Fly Past

choose careers in aviation because of

their experiences at air shows

and museums.

The Ministry of Defence has

been asked by the APPG to review

its policy for disposing of retired

military aircraft, arguing they

should be gifted to accredited

museums because the public has

paid for them. Government tax,

placed on importing historic

aircraft, is being examined, as

import duty isn’t applied at the

same levels in many other heritage-

related areas. The VAT rates

applicable for vintage aircraft are

also being scrutinised.

In addition, the Heritage

Working Group is focusing on

the complex issue of replacement

spare parts liability for historic

aircraft. Currently, the original

equipment manufacturer (OEM)

often has responsibility for ensuring

component integrity, often

without benefit to the company.

Unsurprisingly, many are reluctant

to accept the risk, and the easy

option is to deny access to technical

data and the necessary sign-off for

flight, leading to a critical lack of

spares and grounding of aircraft.

Could aftermarket parts be made by

responsible engineering companies,

with transferrable risk? The HWG

team intends to find out.

Another main area under review is

air event and aircraft maintenance

management self-administration.

Assigning more responsibility

to those who know and work in

historic aviation works well in other

countries – so why is that not the

best way forward in the UK?

Aviation is clearly facing many

challenges in these heavily regulated

times, but the future could be bright,

given the right level of support. The

APPG is determined to make sure it

receives all the backing it needs.

“Clearly, having a good network of aerodromes is vital for

aviation’s long-term health, but unprotected airfi elds are ripe for

redevelopment...”

At the time of writing, the APPG

on General Aviation has 174

parliamentary members, including 27

privy councillors, 16 former cabinet

ministers, four former transport

ministers and one current party leader.

For more on its work, and for ways to

encourage your MP to get involved,

simply visit the group’s website.

http://www.generalaviationappg.uk

Ever growing

numbers

PRESERVATION

Above

Members of the

APPG working party

on historic aviation,

inside the House of

Commons. APPG

94 FLYPAST November 2018