Sat Oct 10, 2009 6:00 pm
IAA Current view on PPG regulation: October 2009
In light of the recent discussions about submissions being made to the IAA by the NMAI with others, in relation to PPG and more specifically trikes/ Powered Parachutes, I felt I had little alternative but to speek directly to the IAA to seek clarification on their position. Cathal has also had similar assurances.
Below is my summary of the brief discussion. As always I found the IAA to be open and receptive, and very willing to discuss matters of concern to Pilots.
I have not been in contact with the IAA for a number of years, in order to avoid confusing them with more contacts! and in the hope that if I was patient, that we would one day be able to speak to them as one group?? ... not yet!
In the interests of transparancy, and to clarify the position for all, I have made a memo of my discussion with them below, which I put on the forum with their approval. This outlines their current thinking on the position:
Summary of discussion with IAA
8th October 2009
1. Scope for future Statutory Delegation of PPG control for Ireland:
The IAA have confirmed again that the position is as it has always been, that no one Group or Organisation will have the statutory role in relation to Powered Paragliders delegated to them, while there are numerous groups and individuals out there not being represented in one collective group.
The IAA do not have any proposals in front of them from anyone seeking this control, nor have they sought it from anyone. Any submission from any group or individual, that is made to them on this subject it will be reviewed, and given due consideration.
The trend in Europe is towards delegation, and the IAA would support this in time if the following basic and reasonable criteria were to apply:
1. The group seeking delegation were Cohesive and all inclusive.
2. That they were deemed to be acting in a professional, unbiased, responsible manner in relation to all pilots in the sport.
3. That it was clear that there was no evidence of ‘faction fighting’ or personality conflicts.
In the meantime, the IAA are clear that they must be bound by the principle of ‘Freedom of Disassociation’, in that individuals have a right not to be forced to be a member of any group. If there is no representative body fulfilling the above basic criteria, then there will be no Statutory Delegation. The IAA are not being in any way judgemental of the current situation in the PPG sport, but while there are ‘factions’, they are bound to continue be impartial, and to meet with all interested groups.
A number of examples of the above were given, where in some cases a body had been Delegated control, and others where it would not be, where the situation is very similar to our own.
2. Powered Parachutes and Trikes:
As we have been informed, the IAA and NMAI have been in discussions, along with IPPHA and other individuals, to move towards the easing of the rules in relation to PPC’s and Trikes, in uncontrolled airspace. This move has been highlighted on the forum before and is a welcome development.
Should other groups/ individuals wish to become involved in this debate, they would presumably be able to do so by direct contact with the IAA.
3. Conclusion:
The IAA are as open as always to hear from Pilots, and anxious to encourage moves that would encourage the future safe development of the PPG sport. They would support the concept of delegation should all the above criteria be met, but are also very happy to continue to control and regulate the sport in the meantime.
In short, there is no immediate panic to resolve whatever differences there may be, and the focus should be on encouraging engagement that supports the safe and legal development of the sport.
End memo.
Oisin Creagh
Below is my summary of the brief discussion. As always I found the IAA to be open and receptive, and very willing to discuss matters of concern to Pilots.
I have not been in contact with the IAA for a number of years, in order to avoid confusing them with more contacts! and in the hope that if I was patient, that we would one day be able to speak to them as one group?? ... not yet!
In the interests of transparancy, and to clarify the position for all, I have made a memo of my discussion with them below, which I put on the forum with their approval. This outlines their current thinking on the position:
Summary of discussion with IAA
8th October 2009
1. Scope for future Statutory Delegation of PPG control for Ireland:
The IAA have confirmed again that the position is as it has always been, that no one Group or Organisation will have the statutory role in relation to Powered Paragliders delegated to them, while there are numerous groups and individuals out there not being represented in one collective group.
The IAA do not have any proposals in front of them from anyone seeking this control, nor have they sought it from anyone. Any submission from any group or individual, that is made to them on this subject it will be reviewed, and given due consideration.
The trend in Europe is towards delegation, and the IAA would support this in time if the following basic and reasonable criteria were to apply:
1. The group seeking delegation were Cohesive and all inclusive.
2. That they were deemed to be acting in a professional, unbiased, responsible manner in relation to all pilots in the sport.
3. That it was clear that there was no evidence of ‘faction fighting’ or personality conflicts.
In the meantime, the IAA are clear that they must be bound by the principle of ‘Freedom of Disassociation’, in that individuals have a right not to be forced to be a member of any group. If there is no representative body fulfilling the above basic criteria, then there will be no Statutory Delegation. The IAA are not being in any way judgemental of the current situation in the PPG sport, but while there are ‘factions’, they are bound to continue be impartial, and to meet with all interested groups.
A number of examples of the above were given, where in some cases a body had been Delegated control, and others where it would not be, where the situation is very similar to our own.
2. Powered Parachutes and Trikes:
As we have been informed, the IAA and NMAI have been in discussions, along with IPPHA and other individuals, to move towards the easing of the rules in relation to PPC’s and Trikes, in uncontrolled airspace. This move has been highlighted on the forum before and is a welcome development.
Should other groups/ individuals wish to become involved in this debate, they would presumably be able to do so by direct contact with the IAA.
3. Conclusion:
The IAA are as open as always to hear from Pilots, and anxious to encourage moves that would encourage the future safe development of the PPG sport. They would support the concept of delegation should all the above criteria be met, but are also very happy to continue to control and regulate the sport in the meantime.
In short, there is no immediate panic to resolve whatever differences there may be, and the focus should be on encouraging engagement that supports the safe and legal development of the sport.
End memo.
Oisin Creagh