Islander 2 - I have to say that your reply looks a little 'defeatist' to me. If Lord Stevens is a pilot he should know better ! He has advised the general public that there is no control whatsoever on GA aircraft entering the UK which is complete tosh and the record should be corrected.
However, I don't think my voice stands for much and so I'm pleased to say that Martin Robinson of AOPA has gone into bat (see their letter below to the Home Secretary. Something similar will be on its way to Stevens pointing out the existing controls on GA movements):
Dear . . . [Drambuster]
Thank you for your email.
Martin has asked me to send you a copy of a letter he wrote to Jacqui Smith on this subject (which I attach) . Martin will be writing to Lord Stevens today.
Hope this helps!!
Pam Stevenson
AOPA letter to Jacqui Smith:
24th June 2008
The Rt Hon Jacqui Smith MP
Secretary of State for the Home Department
Globe House
6th Floor
89 Ecclestone Square
London SW1V 1PN
Dear Home Secretary
In the UK the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association represents the interests of people who engage in flying general aviation aircraft – a role that we have fulfilled since 1965.
Whilst we agree with the Government on the need for all citizens to remain vigilant, I am very concerned about some of the views currently being expressed by Lord Carlisle, and the Association of Chief Police Officers.
Lord Carlisle has never taken the time to interview me or any other officer of the Association with a view to taking evidence – maybe this is because we were informed that light aircraft (less than 5700kgs) do not pose any significant threat.
Since 9/11 AOPA has worked with and continues to work with Security and Customs agencies. Through the “GA excellence” group we are engaged in eBorder discussions and believe this is the right way forward.
AOPA has always stated that our members need to be the eyes and ears of security, reporting anything out of the ordinary. It was poor intelligence that led to 9/11 and therefore the wider you can spread the intelligence gathering net, the better. Make the GA community part of the solution and not part of the problem.
However, our concern relates to the poor coordination that exists between police forces, customs and security agencies. Whilst there has been some improvements made it is, in my view, not robust enough and further improvements are still needed. Hopefully the ACPO is addressing this issue.
GA is worth £1.4billion to the UK economy annually and whilst we remain vigilant on security matters light aircraft are unlikely to be used as “vehicle bombs” any more than a Ford Transit.
If the terrorists involved in 9/11, who had been learning to fly in light aircraft, believed that they could have made a big impact using such aeroplanes they would never have bothered hijacking airliners. The simple fact is that light aircraft do not have the kinetic energy.
To date there has never been any specific advice from Government to our organisation. The freedom of individuals and security of the nation is important to all of us but we need to get the balance right. AOPA is committed to working with all relevant agencies to ensure we achieve the correct level of security oversight. An industry code of practice might be a good starting point
I am available for discussion at your convenience.
Yours sincerely
Martin Robinson
Chief Executive AOPA UK
Deputy Regional Vice President Europe