Fact Sheets from the General Aviation Awareness Council

Fact Sheet 7 - How to obtain support for your proposal

How to obtain local support for your proposal

The following matters could form the basis of an information leaflet, or letter, to local residents.  It should be stressed that these are just suggestions and do not necessarily have to be included.  You may also wish to incorporate elements which have not been listed below.

1.      Personal information

Include details of:

·        aviation background and flying experience

·        knowledge of locality

·        reason for proposal

2.      Summary of proposal

Include details of:

·        movements (per annum ideally)

·        days/hours of operation

·        circuit pattern(s)

·        restrictions (if any) on visiting aircraft

·        the number, and type, of aircraft to be based on the site

·        the type of GA activity to be undertaken, e.g. gliding, business, leisure, police surveillance etc.

Use your own organisation to help with background information if necessary.  For example, the BGA and BMAA have produced helpful guidance and AOPA also offers free first aid assistance to its members.

3.      Issues arising

Residents' concerns generally fall under three main headings (although each site will be different).  These are:

          i)        noise

          ii)       safety

          iii)      proposal is the “thin end of the wedge” for a larger operation.

It is impossible to address all the possible responses that could be made in respect of these (and other) issues.  No two proposals are identical, nor are the surrounding local residents.  However, you can help your case by including the following points:

          i)        noise

• explain how you will operate, to avoid overflying houses and other sensitive spots where possible

• use, and abide by, the “More Considerate Flying” leaflet produced by the GAAC

• produce noise contours if possible (you may be required to do so in any event)

• offer to set up a Consultative Committee, to provide a channel for dialogue between yourself and residents

          ii)       safety

• safety issues are set out by the CAA in CAP 428 or CAP 168 (as appropriate)

• if you know the safety record applicable to your particular aircraft/activity use the relevant statistics

• explain your policy regarding visiting pilots’ use of the site, in respect of environmental and safety aspects, e.g. joining procedures

          iii)      the “thin end of the wedge”

This is the most difficult area to cover, as you could risk opening up ideas not previously considered by residents.  However, many residents do get concerned at the potential for a hard runway to be built or for jets to land.  You need to spell out what is not proposed, before a misleading campaign is orchestrated based upon incorrect information.

When, or if, you decide to inform local residents about your proposal is very much down to individual circumstances.  It is not possible to give hard and fast rules.  However, you can best judge how to deal with this delicate subject by monitoring the local situation (perhaps through friends or colleagues).

Anna Bloomfield BA(Hons) MRTPI, Planning Co-ordinator           January 2003

General Aviation Awareness Council

RAeS House, 4 Hamilton Place, London W1J 7BQ.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7670 4501

This is one of a series of Fact Sheets available from the GAAC.

For further information please contact the above address.

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