The General Aviation Awareness Council

 Patron: Sir Peter Masefield                              President: Lord Rotherwick

GAAC PRESS RELEASE

AVIATION WHITE PAPER

GAAC Chairman Charles Henry declared that 2004 had got off to a good start for General Aviation with the publication of the Government’s White Paper on aviation.  Coming soon after the celebration of 100 years of powered flight the news that Farnborough, Biggin Hill, Blackbushe, Fairoaks, Northolt and Southend are considered to have development potential is good news for us all.  A further list of airfields with active development plans included Lydd, Manston, Shoreham, White Waltham and North Weald. 

Although disappointed by the absence of specific references to the value of General Aviation Charles Henry pointed out that when the GAAC‘s own research into the economic benefits of GA was published it would make good this deficiency.

Charles Henry reminded all general aviation pilots and operators that for far too long we have been taking for granted the access to airfields laid down years ago.  Our children and following generations will be denied the privileges and joys of flying if we do nothing to preserve these benefits.

The GAAC has played an important role in making Government aware of the value of general aviation and continues to do so but it is individual pilots who can have even greater impact by promoting the benefits of general aviation to local councillors, MPs, and their local community.

Charles Henry pointed out that general aviation airfields contribute to local communities in many ways including employment, recreational facilities, education and training, business access and a natural habitat for wildlife.  With the development of diesel power plants and better silencing aircraft are getting quieter and more environmentally friendly.  He encouraged all those connected with general aviation to seize the initiative and actively promote these positive factors in their local press, radio and television and plan events to welcome local residents onto the airfield.

04 February 2004

General Aviation Awareness Council

50A Cambridge Street,

London SW1V 4QQ.

Tel: +44 (0)20 7834 5631