Thanks for posting this - It is REALLY important that we don't end up with something we don't want by not reading the document and proposal thoroughly. We could be stuck with a new rule for YEARS.
The CAA have given us the opportunity to influence the environment we fly in so let's not waste it.
As I see it--
1. The 1500 foot rule is to be made less restrictive and allows us to use our judgement more. This should be supported.
2. The 500 foot rule is in danger of being amended to a blanket 500 foot restriction (as others have pointed out) rather than a "500 feet away from persons, vehicles...". I think we should be focussing NOT on whether this will stop us flying in low ceilings - as (debateably, I admit) flying in less than 500 foot cloudbase could be regarded as unsafe. We ought to be emphasizing that a blanket 500 foot rule will stop us practising confined areas, pinnacles and PFL's even into areas where there is no risk to persons or property on the ground. Such a restriction will have negative effects on flight safety by impairing the ability safely to train pilots and will result in no added safety benefit to those on the ground.
Let's get mailing and get the rules we need!
FoM