29 November 2013
The UK CAA has updated GA stakeholders on its plans and progress in delivering a better deal for the UK’s general aviation sector. The update follows publication of the Government and CAA’s responses to the recent General Aviation Red Tape Challenge.
Initial work is focused on setting up the new General Aviation Unit within the CAA. According to the CAA, this will be dedicated to more proportionate, effective regulation that supports and encourages a dynamic General Aviation sector for the UK. The Unit will be fully operational by April 2014. It will oversee the risk-based and proportionate regulation of non-complex EASA and national Annex II aircraft, their general non-commercial operation, the oversight of associated design, production and maintenance plus pilot training organisations and small non-public transport airfields.
The CAA says it aims to only regulate where it is best placed to do so or where no-one else can. The CAA is very keen to encourage the GA sector and its representative associations to take on more responsibility.
The CAA’s response to the GA red tape challenge listed a number of areas identified for potential deregulation and delegation, however it is keen to receive more suggestions. These can be sent by email to [email protected]. One of the first examples of this work was the consultation on de-regulating single seat microlights. This consultation has just closed. The CAA is currently studying the responses with a decision due in the New Year.
CAA GA Programme Manager Mike Barnard said, “We’d like to thank all those who have submitted suggestions either through the FLYER forums or directly via email. We are currently considering these and will include them in the GA Unit work programme, which we publish next year. This will detail the priorities for the new Unit and set out what we will deliver by when.”
You can join the discussion and add your responses on the FLYER forums <a href=’http://forums.flyer.co.uk/viewforum.php?f=74&sid=6df514703bc218b85b5d32cb4bc3e0bd’ target=’_blank’>here.</a>
He added, “This is an exciting time for the UK general aviation community. Freeing the sector from unnecessary regulation will be a key step in recreating a dynamic, thriving general aviation sector for the UK, and one that will be of benefit to the UK economy.”
There will be a further opportunity for people to submit their views at this year’s Flying Show at Birmingham’s NEC (30 November and 1 December). Anyone visiting the Airspace and Safety Initiative stand will be able to contribute to the initiative by providing their comments as part of a CAA competition, and possibly win a full subscription to Sky Demon flight planning software.
