In a move that has the fingerprints of Transport Minister Grant Shapps all over it, he an enthusiastic private pilot, the Government has announced plans to introduce a range of reforms to make it easier for General Aviation (GA) pilots to fly, and to support businesses, skills and innovation in this important sector.

It includes proposals to simplify pilot and crew licensing and review medical requirements on non-scheduled aircraft – cutting red tape on requirements for GA users.  The changes are expected to be welcomed by the GA community following detailed consultation by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) on UK GA opportunities after leaving the EU.

Robert Courts, Aviation Minister, said: “I want the UK to be seen as the best place in the world for General Aviation with a flourishing, wealth-generating and job-producing sector. General Aviation is the grassroots of the wider aviation sector and fundamental to attracting the next generation of pilots and skills into the sector.”

He went on to say that the reforms will help to cut unnecessary red tape for the sector.

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