With reference to the investigation by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau of the fatal crash of the aircraft VH-TFU at Lockhart River in May 2005:

(1)   Did the chief pilot of Transair follow, on all occasions, the training syllabus detailed in Transair’s operations manual; if not, when and how did the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) become aware that the training syllabus was not always observed.

(2)   Is it the case that, despite the statement in Annex 4 of Part D2 of Transair’s operations manual that initial training on a company turbine aircraft would consist of a 4 day ground school on the aircraft, its operating systems and the company operations manual, some Transair pilots who underwent ground school training with the Transair chief pilot were not given any formal classroom training.

(3)   Is it the case that some of the Transair pilots who received no formal classroom training had no previous turbine aircraft endorsements or multicrew experience; if so, when and how did CASA become aware this was the case.

(4)   Did the pilot in command and the co-pilot of VH-TFU complete the Transair Metroliner ground school; if so: (a) when; and (b) did both receive formal classroom training.

(5)   What steps is the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) required to take to ensure that ground schools and other forms on pilot training are adequate.

(6)   What steps did CASA take to ensure that Transair’s pilot training was adequate

The Australian Government understands and appreciates the Senate’s strong interest in learning the safety lessons from the tragic accident at Lockhart River in May 2005. The Government is committed to actions that will reduce the likelihood of similar accidents in future.

This is one of more than 100 questions placed on the notice paper since October 2006 in relation to the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s (CASA) oversight of Transair, the operator of the aircraft that crashed at Lockhart River. Transair is no longer operating.

Considerable details of CASA’s oversight of Transair have already been made public in the course of extensive testimony at Senate Committees and in response to previous Questions on Notice.

On 4 April 2007 the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released its extensive report into the accident. The report is the product of nearly two years of exhaustive investigation and contains detailed findings concerning CASA’s surveillance of Transair. The Government has asked CASA to act upon those findings as a priority.

The accident is also currently being examined in an inquest by the Queensland Coroner’s Office. Both CASA and the ATSB are assisting the Coroner. The coronial inquest provides the most appropriate forum for detailed and objective consideration of CASA’s oversight of Transair.

Together, the ATSB report, the coronial proceedings, and the evidence CASA has provided to the Senate on several occasions, ensure that the public interest in the issues raised by the accident is fully addressed. At this time, the completion of the coronial processes is the priority for determining the facts of the fatal Transair crash at Lockhart River.