The Civil Aviation Authority is being described as an organisation with many issues by aviation groups and pilots concerned by the organisation's management. 

In the past year there's been a 30-percent increase in staff turnover compared to the public service average.

CAA figures show that, including part-timers, there were 284 staff, and 49 had left during the past year. That turnover of 17 per cent at the Crown entity compares with the annual rate of 12.1 per cent across the public service.

There have also been allegations of cover ups, bullying and sexual harassment over a three year period.

Aviation New Zealand CEO John Nicholson told Mike Hosking there's a lack of consistency coming from the regulator.

"Quite concerned by the turnover that is occurring within the CAA and the impact that has on the organisation's ability to do its job properly."

He says when the regulator visits companies within the sector, they aren't being consistent.

"We're not getting the same consistent approaches, the same consistent advice, and that cause lots and lots of confusion with an industry."

Transport Minister Phil Twyford told the Herald the CAA had made ''significant'' improvements in regulatory surveillance since the Fox accident but he expected improvements.

''Safety is our Government's top transport priority and I expect CAA to continue to lift its performance. I have asked the board to focus on regulatory performance over the coming year.''

Two board members, Jim Boult and Grant Lilly, have finished their terms and have been replaced by Jill Hatchwell, who has a strong aviation background and has served on the board of Vincent Aviation, and former Labour MP and Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven.

''When considering who I appoint to boards I consider a wide range of factors, including the skills and experience that current members hold and who would best complement these skills. I am confident the members I have recently appointed to the CAA board will bring skills that will

The authority has been subject to auditor general inquiries previously which have made a long list of recommendations, and Twyford said he saw no need for a fresh inquiry.

''There is no reason to believe an inquiry is warranted. The CAA brought in PwC to undertake an independent review to establish whether these improvements have been effective, and I am reassured that PwC has found this to be the case.''

Nicholson is also concerned about the length of time for Transport Accident Investigation Commission reports to be finished.

Twyford said ''we all want to see TAIC reports out as early as possible. Having said that, investigations into aviation incidents and accidents need to be done thoroughly to ensure the findings are robust, and this takes time.''

One helicopter operator who is developing a device that monitors aircraft performance that can be used to provide answers after air accidents praises the CAA.