19 Feb 2026
The decision follows a thorough review of the Council’s financial position and long-term prospects. While the organisation has stabilised its finances in the short term and has continued to deliver safety activity with the support of many member organisations, the Board concluded that it no longer has a sufficiently secure and sustainable funding base to continue operating at a level consistent with its charitable purpose. Like many small safety charities, the Council has faced increasing financial pressures in recent years, and reductions in external funding have proved difficult to replace.

Founded in 1964 as the General Aviation Safety Committee and later reconstituted as the General Aviation Safety Council, GASCo has for over sixty years provided an independent forum bringing together representative bodies from across the UK general aviation community. Its work has focused on improving safety through education, the sharing of information, analysis of accidents and incidents, and the promotion of good airmanship across all sectors of general aviation.

Over that period the Council has organised hundreds of safety evenings and seminars across the country, delivered Military-Civil Air Safety Days and other national safety initiatives, published safety material and analysis, and provided a long-standing Safety Information Exchange through its regular Council meetings. More recently, it has also undertaken research and safety promotion work in areas such as human factors and electronic conspicuity, and has supported the Civil Aviation Authority’s just culture approach through delivery of the Airspace Infringement Awareness Course.

Captain Nils Jamieson, Chairman of GASCo, said:

“After more than sixty years of service to the general aviation community, this has been a difficult decision for the Board. GASCo has played a unique role in bringing together the many parts of UK general aviation to share safety knowledge and experience. We are deeply grateful to all those organisations and individuals who have supported that work over many years. The Council has always believed that lasting improvements in safety come through education, understanding and cooperation — safety through knowledge — and we remain proud of what has been achieved.”
The Board has emphasised that the organisation remains solvent and that the decision has been taken in order to allow an orderly wind-down and to preserve continuity where possible in areas of ongoing value to the aviation community. Work is underway with the Civil Aviation Authority and partner organisations to ensure that key activities currently delivered by GASCo, including the Airspace Infringement Awareness Course, can continue without interruption through appropriate successor arrangements.
GASCo will now work with its member organisations, partners and stakeholders to manage the transition responsibly. Further information regarding timing and arrangements will be shared in due course.
The Council has expressed its sincere thanks to the many volunteers, staff, tutors, member organisations and partners who have contributed to its work over more than six decades.

Media enquiries: editor@gasco.org.uk


Back