By Association Looking after General Aviation The UK’s flying associations at work
BMAA Light Sport Microlights The term ‘600kg microlight’ is misleading as many of the new types are being introduced at a lower MTOM. Instead, we refer to the new breed of ‘somewhere-between-450kgand-600kg’ aircraft as Light Sport Microlights, or LSM for short. Friday, 19 November 2021 was a very significant day for British microlighting as we issued three permits to Eurofoxes with a MTOM of 560kg. The era of Light Sport Microlights has officially begun. Less than three months since the Air Navigation Order was amended, and while
the updated design code, BCAR Section S, is still to be agreed by the CAA, the BMAA Technical Office took a pragmatic approach, using existing design codes and then collaborating closely with suppliers to eliminate delay. More types will follow very soon… the Skyranger 600kg version may well be in the air by the time you read this. We are working with other potential suppliers, though this may be to offer advice only. Those who are new to the UK market must gain CAA’s A8-1 manufacturing approval and then submit their first of type to the CAA who issue the permit.
CAA somewhat optimistically indicated – nine months ago – that A8-1 would be achieved within two weeks, yet importers are still waiting for progress and also for clarification on costs. We will continue to engage with CAA to reduce delay, charge reasonable fees and fulfil the government’s declared aim of supporting a thriving and vibrant recreational aviation sector. Rob Hughes British Microlight Aircraft Association www.bmaa.org
CAS Support when needed Civil Air Support (CAS) is the largest charitable air support organisation in Europe. Our growing membership features an extensive fleet of privately owned aircraft, which includes fixed-wing aeroplanes, helicopters, and gyrocopters. Our crews include appropriately qualified and experienced pilots, many coming from military, police, and commercial aviation backgrounds, as well as trained observers. We also have a dedicated team of operational support staff, administrators, and fundraisers. CAS’s primary mission is to provide humanitarian air support to agencies,
organisations or individuals who have an urgent need and would not otherwise have access to it. We can offer a broad range of support services nationwide because our members are all volunteers who donate their time and aircraft free of charge. We do not charge for our services, and we never compete with established airborne resources. We only operate when the alternative is no air support at all. Recent missions have included search, photography and survey work, communications relay, environmental monitoring and the transportation of wildlife and time-critical medical samples.
Civil Air Support is always ready to respond to those who might benefit from our humanitarian assistance or emergency support. If you feel you might have something to offer and would like a chat, please email us at admin@civilairsupport.com or visit our website. Flying a mission for CAS might just be the most rewarding thing you ever do in your aeroplane! Will Ingleby
Civil Air Support www.civilairsupport.com
LAA Teamwork at its best For me, one of the highlights of the LAA AGM, as well as meeting so many members from around the country, was the annual LAA Service Awards. There isn’t room to name all the worthy recipients, but in every case they have worked with LAA HQ staff to help deliver events, activities and initiatives that even a good-sized member organisation like ours would otherwise struggle to fulfill. Thank you all! Teamwork is increasingly important in other areas, too. Our entire Permit to Fly system couldn’t function without our
nationwide team of LAA Inspectors and, while the CAA has been in receipt of the odd brickbat from our direction in the recent past, there has been a genuine commitment to greater teamwork in past months, in areas including airspace, airworthiness and new technologies. With environmental issues at the fore, we are also working to develop greater use of unleaded UL91 avgas. It is estimated that more than 80% of the GA fleet could transition to lead-free fuel with no issues. Indeed, UL91 is generally better for most lower compression engines. However, many airfields simply
don’t have an infrastructure to allow UL91 and 100LL to be stored and dispensed separately. The LAA and AOPA have therefore been working with the Department for Transport, to suggest funding similar to that offered to pilots for 8.33 radios or Electronic Conspicuity, to support smaller airfields in investing in additional infrastructure. If we succeed, it will be teamwork at its best! Steve Slater
Light Aircraft Association www.lightaircraftassociation.co.uk
Aviation associations Got something to say? You’re welcome to contribute to this page, email editor@seager.aero 62 | FLYER | January 2022
