For the attention of Steve Slater

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neilld
Posts: 52
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:00 pm
Location: S.Wales

For the attention of Steve Slater

Post by neilld » Wed Jun 10, 2020 12:21 pm

Apologies for thread title but getting a response from LAA high command on this forum is like drawing teeth.
With regard to the recent statement concerning the restarting of GA in Scotland and Wales, there appears to be some disagreement locally (in Wales) as to whether or not this is actually permitted.
Please advise from whom in the Welsh Government the apparent approval of GA flying was obtained which led to the statement
"If you live in Scotland or Wales, and your travel can legally take place to a flying site, provided social distancing rules are observed, there is no legal obstacle to flying solo or sharing flights with a member of your own household."
(Note that the "5 mile limit" is not set in stone and is a guideline.)
There is a comment on the red and yellow forum which contains this
"The airfield operator has it in writing from a senior CS in the Welsh administration, via our local AM, that GA activities can not recommence under the current guidelines."
which appears to contradict the LAA statement.
Please publish the actual response from the Welsh government which authorises GA flying in Wales.

thanks & regards

DFN
David Neill
036044

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John Dean
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Re: For the attention of Steve Slater

Post by John Dean » Wed Jun 10, 2020 12:56 pm

I can't answer your question but would ask you if the Welsh Administration have any authority over the operation of aircraft anywhere in the UK. Is that not the sole responsibility of the CAA?

neilld
Posts: 52
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:00 pm
Location: S.Wales

Re: For the attention of Steve Slater

Post by neilld » Wed Jun 10, 2020 1:46 pm

" if the Welsh Administration have any authority over the operation of aircraft anywhere in the UK."
Don't know but have emailed the Welsh minister responsible for transport (Ken Skates) for clarity but am on a three week response time.
Where/who did the information in Mr.Slaters news release come from and why is it apparently at variance with other reports?

DFN
David Neill
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neilld
Posts: 52
Joined: Tue Jan 08, 2008 9:00 pm
Location: S.Wales

Re: For the attention of Steve Slater

Post by neilld » Wed Jun 10, 2020 2:37 pm

Re the possibility of GA NOT being allowed in Wales at the moment, I have received some clarity as follows
"The letter was from Simon Jones, Director Economic Infrastructure ([email protected]) and basically said that the First Minister's announcement that day (29th May) still did not permit GA activity to resume in Wales, but it would an important consideration in the next 21 day review."
This was the comment on the red & yellow forum which contradicts Mr Slaters news item.
If Mr Slaters source n the Welsh government overrides that above then all is good but we need to know from whence his information came and on whose authority.

DFN
David Neill
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ArthugG
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Re: For the attention of Steve Slater

Post by ArthugG » Fri Jun 19, 2020 9:35 pm

The situation in Wales is deeply frustrating for many who consider that socially distanced flying presents little risk to public health. The Welsh Assembly have no remit over GA. However, Lance-Corporal lockdown himself, Mr Drakeford, has issued guidance (not law, but guidance) about limiting one's travel to 5 miles (on the ground, as he can't control air travel). So, if you have to travel more than 5 miles to an airfield, you have no access to an aircraft to rise above the lockdown rules. Of course if you live very near the border, you can cross it perfectly legitimately and then English rules apply.
Arthur Griffin
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