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New Transport Commissioner Quizzed on Aviation Sector
Monday 16 June, 2008
Timothy Kirkhope MEP represented the interests of General Aviation at a European Parliament Hearing in Strasbourg (today) which formally questioned Antonio Tajani as European Transport Commissioner - designate. The Hearing was an opportunity for MEPs to put Mr Tajani through his paces and probe his vision for the sector. Only a limited number of MEPs were given the opportunity to ask questions, which the new Commissioner had not seen beforehand.
Mr Kirkhope, as Conservative Transport Spokesman in the European Parliament, used the occasion to ask Mr Tajani to underline his commitment to the General and Business Aviation sector in Europe. More specifically, Mr Kirkhope's question concerned PPLs, in particular the protection of the IMC Rating.
He said:
"Above the basic minimum standards imposed by EASA it is important that pilots can attain further qualifications, such as the UK IMC rating. Can Commissioner Designate Tajani assure me that such licenses, which have a very positive impact on general aviation in terms of safety, will not be lost in the harmonisation process?"
Mr Tajani responded that he would stand by the assurances made by the previous Commissioner, Jacques Barrot (in a meeting with Mr Kirkhope). He indicated that he would be very receptive to an early meeting to discuss the progress made by EASA on the issue.
Following the Hearing on Monday, Mr Kirkhope said:
"Commissioner Barrot gave me assurances that the IMC Rating would not be made obsolete by EASA, and I believe Commissioner Tajani was in the Italian Airforce in an earlier occupation and as I am a pilot myself, I am confident we share a common vision for General Aviation in Europe."
ENDS
