10 January 2008

Mr Bruce Byron AM

CEO

Civil Aviation Safety Authority

GPO Box 2005

CANBERRA ACT 2601

Dear Bruce

You mentioned numerous times last year that you would be fixing the unique Australian requirement for a minimum of a 5 mile straight in approach (even at a grass airstrip on a farm), and the rule prohibiting joining the circuit on base unless a special approval has been given by CASA.

There is no practical safety reason for us to be different on these two items, and you have given directions that we are to harmonise and not have more restrictive or expensive requirements unless there is a safety reason for doing so.

As it looks as if the change is not going to be made, I would like to hereby apply for a dispensation so I can do straight in approaches as per the USA and also to join on base.  I wish to do these where safety is not compromised and often improved. 

I will look forward to your urgent advice on this dispensation or approval.

Yours faithfully

 Dick Smith