As I promised last month regarding the AVBuyer’s Leaders Roundtable Event, here’s a quick recap.
However, before I press forward, I would like to say thank you to those ASOG members who sent topics to bring up or discuss, e.g., standards and training. Also, I would like to say thank you to one of our members - Astrid Ayling - for making it possible for a representative from ASOG (even though I was a non-UK participant) to attend….”Good on you, Astrid!”
The Aviation Leaders Roundtable event took place on 20 Nov 2019 at the Phyllis Court Members Club outside of London. The meeting consisted of representatives from all aspects of UK Aviation: Fixed & Rotor wing Aviation, Multi Mission, Drones, Product & Services, and Associations. Plus, government officials from Westminster and the DfT.
Even though this was a UK focused aviation round table discussion, I believe, based on my engagement with many of you from around the world, the issues and concerns are the same North & South and East & West.
The main topics discussed at the round table were:
• The current state of UK General Aviation and Aerial Work Aviation
• Economic issues within UK Aviation
• Education, Training and the Next Generation
• UK Aviation electronic conspicuity
• UK Drone operations and integration
• DfT “Aviation Ambassadors” and “Reach for the Sky” programs
Overall, the round table event, from an Airborne Sensor Operator perspective, was very interesting and informative, especially in the areas of standards, training, and setting the stage for the next generation of aviators. Some of the challenges highlighted in the discussions and many ways effect the ASO profession were:
• Aviation operations are over regulated and over charged in all aspects;
• Economic and access issues regarding recruitment, training and job opportunities in aviation;
• Standardizing General Aviation and Aerial Work electronic conspicuity; and
• Inconsistency between manned and unmanned aircraft regulations and implementation.
Regarding solutions, the members of the round table highlighted the need for both the aviation community and government to work together to narrow efforts on the following challenges:
• Regulations and Fees – Review, streamline and balance regulations in proportion to local needs & aviation sectors, and be competitive with other countries' aviation programs, i.e., attract students, aviators, and businesses from around the world with high quality, affordable and easily accessible UK aviation programs.
• Recruitment, training, and job opportunities – Implement campaigns to market career opportunities in aviation (especially at the education level), promote best practice training programs concerning next-generation learning intake, and encourage competitive incomes to mitigate people avoiding the aviation industry sector as a career choice.
If you’re interested to know more about this Round Table and/or want to share more of your concerns related to our ASO profession, just let me know. We can add it to ASOG’s 2020 Focus Areas.
ASOG Desk Editor (Patrick)
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