REPORT ON EUROPEAN AIRSPORTS TO THE CIA PLENARY,
March 1999 by Derry Moore
WHY THE NEED FOR YET ANOTHER INSTITUTION
With the advent of a new European Community there was concern over the vagaries, variations and vested interests surrounding Rules and Regulations and there was need for a united approach to Authority on matters concerning Recreational Aviation.
Without such a united forum we have to accept Authority decisions made on our behalf that may lead to draconian legislation more favourable to Commercial rather than Recreational Aviation.
RESULT
Europe Airsports, was conceived in 1988.
STRUCTURE OF EUROPE AIRSPORTS
Figure 1 is an Organisation chart, which shows the various States that contribute to the funding of Europe Airsports.
Figure 2 shows how Europe Airsports is organised.
Two conferences are held each year and each conference includes:
A separate assembly dealing with the on-going matters of technical importance and staffed with people who operate as Technical Officers or Working Group Co-ordinators.
Technical Officers are experts in their own field, e.g. on airspace matters. Co-ordinators are specialists who have formed a working group drawn from throughout the European States, e.g. our own Balloons & Airships Group (BAWG).
In addition, much work is communicated directly to EA officials, all information being monitored by our Secretary-General.
AFFILIATION WITH FAI
By 1994 EA was recognised by the Authorities and our Technical Officers were attending various official conferences.
Discussion with FAI was taking place and in 1994 EA became affiliated to FAI in an official capacity.
The division of responsibility between FAI and EA was such that the CIA continued with responsibility for all sporting matters and EA assumed responsibility for Rules and Regulations.
EUROPE AIRSPORTS RELATIONSHIPS
Figure 3 links those States available for EA membership along with the various Authorities that we need to approach. One of particular importance is the JAA. This is the authority whose considered opinions are released in the form of a Joint Aviation Requirement (JAR). Once submitted to the Parliaments of Member States JARs usually become law.
Figure 4 is a simplified chart of the JAA Organisation.
EUROPE AIRSPORTS ACTIVITIES
These are various and numerous, some completed, some in hand, some held on watching brief. one example is:
A Legal Study
A professional study concerning legal arguments regarding access to airspace. The aim is to present arguments, if any, to strengthen the position of Sports and Recreational Aviation.
WHAT'S MY FUNCTION
I am the co-ordinator of the Balloons & Airships Working
Group (BAWG). This is the group of individuals drawn from the various member States. Regular reports are submitted to them containing on-going developments and possible points of contention. However, it must be said that feedback has been disappointing with the exception of Denmark, Sweden, The Netherlands, Belgium and the UK. Likewise, meetings have been attempted without success.
As the response has been insufficient, an additional way forward could be by representation from BANG at CIA meetings. This would provide a broader base for discussion and would enhance the scope of the Working Group. In my particular case, I can add the experience gained through attendance on several aviation committees plus a useful personal contact within the FAA.
In conclusion Europe Airsports will continue to strive for co-operation and agreement between the States for the benefit of all.
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