With the enormous increase in consultations on proposals for new aviation regulation across Europe coming from such agencies as EASA, Eurocontrol, JAA, ECAC and the EU itself there is a vital need for a pan-European email network with all the associations in the EU countries who represent the operators of historic aircraft.
The most recent problem arose with the introduction of minimum EU liability and passenger insurance cover limits which, for the heavier aircraft, meant a huge increase in the amount of cover needed with a very large increase in insurance premiums. This had a disastrous effect on the viability of the operation of such aircraft as the B17's "Sally B" and "Pink Lady". Other aircraft such as the B25, A26, C47, the Constellation and virtually all the vintage jets are similarly affected.
There is no doubt that a concerted effort to highlight the problem during the consultation phase would have enabled some form of exemption or amelioration of the financial burden. A burden that might well mean the disappearence of such heritage aircraft from the European airshow scene.
We have the Historic Aircraft Association here in the UK and contacts have been made with other bodies in the Netherlands and Portugal. I would greatly appreciate contact details for similar bodies in all the EU countries. This in order to make contact with them with a view to setting up such an email forum for discussion and possible concerted action when faced with proposals which may adversely affect the operation of our aircraft in the future.
Information would be much appreciated,
Cheers,
Barry Tempest FRAeS
Armageddon Airshows
www.tempest.ndo.co.uk
