I have been watching this thread with interest for a while. There are some points which I wish to make and which may bore some of you. If they do then please feel free to move on.
I have been heavily involved with European Microlight Federation, Europe Air Sports and EASA for 4 years now including MDM032 and am up to speed with all EASA NPA's, CRD's, EU Commission, Council of Ministers etc and I have problems with some of the comments in AOPA Ireland's statement which kicked off this thread. My comments inserted **
All General Aviation in Ireland is controlled by the Bodies of Government within.
** Not true. GA in Ireland is fully controlled by the IAA, the only Semi State body to be fully autonamous and as such are not answerable to the Government or the Ombudsman for that matter.
Many regulations are passed by separate bodies of the EU and our own Government, without any consultation with the General Aviators of Ireland.
This is primarily because, our government will only recognize "Officially Registered Organizations" who have a voice at International level. Any other level is deemed useless.
** Who are these bodies? Regulations may well be passed by seperate bodies but to my knowlege not aviation regulations. EASA present opinions to the Commission only having consulted with ALL stakeholders in the EU including Ireland. Whether or not we choose to participate is neither here nor there. Our Government only sign off on what is passed by the Council of Ministers and subsequently rubber stamped by the EU Parliament usually 12 months after it has been passed.
As pointed out above, it really doesn't matter whether the Government recognize organisations or not. Dealing will either be done with EASA or the IAA.
Ireland DOES NOT presently have an officially recognized General Aviation representative body.
Yes they do!!!!!! The National Aero Club of Ireland who's effectiveness may well be questionable but I believe this is solely down to the lack of support from the GA community. You will not be recognized by FAI or have any involvement in CANS or CIMA unless you are affiliated to NACI so they are a recognised representative body.
Previously, such a body did exist, they were the AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association) and, it is strongly believed that this body may still be in existance. They are no longer affiliated to the International governing body, and have not contacted them for some Years, and obviously, no longer represent Irish General Aviation.
** True
There are however, many splinter groups of aviators within Ireland. The majority of these have visions of Authority and Leadership. But they lack the main ingredients.
** I would strongly argue this point. NMAI have absolutely no delusions of grandure and certainly do not lack any ingredients. I stand to be corrected but I dont know of any other group who have been as active both at home and abroad over the past 6 years.
The aviators of Ireland are basically at the mercy of a closed regime and the higher authorities are very satisfied with this arrangement.
** Again true but only because, for some reason, Irish Aviators seem to have difficulties standing together.
BUT.....
What can be done? What are the alternatives?
1..Establish a representative body!..........We do not believe that any newly constructed body would be accepted at upper levels.
** Is this proposed body not newly constructed.
2..Offshore Representation!....................This is unlikely to work as these bodies would not be recognized by irish goverment.
** For Irish Government see above.
3..Do the general aviation personnel of Ireland want a representative body? and will they want to join the membership of such a body?
If your answer is YES to both questions in 3 above, thats half the battle.
** Only if that representative body can show that they have the credentials, the experience at the top levels in the EU and the expertise in domestic and EU aviation politics.
So!
Lets take the bull by the horns, and give them the opportunity to prove that Irish Aviators are a force to be reckoned with!
This must be done in a full, democratic, unbiased and legal pattern.
We must be recognized as the official body at National and International levels.
This body must have a genuine and trustworthy Committee with its own constitution.
Affiliation to International governing bodies is a MUST.
** NACI would be a start
** So far for me this whole thread has been about registering a company. Nothing about how aviation issues will be tackled. It could well be 3 years too late with EASA NPA's almost finalised.
NMAI have tirelessly campaigned for all other GA groups to follow our lead in Europe where we have definitely had a voice but to no avail.
The whole opening statement says to me that the people involved are maybe not up to speed although I do welcome the sentiment.
Sorry for boring you to tears
All the best