New Chief for CASA
Mr McCormick’s aviation background includes ten years with the RAAF, followed by three years with Qantas before joining Cathay Pacific in 1987. He rose to the position of general manager operations in Hong Kong before returning to flying two years ago. His operations role included responsibility for the Cathay Pacific’s air operators certificates and all related regulatory matters.
Minister Anthony Albanese has also announced that “to improve its governance arrangements and to provide stronger support to the CEO and the Minister,” the government will establish an independent five-member Board for CASA in July. Board members have not yet been identified
The Minister commended Mr Byron for his outstanding contribution as CASA’s CEO over the past five years, as well as his personal commitment to high safety standards and “necessary internal reforms.”
Mr Byron has also announced the creation of a small team within CASA to manage the implementation of the new maintenance regulations that will cover continuing airworthiness, maintenance personnel licensing, approved maintenance organisations and maintenance training organisations. “These will be outcome-based regulations which will require CASA and the industry to work differently, with the reward being creating a more internationally competitive Australian aviation maintenance industry.”
Mr Greg Vaughan, previously the group general manager of general aviation operations will head the regulatory implementation unit which will manage the transition to new rules, said Mr. Byron: “Greg was group general manager of general aviation operations in CASA and has a great depth of practical aviation experience in Australia and overseas, having worked as a pilot, engineering manager and safety investigator.” In his previous role Mr Vaughan has earned the admiration of general aviation identities for his role in cleaning up flaws in CASA’s compliance and enforcement practices.
