Islands to appoint new Director of Civil Aviation

19 June 2014

Mr Gus Paterson will be appointed as the new Director of Civil Aviation (DCA) for Jersey and Guernsey, subject to formal confirmation. Mr Paterson replaces the incumbent DCA, Mr Fergus Woods, who is retiring from the joint post, having occupied it since it was created in 2008.

The DCA undertakes the same statutory role in the Bailiwicks of Jersey and Guernsey, and therefore has relevant responsibilities for all of the Channel Islands’ airspace. The post is jointly funded by both Islands. Other responsibilities that fall within the DCA’s remit are the regulation of aviation safety and security, and the regulation of meteorological services for the purposes of air navigation.

The DCA is also responsible for monitoring and reviewing developments in international aviation law, regulations and standards, and ensuring that the Channel Islands’ civil aviation regulatory framework remains compliant.

External Relations Minister, Senator Sir Philip Bailhache, said “We would like to take this opportunity to thank Fergus Woods for his service and to welcome Gus Paterson, who will bring valuable experience to the office of the DCA. We look forward to welcoming him to the Channel Islands, and in so doing to continuing to work in successful cooperation with our sister Bailiwick.”

Mr Paterson, who will take up his post in August this year, currently occupies a role that includes a quasi-regulatory function across 16 airports (including some of the UK’s busiest airports and RAF Gibraltar).