Today, Minister without Portfolio Grant Shapps is calling for those involved in the General Aviation sector to tell the Government how it can make their lives easier by removing red tape, following a letter published in Pilot.
The Government launched its Aviation Red Tape Challenge last year, looking at regulations that affect the commercial sector – more than half of which it says will now be scrapped or improved.
After reading a letter published in Pilot, Mr Shapps now wants to look in more detail at the problems that affect SMEs and people in GA. As of today, anyone with an interest in GA has the opportunity to share their views on the regulatory issues that affect them and use their experience to tell the government how it can make things better.
Minister without portfolio Grant Shapps said:
“A flourishing aviation sector is vital to Britain winning the global race and that includes general aviation as well as the large commercial operators. That’s why today we are launching the General Aviation Red Tape Challenge specifically aimed at the smaller operators and businesses for whom regulatory issues can be frustrating and restrictive.
“We want to help generate jobs and prosperity so I hope everyone in the sector from pilots to mechanics to training organisations to airfield owners take part in this challenge and let us know how we can help you to succeed.”
The Red Tape Challenge is a cross-Government programme to tackle unnecessary, over-complicated regulation. The default is that regulation should go unless it can be well defended (such as on safety grounds).
Charles Henry, Chairman of the General Aviation Awareness Council, said:
“I fully endorse this initiative and urge all involved in the Industry to identify those rules and regulations that do nothing to enhance the safety of General Aviation but add unnecessary cost. All pilots and engineers should respond to this unique opportunity and help UK GA regain its reputation for having the finest pilot training and highly skilled engineers in the world.”
Anyone who wants to participate should visit redtapechallenge.cabinetoffice.gov.uk or send a private contribution to redtapechallenge@cabinet-office.gsi.gov.uk.
