BMFA Update - Article 16 Authorisation

[MattyB]

Still nothing on the Article 16 Authorisation from the CAA or BMFA, but this recent letter from Grant Schapps (Secretary of State for Transport) to the CAA does have some reassuring words about the regulatory attitude he expects to see post Brexit...

"Becoming a credible, trusted and globally influential future regulator after Brexit:

The CAA is a core regulator with safety and security at the centre of everything that it does. In adapting to its new role outside the European Union, the CAA must ensure it has the capacity and capability to build on that foundation, to deliver its new regulatory responsibilities and to be globally influential – by developing international partnerships, strengthening relationships with the International Civil Aviation Organisation and proactively engaging with such bodies as the Federal Aviation Administration. It must use the new flexibilities to regulate better. Regulating proportionately is particularly important – it benefits both fliers and freight owners, protecting their rights as aviation consumers and in insolvency situations. The Regulators’ Code requires the CAA to ensure that all regulation is proportionate and risk based, and this is especially important for sporting and recreational fliers who cannot pass the costs they bear onto customers. We have discussed the CAA working with us on a further regulatory review programme to ensure that we can take advantage of the new opportunities as we leave EASA. The CAA should also pursue a leadership role in establishing an international grouping of like-minded national aviation authorities to learn lessons from one another and develop joint initiatives to improve regulation."

However it's not all good news...

"Modernising airspace:

As co-sponsor of modernisation, the CAA has a vital role in ensuring the successful delivery of the Airspace Modernisation Strategy. The need to modernise the UK’s airspace remains clear despite the impact of COVID-19 on the programme. Airspace modernisation will create sufficient airspace capacity to deliver safe and efficient growth, whilst reducing the noise and carbon emissions of individual flights. Modernised
airspace is also essential to opening up airspace for all users, and an important initiative being led by the CAA is an airspace classification review and reform project to look at the release of controlled airspace. It is vital that all airspace users can access airspace where it is safe to do so. As part of this, I consider the timely and effective deployment of Electronic Conspicuity to be a priority for delivering safety."

Edited By MattyB on 10/12/2020 10:18:39

[MattyB]

For future reference, from this thread...

Posted by Andy Symons - BMFA on 16/12/2020 12:21:49:

See for the official notice from the BMFA CEO at **LINK**

More Details at **LINK**

Quick start guide for BMFA members at **LINK**

Authorisation in full **LINK**

Link to register for the Article 16 Webinar on Monday 21st December @ 7.30pm

Personally having had time to digest it all I think the massive amount of time, dedication and hard work of the BMFA CEO over the past 5 years especially with the initial work at the highest levels in Europe has meant that we have an authorisation that essentially means we are able to carry on pretty much as we do now. Dave ahs been ably assisted by Rob Buckley from the LMA and special advisors Cliff Whittaker and Roger Hopkinson, MBE.

Some requirements are a little more formal but there is very little by the way of extra requirements and certainly no extra barriers to participation.

This authorisation allows us to start looking forward to 2021 with a very positive outlook, COVID hopefully on the backfoot and model aircraft flying on the front foot!!