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To view this page ensure that Adobe Flash Player version 9.0.124 or greater is installed. The commercial airlines in the UK operate about 850 aircraft (20% fewer than in 1950 according to Civil Aviation Authority records) and use 23 airports – some of those only occasionally. The UK GA fleet comprises more than 10,000 aircraft that operate from 140 licensed airports and aerodromes and more than 350 private airstrips. While more than 70% of all GA activity has some business or safety purpose, 85% of all seats sold by airlines are for purposes of holiday travel – or personal pleasure. Transport General Aviation plays a vital role in a country’s transportation system, as do roads, railways, the airlines and shipping. Think of business aviation, flying in support of the emergency services, such as police, air ambulance and medical repatriation. Add to these flying training, for both professional and private pilots, aerial photography and survey, pipeline and electricity cable patrols and you have the measure of the contribution that General Aviation makes to the economy. A GA aeroplane is really a car with wings and, as with the car, may be used jointly for business or pleasure. Its practicality depends on access to airports and airspace; unreasonable restrictions on either can be seriously detrimental to the economic and social welfare of the community – both nationally and locally. A mile of road leads nowhere; a mile of runway leads everywhere. Helicopters |
