Farnborough airspace Judicial Review by Lasham Gliding Society fails to overturn CAA decision

Mrs. Justice Thornton has delivered her judgement on the CAA’s grant of airspace to TAG Farnborough following the Judicial Review actioned by Lasham Gliding Society (LGS). She did not find sufficient grounds to overturn the CAA’s airspace decision and concluded that the CAA acted within its powers and the limits of its discretion. This is in spite of the arguments presented by LGS – and roundly supported by the wider general aviation community – on its adverse impact on aviation safety, the consequential inefficient use of airspace, and the potential detrimental operational and financial impacts on LGS. As things stand, it is expected that the new Farnborough airspace will come into effect by early 2020 . This will have serious impacts on general aviation activity in central southern England. It is a hard blow to gliding enthusiasts, whose available airspace will be seriously curtailed. It follows several years of intense opposition to what is widely considered to be a completely unjustified and ill-considered move by TAG Farnborough to secure a large swathe of controlled airspace, to facilitate its operations for private jets.
.

 

 

Farnborough airspace Judicial Review fails to overturn CAA decision

31 July 2019

Mrs. Justice Thornton has delivered her judgement on the CAA’s grant of airspace to TAG Farnborough following the Judicial Review actioned by Lasham Gliding Society

In summary, Mrs. Justice Thornton did not find sufficient grounds to overturn the CAA’s airspace decision in light of the arguments presented by Lasham – and roundly supported by the wider general aviation community – as to its adverse impact on aviation safety, the consequential inefficient use of airspace, and the potential detrimental operational and financial impacts on Lasham Gliding Society.

Accordingly, Mrs. Justice Thornton has concluded that the CAA acted within its powers and the limits of its discretion.

As things stand, it is expected that the new Farnborough airspace will come into effect by early 2020 and impact significantly on all aviation activity in central southern England.

Lasham, supported by its advisors, is reviewing the detail of the judgement carefully. It will decide shortly as to whether or not it intends to seek leave to appeal. This ruling is a bitter blow to both Lasham and the wider general aviation community.

It follows several years of intense opposition to what is widely considered to be a completely unjustified and ill-considered move by TAG Farnborough to secure a large swathe of controlled airspace.

The difficulties this case raises continues to draw a spotlight on questions surrounding the CAA’s policies and decision-making processes.

Aside from this particular case there is a wider and active national debate between the government and aviation stakeholders as to how the CAA’s processes currently operate.

Whatever might happen with airspace in the Farnborough area as a result of this decision, pressure must continue to be applied on the government, the DfT and the CAA to implement a proper reform of the CAA’s processes used to consider applications for airspace change.

https://www.pilotweb.aero/news/farnborough-airspace-judicial-review-fails-1-6192211

.


Lasham Gliding Society Press release

Judgement on Farnborough airspace Judicial review

Mrs. Justice Thornton has delivered her judgement on the CAA’s grant of airspace to TAG
Farnborough following the Judicial Review actioned by Lasham Gliding Society.

In summary, Mrs. Justice Thornton did not find sufficient grounds to overturn the CAA’s
airspace decision in light of the arguments presented by Lasham – and roundly supported
by the wider general aviation community – as to its adverse impact on aviation safety, the
consequential inefficient use of airspace, and the potential detrimental operational and
financial impacts on Lasham Gliding Society.

Accordingly, Mrs. Justice Thornton has concluded that the CAA acted within its powers and the limits of its discretion.

As things stand, it is expected that the new Farnborough airspace will come into effect by early 2020 and impact significantly on all aviation activity in central southern England.
Lasham, supported by its advisors, is reviewing the detail of the judgement carefully. It will
decide shortly as to whether or not it intends to seek leave to appeal.

This ruling is a bitter blow to both Lasham and the wider general aviation community. It
follows several years of intense opposition to what is widely considered to be a completely
unjustified and ill-considered move by TAG Farnborough to secure a large swathe of
controlled airspace.

The difficulties this case raises continues to draw a spotlight on questions surrounding the
CAA’s policies and decision-making processes. Aside from this particular case there is a
wider and active national debate between the government and aviation stakeholders as to
how the CAA’s processes currently operate.

Whatever might happen with airspace in the Farnborough area as a result of this decision, pressure must continue to be applied on the government, the DfT and the CAA to implement a proper reform of the CAA’s processes used to consider applications for airspace change.

Notes to publishers:
Lasham Gliding Society is based at Lasham Airfield and is the largest gliding operation in
the UK, and amongst the largest anywhere in the world. It is a recognised centre for the
basic and advanced training of glider pilots, youth development, and hosts major national
and international gliding championships. There are in excess of 260 gliders and light
aircraft based at Lasham, carrying out approximately 60 000 movements per year.

 

.


See earlier:

Lasham Gliding Society applies for Judicial Review of CAA Farnborough airspace decision

The CAA decided to grant the airspace to TAG Farnborough on 11th July. After taking legal advice, Lasham Gliding Society decided to fight this decision and instructed its lawyers to draw up a claim for leave for a Judicial Review in the High Court. Lasham Gliding Society is strongly opposed to the CAA’s decision. It considers that the decision to introduce new controlled airspace has not been justified by the CAA, because it will create a choke point, it does not represent an efficient use of the airspace, and it does not properly or reasonably balance the needs of all users. Lasham Gliding Society says: “The consequence of the implementation of this large volume of controlled airspace, at the request of a small airfield which has around 28,000 annual (non-public) movements, will be to displace many times more transiting flights and to cause significant congestion of general aviation movements outside the controlled airspace.”  The application for the JR was lodged on 10th October. The CAA has produced its reply, and the judge will decide if it can proceed. The cost will be at least £100,000 and Lasham hopes it will be of relevance to other general aviation airfields. 

https://www.airportwatch.org.uk/2018/11/lasham-gliding-society-applies-for-judicial-review-of-caa-farnborough-airspace-decision/

.

.

.
.