As the sole reason given by the CAA for this proposed change is to bring us into line with ICAO, I thought I'd get to the roots. Why does ICAO exist and what was the intention when they had their Chicago Convention in 1944 ?
"WHEREAS the future development of international civil aviation can greatly help to create and preserve friendship and understanding among the nations and peoples of the world, yet its abuse can become a threat to the general security; and
WHEREAS it is desirable to avoid friction and to promote that co-operation between nations and peoples upon which the peace of the world depends;
THEREFORE, the undersigned governments having agreed on certain principles and arrangements in order that international civil aviation may be developed in a safe and orderly manner and that international air transport services may be established on the basis of equality of opportunity and operated soundly and economically;
Have accordingly concluded this Convention to that end."
Which obviously means, let's do everything we can to stop UK helicopter pilots being able to cause "friction" anywhere else !
This is a terrible time - we are being restricted to our island. (There's obviously an Australian behind this somewhere....)
Last edited by headsethair; 7th December 2003 at 16:14.