There have been a number of opportunities to introduce the new pan-European body to the UK vintage aircraft fraternity.
The first was the DeHMC symposium at Cambridge on 27th Ocober where over 100 members and guests had the chance to learn of EFLEVA and the likely impact of EASA and Eurocontrol on our sort of aviation.
On Sunday 28th October there was a meeting of many vintage type groups and clubs at Oxford organised by John Broad of the VAC. The HAA presentation was followed by one from Roger Hopkinson, the new EFLEVA presidebt and chairman of the UK PFA/LAA. There was much useful discussion after the presentations.
There was a brief chance at the end of the excellent ADA(E) symposium at Cranfield on 17th November to show the presentation to a number of those attending and in particular to stress the implications for the airshow industry. Much interest was shown by those who saw it.
An even briefer opportunity was shoehorned into a full programme at our own Autumn symposium at Cosford on the following day, 18th November. Those present included a few who had seen the presentation at a previous venue but again there were quite a number of queries raised at the end of the days activities.
Attempts are being made to arrange a gathering of the "warbird" fraternity along with others from the airshow industry. It will probably be held at the new AirSpace facility at the IWM Duxford with an option of holding it with Shuttlewoth at Old Warden. This is to enable those who attend to have a presentation on EFLEVA and the implications of the European regulatory dimension for airshows and "heavy metal" operations. It is hoped that arrangements will be finalised in the next few weeks aiming for a meeting early in the New Year.
The aviation media are shortly to receive a press release outlining the functions of the new pan-European Federation and its ability to work through Europe Air Sports to ensure the voice of vintage aviation, along with the other disciplines covered, is heard by thse who walk in the corridors of aviation power in Europe.
The power has indeed shifted to a significant extent from the DfT and the CAA to EASA and Eurocontrol along with the EU Commission and the EU Parliament. We have to adapt to that situation or be rolled over by those European agencies.
To this end it is vital that we increase our membership in order to fund the costs involved in our participation in a Europen federation.
Barry Tempest FRAeS
HAA council member for regulatory affairs
http://www.efeva.eu/index.php