New rules for flight training could bring increased noise at unlicensed aerodromes
4th June, 2008
A working group set up in 2005 has recommended that the CAA should scrap the rule that training can take place only at licensed aerodromes. The Light Aviation Airports Study Group (LAASG), set up by the CAA to consider changes to Article 126 of the Air Navigation Order 2005, published its findings in January 2006.
One of its recommendations was that, to reduce costs and congestion, more aerodromes should be allowed to conduct flight training. To ensure that safety was not compromised, they argued, the CAA should consider alternative arrangement such as a code of practice or enhancement of Flying Training Organisation (FTO) approval.
The CAA is now consulting on this proposal; the deadline for comments is 10th July 2008. AEF is preparing a response that is likely to focus on our concerns about the noise impacts of an increase in circuit flying at unlicensed airfields.
Details of the LAASG recommendations, and information about how to respond, can be found at http://www.caa.co.uk/default.aspx?catid=1710&pagetype=90.