I have come to the conclusion that the helicopter industry in this country is managed by weak and spineless people ...!!! I have worked in this business in the USA and in the UK and believe me we get the idiots at Gatwick that we deserve ..... Years ago, again and again , i suggested the whole industry stand up to the CAA and refuse to pay these fees .
I took the view that i would not pay the idiots but carry on my business without an aoc ...quite simple and quite legal . I have been shot down so many times about this ...but who really is the mug ??? I would have gone bust years ago if i had to carry the o/head of an aoc .
I predicted that private heli flying and charter in this country would dissappear ( apart from a handful of mega wealthy ). As far as i am aware nobody has said Boo to the CAA so why should they care about fees/charges etc
For now i would still get an FAA licence and an N reg and to hell with the Gatwick mob !!!!!!!!!