The Civil Aviation Authority made its first payment of claims for the funding of new 8.33 kHz radios for GA aircraft on 10 August
According to the CAA, a total of £401,233 will be paid initially, covering 1,072 ‘first tranche’ claims. Funding has been secured for twenty per cent of the total purchase costs, with an average payment per person of £374. Processing of claims continues and remaining claims from this first tranche will be paid in the coming weeks.
In November 2016 the CAA signed a contract with the EU’s Innovation and Networks Executive Agency to distribute €4.3m of EU funds to UK aircraft owners and pilots to assist the transition to 8.33 kHz radios, which must be fitted by the end of 2017 to all aircraft that continue to use radio. This EU funding covers all UK registered aircraft up to fourteen tonnes as well as portable transceivers used by pilots.
The funding rebate scheme remains open to claims and the CAA confirms that it still has funding available, noting that the scheme will close for applications on 31 December 2017
More details of 8.33 kHz radio funding are available on the CAA website; http://caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Aircraft-ownership-and-maintenance/8-33-kHz-radios/
