Threat to N Reg Operations

[Ajay @ Anglo]

Hi folks (and thanks to Bill P for introducing me to PPrune!)

Well I didn't expect my first post on this forum to be in response to such a serious issue!

As you may gather from my nick N-registration for non-US owners is part of our daily business activities and we have been in discussion with the DfT for some time on this issue. The only things I can say with any certainty are:

1. This issue has been exacerbated by the recent prosecutions and investigations into N-reg training operations, from my understanding of the reports of the recent cases it would seem these have been predicated as a means of settling a personal score rather than out of genuine concern for aviation safety.

2. EASA has not published any framework or consultative documents on some form of pan-European register.

3. As yet the ANO does not contain any provision which prohibits the basing of non-G reg aircraft in the UK.

4. Any such initiative would have to organised in conjunction with the CAA, Dft, EASA and require European and Domestic legislation to be amended/enacted - in short this will not be happening in the next few weeks!

5. Now is a time to watch and wait, I am happy to provide feedback as this issue develops. In short:

�don�t panic Mr Mainwaring!�

or maybe:

�Don�t tell him your name Pike!�

6. We will be actively involved in the consultation and lobbying process via our membership of BBGA, the NBAA and in partnership with our UK corporate clients, and our own legal team will also be making representations on behalf of our UK and European clients.

From this it may be reasonable to suppose that:

1. The transitional arrangements are going to be "interesting"�

2. The certification process is going to be complicated and confusing.

3. Are EASA/CAA/Dft going to pay spotters to log all aircraft movements to determine what constitutes "based in the UK?" - maybe that 60% or more flight time in UK airspace?

4. If at the end of this process we end up with a more accessible training regime and more practical route to instrument flying then the aviation community in the UK (and Europe) will certainly benefit. There are two prime motives for our clients moving the N-register � 1. There are more aircraft available some types are not yet certified by the CAA 2. The advanced flying qualifications are more pilot friendly. In my own experience our clients have not moved to the N-reg because of supposed easier maintenance or less stringent medical regime (NPPL anyone?)

5. I wonder what the FAA and the major aircraft manufacturers in the US think of this?

Right that�s enough for now I�m off to read the Montreal Convention and CAP 393... yawn�.

PS

Everyone should note that we are not seeking to represent all N-reg aviators in Europe or usurp the activities of AOPA, PFA, BBGA, EBAA, NBAA etc etc, we hope to be one voice amongst many although I acknowledge that we do have a vested interest due to the number of N-reg aircraft that we register and/or insure.

These posts are made primarily as a response to questions from our clients and in response to email enquiries from members of this and other forums and order to try and minimise "Chinese whispers".

I hope that together, pilots, the various flying organisations trade bodies and the General Aviation Industry in the UK/Europe in consultation with the CAA, DfT and EASA can find a sensible solution to this matter even if that means the establishment of a new UK/European licensing and training system.