Working Groups

The Airfields Working Group, chaired by Matt Wilkins,  is principally made up of aerodrome operators, along with leading planning experts. It has several working groups:

• The group is chaired by Ann Bartaby a Planning Expert, Head of Planning of the GAAC
• Pylons - The Group has issued advice nots and briefing to the Parliamentary Members of the APPG on the approach taken by National Grid, and lack of understanding of their impact on General Aviation Aerodromes
• Brownfield Status - an advice note has similiarly been issued to the Parliamentary Members, detailing how a small glossary change in the NPPF, itself the result of a mistake by a previous Goverment, will clarify that aerdromes are not 'Brownfield'
• Safeguarding  - the group has highglighted to all aerodrome operators the importance of issuing safeguarding plans - pointing out the resources and guidance already available to do so at no cost which can be found on the CAA website: https://www.caa.co.uk/combined-aerodrome-safeguarding-team-cast/cast-introduction/
• Hospital Helipad planning protections are under discussion - several cases exist whereby a helipad has been rendered unusable due to surrounding developments. 
• Policy Procedures, DCO Procedures and Permitted Devlopment are a few of the other topics under consideration
• Solar Farms and the means by which airfields can co-exist with them, along with the dangers ill considered applications can cause. 

• The group is led by the SAN's princpals, Ann Bartaby and Louise Southern
• The SAN is currently engaged in gathering data from aerdromes across the UK and creating systems of analysis. 
• The aim is to provide a proposal to Government identifying a network of stragecially important aerodromes, along with policies which can ensure they are protected from planning and other developments. 
• This work is the most comprehensive analysis of the UK's aerodromes for a generation and is industry led. 

• The group is chaired by Matt Wilkins,
• The group has recently authored a letter from the APPG Chair, Tim Roca MP, to the Minister for Aviation on the subject of the Radio Operators Certificate of Competence, issued by the CAA. The CAA has provided a detailed and collaborative response which is of great reassurance to aerdrome operators. This letter resulted in a revised timetable and change in policies and procedures from the CAA, who will reach out to industry as they create new guidance. 
• NOTAM Promulgation and issues with NATS NOTAM Office is an ongoing point of concentration and with which collaborative dialogue is ongoing via the CAA. 
• CAA Licensing Criteria, airfield survey requirements and Consultative Committees are all discussed. 
• The issue of Business Rates and their impact on aerodrome viability is currently under discussion
• Recruitment and Training, particularly looking at the shortages of RFFS and AFISO candidates is a matter on which the group  shares members and liaises with the larger work being conducted by the Next Generation of Aviation Employees Working Group. 
• This group looks at the part aerdromes will play in the deployment of future fuels and the transition to advances such as SAF. 
• Alternative sources of fuel such as electricty and hydrogen are also considered, prinicipally looking at the existing infrastructure at aerodromes, and solutions such as solar with which to improve it. 
• The group will co-ordinate to a considerable extent with the Sustainability Working Group of the APPG. 

• Matt Wilkins, Chair, Operator of Solent Airport from April 2026, since 2011 CAA Accountable Aerodrome Manager, Old Buckenham and Chair of the GAAC
• Ann Bartaby, Head of Planning GAAC, co founder of SAN
• Louise Southern, Vice Chair, Editor UK VFR Flight Guide, Airspace & Airfield Data Manager SkyDemon
• John Steele KC
• Marc Bailey, Flight Tech Advisory
• Chris Gazzard, Blackbushe Aerodrome
• Oliver Steel, Kittyhawk Aerodrome
• Simon Tilling, LAA
• Mark Gibb, Head of Aviation, Goodwood
• Chris Hobbs, Fairoaks Aerodrome
• Tom Turner, IWM Duxford
• Oliver Wheeldon, Scampton Holdings and Fenland Aerodrome
• Catharine Smith, White Waltham Aerodrome
• Tim Fauchon, BHA
• Graham Brown, ARPAS
• Bob Oliver, Swansea Airport
• Dave Latimer, BGA

The Group was founded and formed in the Spring of 2025 by Matt Wilkins, the Chair. 

The Airshows Working Group will primarily seek to make Parliament and Government aware of the enormous popularity and benefits of the Airshow industry, which draws the UK’s fourth largest audience. 

Providing vital inspiration to countless people in the aviation industry; the ability of Airshows to vividly put a career in aviation in the mind of young people is perhaps the single most important means of addressing the fundamental recruitment and skills shortage across aviation. 

STEM outreach and opportunities abound, and heritage aviation brings the story and sacrifice of airmen who fell in war to millions every year.

Challenges face the industry which has an excellent relationship with its regulator, the CAA. The purpose of the Working Group will be to liaise with the Regulator, whilst noting the excellent Flying Display Focus Group and other initiatives which allow for a mainly symbiotic relationship. 

The Group will have members representing all roles and sectors within the industry. This ranges from the giant seaside Airshows, usually held by councils with budgetary constraints through to the smallest air display, added to an existing event. Seasoned experts lend their expertise and perspective at the same time as those starting out in the various roles the industry will offer. 

• Matt Wilkins (Chair), Vice President of BADA, Event Organiser and Flying Display Director. Board Member, Events Industry Forum.  
• Rod Dean, Flying Display Director (including seaside airshows), Display Authorised Pilot, former Head of GA at CAA
• Trevor Graham, Event Organiser, Flying Display Director
• Charles Skiera, Flying Display Director (including seaside airshows). 
• Ben Gleeson, Director of Operations, Farnborough, Event Organiser
• Adam Kendall, IWM Duxford, Event Organiser
• Gavin Gager, Chief Executive, Royal International Air Tattoo
• Gary Elson, British Air Display Association, author of BADA Review. 
• Bruce Buglass, Display Pilot, Event Organiser, Aerodrome Manager
• Paul Bonhomme, Pilot, DAe
• John Romain,MBE, Display Pilot, MD Aircraft Restoration Co. 
• Dave Walton, TSA Flying Display Director (including seaside airshows)
• Dr. Geoff Coxon, Sustainability and STEM Academic, Event Organiser, Ayr Show

• Reinforce the Aviation Skills recruitment platform to become the clearing house for aviation in the UK. This includes job opportunities, The available candidates and Potential training from, vocational, academic and including CPD for established aviation staff.
• Develop the network of universities so that we work together in the interests of aviation in the UK, developing common objectives wherever possible.
• Develop the network of colleges in the same way as the universities.
• Embrace Competency Based Training Assessment so we can draw resources from Tri service personnel and from other industries for aviation.
• Look to establish centres of excellence regionally so we can encourage longevity in aviation training
• Establish what resources are required in UK aviation over the next 25 years so we can plan what the network of centres of excellence should look like.

A full list of members will appear here shortly. 

• Removal of VAT on Professional Flight Train8ing. In the light of the current Government's attitude towards both Private Education and Aviation...it is probably over optimistic to expect any progress). 
• Change in current Apprenticeship requirements and increase Government Financial Support to enable Professional Flight Training Schools to become recognised facilities. 
• Fractional Operations in the U.K. Post BREXIT the CAA declared these unacceptable leading to Denham (as an example) losing 700 movements. 
• Competency. Based Training Assessment. An example would be a Military ( MAA) Airworthiness Manager who could undertake the job in a civil environment on day one instead of having to complete 5 years in a civil role before taking on the CAM role. 
• FAA aircraft Spares usage in the U.K. Post 31st December 1924. Form FAA 8130-EASAForm release certificate no longer has CAA Approval under the BiIlateral agreement. An FAA8130-3/ U.K. CAA Form 1 is needed. 
• EASA recognition of U.K. CAA Licenses. 
• Extension of Airline VAT Zero rate to include airlines operating primarily within UK Airspace. 
• CAA to inspect Financial as well as Safety of FTOs. 

• Roger Gault (Air Pilots)
• Marc Bailey ( BBGA CEO)
• Jeremy Pratt (Flight Training News)
• Adrian Purcell-Jones (Martyn Fiddler)
• Andrew Montlake (Pilot and Legal)
• Lindsey Oliver (BBGA) 
• Aoiffe Sullivan (BBGA Chair)
• Charles Henry (GAAC AOPA Hon Co Air pilots )

• A proposal that expedites UKADS. An inclusive UK Airspace design entity comprising single relevant SMEs to redesign UK airspace without intervention. The funded Committee (numbering no more than 15) must comprise the following, NATS, Mil ATC, UAS, Corporate pilot, Mil pilot, GA pilot representing S and Ra, CAT pilot, Regulator ATC Policy, IAP designer, Regulator Legal, NERL, Secretary and a small team of 2 associated admin and IT representatives will also be required. The design must be unfettered by existing policy and delivered within 18 months. It is accepted that not all solutions may be implemented but at least such an initiative will provide enough information to make progress. The deliverables would include better safety, better environmental outcomes with simple solutions minimising airspace that will allow aviators to easily navigate standard and known airspace structures without “band aiding” existing designs. 
• Implementation of self interpreted and positioned GNSS approaches (ostensibly a long straight in) without reference to CAP 1616, segregated airspace or required Controller intervention.
• Reclassification of UK Class A to C airspace, exceptionally Class B (LHR, LGW? TMA) This could take place now by regulation. 
• The ability for CTR, CTA, ATZ to return to a lower classification based on traffic utilisation with associated stipulated movement numbers. With new airspace allocation based on traffic movements. As with slots a use it or lose it principle should apply.
• The reinstatement of LPV approaches supported by EGNOS. 
• The acceptance of all encompassing Multi Lateral Conspicuity that allows a known environment where appropriate. Not just Mode S! The quid pro quo for this initiative is the need for better educated pilots and equipage where airspace is needed. 

• Louise Southern, Chair, Editor UK VFR Flight Guide, Airspace & Airfield Data Manager SkyDemon
• Paul Fraser Bennison, Vice Chair, CEO Merlin Aerospace
• Matt Wilkins, Operator of Solent Airport from April 2026, since 2011 CAA Accountable Aerodrome Manager, Old Buckenham and Chair of the GAAC
• Jon Parker, Flyby Technology
• Laim Charbond, Airport Director Manchester Barton Airfield
• Mark Gibb, Head of Aviation, Goodwood Aerodrome
• Chris Gazzard, Managing Director, Blackbushe Airfield
• Darren Evans, Terminal Controller at Swanwick
• Keving Edmunds, Managing Director & RT Instructor/Examiner, Javelin Aviation
• Graham Brown , ARPAS
• Lord Berkeley
• Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate

• As the Group proceeds into its second meeting, following agreement as to structure and operations, this section will be updated. 

• Allan Winn – Chair
• Wally Epton – Deputy Chair
• Sir Gerald Howath
• Tom Cunningham
• Ian Flint
• Steve Crocker
• Tatiana Shevchenko
• Oliver Wheeldon