General Aviation In The European Community. Commission Staff Discussion Ppaper

A significant part of civil aviation serves other purposes than public transportation of people and goods. Civil aircraft are used as tools for specialised and remunerated commercial services, beyond transport, like aerial photography, agriculture support, infrastructure construction works or search and rescue missions. Aviation training, aerial sports, competitions, displays and recreation are also very
important for the promotion of aeronautic skills and general development of the aviation sector. For some people aircraft are means of private transportation, just like cars, and last but not least more and more often corporate aircraft are perceived as business tools enhancing the general productivity of enterprises. This sector of civil aviation, other than public transportation of people and goods, is commonly often referred to as 'General Aviation'.

With this report the European Commission attempts to look at all the developments and challenges that are taking place in this important segment of civil aviation and seek the views of interested parties. Closing date for submissions: 1 April 2007