bose-x, that's not
quite as I saw it!
After a quick brief from Ben and Eric to set the baseline, the most useful part of the meeting was the Q&A session.
Regrettably, there were some rather emotional comments made at the beginning of the session. But it is understandable and not unreasonable that people should feel free to speak their minds.
Eric, in particular, was a very tolerant speaker - who faced some harsh questioners. He went to great pains to stress that EASA's objective is to
Find a European solution before the end of the (JAA to EASA)
transition period. Which means that, at least until 2012 (at the earliest) the UK IMCR is safe - and thanks to clarification sought by the CAA, that includes initial issues!
The UK IMCR is most assuredly
not dead. EASA and the CAA have stated quite categorically that they will work together to sort this out.
Please believe that EASA is not the enemy! The task of everyone involved in the issue is to work together to address the concerns of those, such as the European Cockpit Association, who have not been properly briefed about the UK IMCR.
I did manage to achieve a very useful point as a 'pack shot'*. I asked Eric whether the opinion of the Vice-President of the European Commission, Jacques Barrot, had any influence on the issue.....
"Well, if Jacques Barrot was against it, we would find it difficult to convince those nations who aren't supportive..."
I then realised that Eric didn't know something I did. Which was only released to
www.ukimc.org and others yesterday...
"In which case, I think that the meeting should be aware of the following", I said, then read out significant extracts from this e-mail:
Dear (BEagle),
I'm writing to update you on the latest in our fight to save the IMC Rating.
We had a very productive meeting with Commissioner Barrot. It clarified a number of issues.
Firstly Mr Barrot says that he was committed to retaining a flexible license for light aviation pilots above the minimum safety standards. He was keen to stress his support for the IMC rating. Secondly he committed to a long transition period between the current regime and the reformed EASA-supervised one. Thirdly he agreed that he would consider our recommendation that pilots should be checked by specialised doctors with experience on complaints specific to pilots. The Commissioner agreed that he would ensure that this requirement was left up to each Member State.
The Commissioner agreed to he would keep our office informed on the progress of these and other issues relating to EASA. A public consultation on the issue is planned soon. For updates on this please see the Commission's own Aviation portal at http://ec.europa.eu/transport/air_portal/index_en.htm
If you need more, let me know.
Henri Colens
Office of Timothy Kirkhope MEP
Representing Yorkshire & the Humber
in the European Parliament
ASP 14E 264
Rue Wiertz
B-1047 Brussels
BELGIUM
Eric was very pleased to learn of this - it will help greatly towards his efforts to make the nay-sayers understand the level of support which exists towards the UK IMCR.
So, all-in-all, a most useful meeting. The CAA is really on-side at all levels and its perspective is as follows:
- EASA-FCL consultation is assumed to start in March 2008.
- CAA will explore with EASA avenues to protect the privileges of current IMC rating holders.
- CAA will support EASA rulemaking group to review potential for a European solution.
*'Pack shot' is an advertising luvvy's trick to make sure that the name of the product always appears at the end of the commercial and is thus remembered. So, the last point raised at the meeting will usually remain in the sub conscious of the attendees more than any other!