January 2002
 
Edited by Jack Wells

This Issue:
- Editorial
- The GAAC
- Yet More Consultation
- 'Why General Aviation?'
- University Research
- Chicago airport saved
- Planning Notes
- Finance
- AGM

EDITORIAL

A warm welcome to 2002.
Apologies for the late appearance of the Newsletter, but your editor decided to take a holiday. The delay has however provided an opportunity to give some information that does require action before the end of this month. Yes, the consultation process continues.

The GAAC

With the impending retirement of your aged 'voluntary' editor and secretary of the GAAC, volunteers are needed to take on these roles. Since its inception GAAC admin has been based on the AOPA office in London and it was hoped that another association could now find a home for the Council and provide a successor for these roles. As all efforts have failed AOPA has agreed to continue to provide the admin facilities for the time being, but volunteers are still needed to take on the roles of Secretary and Editor. Much of this work can be done at home but, as the GAAC office is in London, proximity to London is an advantage. Those interested in performing these invaluable services to GA should form an orderly queue outside the GAAC office at noon on Monday 21 January; - or contact the GAAC office.

Yet More Consultation

You will have read of the consultation about the Government's 'Future of Aviation' paper. Now we have the first follow up to this in the DTLR summary of the replies that they received.
We are promised a new white paper enunciating the UK policy some time in 2003. This is to be preceded by yet more consultation.

…...… and now from Brussels comes the European Commission's White Paper entitled "European Transport Policy for 2010: Time to Decide". DTLR have circulated the paper widely. It has been sent to most GA Associations together with a summary of the Government's position on the document. The GAAC will be studying the document and responding to the Government by the closing date of 31 January 2002.
The emphasis is on shifting the balance between modes of transport and controlling the growth of air transport, in other words interfering with the market on a Europe wide basis.
But, note that although 2010 is given as the policy target date there are proposals that would have a big impact on GA and for which implementation is proposed by 2004.
One of these is 'to rethink air transport taxation and negotiate the introduction of a kerosene tax by 2004 and differential en route air navigation charges'. Happily, as tax proposals require unanimous agreement among Member States, the Government is not convinced that it is necessary to act at the European level in these respects as the Commission proposes.

The DTLR paper and the Brussels documents can be accessed on the Web at:
www.dtlr.gov.uk/europe/consult/eurocommon/index.htm
and
www.europa.eu.int/comm/energy_transport/en/lb_en.html

or on paper from the Stationery Office quoting:
ISB 0119786370

'Why General Aviation?'

In order to ensure that information about General Aviation is disseminated as widely as possible there has been a reprint of our recent booklet 'Why General Aviation?'. Additionally copies have now gone to all MPs, to all libraries and to all schools with 6th forms. If you have not yet seen a copy and are unable to access it from our web site it can be obtained from the GAAC office.

GAAC Initiates University Research Project

For a number of years GAAC has provided advice and support to aerodrome operators concerning the application of planning law to General Aviation activities. It has also been foremost in identifying the need for more research into the relationship between local authority planning and General Aviation.
Whether involving a 'change of use' or 'development', more often than not, an airfield planning application will be rejected at the local authority level and so become the subject of a public inquiry.
At such inquiries GAAC has found one issue, that of the airfield's economic contribution to the local community, particularly difficult to evaluate and therefore defend. To date there has been little research on the issue.
As a result of this flaw in its armoury, GAAC has initiated a research project to investigate the economics of small airfields and provide an acceptable method for determining the economic impact of a particular planning proposal. Terry Lober is undertaking the research at the Bartlett School of Planning, University College London with guidance from Nick Gallent, one of the researchers mentioned above.
The overall aim of the project is 'To significantly increase the body of knowledge about General Aviation in the UK: its current infrastructure, its role within the economy and its potential to play a greater part in the socioeconomic development of the countryside.'
The project will gather information and data from three main sources: pilots, airfield operators and local planning authorities. It will examine the effectiveness of the Government's planning policy guidelines that relate to General Aviation (essentially PPG13 and PPG24) towards achieving a more balanced approach regarding small aerodromes.
In addition to traditional questionnaires and surveys, case studies will be used to probe deeper into the daily life of an airfield. The result should be a clear framework for evaluating General Aviation's economic contribution at a local and national level.
Underlying the project is a belief that a better understanding of the needs of General Aviation will increase support for the maintenance of a viable aerodrome network. This applies particularly to those with responsibility for deciding the disposition of planning proposals. It is also felt that the knowledge gained will provide airfield operators with a clear checklist for achieving greater harmony within their local communities. In doing so it will surely assist in achieving the goal of a more vibrant, living countryside.

Chicago airport saved

Following a 6 years battle Chicago's lakefront airport, Meigs Field, has been saved from closure as part of a deal between the City and the State to expand O'Hare airport and to and build a new airport south of the city. Its future is assured until 2026. To reach this conclusion AOPA (US) participated in lawsuits, lobbied the Illinois legislature and Congress, produced TV commercials and newspapers ads to gain legislative and public support for the airport, and mounted extensive behind-the-scenes effort. Any lessons here apart from the need for considerable funds to support such an effort.?

Planning Notes
Access to the Countryside Act. Consultation on maps was in progress; views to reach DEFRA by 8 February. CAA had commented that airfield sites should not be shown on maps as land for access.
Road Lighting. Anyone wishing to erect an obstruction over 3m high within 3km of an airfield must now consult (not just inform) the airfield operator.
West Sussex Structure Plan accepts Shoreham and Goodwood, but states that elsewhere flying sites should not be permitted. GAAC will be objecting; closing date 15 February.
Ridgewell Appeal case for mobile structures is believed to have been accepted though difficulties had arisen over the 10 years use case.

Finance
With the additional circulation of 'Why General Aviation?' expenses have been high in this last quarter of the year. This dissemination exercise has cost over £5,000 and a loss of this order is now expected to be incurred in the current year.
Your 2002 donation to the GAAC is now due. Please dig deep into your pockets and send it to the GAAC office as soon as possible.
An increase in your usual donation would be of great help in defraying the extra costs.
Since the last Newsletter donations have been received from the AOA, BHPA, BMFA, Bowair Services, the Britten Foundation, Europa Club, Exeter Airport, Fairoaks Airport, Flying Farmers Association, Great Massingham Airfield, Needwood GC, A Cassidy and T Marmont. Many Thanks.

The GAAC AGM will take place at 2pm on Friday 12 April 2002 at the Royal Aeronautical Society, Hamilton Place, London W1. All are welcome to attend and hear about the Council's efforts to ensure a future for GA.

Do we have your correct address? If not please advise the GAAC office.

General Aviation Awareness Council
British Light Aviation Centre
50A Cambridge Street
LONDON SW1V 4QQ
Telephone: 020 7834 5631
Fax: 020 7834 8623

E-mail: info@gaac.co.uk
Web Site: www.gaac.co.uk

Urgent Postscript to GAAC Newsletter January 2002
Deadline for representations 15 February

Planning: West Sussex Structure Plan - a Threat to GA

The Deposit Draft of the West Sussex Structure Plan is now available. Draft policy NE17 relates to Gatwick Airport, while NE18 relates specifically to General Aviation (GA). The latter policy concentrates upon the "safe and efficient operation" of both Goodwood Airfield and Shoreham Airport and generally supports their continued operation.

However, the final sentence of part (a) states:
"Elsewhere, proposals for new or extended general aviation facilities should not be permitted."

Paragraph 241 in the accompanying text advises that:
"There are a few other places in West Sussex where general aviation activity takes place on a smaller scale: proposals to increase general aviation activity should be resisted particularly if they would have an adverse impact upon the environment."

In effect, this amounts to restrictions upon existing small sites and a proposed ban on any new flying sites in the County of West Sussex. This is contrary to Central Government advice embodied in PPG1, PPG12 and PPG13 as the draft policy is totally inflexible. If adopted it would become impossible for any owner or operator to even contemplate establishing the smallest of airstrips in the County. As a consequence, this policy is fundamentally flawed.

Organisations and individuals are therefore urged to submit representations to the County Council. These should be made on a form which is obtainable from the address below, or the website www.westsussex.gov.uk/splan

Representations must be made before 15th February 2002 and sent to:

The County Planning Officer (ref: splan)
West Sussex County Council
County Hall
Chichester
PO19 1RH

Anna Bloomfield, GAAC Planning Co-ordinator, has suggested a number of bullet points for inclusion. Please add your own and do not feel obliged to use all these points. They have been included in response to a request from many that some guidance would be appreciated.

Suggested draft GA policy

"The establishment of flying sites for all types of aviation activity, or changes to operations at existing sites, will be considered on their merits having regard to the following:

i) the economic and employment advantages arising.
ii) the broadening of the range of recreation provision available within the County.
iii) The likely impact upon residential and other noise sensitive properties in the immediate vicinity (i.e. under flight paths and circuits), by virtue of noise and disturbance.
iv) The locational benefits to public services.
v) The site's role in the overall transport infrastructure of the County, having regard to site access and sustainable development issues.
vi) Visual impact.
vii) The impact on nature conservation interests.

Having regard to Government advice, in PPG13 and PPG24 in particular, restrictions upon the number, type and times of movements would be the subject of conditions attached to any grant of permission as required in the specific circumstances of the case."

4 January 2002