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!!!!

But isn't his own aircraft US-registered?

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

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

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]..

Thought this Saratoga was his?


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....3d433bd132.png

Mission accomplished, home for tea and medals..... :D

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/pprune....ead5f4a721.jpg

It sounds to me like he is acknowledging reality, and not playing the game that led to it being so, or any game at all. Good for him.

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'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

I was being charitable. Grant Shapps voted to remain, although he later said in Parliament:

"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.

Completely agree about the N reg, keeps him away from CAA oversight.

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…...

"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.

Im sure your future local Labour, Lib Dem or Green Party MP will be far more sympathetic to your general aviation concerns!

Don't do it! ;=)

Yes - do it !