For Armidale it is at least 470 kilometres to Sydney, about the same to Brisbane and 333km to Newcastle. 

That is depending on which way you drive.

Flying is the better option, especially if you are unwell and need to travel far and wide for medical treatment.

With or without a hospital upgrade in Armidale, it will still be the reality for many to travel these distances or even further afield to seek specialist care.

It is understandable the charity Angel Flight, which has helped numerous Australians, is concerned by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority discussion paper into safety standards.

For many who use these services, even from our own region, it would be upsetting to believe these services could be shut down.

The work of Angel Flight, and other such organisations, helps many cross these distances and all for free. It is amazing work.

But CASA is fulfilling its role to manage aviation safety.

It is only a discussion paper at this stage, which should canvas a variety of ideas - even the unpopular ones.

As CASA says, “these options … have been released to promote informed discussion”. And they have promoted discussion.

While  fulfilling its role to ensure aviation safety, it will also have to take into account the submissions made in response to the paper. 

Discussion is important and even more so if you don’t agree with everything being said.

The importance of community service flight charities to regional communities is invaluable and hopefully CASA will balance this with safety, which is equally important.

Send your correspondence to lydia.roberts@fairfaxmedia.com.au or The Armidale Express, PO Box 70, Armidale, NSW, 2350.