execExpress
5th Jan 2008, 19:28
Lee Flying Association - 5 Jan Members Update (posted with permission)
The LFA have been campaigning since May 2007 for talks to achieve a solution whereby general aviation can continue and flourish at Lee-On-Solent. As a result of approaches by the LFA solicitor, Hampshire Police Authority (HPA) have deferred closure of the airfield a second time, until 14th May 2008, to enable the consultation process to get under way.
It is expected that the talks will begin later this month, under the auspices of a forum created by Fareham Borough Council. The start of talks however is long way from saving the airfield for General Aviation. Members cannot allow themselves to be complacent as we have no substantive reason yet to believe that either Hampshire Police Authority, SEEDA or the MCA have in any way changed their stance, and therefore the LFA will continue to campaign vigorously.
AOPA and LFA have been lobbying government departments (including the Secretaries of State for Transport, and Defence) to confirm the the identity of the regulator for the airfield, which could be either the CAA or MoD-DPA. This selection is a fundamental aspect of airfield operations, and a regulator assessment is required as part of the way forward for Lee-On-Solent. The government’s own legal review of this matter, triggered by LFA solicitor action, has been taking some considerable time. However indications are that Queens Counsel may now be close to making its decision on this matter.
Nonetheless and with great regret we have to announce the closure of the last remaining flying school at Lee-On-Solent. Carill Aviation has ceased trading, ending 22 years provision of highly reputable aviation training and aircraft rental services in South Hampshire. The situation was forced on the Owner by the operating restrictions imposed by the HPA since May 2007, and the continuing uncertainties created by the HPA closure decisions.
Lee on Solent has already lost both of its flying schools and one of the 2 maintenance companies. This is far from the declared objectives of encouraging the growth of aviation businesses at Lee on Solent. Further aviation related businesses are expected to cease trading in the near future, unless a supportive approach is adopted immediately and continues for the duration of the talks between SEEDA, the MCA and HPA. This more positive stance is being sought. Further member updates, press releases etc will be available later this month.
The LFA Membership is continuing to grow, and fighting fund donations are being received from across the U.K,
There are many current and ongoing actions being pursued by the LFA on behalf of the membership. It is important that the LFA encourages all members and as many local supporters as possible to express their support for aviation, through the consultation process below, now (before Jan 12th). We sincerely hope you will email a pro-aviation response to SEEDA, and encourage others you know to do so as well.
Please Respond urgently to the SEEDA Concepts for the Daedalus Site by 12th January at the latest:
The South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA) recently unveiled their concepts for the airfield site at Lee-On-Solent. They are available for review on-line at http://www.Daedalus-seeda.co.uk/content/default.asp?PageId=135 (http://www.daedalus-seeda.co.uk/content/default.asp?PageId=135) and include potential locations for aviation activities.
SEEDA wants to hear your thoughts and views about them, and the Lee Flying Association would like to encourage you to have your views included at this crucial stage of the consultation process.
Please email any comments you have in relation to the SEEDA concepts to [email protected] ([email protected]). Lee Flying Association would be pleased if you would copy [email protected] ([email protected]) on your email, so that we can also be informed of your views regarding the site in general and aviation in particular.
LFA's own co-coordinated response to the SEEDA concepts is available at www.eghf.co.uk (http://www.eghf.co.uk/)
Respondents keen to see general aviation continuing at the airfield might like to consider consider expressing the following preferences in their letter or e-mail of support:
- A range of General Aviation activities at the airfield (such as gliding, powered light aircraft, helicopter and police operations
- Private and recreational flying opportunities available to all
- Formally agreed access, without unique restrictions, to the MCA runways from SEEDA (and possibly MoD) owned adjacent land for local and visiting aircraft
- A flying club or clubs for trained pilots of various types of powered aircraft and gliders
- Flying training for various types of powered aircraft and gliders (even if training flights position to Isle of Wight airfields if necessary)
- A place to socialise, watch the flying, eat out at airfield clubhouse; accessible to the public and a centre for encouraging young peoples interest in aviation
- Business aviation (.e. travel by private/charter aircraft - not airliners)
- No more development encroachment on the airfield open space which would curtail aviation use of the runways and taxiways
- Improvement or replacement of existing aviation infrastructure on SEEDA-owned land, rather than the construction of new facilities in the MCA-owned open land
- Community uses of the open space, similar to those which were accommodated prior to MCA and SEEDA land purchase; such as practice areas for Children's Motorcycle Display Teams and Aero Modellers clubs
- The creation of a strategic integrated aviation education and training initiatives on-site, providing skills to the many aviation-related employers in the region
- Preservation of aviation heritage through projects, education opportunities, on site
- Aviation support businesses such as aircraft maintenance, fuel services
Donations to fighting funds still required. MANY, MANY THANKS to all who have contributed so far!!! NOW is the time to pitch in and help please, thank you.
Lee Flying Association
www.eghf.co.uk (http://www.eghf.co.uk/)
[email protected] ([email protected])
The LFA have been campaigning since May 2007 for talks to achieve a solution whereby general aviation can continue and flourish at Lee-On-Solent. As a result of approaches by the LFA solicitor, Hampshire Police Authority (HPA) have deferred closure of the airfield a second time, until 14th May 2008, to enable the consultation process to get under way.
It is expected that the talks will begin later this month, under the auspices of a forum created by Fareham Borough Council. The start of talks however is long way from saving the airfield for General Aviation. Members cannot allow themselves to be complacent as we have no substantive reason yet to believe that either Hampshire Police Authority, SEEDA or the MCA have in any way changed their stance, and therefore the LFA will continue to campaign vigorously.
AOPA and LFA have been lobbying government departments (including the Secretaries of State for Transport, and Defence) to confirm the the identity of the regulator for the airfield, which could be either the CAA or MoD-DPA. This selection is a fundamental aspect of airfield operations, and a regulator assessment is required as part of the way forward for Lee-On-Solent. The government’s own legal review of this matter, triggered by LFA solicitor action, has been taking some considerable time. However indications are that Queens Counsel may now be close to making its decision on this matter.
Nonetheless and with great regret we have to announce the closure of the last remaining flying school at Lee-On-Solent. Carill Aviation has ceased trading, ending 22 years provision of highly reputable aviation training and aircraft rental services in South Hampshire. The situation was forced on the Owner by the operating restrictions imposed by the HPA since May 2007, and the continuing uncertainties created by the HPA closure decisions.
Lee on Solent has already lost both of its flying schools and one of the 2 maintenance companies. This is far from the declared objectives of encouraging the growth of aviation businesses at Lee on Solent. Further aviation related businesses are expected to cease trading in the near future, unless a supportive approach is adopted immediately and continues for the duration of the talks between SEEDA, the MCA and HPA. This more positive stance is being sought. Further member updates, press releases etc will be available later this month.
The LFA Membership is continuing to grow, and fighting fund donations are being received from across the U.K,
There are many current and ongoing actions being pursued by the LFA on behalf of the membership. It is important that the LFA encourages all members and as many local supporters as possible to express their support for aviation, through the consultation process below, now (before Jan 12th). We sincerely hope you will email a pro-aviation response to SEEDA, and encourage others you know to do so as well.
Please Respond urgently to the SEEDA Concepts for the Daedalus Site by 12th January at the latest:
The South East of England Development Agency (SEEDA) recently unveiled their concepts for the airfield site at Lee-On-Solent. They are available for review on-line at http://www.Daedalus-seeda.co.uk/content/default.asp?PageId=135 (http://www.daedalus-seeda.co.uk/content/default.asp?PageId=135) and include potential locations for aviation activities.
SEEDA wants to hear your thoughts and views about them, and the Lee Flying Association would like to encourage you to have your views included at this crucial stage of the consultation process.
Please email any comments you have in relation to the SEEDA concepts to [email protected] ([email protected]). Lee Flying Association would be pleased if you would copy [email protected] ([email protected]) on your email, so that we can also be informed of your views regarding the site in general and aviation in particular.
LFA's own co-coordinated response to the SEEDA concepts is available at www.eghf.co.uk (http://www.eghf.co.uk/)
Respondents keen to see general aviation continuing at the airfield might like to consider consider expressing the following preferences in their letter or e-mail of support:
- A range of General Aviation activities at the airfield (such as gliding, powered light aircraft, helicopter and police operations
- Private and recreational flying opportunities available to all
- Formally agreed access, without unique restrictions, to the MCA runways from SEEDA (and possibly MoD) owned adjacent land for local and visiting aircraft
- A flying club or clubs for trained pilots of various types of powered aircraft and gliders
- Flying training for various types of powered aircraft and gliders (even if training flights position to Isle of Wight airfields if necessary)
- A place to socialise, watch the flying, eat out at airfield clubhouse; accessible to the public and a centre for encouraging young peoples interest in aviation
- Business aviation (.e. travel by private/charter aircraft - not airliners)
- No more development encroachment on the airfield open space which would curtail aviation use of the runways and taxiways
- Improvement or replacement of existing aviation infrastructure on SEEDA-owned land, rather than the construction of new facilities in the MCA-owned open land
- Community uses of the open space, similar to those which were accommodated prior to MCA and SEEDA land purchase; such as practice areas for Children's Motorcycle Display Teams and Aero Modellers clubs
- The creation of a strategic integrated aviation education and training initiatives on-site, providing skills to the many aviation-related employers in the region
- Preservation of aviation heritage through projects, education opportunities, on site
- Aviation support businesses such as aircraft maintenance, fuel services
Donations to fighting funds still required. MANY, MANY THANKS to all who have contributed so far!!! NOW is the time to pitch in and help please, thank you.
Lee Flying Association
www.eghf.co.uk (http://www.eghf.co.uk/)
[email protected] ([email protected])