ILAS has been working closely with the IAA for several years to encourage them to take advantage of the ability to 'opt out' of the basic regulation for factory built aircraft under 600kg MTOW and to bring such aircraft under national regulation only. Finally we appear to be on the verge of success.

Nine other EASA territories have already opted out and so has the UK.  Ireland is among four others who are leaning positively towards a similar decision

As one of the last steps towards the formal opt out, the IAA have launched a consultation on the issue and it is vital that ILAS members now make their voices heard in support of this initiative.

The IAA consultation document  can be viewed here

The consultation questionnaire can be filled in here

ILAS has launched its new "ILAS Member Insurance Programme in cooperation with Air Courtage.

This programme is exclusively available to ILAS members and has a number of unique features specially designed to meet the needs of recreational permit aviators.  These include:

• "Pilot -Attached Liability Insurance" 

• No Age restriction
• Cover for the builder and the project during amateur building/restoration projects
• "DIY option" premium reduction for DIY repairs in the case of insurable partial loss
• Option to choose classic 3rd party insurance
• Insurance for owners' syndicates recognising members differing experience levels.

The programme is part of a wider initiative promoted by EFLEVA and now being implemented by a number of its member associations across Europe.

Full details and a quotation request form are available on the dedicated ILAS page of the Air Courtage website

The Annual EFLEVA Technical and Business Meeting was held 'in person' again on October 16th this year after a virtual event in 2020 due to the pandemic.  It was followed by the General Assembly (AGM) on the next day.  The meetings took place in Prague and Loman O'Byrne attended on behalf of ILAS.  The main points from both meetings were as follows:

• EFLEVA Experimental Days Fly-in still intended for 2022 but no details as yet 
• The new EFLEVA website is now completed with knowledge base in the members area. Log-in credentials already circulated. Input is needed from member associations. 
• New EASA Part 21L creates a new light type certificate with normal CofA and a self-declared procedure leading to a restricted CofA valid only within EASA territories. Expected in 2022 
• 10 member nations have already opted out of EASA <600/650Kg with 4 more who have agreed but not implemented 
• The EFLEVA insurance scheme, as per previously circulated documents, was approved. Further Information is needed from member associations.
• Membership fees will be rebated by 50% at the next renewal. This will create losses which will reduce the cash balance to reasonable levels. Balances grew too large as a result of low spending during the Covid pandemic  
• Retiring  members of the EFLEVA Executive group Hermann Eigner (DE) and Catherine Dartois (FR) were re-elected.  Sven Kindblom (SW) was added as a new member

A full report is available here.

Terry Coughlan has advised that, due to unforeseen circumstances, his Third Tuesday event scheduled for 21st September has unfortunately had to be cancelled. The series will resume with the next scheduled event on 19th October.

To compensate in some small way for the loss of freedom from which we are (hopefully) emerging,  The Harvest Fly-in is being expanded from its usual Sunday morning format and will take place over two days, Saturday 28th August and Sunday 29th of August with breakfast being provided on both days. Members and friends can therefore choose to attend on or either, or both days.

Further details will be posted on the Events listing as they emerge

Once again, the weather forecast for our scheduled Mid-Summer Fly-in next Saturday and Sunday looks like it is going to spoil the fun.  The forecast for Sunday in particular looks very dodgy. 

We want our main event of the year to be accessible to all types, including the more weather-dependent ones, and to pilots who may not have flown as much as they would like and therefore need to pick their weather window with more than the usual care.  We also want our neighbours at the field to come along and enjoy themselves.

Consequently, and with deep frustration, the Committee decided at its meeting last night, that the Mid-summer Fly-in should be postponed to a future date

A new date will be announced shortly.  Details will appear on the Event Section listing for this event on our website, or accessed directly using this link

Meanwhile, the field is in great shape.  So please use any opportunity you have to drop in, at any time of your own choosing, but with the usual PPR from the Airfield Coordinator, Aidan Power, on 087 6765207

Don't forget to plan for the IlAS Mid-summer Fly-in on 19th and 20th June at ILAS field EIIF.  Let's hope for good flying weather and a safe, well-attended event - we all deserve it at this stage!

The Editor is looking for extra content for the Summer 2021 edition of the Newsletter.  Deadline is 9th June.  Email Cathal on editor@ilas.ie

Airfield Coordinator Aidan Power and his team have just finished putting the final touches to the new deck area adjacent to the clubhouse at EIIF.

This significant addition to the facilities at the airfield will make it an even more attractive destination for flying visits, especially on summer days.  It will really come into its own for fly-in events.

As always, if you are flying into EIIF remember to obtain prior permission and the up-to-date airfield information from Aidan by email or by txt/phone on 087 6765207

It hasn't gone away you know.

Meaning the weather of course.  Even though Covid restrictions have been lifted sufficiently, the weather is always a factor in organising fly-ins.

So it is with great regret that we must cancel our re-arranged 2021 Breakfast Fry-in that was due to take place at EIIF tomorrow Sunday16th May.  This is because of greasy ground conditions after heavy rain at the field as well as an unfavourable weather forecast for the day itself.  This event will not be re-scheduled for a later date.

Instead, it is our intention now to focus on our Mid-Summer Fly-in as planned for Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th June.