NATMAC 63 PLENARY MEETING – 10TH APRIL 2008

CHIEF EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

 

I represented the UKFSC at NATMAC 63 which was held at CAA House in London on 10 April 2008.  Click for Agenda and Minutes.

 

The Chairman issued a formal NATMAC Report giving a useful overview of work currently underway in DAP. Click for Report.

 

The major point arising at the meeting were as follows:

 

·                  The NATMAC Review. As a result of adverse anecdotal comment received from an element of the NATMAC membership, the Chairman commissioned a review in order to confirm any concerns and address them. The major criticisms were an overemphasis on briefings and a lack of opportunity for constructive exchanges of views form the participant organisations.

 

·                  The NATMAC debated the inclusion of the environmental issues in future Meetings and concluded that this important topic did deserved Agenda time. A baseline level of understanding on environmental issues and the impact on aviation would be drawn up for the next meeting.

 

·                  A detailed update on important European ATM issues and initiatives was briefed. Topics covered included SES objectives, legislation, key features and achievements. SES Package II, SESAR and CAA involvement were also summarised. EASA progress was also provided.  Monthly updates are available on www.caa.co.uk/docs/952/DAP_SES_Information_Bulletin.pdf

 

·                  The Government has published a strategy to establish a charging initiative for use of the public frequency spectrum.  Aviation is being targeted along with many other users, but several important difficulties with the aviation sector have been identified – safety, international obligations, trade and competition and efficient use of the spectrum, not to mention who pays!! CAA is actively engaged in discussions with DFT, HMT, MOD and OFCOM. Specific proposals are expected in Summer 2008. Click for full report.

 

·                  An update on the Airspace & Safety Initiative (ASI) was briefed where a detailed brief on progress with ATSOCAS was provided.  Click for report.

 

·                  An AIC can be expected soon on the changes to ICAO Annex 3 (MET) which will be introduced in November 2008. Coding changes include the introduction of 30 hour TAFs for LHR, LGW, STN, MAN. There will also be significant changes to TAF issue timings.

 

J R JONES

Chief Executive

UKFSC