Originally Posted by
SWBKCB
From a regulatory point of view, could a service be operated using Islanders without these? Thinking of Loganair's operation in the islands. Agree the whole idea looks commercially improbable but what are the legal requirements?
You are perhaps referring to Barra. Using that as an example the minimum requirement to ensure some sort of flight regulatory (allowing for South Wales' weather record), while not strictly a legal requirement, there would need to be AFIS (in lieu of ATC) and RNP instrument approach procedures (in lieu of ground based navaids), neither of which are currently available at SWS. The capital expenditure to provide both and secure regulatory approval IMHO well in excess of £60K. The time scale to provide both 3+ months?
The other problem is the level of security required by law, related.to screening of passengers and baggage. Add to that the staffing required to provide it, and the mandatory screening of staff by national government to obtain security clearance. None of these currently available and would take many months and considerable capital expenditure to put in place.
Finally the Rescue Fire Fighting category currently available is up to A2 with A3 on Remission. Same as Barra so max size aircraft would be a Twin Otter.