Following long term discussions about forming a European federation of light aircraft associations, an Inaugural Meeting was held in July at Vichy to formalise arrangements between organisations already established in Austria, France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It was recognised that apart from aeromodelling and ballooning, the light aircraft, experimental, vintage and heritage aircraft associations were the only sports and recreational aviation activities not represented in Europe. Other aviation organisations have their own European federations or Unions and are able to represent their members interests at EASA.
The PFA and VAC along with the HAA in the UK recognised that it was time to move forward and gain representation at the right level in Europe.
The regulatory environment in Europe is getting more and more complicated.
The progressive transfer of authority to European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), as it keeps developing, requires close consultation links
The HAA needs to ensure our interests are properly represented
The idea is to establish a European confederation of light, experimental vintage and heritage aircraft national associations.
For the time being this body is to be known as EFLEVA – European Federation of Light, Experimental and Vintage Aircraft. This could become the European Confederation of Light, Experimental, Vintage and Heritage Aircraft Associations (ECLEVHAA), but long titles are not so easily accepted and this may evolve into something like European Confederation of Recreational Aircraft (ECRA) – who knows.
For now the purpose of EFLEVA is to support and to represent the interests of its Members at European level, in respect of all relevant regulatory matters.
Members are the national bodies representing the interests of light aircraft whether amateur built, vintage or heritage including war birds and classic jets.
EFLEVA is expected to become a member of Europe Air Sports but this needs to be ratified during a conference due to take place in Prague on 18th October. Our HAA representative at this conference will be Council Member for Regulatory Matters, Barry Tempest.
Barry will be reporting back to the HAA Council at a special meeting to be held at Oxford Kidlington on Sunday 28th October.
HAA Council is excited about these developments and looks forward to joining with our colleagues in the PFA, VAC, CJAO, Chipmunk Owners, Moth Club, etc etc through the newly formed EFLEVA and in cooperation with Europe Air Sports to at last have an effective voice at EASA.
http://www.haa-uk.aero/media/minutes/18-09-2007-112823-meeting.ppt