REPORT
Appointment of Director of Civil Aviation
Background
The Civil Aviation (Jersey) Law 2008 was adopted by the States on 13 May 2008 and, following an Appointed Day Act, comes into force on 1 January 2009. The Law establishes an office of Director of Civil Aviation (DCA) which is responsible to the Chief Minister for, amongst other matters, the following functions:
Ensuring the safety of the aerodrome and air traffic
Licensing the aerodrome
Approving air traffic controllers
Regulating the Channel Islands Control Zone
Regulation of meteorological services for the purpose of air navigation
Tendering advice to the Chief Minister on related matters, including international agreements relating to civil aviation
Ensuring best compliance with international aviation conventions applicable to Jersey.
When the Law comes into force, it is necessary that certain of the above statutory functions must be fulfilled with effect from 1 January 2009.
Appointment
The Law also provides that the Chief Minister may, after consultation with the States Employment Board, appoint a person to hold the office. Such consultation has taken place.
Mr Jeremy Snowdon was nominated as DCA on 15 October 2007, and assumed the role in a designate capacity pending commencement of the Law. In accordance with the requirements of the Law regarding eligibility, Mr Snowdon has adequate and relevant experience in the regulation of civil aviation and is a fit and proper person to hold the office of Director of Civil Aviation.
It is therefore recommended, in pursuance of the Civil Aviation (Jersey) Law 2008, that Mr Jeremy Snowdon should be appointed as Director of Civil Aviation with effect from 1 January 2009.