Daedalus to Remain Open
| Published: 28th May 2008 14:45 |
New operating regime announced for Daedalus
The Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary, Paul Kernaghan, has announced a new
operating regime for Daedalus airfield that meets the force's requirements for enhanced
safety and allows the continued use of the airfield by existing general aviation users.
Daedalus is operated by Hampshire Constabulary and has a very limited infrastructure. The
airfield is home to the force's Air Support Unit and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency's
search and rescue helicopters. In addition to these emergency service aircraft, the
Portsmouth Naval Gliding Club, military aircraft and general aviation aircraft also fly from the
airfield.
The primary concern of Hampshire Constabulary, as operators of the airfield, is safety. The
force has been concerned for some time that the combination of gliders and general aviation
aircraft operating without a dedicated radio frequency has caused a safety issue. A restricted
regime has been in place at the airfield since May 2007 whereby general aviation aircraft do
not fly at times when gliders are flying. This existing arrangement will continue in the short
term.
The new regime is dependent on the installation and operation of a new air-to-ground radio
and associated dedicated radio frequency. This system will be purchased and operated by the
Portsmouth Naval Gliding Club and general aviation users at no cost to Hampshire
Constabulary. The new system will allow both gliders and existing general aviation aircraft to
fly at the same time and will address safety concerns.
Allied to the safety issue is a determination that the taxpayers who fund policing in
Hampshire and the Isle of Wight should not pay for any changes made to accommodate
general aviation. Therefore, in common with most airfields, general aviation users will be
required to pay a fee. This fee has not yet been established but will be set at a level that
ensures all of Hampshire Constabulary's administrative costs associated with the presence of
general aviation aircraft are recovered. The fee will also incorporate a reasonable contribution
to the running and maintenance costs of the airfield. Hampshire Constabulary is currently
finalising these financial arrangements.
Mr Kernaghan said: "I am pleased that we have been able to arrive at a solution that satisfies
our safety concerns while allowing general aviation to continue to use the airfield.
Importantly, this will be done in a way that ensures that taxpayers are not required to bear
the cost of accommodating general aviation at Daedalus. The new regime will also have no
impact on our ability to operate emergency service aircraft from the airfield, allowing this
important unit to continue contributing to keeping the people of Hampshire and the Isle of
Wight safe."
Supporters of Aviation at Daedalus, Lee Flying Association can be found at www.eghf.co.uk
