GENERAL AVIATION CONSULTATIVE COMMITTEE – NO 30

AVIATION HOUSE GATWICK – 10 OCTOBER 2008

UKFSC CE MEETING SUMMARY

 

·                    The 30th GACC Agenda.

 

·                    A European Update was provided:

 

o       EASA NPAs are about to be issued on Air Ops and Pilot Licensing for comment.

o       The legislation for the transfer of responsibility for ATM/Aerodromes  is underway at the EU and is expected to be published in Feb 08. An NPA is expected on 28 November 2008  

 

·                    A review is underway on the Permit to Fly scheme in EASA and a UK C of A scheme may be necessary if owners require it. Several nations are having difficulties meeting the requirements. A new EASA NPA may be in the making at EASA.

 

·                    Changes to licensing categories for engineers and pilots by EASA were discussed in much detail but without resolution other than to await the next EASA output on the subject.

 

·                    The switch off of 121.5 on 31 Jan 09 was addressed and the fact that the ELTs using the new sat system based on 406 MHz need registering with Falmouth Rescue Centre before use. It was highlighted that beacons had differing coding transmissions depending on where they were bought which could cause confusion in future rescues.

 

·                    The flight safety concerns about the negative effects of FAME and ethanol in Jet A1 and MOGAS fuels respectively were expressed.  The CAA stated their satisfaction that they were dealing with both issues and that other players should remain unconcerned at this stage.

 

·                    The Status Report on progress with the recommendations arising from the Strategic and Regulatory Reviews of General Aviation was discussed at length.

 

·                    The potential charging for the use of the frequency spectrum in terms of its impact on flight safety was considered at the meeting. The understanding from the meeting was that radios in aircraft would exempt from any charging but that ground receivers would be in line for charging.

 

·                    The issue of allowing flying training to place from unlicensed airfields in the UK was discussed and the overall view was that of support to allow it.

 

Rich Jones

Chief Exec

UKFSC

20 Oct 2008