§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many staff from the Civil Aviation Authority are attached to the embassy in Washington; and what are their grades and functions.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydA member of the staff of the Civil Aviation Authority serves on secondment to the embassy as civil air attach-eacute;. This post is graded at DS4 (equivalent to HCS5). The civil air attach-eacute;s functions are as follows:
- (i) to ensure that CAA senior management is kept aware of FAA policy and technological developments in respect of air traffic services, aviation safety regulation and related research and development
- (ii) to foster and develop further an harmonious relationship between the CAA and FAA based on mutual respect;
- (iii) to provide technical information to the CAA on FAA intentions and programmes, to ensure compatibility on subsequent international approaches, and to minimise nugatory effort by the CAA;
- (iv) to ensure that the CAA and FAA are each aware of any potential interactions of their policy decisions;
- (v) to advise FAA of CAA interests and to ensure these are adequately considered in the formation of FAA policy;
- (vi) to act as a focal point for CAA enquiries on technical issues at the working level; and
- (vii) to advise HM Ambassador on matters relating to air traffic services and the safety regulation of civil aviation operations.