Spring 2008

EASA Registrations

As we all know, that much loved EASA transition is upon us. Forget the fact that not one of the EASA Certificates of Airworthiness for any glider has yet gone through. All is running smoothly. The change of registration letters forced upon us is a farce. Some years ago, glider registrations were issued with a G as the first letter (GEO for instance). It was quickly realised that this would lead to confusion between powered aircraft and gliders, and the first letter was moved on to H. This seems to me me to have been an eminently sensible move. I don't know who instigated it, the BGA or the CAA, but well done whoever.

Now back to EASA, and the CAA are demanding that all gliders change their registration to G- (yes, I know there are some on annexe 2, but that list is shrinking. Home built gliders were on that list, but no longer are) - the goalposts they are a-changing. Surprise, surprise.

I was launch point controller on Saturday, when the reality of this ludicrous situation was driven home. An aircraft called on the radio to Rufforth, identification Golf Oscar Kilo. I thought this was a powered aircraft for a while, till I realised it was one of our gliders. You all know that Q has now been changed to O don't you. Isn't bureaucracy wonderful?

Here is the solution. When calling glider sites, or speaking glider to glider, we use the last three letters of our registration - nothing more. This identifies us as gliders. When we have to talk to ATC, I would want to keep that convention, it seems sensible to me. Is that word inthe CAA's dictionary? It has been pointed out to me however, that that would be breaking the Air Navigation Order or some other law. We don't want to break these eminently sensible laws that the beaurocrats have inflicted upon us do we? I therefore propose that we change the the first letter Golf to letter Glider. Golf Charlie Hotel Kilo Zulu would then become Glider Charlie Hotel Kilo Zulu, and after initial contact and identification use the last three letters as above. The effect of this would be to immediately distinguish us from powered aircraft. Confusion gone at a stroke. I know the campain against aviation wouldn't like it, but is the phonetic alphabet written in stone, or are there actually some sensible people out there in charge who care about aviation safety?

Tom Hollins
Editor