Dept to make changes after low ICAO score

[Lite Beer]

Dept to make changes after low ICAO score
SUCHAT SRITAMA
THE NATION

BANGKOK: -- THE Department of Civil Aviation is making efforts to enhance services to meet international standards.

The DCA plans to make improvements in eight areas: registration and regulation, safety oversight, personal licensing, aircraft operation, airworthiness, aircraft navigation service, accident investigation, and aerodrome and ground aids.

DCA director-general Somchai Piputwat said that last Monday, DCA submitted the plans to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), which in January gave Thailand's aviation system 36 points out of 100.

The poor score brought heavy criticism globally, but the DCA asserted that most of the issues arose from limited expertise, regulation implementation, licence-approval procedures, general management, and not safety problems.

"Safety and security remain at a high standard. However, the department hopes to complete its planned improvements within six months," Somchai said.

He said the Transport Ministry on Tuesday approved a plan to enhance human resources at the DCA by allowing it to employ several experts from overseas and 13 local experts.

The department will spend Bt23.5 million for this in the remaining six months of its budget year.

Somchai said the ICAO had revised its aviation-standards package before Thailand got the low score.

"The result is not bad for the entire aviation sector as it mostly concerned government work. And it does not reflect on private airlines, which already meet international standards."

He said the Foreign Affairs Ministry would help publicise the DCA's planned improvements to foreign airlines operating in Thailand so they understand the situation.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Dept-to-make-changes-after-low-ICAO-score-30255508.html

-- The Nation 2015-03-07

[clockman]

Disturbing news! And always excuses.

Edited March 7, 2015 by clockman

[trogers]

"...but the DCA asserted that most of the issues arose from limited expertise, regulation implementation, licence-approval procedures, general management, and not safety problems."

And these factors do not compromise safety?

Limited expertise - we don't source overseas, but use half-baked locals with doubtful credentials.

Regulation implementation - We implement strictly in line with all other government authorities.

License-approvals - we follow the same high standards set by the Land Transport Dept issuing motor driving licenses.

General management - We are world-renowned in management. Who else in the world had managed a rice scheme like ours?

[canopus1969]

Now that is extremely worrying !

[Chang_paarp]

36% is a big failure in anyone's language. Now they have to convince the foreign airlines and their insurers that the risks of using Thai airports is worth the risk.

[ChrisY1]

"He said the Foreign Affairs Ministry would help publicise the DCA's planned improvements to foreign airlines operating in Thailand so they understand the situation."

Obviously, CA is different here!!

Of course....the usual face saving excuses, but never the less....36/100 is a disgraceful achievement from any Civil Aviation authority and very worrying.

Why do these people simply refuse to follow international standards....?

[trogers]

36% is a big failure in anyone's language. Now they have to convince the foreign airlines and their insurers that the risks of using Thai airports is worth the risk.

They are used to the score adjustment formula

Square root X 10

Commonly used in their education system

[klauskunkel]

The poor score brought heavy criticism globally, but the DCA asserted that most of the issues arose from limited expertise, regulation implementation, licence-approval procedures, general management, and not safety problems.

all these problem areas are interconnected and affect each other immediately and decisively, and most of all safety and security.

[car720]

"He said the Foreign Affairs Ministry would help publicise the DCA's planned improvements to foreign airlines operating in Thailand so they understand the situation."

Obviously, CA is different here!!

Of course....the usual face saving excuses, but never the less....36/100 is a disgraceful achievement from any Civil Aviation authority and very worrying.

Why do these people simply refuse to follow international standards....?

The answer to all this is much more basic than you can begin to imagine.

I once asked a friend of mine why Thais would never directly engage in meaningful conversation.

The answer, "they don't like to think".

To reinforce my belief try to ask a Thai female in particular why so many girls don't take a social sciences course of any form.

The common answer............

"Aye yah!!!!...............too much thinking."

[geriatrickid]

The findings are rather grim. Thailand was caught playing games. It's civil-aviation department certification officials are apparently not trained under ICAO standards, and therefore not qualified to assess if ICAO standards are met within the airline industry. Yet, the department was issuing licenses that are based upon ICAO standards and compliance.

In a separate interview, Nancy Graham, ICAO’s top safety official, described her approach in less diplomatic terms. ICAO’s blunt message to countries lagging behind in safety, she said, is to tell regulators “to wake up.” They have to understand, she said, that “when demand has passed your current capacity you’re in trouble.” And, she tells them, “You need a long-term plan, not a short-term plan” to reduce the risks associated with rapid growth.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-n-agency-officials-to-press-asian-nations-on-air-safety-1423277278

Thailand has 15 days to respond to the ICAO report that is due to be given to Thailand next week. Failure to respond satisfactorily will result in an ICAO alert and downgrade. ICAO will file its final report in May. Thailand doesn't have 6 months. Thai flagged airlines could be blacklisted from entering EU, Australia, New Zealand , Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and North American shortly thereafter the release of the ICAO report.

Edited March 7, 2015 by geriatrickid

[Johnny S]

Can only hope and wish that this will have some consequences for Thai aviation and not only hot air like usual but I will not hold my breath

[Wilsonandson]

In a separate interview, Nancy Graham, ICAOs top safety official, described her approach in less diplomatic terms. ICAOs blunt message to countries lagging behind in safety, she said, is to tell regulators to wake up. They have to understand, she said, that when demand has passed your current capacity youre in trouble. And, she tells them, You need a long-term plan, not a short-term plan to reduce the risks associated with rapid growth.

Wake up Thailand, although you have one of the strongest economies in SEA, infrustructure that would make the U.K look like the pot holed roads of Loas, you need to wake up. Train those staff you stupid buffalos and improve that newly built, voted one of the best airports in the world Suvarnabhumi, how dare you.

Yours, frustrated lesbian.

[trainman34014]

I would just love to see their faces and reaction to all Thai flagged airlines being banned from the majority of Western countries. What excuses could they dream up for such a devastating setback as that ?

In a way it could be the best thing that ever happened because perhaps a few heads would have to removed from rectum's and it would make some of them realise they are not ''The greatest Nation on Earth '' that their schoolteachers told them they are !

[diehard60]

You want to improve on it???? Then get better and more qualified instructors. Simple.

[Daniel Ingalls]

.....35 points out of 100?.......I guess it is time to replace those old water -hand -pumped Fire Extinguishers off the runway, & not to mention them "Mackro, "super Big C" Aircraft learners permits would be good starters.

[RubbaJohnny]

"He said the Foreign Affairs Ministry would help publicise the DCA's planned improvements to foreign airlines operating in Thailand so they understand the situation."

Obviously, CA is different here!!

Of course....the usual face saving excuses, but never the less....36/100 is a disgraceful achievement from any Civil Aviation authority and very worrying.

Why do these people simply refuse to follow international standards....?

The answer to all this is much more basic than you can begin to imagine.

I once asked a friend of mine why Thais would never directly engage in meaningful conversation.

The answer, "they don't like to think".

To reinforce my belief try to ask a Thai female in particular why so many girls don't take a social sciences course of any form.

The common answer............

"Aye yah!!!!...............too much thinking."

My wife used to say I think too much ..or I drink that's what she said,seriously there are many competent people and many lovely local traits but seldom in the same person.

Hard to imagine anywhere but a failed state where hundreds of International guests would be held hostage at an Airport.

For those too parvenu or young to recall the yellow kidnapping the innocent for over week

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2008/dec/04/thailand-flights-resume-seige-ends

Edited March 7, 2015 by RubbaJohnny

[thaiowl]

Even more shocking was the Thai DCA's score compared with its ASEAN rivals, as highlighted in Post Today: Thailand (35.6%), Cambodia (40.18%), Indonesia (45.09%), Vietnam (55.78%), Brunei (64.84%), Burma (64.9%), Laos (65.31%), Malaysia (81.18%), Singapore (98.86%).

http://www.posttoday.com/%E0%B8%98%E0%B8%B8%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%88-%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%A5%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%94/%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%A8%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A9%E0%B8%90%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%A0%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%84%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%B1%E0%B8%90/348298/%E0%B8%AA%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A2%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%9A%E0%B8%B4%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%88%E0%B8%B2%E0%B8%81%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%97%E0%B8%A2%E0%B9%84%E0%B8%9B%E0%B8%99%E0%B8%AD%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%96%E0%B8%B9%E0%B8%81%E0%B8%95%E0%B8%A3%E0%B8%A7%E0%B8%88%E0%B9%80%E0%B8%82%E0%B9%89%E0%B8%A1

[trogers]

The findings are rather grim. Thailand was caught playing games. It's civil-aviation department certification officials are apparently not trained under ICAO standards, and therefore not qualified to assess if ICAO standards are met within the airline industry. Yet, the department was issuing licenses that are based upon ICAO standards and compliance.

In a separate interview, Nancy Graham, ICAO’s top safety official, described her approach in less diplomatic terms. ICAO’s blunt message to countries lagging behind in safety, she said, is to tell regulators “to wake up.” They have to understand, she said, that “when demand has passed your current capacity you’re in trouble.” And, she tells them, “You need a long-term plan, not a short-term plan” to reduce the risks associated with rapid growth.

http://www.wsj.com/articles/u-n-agency-officials-to-press-asian-nations-on-air-safety-1423277278

Thailand has 15 days to respond to the ICAO report that is due to be given to Thailand next week. Failure to respond satisfactorily will result in an ICAO alert and downgrade. ICAO will file its final report in May. Thailand doesn't have 6 months. Thai flagged airlines could be blacklisted from entering EU, Australia, New Zealand , Japan, Taiwan, South Korea, Hong Kong and North American shortly thereafter the release of the ICAO report.

If only Mr. T was here. ICAO would be treated like Bangkok Post was treated, and someone ended up being fired.

Edited March 7, 2015 by trogers

[chooka]

You want to improve on it???? Then get better and more qualified instructors. Simple.

The problem is the best they have failed and they don't hirer overseas professionals as that is like being hit in the face with the back of a shovel.

[geriatrickid]

If only Mr. T was here. ICAO would be treated like Bangkok Post was treated, and someone ended up being fired.

What's the point of trying to go off on a tangent? Was Thailand's airline industry at risk of being blacklisted during Thaksin's tenure in office?

The last audit was 28-June-2005 to 07-Jul-2005. The Thai Rak Thai party was in office and Thailand beat the world average scores. It's lowest ranking was organization at 46.15% So how about you put the petty political comments aside, as this is a serious issue and impacts any of us who fly.

There is plenty of political blame to share because successive governments whether they were military juntas, PTP or Democratic have had their collective thumbs up their posteriors for the past 15 years. There was obviously no planning. The only significant improvement was the implementation of the new BKK airport. Unfortunately, no one appreciated that all of the new air traffic would require competent personnel and intelligent planning and management.

Aircraft movements in 2005 were 59,619. In 2014 aircraft movements were 454,463.

That's 7.62X as much traffic in just 10 years.

One doesn't have to be a genius to see that Thailand's infrastructure and serving qualified personnel have not kept pace. The smaller airports like Phuket, Samui and Chiang Mai haven't really changed in the past 10 years, but their traffic has significantly increased. Phuket has a single runway and is at risk for weather risks. I am dreading my series of flights next week between BKK and HKT.

The issue isn't restricted to airlines. If it was, we could avoid certain airlines. The crisis is more encompassing, as it includes airports, air traffic control, emergency response, the reliability of licensing and the quality of all airline industry workers.

[mikebell]

Wait for TAT to produce some re-assuring figures for any nervous would-be fliers foolhardy enough to consider a holiday in Thailand.

[trogers]

If only Mr. T was here. ICAO would be treated like Bangkok Post was treated, and someone ended up being fired.

What's the point of trying to go off on a tangent? Was Thailand's airline industry at risk of being blacklisted during Thaksin's tenure in office?

The last audit was 28-June-2005 to 07-Jul-2005. The Thai Rak Thai party was in office and Thailand beat the world average scores. It's lowest ranking was organization at 46.15% So how about you put the petty political comments aside, as this is a serious issue and impacts any of us who fly.

There is plenty of political blame to share because successive governments whether they were military juntas, PTP or Democratic have had their collective thumbs up their posteriors for the past 15 years. There was obviously no planning. The only significant improvement was the implementation of the new BKK airport. Unfortunately, no one appreciated that all of the new air traffic would require competent personnel and intelligent planning and management.

Aircraft movements in 2005 were 59,619. In 2014 aircraft movements were 454,463.

That's 7.62X as much traffic in just 10 years.

One doesn't have to be a genius to see that Thailand's infrastructure and serving qualified personnel have not kept pace. The smaller airports like Phuket, Samui and Chiang Mai haven't really changed in the past 10 years, but their traffic has significantly increased. Phuket has a single runway and is at risk for weather risks. I am dreading my series of flights next week between BKK and HKT.

The issue isn't restricted to airlines. If it was, we could avoid certain airlines. The crisis is more encompassing, as it includes airports, air traffic control, emergency response, the reliability of licensing and the quality of all airline industry workers.

Good stats, but co-relationship between Mr. T and this instance is still about airport safety and the method he chose to solve it.

[geriatrickid]

Good stats, but co-relationship between Mr. T and this instance is still about airport safety and the method he chose to solve it.

He's been out of office since 2005. Don't you think the 2 military regimes, the Democrats and the PTP who were in charge during those 10 years bear some responsibility? As I stated; there is plenty of political blame to share. Of all the political leaders, Thaksin has the least blame, simply because he wasn't around.

If you really want to point fingers, start with the military and its business operations. The Royal Thai Airforce owns multiple airports; Chiang Mai, Don Muang, U-Tapao, Much of air traffic control is heavily influenced by what the military wants and needs. The DCA, like the AoT is a parking spot for senior military officers. Should 2 Air Marshals and a Lt. General really be part of the AoT management structure? Have you looked at Thailand's new budget?

The military has a guaranteed share of 7.5%, excluding the projects that are in other government budgets. Of the transport budget of 4.3%, an estimated less than .2% goes directly to the air travel sector. Keep in mind that air cargo capacity is an important component of Thai exports. For comparison purposes, 0.2% goes to the sciences, and 4.1% goes to Social Service which includes health care, so everyone gets to have tight budgets while the military goes on a spending spree. Do you really think the DCA's plan to spend Bt23.5 million over the next 6 months is going to make a dent in the problem? That's $700,000 US, 666,000 EURO, 478,000 GBP . It isn't enough.

For reference sake, after the military coup of 2006, the defense budget rose annually between 25 to 33 per cent until 2010, before levelling off in 2011-2012. Thai military spending has increased by 100bn Baht ($3.14bn) or 135 per cent over the last 10 years and with the proposed budget, the military government is adding another 5 per cent, or 193.07bn baht (US$6.07bn). (Quoting Saksith Saiyasombut)

So here we are, a new government, a chance to set things right, to get off on the right foot, and what does the military government do? It's first priority was to increase its budget. It is the military regime that's holding the ball on this one since it is in charge. It is up to the current government to start recruiting and training air traffic controllers, engineers, inspectors and qualified aviation professionals. Thailand doesn't need lush army golf courses or swanky rest facilities for its military officers. It needs infrastructure and competent personnel now.

Mark my words, this ICAO report is going to come back and bite them in the buttocks.

[trogers]

Good stats, but co-relationship between Mr. T and this instance is still about airport safety and the method he chose to solve it.

He's been out of office since 2005. Don't you think the 2 military regimes, the Democrats and the PTP who were in charge during those 10 years bear some responsibility? As I stated; there is plenty of political blame to share. Of all the political leaders, Thaksin has the least blame, simply because he wasn't around.

If you really want to point fingers, start with the military and its business operations. The Royal Thai Airforce owns multiple airports; Chiang Mai, Don Muang, U-Tapao, Much of air traffic control is heavily influenced by what the military wants and needs. The DCA, like the AoT is a parking spot for senior military officers. Should 2 Air Marshals and a Lt. General really be part of the AoT management structure? Have you looked at Thailand's new budget?

The military has a guaranteed share of 7.5%, excluding the projects that are in other government budgets. Of the transport budget of 4.3%, an estimated less than .2% goes directly to the air travel sector. Keep in mind that air cargo capacity is an important component of Thai exports. For comparison purposes, 0.2% goes to the sciences, and 4.1% goes to Social Service which includes health care, so everyone gets to have tight budgets while the military goes on a spending spree. Do you really think the DCA's plan to spend Bt23.5 million over the next 6 months is going to make a dent in the problem? That's $700,000 US, 666,000 EURO, 478,000 GBP . It isn't enough.

For reference sake, after the military coup of 2006, the defense budget rose annually between 25 to 33 per cent until 2010, before levelling off in 2011-2012. Thai military spending has increased by 100bn Baht ($3.14bn) or 135 per cent over the last 10 years and with the proposed budget, the military government is adding another 5 per cent, or 193.07bn baht (US$6.07bn). (Quoting Saksith Saiyasombut)

So here we are, a new government, a chance to set things right, to get off on the right foot, and what does the military government do? It's first priority was to increase its budget. It is the military regime that's holding the ball on this one since it is in charge. It is up to the current government to start recruiting and training air traffic controllers, engineers, inspectors and qualified aviation professionals. Thailand doesn't need lush army golf courses or swanky rest facilities for its military officers. It needs infrastructure and competent personnel now.

Mark my words, this ICAO report is going to come back and bite them in the buttocks.

Bt25m is still more than a couple of threatening statements to a newspaper.

And who pushed for actions to repair those cracks while shifting part of airport operations to Don Muang?