14 October 2014
The UK Government’s response to its General Aviation report has been released. In a media event on 13 October, Minister without Portfolio Grant Shapps and Aviation Minister Robert Goodwill laid out the Government’s current plan of action for GA, with the full strategy expected in Spring 2015.
Targets include working with EASA and the FAA to gain support for mutual recognition of manufacturing standards, as well as considering how to simplify legislation for GA users crossing borders. The Government has also praised the work of the CAA’s new GA Unit so far, and has stated support for its reform programme, which includes an agreement from the Ministry of Defence to work with the Department for Transport to explore opportunities for GA access to military airfields.
According to the response, a Minister Without Portfolio-led Star Chamber will be convened to ensure delivery of this programme. Current Minister without Portfolio Grant Shapps said, “For too long General Aviation, a sector worth an estimated £1.4b to the economy, has been constrained by unnecessary regulations. This response commits us to continuing to work to make sure that we maximise the sector’s potential to boost jobs and growth in this country by addressing the red tape that has been holding it back.”
Anyone wishing to read the full Government response can do so <a href=’https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/363436/10255-DfT-Gov_Response_to_GA_Panel-ACCESSIBLE.pdf’ target=’_blank’>here.</a>
(Photo: Lembit Öpik)
