upon.History has proven that politicians cannot be trusted.I also note that Parliament House is not for sale to developers.I grew up in Yagoona and my younger brother and I spent many Saturdays over at Bankstown watching the planes and dreaming of flying, I am now a student pilot at Taree,and atlast its happening for me.How many other people will miss out.I sympathise with the businesses at Bankstown, and i was shocked at how the place has changed so much.It reminds me od the Alexandria industrial area so much.This situation needs to be investigated and any graft found should mean inprisonment.Theres more to this than meets the eye.

Gerry Varley,
Simply Unaustralian.

Graham Bell, Abel Aviation Pty Ltd.
The aviation industry had paid for the airports that the federal government soul to private industry for a hansom profit leaving us to the mercy of hungru developers. I regulary fly into Bankstown, it is an apsolute disgrase they are developing the A/P out of existance and charging us more and more. Please Mr Rudd cancel all the airpotr leases and get them back into the people who care about AVIATION.

Glenn McNeil, Private
BAL is nothing but a bunch of black hearted bastards. The Nongs that run this Country have no idea how important General Avition is, and after they guarantee its demise by letting BAl carry out the destruction of BK and other GA Airports, they may eventually realise what they have done, and how many livelihoods they have ruined...but it will then be too late. How often have we seen this though, from our Poltical Masters.

Arica Newton,

Elizabeth Carson,

xxxxxxxx, KA
Airports, Transportation, Communications, Banking etc have all be sold off. As an Aussie, we have very little ownership of our country. The infastructure is all in private hands to make a buck. The country was in "surplus" for a few years apparently, however, every individual was up sh!t creek 'cause we were all broke paying for all these extra corporate profits that are now needed to make everything more efficient!? People are taking up Aviation professions less and less around the country. It is too exspensive to get qualifications for very little in return. The rot needs to stop somewhere! "We can't change the past, but can make a difference to the future." All the very best in gaining your intervention.

Jeff,

Janet Harper, AWPA
This issue needs farsightness not short term gain general aviation in this vast country is very important and needs to be recognised as an asset there can be comprise not disaster

Greg Ralph,
Shame BAL Shame!!

Stuart Thomson,
An effective compulsory acquisition without compensation cannot be permitted at the very least, notwithstanding the attitude being displayed here - acquire an airport and running out the aviation tenants is absurd.

Katie Watkins,

Don Harvie, Individual
The sale of federal government airports and subsequent pillage by organisations like BAL is shameful. The actions of BAL against businesses at Bankstown are downright theft. In a vast country like Australia transport infrastructure must be maintained otherwise one day we'll have no way to travel between centres.

Michael Roberts,
Our government is short sighted and has not consulted the public in regards to our airports.

Graham Nutt,
The whole thing is very disappointing to say the least. What's more if there was an incident at Bankstown involving collision with the encroaching buildings they would use this as an excuse to close the whole thing down and build on all of it!!

xxxxxxxx,
Save the Airports, they are a non renewable resource, especially where they are needed most

Ian Harvie,
What a complete fallacy it is that Australia touts itself as "The most air minded country in the World" Absolute hypocrisy.

Peter Ansell,

Howard Fowler,

Paul whelan,
The next time BAL executives fly interstate or overseas, I hope they think about where the pilots who fly those airliners were trained. Once they satisfy their shareholders and drive GA to it's knees, where will the next generation of pilots come from?

Brian Harward, Maule Aircraft Australia Pty.Ltd.
Is there no one with any foresight?

xxxxxxxx, Basair Aviation College
Anthony Albanese talks about the shortage of pilots and how the government plans on tackling the problem, while right in front of their noses they are making it harder for schools to survive in the Sydney basin. This will have a domino effect seeing that Sydney's population accounts for quite a large number of pilots in the workforce today. What is going to be the case in 20 years. Will young aspiring pilots from the Sydney area be forced to pack up shop and move interstate to train? It looks that way.

David Cooper,
The government has transferred its greed for money directly to BAL. I wonder how the pollies and the general public would feel if a 100 or so S/E aircraft with no where to go all landed at Sydney Airport because airports under BAL control ceased to exist

Helen Paterson,

Damien Murphy,
Privatisation of monopoly assets is theft from the Australian tax-payer and theft from the Australian people. Eventually there will be nothing left for govt to sell, so govt should behave responisible from the start and not sell, nor privatise transport infrastructure

Gregory M Gatt,

Richard Thompson, Flycorp TY LTD
Once again Australia has taken the leading role in how NOT TO DO THINGS.Our goverments have destroyed GA. There seems to have been very little thought put into the privitization saga. How does a goverment sell its peoples assets for a quick buck. As we can see BAL in paticular have a wonderful track record of failure. Why are there no buildings on all the sites they so beautifully dressed up and offered for sale? Why is Hoxton Park on the market and what happened to the 50% SOLD sign? In the years they have been raping GA why have they no new tenants? I honestly believe that there are serious problems with the titles. OR nobody wants to deal with them. Where are all our checks and balances ie the ACCC etc. If I conducted my business in the fashion these peolpe do I would be in jail.As the federal goverment What are you going to do about it? YOU MADE THIS MESS, NOW SORT IT OUT. Who in their right mind would ever do business with you?

Lee Laborczfalvi,

Steven Robinson,
The immoral behaviour of BAL is one thing. We now see Sydney's second airport debate back on the agenda when we have a perfectly good airport at Bankstown providing secondary services. To reduce infrastructure is incomprehensible.

Chris Nelson, industry participant
In the interest of fairness to all citizens the Government would seem to be morally bound to investigate what are hopefully un-intended consequences of airport privatisation and to ensure that small participants are not disadvantaged by changes in government policy. The General Aviation Industry needs to present a united front in persuing an improvement in Federal Government relations for our industry.

David Boundy, SUPERAIR

Keiron Rado,

Peter Stitt,
I think that what is happening at Bankstown and to Ray and Aminta is unconscionable.Perhaps for once all sectors of aviation will stick together to fight an iniquitious grab for cash by BAL. I would further suggest; get political.

Kevin Swiggs,
The actions of BAL is totally un-Australian. Australia depends on GA aviation to service the regions. It would appear their agenda is to make money regardless.

Neville French, Aerotisan Pty Ltd

Clinton Wauchope,
As a private pilot operating in the Sydney basin I am appalled to bare witness to the cannibalization of the aviation industry which has occurred over the last 5 – 10 years. Very shortly, the country’s largest city will no longer be able to provide to an industry struggling to staff aircraft, candidates for that industry. It is not uncommon for a student pilot to incur costs of 0k before being suitable for an airline job which makes it out of the reach of most Australians. With corporate enterprise that has no interest in the industry dictating the costs, how much will it soon cost to gain the training required to become a pilot? When I obtained my license, I was one of only 3 Australians who had achieved a license or rating milestone during that year. There were 60 people in total who achieved milestones that night. Do the math. Where are the pilots coming from in the next 20 years who will be flying the planes in our skies? I urge the government to take back the airport for the good of the industry and of the country as a necessary asset and cost. Privatisation has/will seriously damage the aviation industry in Australia.

xxxxxxxx,

Grahame,
Airfields, along with telecommunications and the Snowy River infrastructure are part of Australia's strategic/historic national assets and belong to the people. A mandate to govern is not a mandate to sell off the silverware and I would challenge the legality of hiving any of our assets off to commercial interests in the first place. I don't recall a referendum asking if we wanted a garage sale. While you are busy turning back the clock on Work Choices Mr Rudd, restore to us our national assets, that's the sort of thing we pay you for. No hurry, you can start tomorrow with OUR airfields!

Raymond Spaul,
All the Commonwealth Airports belong to the residents of Australia. Politicians are only ellected to govern the country not sell our assets. Remove all Airports from Developers hands immidately, remove all unsafe infrastructure and return to public as it was not yours to sell

oscar williams, sydney flight training centre
im an instructor at bankstown airport and i think this is really hurting the ga aviation industry in this country.in the last 10 years interest by locals about becoming a pilot have diminished and BAL is not helping at all.

Robert Leonard, Air Bush Charter

Alena Lavrushkina,

Andrew Hain,
If left unchecked, moves like this by greedy corporates could wipe general aviation off the map and kill an entire industry. How has this been allowed to happen?

Greg Young,
The treatment of these people and aviation is just wrong. Mr Prime Minister, you need to correct this now.

Kevin Thomas, Society of Radio Heads
I've been flying at Parafield since 1982 and general aviation has gone backwards since privatisation.

James Freedman,

xxxxxxxx, Professional Pilot
BAL and the other similar private airport companies with the same ethics, are unequivocally morally bankrupt and motivated by pure greed! Disgusting!!

Robert Kyle,
Federal government intervention is urgently required to protect the rights of the general aviation industry and to provide fair and equitable access to airport facilities across Australia.

Christian Le Claire,
We need to stop the destruction of public assets

Robert Crain,
I recall working with David and Trudy Robins in 1990 and recall Trudy saying that this would happen. She was/is spot on. I'm still sad about what happened with Kingsford Smith Aviation, and it's going to happen to everyone sooner rather than later. Nothing but greed.

jenny cornwell, private citizen
banks town airport was there well before most buildings were errected think it scandalous what is being done . Greed will not succeed dedication will

Nigel Brookes,
This is what eventually happens when governments try to be businessmen and not the public servants they were elected for.

xxxxxxxx,

John Anthony Glynn, Australian Aviation Legal Services
Typical Government privatisation and the little guy getting screwed over. Aviation is necessary part of Australian life and if it is not protected at the grass roots, we will lose it forever.

Frank Ward, Bavodi Pty Ltd
why is the Govt. persisting with selling off assets that are owned by the people for the people ??? Once sold or privatised they will never be recouped as the cost will be prohibitive. Is this a pay back to cronies who have tipped funds into having their mates elected??? Have we got a similar situation that exsists in the USA where donations for election funds equates to pay backs once the person or party is in Govt?? This Govt and Country are more socialist than any of the Communist Countries left in the world. Go for it Kevin give it all away but remember you are killing the small business people that work and pay taxes so that you can give it to the non workers who do not contribute to Australia's welfare. The Airports being closed are only the start of the end it will spread to other business's I fear!!!!

xxxxxxxx, Private
Surely the contract insists the property remain as a viable aiport Closing 18 is at best ignorance but most probably negligence. I do not like flying in and in future I will probably pay the money and go to YSSY

Randall Todd, Melbourne Rotor Dock
Planned rationalisation of GA Airfields may well be necessary however, this needs to be done in consultation with those businesses and operators that have been the mainstay of the airfield's commercial operations for years. The original intent of the privitisation of commonwealth airfields needs to be kept front of mind and misguided corporate governance and greed protected against.

Christopher MacIldowie,
Outrageous, I am appalled by what is happening.

xxxxxxxx, Private
What is happening to the GA airports, Bankstown in particular, is the legacy of disgraceful Howard Government behaviour. It would be so easy for the Rudd Government to be heroes for GA and Australia's aviation industry just be restoring equity. Mr Rudd, please take the challenge.

xxxxxxxx,
Disgusted in BAL, and more so the Federal Australian Government for their lack of interest and investment in time and resources for the General Aviation industry

R W Stevens,
They are trying to do the same to Jandakot Airport. Mr Rudd, the airline industry needs these facilities to be maintained, as nearly all of our future airline pilots will trained at these facilities.

Josef Melvald, jetpropulsion

Mike McCauley,

Rod Douglas,
A tragic loss of insfrastructure that is irreplacable... why? The government just doesn't care to plan for the future.

xxxxxxxx,
Absolutely appalling! This must stop!

Dominic Mackenzie,
Disgraceful conduct by BAL. Hope the Supreme Court agrees with me. I'm a "senior" student at YMMB, and am seeing the same type of thing - warehouses within metres of runways, no consideration given to important things like mechanical turbulence from the buildings etc. Only thing these airport owning "companies" care about is $$$

Andrew J C Pedley,
Australia and the World need well trained pilots. The Training organisations at Bankstown offer these services, but for how long under these pressures can they support the Nations economy?

Barry Cain,
Leave Bankston alone

Barry Small,
Fundamental mandates of any government is to uphold the rule of law and to govern for the common good. Corporation Law and government initiated accountability organisations such as ACCC etc, are SUPPOSED to be the sharp end of that process, i.e. ensuring that special interests do not work against the "little ones"! ACCC powerless? Who took their "power" away, or is it really that they operate according to (vested) interest? The results speak for themselves. To reverse the trend, the Government and Local Members have to be shown that there's votes in this and corporations need to see that their assets on aerodrome land especially, but elsewhere as well, will not be used by the buying public. Let's get solutions working! There must be others. Well done Aminta and Ray, the agents of the Corporations in Govt. and Law fear most the combined assertive efforts of many united individuals. Their treatment of Ray and Aminta speaks volumes about their intent and protection from somewhere higher up in the scheme of things. Sadly, these tactics are being played out in many other spheres of life. Best wishes Ray and Aminta, I hope the tide can be turned here at BK. My Federal Rep. will be hearing about it.

David Saint, Private Pilot
This has been said, in essence, by the other comments, but it's worth re-iterating. Sell-off of public assets is nothing new, and is a quick and easy way for governments to earn money. If airports are sold off to private industry, the terms of the sale should state that the land will be used in perpetuity for aviation. If this clause is missing, we have only ourselves to blame for allowing the sale to proceed. Once aquired, the strategy of private owners seems to be to develop housing right up to the boundary so that people complain about noise, and to develop within the boundary so compromising safety. When this process goes far enough, eventually an aircraft will hit a building, and then aviation can be stopped because of safety concerns, hence giving the owners open slather. As far as I can see, this is the plan for most GA airports. We all have to realise that BAL is not interested in aviation, that the Government doesn't give a toss about anything except votes, and the public sees GA as rich blokes playing with their toys. The battle that has to be won is to get the public to appreciate that GA is valuable to them, even if they don't fly. The "pilot training" argument probably won't cut it- we can import pilots. The need for alternative airports might (in case of disaster / emergency, etc). My own argument is that the logical conclusion of this process is that all land in the Sydney basin will be converted to the most profitable use, that is housing and shopping malls, and surely no-one thinks that this loss of diversity and facilites is a good thing. (I may be wrong there!) There are lots of other things that make life interesting and are not maintained purely on economic arguments (art galleries, sporting venues, parks and reserves, etc). A PR campain along these lines is what's needed, and intense lobbying of government.

xxxxxxxx, Airag Aviation Services
It's a bit of a travesty that this situation hasn't been made known to the majority of the Sydney population. Public support is probably going to be the most powerful asset in fighting off the closures and price rises. But what value do the general public get out of the airports that they know of? People need to know why they SHOULD be giving a damn.

xxxxxxxx,
What the world needs now, is for the parasites obsessed with wealth & ego to be replaced by people with self respect & pride to lead in business & society.

Andrew Loughran,

Robert Thomas,
I am completely apalled at the loss of these airports and the subsequent selling of the land for development outside the scope of the general aviation remit. I am from the UK and carried out conversion training from my JAR license to CASA issued, went through all the checks to get that little red card, and came here to start a better life as things are very much going the same way in the UK with the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority aka Campaign Against Aviation) taking a more dim view on GA than ever before. Where do Quantas, British Airways etc etc expect to get their future pilots from when training airfields or airfields where there is a large concentration of GA aircraft are being closed and sold off, and charges get higher all the tim e for GA aircraft and Pilots. This is an abomination and should be stopped now, something needs to be done to secure the aviation future for the future

Scott Rochford,
As a new trainee I'm very disappointed about the reducing options for training and increasing safety risk caused by BAL's actions and the government's inaction. I'm currently training at Bankstown but moving soon to the Central Coast, only to hear that Warnervale's days are numbered too! Please do something before it's too late and Australia let another valuable industry slip away.

Richard Morris,

Daniel Lesmond,
Extremely disheartening to see this occurring at YSBK. I cannot understand why the Rudd government would choose to privatise GA airports, particularly when Rudd seems to be all about "education & training." BAL have a complete monopoly over the Sydney basin which will, in turn, cause prices to magically increase. Unfortunately it looks like the only place to learn to fly now will be the only place to work: the bush.

Mark Whitehead,

Stan van de Wiel, ex Moorabbin operator

Seamus Campbell,

Allan Churn,
The Fed Gov't should immediately put an end to this blatant commercialism of taxpayers property

xxxxxxxx,
I am confident this outcome will set the scene for the remainder of Australia's GA based airports. BAL's actions without question are simply un-Australian.

xxxxxxxx, HANGAR 9A YMMB AIRPORT
TOO MUCH HUMAN SUFFERING BY GREEDY AND HIGHLY DEVIOUS PROPERTY PEOPLE INTENT ON CRUSHING OPERATORS OUT.