General aviation's new champion

Phil Dunnington, the first balloon pilot to cross the North West Arctic Passage, has been appointed by the Department for Transport as general aviation advocate to represent the general aviation sector and advise government on relevant policies.

The announcement was made during a visit to Cranfield University by transport secretary Grant Shapps, who said the appointment was part of the government’s ambition to develop the aviation industry.

Dunnington, currently managing director of an aviation consultancy for regulatory and accident analysis, will be responsible for championing and shaping the future of the sector.

Shapps said Dunnington would represent general aviation on key industry boards, provide relevant independent advice to the government on key industry issues and provide an annual report to the government on the state of general aviation.

Aviation minister Paul Maynard said: “It’s vital we do all we can to promote and strengthen this brilliant sector, to solve some of the most pressing challenges and to continue in establishing the UK as a world leader in aviation.”

Dunnington added: “I aim to establish a regime which ensures aviation serves all of the community working in partnership on airspace, the protection of airfields, the regulatory framework and policies that promote economic growth.”

www.gov.uk/government/organisations/department-for-transport

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