Squawk 2650,
The only REQUIREMENT for aerodrome FIS is laid down in 'SECTION 3 THE AIR NAVIGATION (GENERAL) REGULATIONS 1993 Rule 15 - Aeroplanes flying for the purpose of public transport of passengers – aerodrome facilities for approach to landing and landing'
.........wot says.......
Paragraph 1:
'This regulation shall apply to
every aeroplane registered in the United Kingdom
engaged on a flight for the purpose of public transport of passengers
on a scheduled journey
and to
every aeroplane so registered whose maximum total weight authorised exceeds 5,700 kg engaged on such a flight otherwise than on a scheduled
journey.'
Paragraph 2:
'For the purposes of article 28(1)(c), the following manning and equipment are prescribed in relation to aerodromes intended to be used for landing or as an alternate aerodrome by aircraft to which this regulation applies –
(a) air traffic control service or aerodrome flight information service , including
the reporting to aircraft of the current meteorological conditions at the aerodrome; (b) very high frequency radiotelephony;
......et cetera
It also goes on to say:
'An aircraft to which this regulation applies shall not land or make an approach to landing at any aerodrome unless services and equipment according with paragraph (2) are provided and are in operation at that aerodrome, and can be made use of by that aircraft,' etc etc
So...... if I was a GA aerodrome operator I wouldn't waste my money on FIS. AGCS would be adequate unless the operator is faced with providing facilities for G- reg scheduled public transport or G-reg unscheduled public transport above 5.7 tonnes.
Which probably ain't very often in most cases of small aerodromes.
Cheers
TDM