66 airfields identified as 'strategically important'

General Aviation is finally getting its act together to create a rational approach to raising the importance of GA aerodromes, according to the Airfield Operators Group.

The AOG, working with the VFR Flight Guide, launched the Strategic Airfield Network (SAN) last year. In January this year, SAN sent out a survey to gather not just aeronautical details but also details of the activities going on, the community linkages, history and thoughts on the future.

• Strategic Aerodrome Network launched to protect airfields

“The information will be invaluable in helping to safeguard our General Aviation infrastructure, ensure the network is viable, remains available for current users and for transport, recreation, connectivity, training, environmental value, emergency services and as green spaces able to accommodate future innovation,” said Ann Bartaby and Louise Southern who are heading up SAN.

“The ‘bottom up’ approach with the industry taking the lead is to be welcomed against a long history of complaints that aerodromes have not worked together to address the challenges they face.”

• Airfield operators urged to join new group

This month (June) saw the first newsletter issued by SAN. Among its contents:

• SAN supported by APPG – Aviation, LAA, BMMA, GAA, Pooleys Flight Guide
• 110 airfields completed the survey so far. See newsletter for reasons why they are part of SAN
• 66 airfields have identified as being strategically important
• Completed survey by 13 licensed airfields, 84 unlicensed airfields
• Airfield focus on Bodmin & why it’s part of SAN

Information on each page with the findings from the survey, this information can be used in other articles by magazines (SAN accreditation required). Airfields that have yet to join the Strategic Airfield Network are welcome, said Ann and Louise.

Click here to download the June newsletter of the Strategic Airfield Network