24 July 2006
The CAA has issued a press release reminding pilots that GPS approach trials are under way at six UK airfields. According to Ron Elder, head of SRG’s licensing standards division “…the number of approaches that have been flown is disappointingly low. If the UK is to move forward with the introduction of GPS approaches then we need solid safety evidence and that can only be gained by pilot reports.”
The press release then goes on to say “UK CAA licensed pilots flying UK registered aircraft fitted with GPS equipment that meets the requirements of Aeronautical Information Circular (AIC) yellow 205 for Non-Precision Approach (NPA) operations are invited to take part in the trial.”
We’re not surprised. When the CAA decided to limit the trial to UK licensed pilots flying UK registered aircraft they pretty much guaranteed minimal participation. FLYER, along with many others suggested widening the trial to include FAA IR holders flying N reg aircraft but the CAA decided against the idea, apparently for liability reasons. As they say over there, ‘go figure.’
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The six airfields in the trial are: Blackpool, Durham Tees Valley, Exeter, Gloucestershire, Inverness and Shoreham. For more info, see AIC number 50 (yellow 205) ‘UK Trial of RNAV (GNSS) Instrument Approach Procedures’ at <a href=’http://www.ais.org.uk’ target=’_blank’>www.ais.org.uk</a>. You can log on to <a href=’http://www.gpstrials.leeds.ac.uk ‘ target=’_blank’>www.gpstrials.leeds.ac.uk </a> to register your comments after an approach
