goatface,
not sure that the CAA is a necessary evil. They do MATSpt1, MORs, medicals and ATC Licensing, after all. 
Many years ago, in the days before 'Rip-Off Britain', (a term you don't hear very often these days), NATS was "A Joint Civil Aviation Authority/Ministry Of Defence Service". - Happy days, I believe. ATC staff treated like the professionals that they were/are, no 'CEO's (and their wives) helping themselves to 50+% pay-rises, SAFETY as standard, etc.
Last edited by ZOOKER; 26th Jun 2009 at 23:00.