The Air Navigation Order 1989

Licensing of aerodromes

78.—(1) The Authority shall grant to any person applying therefor a licence in respect of any aerodrome in the United Kingdom if it is satisfied that:

(a) that person is competent, having regard io his previous conduct and experience, his equipment, organisation, staffing, maintenance and other arrangements, to secure that the aerodrome and the airspace within which its visual traffic pattern is normally contained are safe for use by aircraft; and

(b) the aerodrome is safe for use by aircraft, having regard in particular to the physical characteristics of the aerodrome and of its surroundings.

(2) An aerodrome licence may be granted subject to such conditions as the Authority thinks fit and shall, subject to the provisions of article 66 of this Order, remain in force for the period specified in the licence.

(3) Without prejudice to the generality of paragraph (2) of this article, if the applicant so requests or if the Authority considers that an aerodrome should be available for the take-off or landing of aircraft to all persons on equal terms and conditions, it may grant a licence (in this Order referred to as “a licence for public use”) which shall be subject to the condition that the aerodrome shall at all times when it is available for the take-off or landing of aircraft be so available to all persons on equal terms and conditions.

(4) The holder of an aerodrome licence granted under this Order shall:

(a) furnish to any person on request information concerning the terms of the licence; and

(b) in the case of a licence for public use, cause to be notified the times during which the aerodrome will be available for the take-off or landing of aircraft engaged on flights for the purpose of the public transport of passengers or instruction in flying.

(5) The holder of an aerodrome licence granted under this Order shall not contravene or cause or permit to be contravened any condition of the aerodrome licence at any time in relation to such aircraft engaged on such flights as are specified in article 76(2) of this Order, but the licence shall not cease to be valid by reason only of such a contravention.