FAS VFR Implementation Group reports decision on funding

[SteveHutt]

The Future Airspace Strategy VFR Implementation Group Ltd (FASVIG) receives interim funding approval for further work for 3 months starting 1 January 2018.

FASVIG Ltd was set up as a not-for-profit company in 2016 to support the Future Airspace Strategy, launched by Government and the CAA in 2011 with the objective of delivering by 2020, safe, efficient airspace that has the capacity to meet reasonable demand, balances the needs of all users and mitigates the impact of aviation on the environment. FASVIG offered proposals for airspace modernisation towards integrated airspace, enabling VFR aircraft and commercial air transport aircraft to operate efficiently without mutual interference delivering benefit to both sectors and enabling all airspace users to work better together.

Initially the FASVIG programme worked with minimal funding from GA organisations and relied on volunteers, but delivering change within the complex structure of UK and European airspace and regulation needs professional expertise and management. FASVIG Ltd applied successfully to the FAS Facilitation Fund for support during 2016 and 2017 and in November an application was made for further funding for 2018/19. The FAS Investment Board, which is chaired by the CAA and comprised of representatives of the commercial air transport sector did not approve that application at its meeting on 24 November but said it would consider an interim 3-month application. The investment Board met again on 20 December and approved funding for 3 months during which it would consider future support. The interim work will focus on enabling elements of FASVIG’s major 2-year project on airspace modernisation, now held in abeyance and subject to further scrutiny by the FAS Investment Board in February 2018.

FASVIG Ltd

21 December 2017

http://fasvig.org/funding-2017-12-21