DFC
Whislt the CAA curently have the discretion to vary charges, the new charges laid down in the current EASA scheme effective from June 2007 will prevent the UK CAA from offering reduced fees in the future. If you look at Ch IV, Article 14 para 1 (d) of the EASA fee structue, you'll see that in future, the surveillance fees given in Part 3 para 2 (the EU 18000) will apply. Whilst these can be reduced by the multiplier based on turnover, they are nevertheless a significant additional charge not previously required and hence industry will need to recover them from customers or see margins diminish. In addition, the note on the signature page makes clear that the regulation is legally binding in ALL member states - so no get-out, and not applicable ONLY TO PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE EU!