Gliders and Balloonists warn they could be grounded by the rules
Gliding enthusiasts and air balloonists claim they could be grounded by new proposals from European regulators.
The guidelines, which would come into force in 2012, would mean that all pilots would be required to submit a flight plan before take-off.
At present, glider pilots can take-off and land at will without notifying controllers of their intended routes.
The guidelines are aimed at standardising aviation rules across Europe. Special permissionThe British Gliding Association is based in Leicester. Their chief executive, Pete Stratten, tells the Politics Show:
"Abrupt changes in an aircraft's flight plan would in future be regarded as aerobatics and require special permission."
"But the point is that all glider flights require abrupt changes in flight path."
And he claims proposed changes in rights of way for planes would actually result "in an increased risk of collision".
He insists: "It's crazy and obviously hasn't been thought through." No distinctionHot air balloonist, Ian Warrington, says the demands on instructors have already increased with European legislation and believes this will make things even worse.
"The proposed regulations seem unable to distinguish between very different forms of aviation.
"I'm not in a jumbo or executive jet. I'm just a bloke in a laundry basket, flying a big bag of nylon from a field behind a pub for 10 miles for the love of it."
Conservative Member of the European Parliament, Roger Helmer, says he is fighting their corner.
He points out that the UK is the largest manufacturer of hot air balloons in the world, a business thought to be worth around £10m a year.
And he warns: "With the inspection fee and the increased length of time for an inspection, it's estimated hundreds of balloons throughout the UK could be grounded as owners can not afford to comply with EU regulations."
'Long way to go'The European Commission say the proposed new rules are being drafted, but that there is still a long way to go.
A spokeswoman says the Commission is aware of peoples' concerns and that they are taking them seriously.
There will be "discussions" in the autumn at which the UK will have the chance to make its case.
And closer to home, the Civil Aviation Authority, emphasises: "We have a duty to ensure the safe operation of commercial balloons.
"We have to consider the safety of passengers that choose to undertake a fare-paying passenger flight, whether in a hot air balloon, aeroplane or helicopter."
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