Originally Posted by
ShropshirePilot
I flew around a bit in Australia a few years back from Camden and I didn't see much evidence that it was any much worse than here. Cheer up and keep flying. It's quite fun don't you think? At least we don't get parking tickets/ speeding tickets and any equivalent of middle lane drivers in the sky. As for overpriced landing fees and PPR restrictions, we definitely win on that level. I was quoted over £60 for a landing fee at a regional airport recently and then mandatory handling on top... do you have that down your way?
If flying makes you smile, keep doing it and ignore Dick Smith. He may be an awesome bloke but his logic is mental!
Shropshire Pilot,
Surprising as it may seem to you, but I deal with UK CAA, and in recent years the reforms seem to have worked for light GA and sports aviation --- and I still have my Campaign Against Aviation CAA t-shirt!!
As for matters of airport charges of all kinds, light GA has been priced out of major airports, and GA related businesses just don't get leases renewed at any price, in favor of shopping centers and warehouses etc.
The latest wheeze is demanding in advance very high minimum insurance levels, and that the aerodrome operator be included as a named covered (whatever the correct term) in advance of gaining PP.
Tootle pip!!