252ND  GASCO MEETING AT THE AAIB FARNBOROUGH

 3 SEPTEMBER 2008

 

CE UKFSC MEETING SUMMARY

 

·                    The GASCO Meeting Agenda

 

·                    The GASCO CE’s Report

 

·                    Main Points to emerge from the meeting are:

 

o       The recent ASEP- ASI Meeting has identified a need to improve general knowledge of aviation amongst new comers to the aviation business. A significant number of new ATC are seeking viable careers rather than a vocation due to a longstanding interest in aviation matters.

o       There was discussion and broad support for a proposal to lift the prohibition on flying training taking place from unlicensed airfields – in line with many European countries.

o       Infringements of controlled airspace by GA are increasing but are less severe due to a welcome increase in the use of transponders by the GA community.

o       There have been 12 reports into the NANO-GPS scheme being run by Helios for the CAA.

o       There is increasing pressure for notams to be issued in a graphic format.

o       The imminent demise of 121.5 as an emergency frequency was highlighted.

o       London helo routes are now available on DVD. The next intent is to produce local airfield information on the web for use by locals.

o       There was further concern expressed about the price of fuel and the increasing tax take being imposed by the Treasury.

o       The GASCO Board are producing a GASCO strategic plan and business plan for the CAA.

o       A new publisher has been identified for Flight Safety – Jeremy Pratt. He will undertake an advertising review and a website development for GASCO. 

o       The CAA will produce 11 GASiLs per year in future.

o       There is widespread concern with the introduction of bio fuel additives and their long term effects on engines, pumps, tanks and seals.

 

 

Rich Jones

Chief Exec

UKFSC