6 September 2004
VFR flying in the UK and Europe faces the threat of navigation charges under a draft EEC proposal.
Eurocontrol has been empowered by the European Commission to undertake a consultation on “Implementing Rules on a Common Charging Scheme for Air Navigation Services” for all users.
Under the Single European Sky project costs of en route air navigation services made available to flights performed under VFR would be recovered from airspace users by means of a charge per flight or by means of an annual charge.
Not surprisingly the move has caused some concern for the UK flying community. There are several pages of comment on the Flyer Forum.
Responses to the consultation must reach Eurocontrol by 17th September. They report to the EC in mid October and the regulations come into effect early next year.
