I don't work for the CAA, but have a lot to do with them (I work for two GA organisations, both of which seem reasonably sane and rational most of the time).
Lets be fair, even the CAA know that they don't understand much about GA. They don't help themselves by filling slots in FCL and GAD with retired airforce types, but anyway, they are trying hard to delegate as much as possible to the big associations.
If you're not a member of PFA / BMAA / BGA / BBAC, etc. why not? These chaps are cheaper, more sensible, more efficient, and largely staffed by people who fly the class of aircraft they're dealing with.
Whingeing about the CAA, which is set up to protect the public and organise the high-value air-transport industry is pointless. What makes sense is to get involved with the large flying organisations, and to work with them to make life easier. The NPPL is a good example, where the main airsports organisations have persuaded the CAA to delegate something to people with more understanding and a vested interest in keeping it simple.
If you want to see how things ought to be, look at Microlights or Gliders, then ask yourself how to get the same for whatever it is that you are flying? But you won't do it on your own, and certainly won't do it by simply whinging about those chaps down at the Belgrano.
G
[This message has been edited by Genghis the Engineer (edited 06 July 2001).]