PPRuNe Forums - Farnborough Airspace

Mrs. Justice Thornton has delivered her judgement on the CAA's grant of airspace to TAG Farnborough following the Judicial Review actioned by Lasham Gliding Society.

In summary, Mrs. Justice Thornton did not find sufficient grounds to overturn the CAA's airspace decision in light of the arguments presented by Lasham - and roundly supported by the wider general aviation community - as to its adverse impact on aviation safety, the consequential inefficient use of airspace, and the potential detrimental operational and financial impacts on Lasham Gliding Society. Accordingly, she has concluded that the CAA acted within its powers and the limits of its discretion. As things stand, it is expected that the new Farnborough airspace will come into effect by early 2020.

The Lasham Committee of Management, supported by its advisors, is reviewing the detail of the judgement carefully. It will decide shortly as to whether or not it intends to seek leave to appeal. In parallel, Lasham will continue to work on options for the adjustment of its operations that will minimise/mitigate the impact of the new airspace on its activities. Members will be kept closely informed on both counts.

This ruling is a bitter blow to Lasham and the wider general aviation community. It follows several years of intense opposition to what is widely considered to be a completely unjustified and ill-considered move by TAG Farnborough to secure a large swathe of controlled airspace.

The difficulties this case raises continues to draw a spotlight on questions surrounding the CAA's policies and decision-making processes. Aside from this particular case there is a wider and active national debate between the government and aviation stakeholders as to how the CAA's processes currently operate. Whatever might happen with airspace in the Farnborough area as a result of this decision, pressure will continue to be applied on the government and the CAA to implement a proper reform of the processes used to consider applications for airspace change.

If any members have immediate questions concerning the results of the judicial review, or any other aspect of the planned airspace change, in the first instance please direct them to me via the Lasham office.

Thank you for your continued support on this most difficult of matters.

Patrick Naegeli
Chairman, Lasham Gliding Society