The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced plans for a strategic review of general aviation (GA) in the UK to be carried out…
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced plans for a strategic review of general aviation (GA) in the UK to be carried out by a joint CAA / industry / Government review team. The joint team is expected to be in place by the end of August 2005, with a final report prepared by June 2006.
Alex Plant, who is Head of Economic Policy & International Aviation in the CAA`s Economic Regulation Group, will lead the review team. He said: The CAA believes the time is now right for such a review, in the light of Single European Sky developments, the creation of the European Aviation Safety Agency, rapid technological change and the continued growth in commercial air transport. So far the feedback from industry to the review has been overwhelmingly positive.
The precise scope of the review will be determined by the review team but is expected to include:
- a description and definition of general aviation in the UK
- the existing UK policy context for general aviation;
- identification of trends in the various GA sectors over the past 10 years and a comparison with similar sectors in other counties. Notably the US, France and Germany
- assessment of the benefits to UK enterprise and/or UK or European aviation industries from GA;
- analysis of major developments likely to affect GA including airspace changes, new technology, costs, taxes and infrastructure;
- exploration of issues over access to airports;
- consideration of methods and effectiveness of consultation between GA interests and the CAA / Government / EASA;
- assessment of the implications of GA activities for other airspace users and the community in general – including environmental impacts.
It is envisaged that the team will consist of six or seven staff from the CAA, a similar number from the GA community and representatives from the Ministry of Defence and Department for Transport.
It is proposed that the GA representatives on the review team will be selected in conjunction with the UK General Aviation Consultative Committee, which is made up of the major UK GA bodies. Arrangements will also be put in place for liaison with groups not directly featured in the review.
Alex Plant added: General aviation is probably far less well-understood by policy-makers than commercial aviation. This review will help to improve understanding and provide a better evidence-base for future policy and regulatory decisions.
As well as the strategic review of GA, and the previously announced review of the CAA`s Safety Regulation Group`s costs and charges, the CAA also plans to carry out a separate comprehensive review of its regulatory approach to GA, small Air Operators Certificate holders and small aerodromes.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
