Westminster and light aviation

The All-Party Parliamentary Group on General Aviation (APPG) held a media briefing last week.  This new group is chaired by the former Cabinet minister and private pilot’s licence holder Rt Hon Grant Shapps MP.

Only created in March this year, and already including 33 members of both Commons and Lords, the plan is to promote the objective via Parliament – as set out by British Government – of making the United Kingdom the best country in the world for General Aviation (GA), and to stimulate interest in the sector.

Supported by amongst others British Airways, Rolls-Royce and GA supplier Haywards Aviation, APPG sets its goal to ensure that GA inspires both current and future generations to take up science, technology, engineering and mathematics, thereby creating high-tech jobs and growth in all nations and regions of our economy. In order to achieve this objective, APPG believes that a network of General Aviation airfields must be protected and enhanced by the government.

During the meeting it was announced that Blackpool Airport had been purchased by the local council, who view an airport essential in attracting business Progress was being made on reopening Plymouth City Airport, and  in his own backyard (he is the local MP) Mr Shapps was able to elaborate on Panshanger, in his own constituency, which could be resurrected as a flying field in the not too distant future.

APPG has a brand new website.

www.generalaviationappg.uk

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OUR READERS' FINEST WORDS (All times and dates are GMT)

All comments are filtered to exclude any excesses but the Editor does not have to agree with what is being said. 100 words maximum

Nigel Price, Stamford, Lincs

In my view the creation of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on General Aviation is a real boost for GA in this country, and will be a turning point for the better.