Grant Shapps flies the flag
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: Manchester
Grant Shapps flies the flag
Whilst watching the news tonight and the report of the departure of the PM's "advisor" both BBC & ITV interviewed Grant Shapps on the subject. What I did notice having done so previously was that in the background of what might be a small library was the UK Civil Aviation Ensign a sight rarely seen these days, though flown daily at Manchester Airport close to the fire station.
I would just like to say Well done Sir, perhaps we should promote the Ensign more, especially as we leave EASA!!!!
I would just like to say Well done Sir, perhaps we should promote the Ensign more, especially as we leave EASA!!!!

Joined: Sep 2004
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From: Down at the sharp pointy end, where all the weather is made.
It's a Cirrus, so why not? Allows the use of a FAA IR and IFR flight in Europe. Any criticism here is in my opinion unfounded.
Actually, has anyone an idea if he is still an active pilot? It would be a bit sad, but I'd guess that his Government duties might leave little time for flying.
TOO
Actually, has anyone an idea if he is still an active pilot? It would be a bit sad, but I'd guess that his Government duties might leave little time for flying.
TOO
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From: UK
So far as I know he's still flying.
I actually think he's not playing the game at-all by flying an N-reg aircraft, as he is basically acknowledging that the UK system is less satisfactory than the US system, when ultimately he's in charge of the UK system. That said, he seems to have done more than most transport ministers to rectify things. I'm guessing that the CAA board think he's a complete pain in the proverbial.
G
I actually think he's not playing the game at-all by flying an N-reg aircraft, as he is basically acknowledging that the UK system is less satisfactory than the US system, when ultimately he's in charge of the UK system. That said, he seems to have done more than most transport ministers to rectify things. I'm guessing that the CAA board think he's a complete pain in the proverbial.
G

Joined: Dec 2005
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From: West Sussex, England
More positively it means he really comprehends the difficulties most of us face with a convoluted CAA system, which has been successively bu8*ered about over the last 20 years.
Now the most recent anomaly, EASA, is likely on the way out.
The real understanding he brings will be our every best chance for any cleaning up process across the whole CAA regulation spectrum.
[Including, I sincerely hope, a rationisation of the Farnborough, Brize/Oxford, Southend airspace jig-saw puzzles]..
Now the most recent anomaly, EASA, is likely on the way out.
The real understanding he brings will be our every best chance for any cleaning up process across the whole CAA regulation spectrum.
[Including, I sincerely hope, a rationisation of the Farnborough, Brize/Oxford, Southend airspace jig-saw puzzles]..

Joined: Dec 2011
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From: Cambridge
So far as I know he's still flying.
I actually think he's not playing the game at-all by flying an N-reg aircraft, as he is basically acknowledging that the UK system is less satisfactory than the US system, when ultimately he's in charge of the UK system. That said, he seems to have done more than most transport ministers to rectify things. I'm guessing that the CAA board think he's a complete pain in the proverbial.
G
I actually think he's not playing the game at-all by flying an N-reg aircraft, as he is basically acknowledging that the UK system is less satisfactory than the US system, when ultimately he's in charge of the UK system. That said, he seems to have done more than most transport ministers to rectify things. I'm guessing that the CAA board think he's a complete pain in the proverbial.
G
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 346
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From: USA
So far as I know he's still flying.
I actually think he's not playing the game at-all by flying an N-reg aircraft, as he is basically acknowledging that the UK system is less satisfactory than the US system, when ultimately he's in charge of the UK system. That said, he seems to have done more than most transport ministers to rectify things. I'm guessing that the CAA board think he's a complete pain in the proverbial.
G
I actually think he's not playing the game at-all by flying an N-reg aircraft, as he is basically acknowledging that the UK system is less satisfactory than the US system, when ultimately he's in charge of the UK system. That said, he seems to have done more than most transport ministers to rectify things. I'm guessing that the CAA board think he's a complete pain in the proverbial.
G

Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Scotland
Ghengis the Engineer wrote:
"I actually think he's not playing the game at-all by flying an N-reg aircraft, as he is basically acknowledging that the UK system is less satisfactory than the US system, when ultimately he's in charge of the UK system."
I agree except it is not a game!
He is also acquiescing to the UK leaving EASA, even though it is unnecessary despite the fact the UK is leaving the EU. Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Iceland are all members of EASA. What advantages can they see that we will miss?
"I actually think he's not playing the game at-all by flying an N-reg aircraft, as he is basically acknowledging that the UK system is less satisfactory than the US system, when ultimately he's in charge of the UK system."
I agree except it is not a game!
He is also acquiescing to the UK leaving EASA, even though it is unnecessary despite the fact the UK is leaving the EU. Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland and Iceland are all members of EASA. What advantages can they see that we will miss?
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From: UK
I'm not sure he's acquiescing, he knows well that the whole community favoured remaining in EASA. He is, I think, forced into it by various negotiating positions, not least that of the EC.
G
G

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From: Scotland
"When it came to the 2016 referendum, I could see both sides of the argument, and it took me right up to the ballot box itself to decide that I would vote remain, which I did."
However, I do not believe he actually thinks leaving EASA is a good idea.

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From: Surrey, UK
Completely agree about the N reg, keeps him away from CAA oversight.

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From: Quite near 'An aerodrome somewhere in England'
[…]he knows well that the whole community favoured remaining in EASA. He is, I think, forced into it by various negotiating positions, not least that of the EC.[…]
But like junior transport minister Robert the Robot Courts, Shapp is really only concerned about his own career and will dance to the ERG tune. Which is why I will never trust Tory politicians ever again…...

Joined: Oct 2007
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From: Moray,Scotland,U.K.
"Which is why I will never trust Tory politicians ever again…..."
I'm moving the opposite direction after raising an aviation issue with my local MP, who is the Scottish Conservative Leader. I've never before considered voting for a Conservative.
I'm moving the opposite direction after raising an aviation issue with my local MP, who is the Scottish Conservative Leader. I've never before considered voting for a Conservative.

Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 948
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From: UK
On at least 2 occasions (Vienna EASA meeting and Duxford Safety Day) Shapps told me that "There was no reason why the UK should not be a non-EU EASA Member State".
But like junior transport minister Robert the Robot Courts, Shapp is really only concerned about his own career and will dance to the ERG tune. Which is why I will never trust Tory politicians ever again…...
But like junior transport minister Robert the Robot Courts, Shapp is really only concerned about his own career and will dance to the ERG tune. Which is why I will never trust Tory politicians ever again…...

Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 350
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From: Scotland







