Happy New Year All,
A friend is involved with the Lee Flying Association and asked if I could help spread the word on this.
Thanks for your interest,
Mark
Below is a (now public) Lee Flying Association members update which might be of interest.
Having read it PLEASE consider writing an email response into SEEDA as the ONE thing you do this week to help save a GA airfield.
[email]daedalus-project@seeda.co.uk[/email]
Thank you. More at http://www.eghf.co.uk
Dear LFA Member,
MEMBERS UPDATE 5 JAN 2008
With your help the LFA have been campaigning sine June 2007 for talks to achieve a solution whereby general aviation can continue and flourish at Lee-On-Solent. As a result of approaches by the LFA solicitor, Hampshire Police Authority (HPA) deferred closure of the airfield a second time, until 14th May 2008, to enable the consultation process to get under way. It is expected that the talks will begin later this month, under the auspices of a forum created by Fareham Borough Council.
AOPA and LFA have been lobbying government departments (eventually to the Secretaries of State for Transport, and Defence) to confirm the regulator for the airfield, i.e. CAA or MoD-DPA. This is a fundamental aspect of airfield operations, and a regulator assessment is required as part of the way forward for Lee-On-Solent. The government’s own review of this matter, prompted by actions of the LFA solicitor, has been taking some considerable time. However indications are that Queens Counsel may now be close to making its decision on this matter.
Nonetheless, very regrettably the operating restrictions imposed by the HPA since May 2007, and uncertainties created by the HPA closure decisions have now finally forced the closure of the last remaining flying school at Lee-On-Solent. Carill Aviation has ceased trading, ending 22 years provision of highly reputable aviation training and aircraft rental services in South Hampshire.
Further aviation-support and engineering businesses are also expected to cease trading in the near future, unless a supportive approach is now adopted for the duration of the talks by SEEDA, the MCA and HPA. This more positive stance is being sought. Further member updates, press releases etc will be available later this month.
The LFA Membership is continuing to grow, and fighting fund donations are being received from across the U.K.
Among many current actions LFA is pursuing on behalf of the membership, it is important that the LFA encourages all members and as many local supporters as possible to express their support for aviation, through the consultation process below, now (before Jan 12th).
We sincerely hope you will email a pro-aviation response to SEEDA, and encourage others you know to do so as well… …please see overleaf:
Responding to SEEDA Concepts for the Daedalus Site by 12th January:
South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) recently unveiled their concepts for the airfield site at Lee-On-Solent. They are available on-line at http://www.daedalus-seeda.co.uk/content/default.asp?PageId=135 and include potential locations for aviation activities.
SEEDA wants to hear your thoughts and views about them, and the Lee Flying Association would like to encourage you to have your views included at this crucial stage of the consultation process.
Please email any comments you have in relation to the SEEDA concepts to [email]daedalus-project@seeda.co.uk[/email]. Lee Flying Association would be pleased if you would copy [email]lfa_los@mac.com[/email] on your email, so that it can also be informed of your views regarding the site in general and aviation in particular.
LFA’s own initial response the SEEDA Concepts is available at http://www.eghf.co.uk
Respondents keen to see general aviation continuing at the airfield might consider expressing their support for:
– A range of General Aviation activities at the airfield (such as gliding, powered light aircraft, helicopter and police operations
– Private and recreational flying opportunities available to all
– Formally agreed access, without unique restrictions, to the MCA runways from SEEDA (and possibly MoD) owned adjacent land for local and visiting aircraft
– A flying club or clubs for trained pilots of various types of powered aircraft and gliders
– Flying training for various types of powered aircraft and gliders (even if training flights position to Isle of Wight airfields if necessary)
– A place to socialise, watch the flying, eat out at airfield clubhouse; accessible to the public and a centre for encouraging young peoples interest in aviation
– Business aviation (i.e. travel by private/charter aircraft – not airliners)
– No more development encroachment on the airfield open space which would curtail aviation use of the runways and taxiways
– Improvement or replacement of existing aviation infrastructure on SEEDA-owned land, rather than the construction of new facilities in the MCA-owned open land
– Community uses of the open space, similar to those which were accommodated prior to MCA and SEEDA land purchase; such as practice areas for Children’s Motorcycle Display Teams and Aero Modellers clubs
– The creation of a strategic integrated aviation education and training initiatives on-site, providing skills to the many aviation-related employers in the region
– Preservation of aviation heritage through projects, education opportunities, on site
– Aviation support businesses such as aircraft maintenance, fuel services
Donations to fighting funds still required. More updates to follow.
Many thanks, Lee Flying Association
http://www.eghf.co.uk
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January 7, 2008 at 8:42 pm