Sir - I have noted that aircraft from former Soviet Bloc countries are being chartered by organisations in the UK.
There is a question mark over the airworthiness and operating standards of such aircraft. Some companies instruct their staff not to fly on them, unless there is no alternative.
UK aircraft have to meet stringent standards and operating companies have to meet the requirements of their air-operators certificate. These standards are high, and costly to maintain.
Is it acceptable for aircraft which do not meet UK or European Joint Aviation Rules standards to be chartered by UK organisations to pick up loads from the UK?
If it is acceptable legally, then does it not constitute unfair competition, which could result in our merchant air fleet going the same way as our mercantile marine fleet?
CLIFFORD TONKIN
Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, UK
Source: Flight International
