The LAA has been conducting a comprehensive review of all its insurance and liability considerations as part of its ongoing Safety Management System. In conjunction with ongoing process and paperwork changes within engineering, we have been conducting a review around the rules and activities covering clubs (struts), type clubs, affiliates, Fly-ins, Young Aviators, Scout camps, CHICS, Build a Plane, etc, etc, that occur under the LAA name and/or club (strut) invitation. The objective is to ensure full insurance and protection for the LAA, for members, officers and agents of the struts/clubs, plus participants.  It is anticipated that one proposal for clubs (struts) and type clubs will clarify them as fully in, (or out) of the LAA, but not ‘semi autonomous’ as per existing rules. The increasing clarity on all LAA processes is seen as essential as we operate within an increasingly litigation driven culture.

 

Following a briefing and feedback seminar on 26th February 2011, to which all interested parties, including all struts and clubs were invited, a working group comprising the LAA’s existing Insurance and Liability working group, plus volunteers from the meeting was convened. The brief is to consider and generate proposals for the LAA board covering Strut Rules and Regulations.

 

Until the board has considered any proposals, it has agreed to a temporary cessation of any third party passenger carrying events. That includes Young Aviators, Scout flying, CHICS, etc. Ground based activities are OK, but no strut is to undertake organised passenger flying. Fly-ins continue as previously, so no change there. This temporary cessation does not apply to private ad-hoc flights where members offer flights independently.

 

The next board meeting takes place on 24th March 2011 and it is anticipated more information will be released after that.

 

In the meantime, LAA event organisers are advised to contact LAA HQ if they are unsure or require further guidance. At the time of writing, we have received no notification of any event (notification is required for strut events to aid compliance with insurance) occurring before the next board meeting.

 

Peter Harvey
CEO, LAA. 1st March 2011.