Whangārei-based Scotty Booth has been appointed the CAA’s new Aviation Safety Advisor (ASA) for North Island flight operations.
Scotty’s 30 years of aviation experience includes becoming a B-cat (H), and founding Twin Coast Helicopters, carrying out Part 135 and 137 operations for 17 years, before selling the business in 2024.
Scotty’s looking forward to his new role of ‘bridge’ between the flying community and the CAA, bringing valuable information to both sides of the aviation coin.
“Communication is everything and I’m very keen to take to the CAA what I’m seeing and hearing out in the field. In the other direction, I want to help participants understand how they can stay on the right side of rules and requirements,” he says.
Owning an aviation business so recently, Scotty is particularly well-placed to offer the CAA an insight into the realities of owning an operation in current times.
“I look around and see the effect of everyone struggling to get parts, and trying to cope with rising fuel costs, among other increasing expense – they’re tough operating conditions right now.
“I’m particularly concerned about what this is doing to the mental wellbeing of my business-owning peers. It’s pretty massive to be honest and I’m really keen for the CAA to understand the realities of that. I’m also looking forward to doing what I can to help the Authority support participants who are ‘doing it tough’.”
Adrian Parker, leader of the CAA’s aviation safety advisor team, says Scotty brings with him a wealth of aviation expertise, extensive leadership experience, and a well-developed skill set.
“The professional respect with which he’s regarded, his ability to influence and persuade, and his knowledge of aviation regulations, position him well to navigate complex issues and identify solutions.”
And Allan Menard, Scotty’s CAA manager, says it’s great to have him on board.
“He brings that rare mix of hands-on aviation experience and real business insight, and understands first-hand what operators are dealing with.
“That perspective is hugely valuable in helping us make practical, well-informed decisions, and I’m really looking forward to his contribution.”
Scotty replaces Pete Gordon, who left the Authority in February to start his own aviation audit company.
If you want to get in touch with Scotty, his email is scotty.booth@caa.govt.nz. His phone number is 027 222 8136.