Light Aircraft Association

Information fro the BGA
As previously reported, the BGA has supplied information to the CAA in support of a funding bid to help owners with their costs of equipping with 8.33 kHz capable radios. This bid opportunity followed effective lobbying at the European Commission four years ago by Europe Air Sports.
The CAA facilitated bid has been successful; a recently published European Commission document listing 200 successful projects under what are called the ‘CEF transport call for proposals’ includes ‘2015-UK-TM-0150-M, SESAR, Other Projects, 8.33kHz Radio Equipage for the UK GA Fleet. Total estimated costs 21,7 million Euro. Funding granted 4,4 million Euro (20%)’. You can view the document below

http://ec.europa.eu/transport/themes/in ... posals.pdf

Colin

Hi Colin,

Read this on PPrune as well - with the natural following question, how do I get my bit of the 4.4M EUR?1

Safe flights, Sam.

I suspect the BGA is not the only flying organization working on this. I would be surprised if the LAA is not involved in the discussion.
Perhaps someone in the know would care to comment.
Colin

LAA were indeed involved, including carrying out the research to make the assessment of how many powered aircraft would be involved in a retro-fit.
When you hear of non-members rightfully claiming their EU contribution, please mention that they are receiving it because of organisations like the LAA and the BGA fighting the GA corner and maybe they might consider joining, thus supporting those who are supporting them.

Hi Brian,

Wilco!

But do we know anything about how/when the help might materialise?

All best, Sam.


PS I'm a member!

I may be acting simple this morning as a 3.50am start but...
Surely if 20% VAT was removed from the purchase of an 8.33MHz Radio on the basis of it being a mandated action at the behest of European aviation, that would do the job?

Yes, but we (as a company) recover that anyway - so it would sort of penalise companies making the change...?

I absolutely agree with Gerry Holland. If something is mandated and there is a cost attached it should be zero rated for VAT, quite aside from any other financial help that may be on offer. We're not all VAT registered businesses.

UKGA REPORTS
EU funding for 8.33 kHz radio

Tony Rapson, Head of the GA Unit said: “We are delighted our application for radio funding was successful. This will go some way to easing the burden for aircraft owners converting to 8.33 kHz" equipment in the UK.

Will this cover Permit aircraft?
Can we do our own installation (inspected by a laa avionics engineer)?
When will we see the money?

Chris

Hi Chris. Latest comment from CAA says money is agreed from the EU subject to contract, so it looks like there's a good chance it will be coming. CAA is to discuss with the organisations - LAA, BMAA etc - how the money should be allocated but It will certainly apply to Permit aircraft. We will have to wait a while longer to see how individual owners can make a claim, exactly what is and isn't claimable, and whether retrospective claims will be possible.
Rgds Brian

The following link is worth reading regarding some grant aid for fitting 8.33Khz Radios


https://members.gliding.co.uk/2016/09/0 ... -equipage/
Cheers
Colin

Hi Colin

Thanks for the link.

Chris

Just to bump this back to the head of the page......
I wonder if there is any update on the process for recovering 20% of the equipage costs. It seems to have gone very quiet of late!

Hi Colin, CAA has now published criteria at: www.caa.co.uk/CAP1501
You cannot make a claim yet as the application forms are not been finalised but are promised for early in the New Year.

Brian
Many thanks for the prompt response.
Seasons greetings
Colin