In his annual report to the Historic Aircraft Association members at their AGM last Saturday 15th March, the Chairman, Wally Epton emphasized the need to support the newly formed European Federation of Light, Experimental and Vintage Aircraft council which through Europe Air Sports and ECOGAS will represent the interests of Historic, Vintage, Veteran, Heritage and Warbird operators in the UK.
“The HAA is convinced that as much as possible just one voice should represent the interests of heritage aircraft as ‘divide and rule’ will just not succeed. I see that the role of the HAA in the future in pursuing its aim of protecting the interests of its members is likely to be more of a confederation of interested Heritage, Classic, Vintage, Veteran and Warbird aircraft parties and associations in the UK using the HAA as the platform for access to Europe” said Wally Epton at the AGM.
“I am convinced that for such a confederation, to have full representation in Brussels, a seat on EFLEVA is essential. Now that the HAA has an established seat on EFLEVA, and our special delegate Barry Tempest will be attending regularly, it is going to involve spending money to support representation at that committee” said Epton. He went on by saying “to raise the necessary funds to support effective representation in Europe will involve increasing the membership of the HAA and we would be delighted to join together with all vintage, veteran, heritage and warbird aircraft owners, operators, engineers, restorers and type clubs and enthusiasts here in the UK for everyone to become a member of the HAA.”
“This would not mean that all the various clubs and groups would lose their own identity and activities. It is important that all the various organizations and clubs continue to flourish because that is what they were established to do, but by having their members individually join the HAA as well being members of their own groups, they would gain representation at the highest level in European aviation politics.” Epton went on to say “we can all promote our particular specialist interest, and enjoy the comradeship of sharing similar aviation activities, but when it comes to politics what better way to band together than through membership of one organization that already has a seat in Europe.”
“The HAA recognizes that for most light aircraft owners and operators the newly revamped UK Light Aircraft Association (formerly PFA) represents their interests in the best possible way, and for some type owners it is essential that they should be members of the LAA to obtain permits to fly. However there are a lot of vintage, veteran, historic and heritage aircraft enthusiasts who would not ordinarily wish to be members of the LAA, and would benefit greatly from being members of the HAA for a mere £15.”
Wally Epton went on to say how the HAA was particularly pleased with their relationship with the Vintage Aircraft Club and Classic Jet Operators Association, Air Display Association Europe, Moth Club, Aeronca owners, Chipmunk owners and others. Epton was keen to get closer with other groups and he emphasized that this was in no way a power-hungry, ground-grabbing exercise to increase the size of the HAA.
Epton stressed the views of the HAA by saying “We believe firmly that individual groups, clubs and associations that have been formed to enjoy common interests and activities of like-minded folk in pursuit of their own aviation interests should be encouraged. We also believe that there is a lot of common ground in the worlds of Historic, Heritage, Vintage, Veteran and Warbird aircraft followers, and that’s perhaps where the HAA can fulfill a wider purpose, particularly concerning the European regulatory environment we live in now. The HAA could in effect be an over-arching organization representing the interests of all Historic, Vintage, Veteran and Heritage aircraft groups in the UK, and this is what we will work towards in the best interests of all.”
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