FLIGHT OPERATIONS LIAISON GROUP (FOLG) – CAA/INDUSTRY

SRG – CAA, GATWICK - 18 JULY 2008

CE UKFSC SUMMARY

The CE represented the UKFSC as an observer at the FOLG at SRG Gatwick on 18 July 2008. The meeting is co-chaired by the nominated Chairman of the Operators, John Alsford (Flybe) and the Head of Flight Ops Div CAA, David Chapman.
Click here for the agenda .

The issues addressed were as follows:

· As a result of the introduction of EU-Ops, aircraft performance criteria exemptions are being sought with the EU Commission by the CAA, on behalf of 56 UK airlines. Aircraft affected include Boeing 737/757/767.

· Equipment to enable the use of mobile phones aboard commercial aircraft is under evaluation by several airlines. Although the technical issues with the equipment have satisfactory solutions in place, there is an expectation that disruptive passenger incidents will increase. (CE note: US legislation banning the use of mobile phones on commercial flights over the US is being introduced as an environmental/social control measure.)

· Cabin crew attestation and licensing was discussed since EU Ops will introduce this as a requirement by end of 2008. There will be a consultation period starting on 15 September. The CAA and EASA will hold workshops before the NPA launch. FODCOM 16/2008 covers this topic.

· The position and status of RETREs within airlines. The general view was that RETREs were well integrated into management and into the company training regimes.

· A proposal from the UK Airline community for an alleviaton from ICAO RFF for a Nominated Destination Alternate only, in UK was discussed. Click here for the paper. The meeting was content with the proposal and the CAA agreed to follow up.

· Member airlines were requested to nominate representatives to attend the CAA Runway Incursion Steering Group. (CE UKFSC will also attend).

· EU Ops makes no reference to windsurfing and ski equipment standard weights. The meeting discussed if exemption was required to retain this option for UK airlines. It was decided that UK airlines would not seek exemption and go with individual weighing for the time being, with a review in due course.

Rich Jones

Chief Exec

UKFSC