Tailored news, notifications & alertsfrom the CAA

The CAA has published policy and guidance regarding the establishment and use of VRPs, and the process to be followed when establishing or disestablishing them.  It replaces Aeronautical Information Circular Y 006/2013 dated 21 February 2013. VRPs are to be established in accordance with the CAA’s Airspace Change Process (CAP 1616).  VRPs are categorized as […]

On 3 July 2019, a pilot pleaded guilty to an airspace infringement of the RAF Syerston Aerodrome Traffic Zone in November 2018. The pilot was ordered to pay over £3,200 in fines. Background, flight details and learning points now available on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website: airspacesafety.com/updates SW2019/143

The CAA has published an initial update of its Policy concerning the approval of remote tower operations which revises a number of definitions and some technical content to align with the content of EASA ED 2019/004/R. PLEASE NOTE: We apologise for the incorrect link for the previous Skywise SW2019/141 on Visual Reference Points (VRPs). We will send […]

Restriction of Flying Regulations for Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford and in vicinity of RAF Brize Norton between 17 and 22 July 2019 and for flying display at Old Warden Aerodrome on 20 July 2019. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M064/2019 and AIC M019/2019 at http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all […]

Restriction of Flying Regulations for Latitude Music Festival near Beccles, Suffolk from 18 to 22 July 2019 and The International Music Festival at Sefton Park, Liverpool between 19 and 21 July 2019. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M050/2019 and AIC M063/2019 at http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com. Restrictions apply only to the operation of unmanned aircraft. SW2019/139

Restriction of Flying Regulations for mixed-formation Flypast over RAF Fairford via Shropshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire on 20 and 21 July 2019. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M095/2019 at http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. SW2019/134

Following recent updates to the Air Navigation Order for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) we have reviewed the process for the notification of SUAS flights. Subsequently we will no longer issue NOTAM for SUAS flights below 400ft AGL. This decision follows engagement with key stakeholders and the use of risk analysis tools and safety data. […]

The CAA has published comments on the EASA Notice of Proposed Amendment NPA 2019-04 – Additional acceptable means of compliance and guidance material for the safety support assessment of changes to the air traffic management/air navigation services functional systems. Read our response to the NPA: CAA comments on NPA 2019-04 Read NPA 2019-04 on the […]

The UK Airprox Board (UKAB) has published its latest monthly review which focuses in detail on one particular airprox incident, to ensure that lessons can be learnt by pilots and air traffic controllers for the benefit of air safety in the future. SW2019/131

The CAA has published decisions from the Infringement Coordination Group’s review of infringement Mandatory Occurrence Reports under CAP1404, the review and actions process for airspace infringements. Course of action, number and a short summary will be published monthly. Reported infringements from May are also available in the 2019 table.

Restriction of Flying Regulations for Silverstone and Turweston for British Grand Prix between 12 and 14 July 2019. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M084/2019 at http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. SW2019/127  

Our guide to private flying rules, regulations and best practice has been updated. Version 2 is now online, with printed copies available to buy direct from aviation supplier AFE. Condensing the must know information on UK GA flying into easy to navigate information and graphics, The SkyWay Code gives GA pilots a one stop shop […]

CAP670 Air Traffic Services Safety Requirements amendment 1/2019 becomes effective 1 August 2019. A further update is planned for Quarter 4 2019 to reflect potential changes to the legislative landscape. Update at: www.caa.co.uk/CAP670 SW2019/122

Edition 80 includes: Flight into controlled airspace; Go-around techniques; Drones operating near airfields; Loss of engine power; and Students’ preparedness for training.

Figures for reported infringements in April are now available on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website: airspacesafety.com/facts-stats-and-incidents/ Follow @airspacesafety on twitter for tips and guidance on best use of a moving map.  

The UK Airprox Board (UKAB) has published its latest monthly review which focuses in detail on one particular airprox incident, to ensure that lessons can be learnt by pilots and air traffic controllers for the benefit of air safety in the future. The latest version of UKAB’s App is now available for iOS devices. Search […]

Do you need to revalidate or renew your ATCO licence, ratings or endorsements? Regulation 2015/340 states that the CAA MAY allow the privileges of a licence to be exercised for a period of eight weeks after successful completion of the applicable examination(s) and assessment(s), pending the issue of the licence, rating or endorsement. This is […]

Supplementary Instruction (SI) 2019/03 has been published. The purpose of SI 2019/03 is to implement phase 1 changes to Class E Airspace ATS procedures within the to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493). SW2019/105

This report covers the outcomes of the consultation on Class E airspace ATS procedures and the associated implementation plan. SW2019/104

Restriction of Flying Regulations for a large formation of aircraft routing from Duxford to France via Sudbury, Colchester, Southend, Maidstone and Eastbourne on 5 June 2019 for D-Day 75 anniversary event in Normandy. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M037/2019. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones SW2019/103

Restriction of Flying Regulations in the vicinity of Portsmouth and the Isle of Wight on 5 June 2019 for D-Day 75 anniversary event and associated Flypast . Details by NOTAM and in AIC M057/2019 and AIC M058/2019. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. SW2019/102

Last October the Government gave the CAA, as airspace regulator, a decision-making role for a wholly new category of airspace change, which will sit alongside our existing CAP 1616 airspace change process. This category is known as a planned and permanent redistribution of air traffic through changes in air traffic control operational procedure, or PPR […]

Restriction of Flying Regulations for Midlands Air Festival 2019 between 17 and 19 May 2019 in the vicinity of Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M023/2019 at http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com.  Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones SW2019/094

The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) is to remove reference to 8.33 kHz capable radios within the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493). SW2019/092

Restriction of Flying Regulations for Midlands Air Festival 2019 between 17 and 19 in the vicinity of Nuneaton, Warwickshire. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M023/2019. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. You can find details here. SW2019/090          

Restriction of Flying Regulations for flying display at Old Warden Aerodrome on 18 May 2019. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M019/2019. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones We have received some reports of links to the NATS page being broken. We apologise for the inconvenience. The full link is: http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php%3Foption=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=162&Itemid=59.html SW2019/089

Restriction of Flying Regulations for flying display at Old Warden Aerodrome on 18 May 2019. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M019/2019 here.  Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones SW2019/089

Updated Frequency Monitoring Code/Squawk guidance from the Airspace Infringement Working Group has been published on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website. This new content covers the who, what, why and how – along with a downloadable Frequency Monitoring Code area map and squawk code/frequency card.

In the latest issue of CHIRP (confidential and independent reporting): Exhaust fumes entering a helicopter cabin on start-up R/T calls to helicopters in critical stages of flight The priorities afforded to medical flights Training v Familiarisation Captains flying as First Officers Open reporting cultures The reporting of CPDLC status Apparent landings below approach minima Possible loss of separation […]

The UK Airprox Board (UKAB) has published its latest monthly review which focuses in detail on one particular airprox incident, to ensure that lessons can be learnt by pilots and air traffic controllers for the benefit of air safety in the future. SW2019/084

A breakdown of reported infringements in March is now available on the Airspace & Safety Iniative website: airspacesafety.com/facts-stats-and-incidents/ Updated resources on preparing R/T transmissions for transit and flying within an ATZ have also been added under Pre-flight planning: airspacesafety.com/pre-flight-planning/

The CAA is consulting on changes to VMC minima in class D airspace and the means to best mitigate these. We are proposing changes to Special VFR procedures in order to support UK compliance with SERA.5001. The change will mean that SERA.5001 will be adopted in full. The consultation provides more details of the proposed changes […]

Guidance for Aerodrome Operators of protected aerodromes to more fully inform decisions to grant or deny permission for small unmanned aircraft to operate within their Flight Restriction Zones (FRZs) has now been published: CAP1788 SUA Permission Guidance SW2019/081

Revalidation of Air Traffic Control licence endorsements The phased transition to EU2015/340 licences was completed at the end of 2016. On-the-job training instructor (OJTI), Synthetic training device instructor (STDI) and Assessor licence endorsements are valid for 36 months. Revalidation can be completed up to 90 days prior to the expiry date. Licence holders must submit […]

Frequency Monitoring Code and Lower Airspace Radar Service cards are now available from the Airspace & Safety Initiative website.

Birmingham Airport Air Traffic has created a dedicated website to help pilots identify the visual reference points (VRPs) around its airspace and help reduce airspace infringements. The website includes information on VRPs and guidance on how to fly safely near controlled airspace. We’ve added a link to this resource on airspacesafety.com under Pre-flight planning: Birmingham […]

A new publication for Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP), Training Organisations and Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) is now available for comment. It aims to help interpret Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373 Annex XIII pertaining to ATSEP training and competence assessments, including United Kingdom requirements for limited certificate holder ANSPs. We welcome a review […]

February saw 78 reported airspace infringements. A breakdown of figures is now available: Airspace & Safety Initiative – Facts, stats and incidents NATS have published the first in a series of controller’s stories. Amanda Rhodes, NATS air traffic controller at Swanwick Centre, talks about her experience with airspace infringements: Airspace Infringement Series: A controller’s story  

The fifth edition, amendment 13 March 2019 of CAP 393 The Air Navigation Order 2016 and Regulations has been published. Amendments to the Air Navigation Order are shown as explained in para 1.4 of the foreword. SW2019/066

We have created a new tab on occurrence reporting on our website in the event of a non-negotiated EU exit. Organisations that are required to provide mandatory occurrence reports should read this page. SW2019/061  

The UK Civil Aviation Authority is calling for evidence over Electronic Conspicuity (EC). EC has the potential to unlock safety benefits and save lives by reducing the likelihood of infringements and mid-air collisions. We would like you to consider the suggested approach and provide responses to six core questions: https://consultations.caa.co.uk/corporate-communications/e-conspicuity-solutions/ SW2019/057  

We have published today under CAA UK Official Record Series 5 our revised 13 Schemes of Charges that will be legally implemented with effect from 1 April 2019. The current 13 Schemes of Charges will be effective to and including 31 March 2019. SW2019/053

On 5 March 2019, a pilot pleaded guilty to four infringements of Luton Controlled Airspace in 2018. The pilot was ordered to pay £7,576 in fines. Background, flight details and learning points now available on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website: airspacesafety.com/updates 

This edition includes reports about 2 issues that have the potential to cause problems across the aviation sectors: GPS navigation – a useful tool when used appropriately Weight and balance – are we giving this enough attention? There are also 3 reports relating to ATC. Two of these demonstrate a need for dialogue and understanding […]

Navigation and timing information from the Global Positioning System (GPS) is used by many aircraft and ground-based aviation systems. The GPS navigation message contains date and time information in the form of a sequential week and seconds counter, which first started on 6th January 1980.  As the week counter rolls over every 1024 weeks, it […]

The UK Airprox Board (UKAB) has published its latest monthly review which focuses in detail on one particular airprox incident, to ensure that lessons can be learnt by pilots and air traffic controllers for the benefit of air safety in the future.

We have published a document that covers the small unmanned aircraft related articles within the Air Navigation Order that will remain relevant after the 13 March 2019 amendment. It provides an outline of the revised regulations as they now appear in law, guidance on the effects of the two recent changes, and how they will […]

Reported airspace infringement figures for 2018 are now available. These latest statistics are compared to 2017: https://airspacesafety.com/updates/

The CAA has updated its consolidation of Regulation (EU) 923/2012, supporting EASA Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM), The Rules of the Air Regulations 2015, supporting CAA Permissions and Exemptions plus related elements of the Air Navigation Order 2016 to reflect publication of EASA’s ‘Easy Access’ consolidation of the regulation, AMC and […]

The following document sets out Civil Aviation Authority policy and guidance regarding the establishment of ATZs. It supersedes the edition published 17 February 2016. Establishment and Dimensions of Aerodrome Traffic Zones (ATZ) SW2019/19

Analysis of airspace infringement reports from 2017 has shown that that correct use of a moving map could have helped avoid 85% of airspace infringements. Occurrence reports from private pilots were assessed against four key measures that could have helped prevent the infringement or reduced its impact on other air traffic or controllers. The report […]

The UK Airprox Board (UKAB) has published its annual safety magazine for GA pilots and air traffic controllers. The magazine looks in depth at the factors leading to a serious loss of separation between aircraft, and how such incidents can be avoided in the future. UKAB has also published an in-depth statistical analysis of all […]

Magistrates imposed a £1250 fine following a guilty plea by a pilot to an offence of infringing the RAF Cosford RA(T) in June 2018. See Infringement updates for more details.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority Airspace Regulation Department has moved from CAA House in London to Aviation House near Gatwick Airport. If you require to contact the Airspace Regulation Utilisation Department they have moved to a new phone number of 01293 768202. Their email remains AROps@caa.co.uk. SW2019/06

Details of Hawarden RMZ infringements and how to avoid them now available at airspacesafety.com. See Infringement updates for more information.

We have published a new issue of CAP 168, applicable to UK National Aerodrome Licence/Certificate holders.  

Issue 7 of CAP 740 has now been published. This amendment to the sixth issue is a complete re-issue. > CAP 740 UK Airspace Management Policy

CAP 1251 Edition 2 contains a significant rewrite, incorporating new EU Legislation, including the introduction of (EU) 2017/373 requirements. ATCO licence holders advised to familiarise themselves with the updated legislation and standard practices contained within the manual. > CAP 1251 Air Traffic Controllers – Licensing

Restriction of Flying Regulations at Edinburgh on 30 December 2018 to 1 January 2019. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M100/2018 at http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com.  Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. SW2018/263  

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and National Air Traffic Services Ltd (NATS) are working collaboratively with all stakeholders to support the implementation of aeronautical data quality requirements in the United Kingdom NATS as the service provider (AISP) is responsible for producing the UK Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and is implementing a new data management portal […]

We have today launched our new Airspace Modernisation Strategy that initiates the major overhaul of a key piece of national infrastructure. The Airspace Modernisation Strategy sets out a new shared objective between the Civil Aviation Authority and the Government for modernising airspace which is to deliver quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys. Find more information on […]

We are currently consulting on our statutory charge proposals for 2019/20. For more information, and to submit comments, see www.consultations.caa.co.uk All comments must be received before the consultation closes on 7 February 2019.

Latest infringement statistics plus details of Barton ATZ Infringements and how to avoid them now available at https://airspacesafety.com/. Latest infringement statistics Barton ATZ infringments and how to avoid them  

The UK Airprox Board (UKAB) has now published the details of recent airprox incidents. A monthly review has also been published which focuses in detail on one particular incident, to ensure that lessons can be learnt by pilots and air traffic controllers for the benefit of air safety in the future.   SW2018/238

We have published CAP1721 Alternative Means of Compliance (AltMoC). This new CAP contains details of AltMoCs issued and approved by the CAA.

The fifth edition, amendment 28 September 2018 of CAP 393 The Air Navigation Order 2016 and Regulations has been published. Amendments to the Air Navigation Order are shown as explained in para 1.4 of the foreword.

We are seeking views on a series of concept proposals for future CAA policy on the training, qualification and licensing of UK flight information service officers (FISOs). The consultation was launched on 17th September and closes at 2359 on 7th December. More details and online survey available here: https://consultations.caa.co.uk/future-safety/fiso-training-qualification-licensing-review/ SW2018/227

Statistics of reported annual airspace infringements as of 30 September 2018 are now available at: https://airspacesafety.com/facts-stats-and-incidents/ SW2018/226

CAA’s proposed update to CAP 670 takes into account ICAO Annex amendments, updates to European legislation and guidance as well as minor editorial changes resulting, for example, from updates to the Air Navigation Order 2016 legislation and links to further information. We invite stakeholders to review the proposed changes and provide comment on the accuracy, […]

Restriction of Flying Regulations for ceremonies at Tower of London between 3 and 11 November 2018. Details by NOTAM and in briefing sheet on the NATS website. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. SW2018/222

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today launched a dedicated portal for proposed changes to UK airspace, which will provide communities and other interested stakeholders with a one-stop shop of information about designs of UK airspace that might impact them.

The UK Airprox Board (UKAB) has now published the details of recent airprox incidents in an October 2018 summary. A monthly review has also been published which focuses in detail on one particular incident, to ensure that lessons can be learnt by pilots and air traffic controllers for the benefit of air safety in the […]

CAA application forms SRG1414 (application for a FISO licence) and SRG1421 (application for a student ATCO licence) have been amended to include the requirement for applicants to provide certified proof of identity. Please always use the latest versions of the SRG forms which are available on the CAA website. SW2018/212

Restriction of Flying Regulations at Stokes Bay, Hampshire due to intended mooring of US Aircraft Carrier on the grounds of safety and security between 6 and 10 October 2018. Details by NOTAM. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. SW2018/207

Regulation (EU) 2017/373 (the ATM IR) of 1 March 2017 takes effect on 2 January 2020.  It lays down common requirements for air traffic management (ATM) service providers, and the oversight of ATM/air navigation services (ANS) and other ATM network functions. Our ATM IR web page (www.caa.co.uk/atmir) has been updated to reflect recent developments and […]

We have developed a microsite at info.caa.co.uk/euexit to be a central source of information for the aviation and aerospace industries about the actions they would need to take to be prepared for a no deal withdrawal from the EU and no continued mutual recognition.

We are seeking views on a series of concept proposals for future CAA policy on the training, qualification and licensing of UK flight information service officers (FISOs). More details and online survey available here: https://consultations.caa.co.uk/future-safety/fiso-training-qualification-licensing-review/ 

The CAA medical records system is being replaced. Changes will be implemented in a few months’ time and will provide greater accessibility, efficiency and transparency. The new web-based system will replace the existing paper-based application forms, changing the way in which you apply for a medical certificate. Details and guidance on how to use the […]

Restriction of Flying Regulations for Air Displays at Highclere, Hampshire on 8 and 9 September 2018. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M084/2018. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. SW2018/190

Restriction of Flying Regulations for a Red Arrows display at Ayr, Ayrshire on 1-2 September 2018. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M071/2018. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. SW2018/183

Restriction of Flying Regulations for a Red Arrows display at RAF Cranwell on 30 August 2018. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M071/2018. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. SW2018/182

As a result of consultation with industry, issue 2 of change notification form SRG1430 has been published. The guidance notes attached to the SRG1430 form and the associated information provided on the CAA page Change management and change notification process has also been amended to provide greater clarity on the use of the form. Organisations […]

Restriction of Flying Regulations for East Kirkby Air Show, Lincolnshire, on 4 August 2018. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M061/2018. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. SW2018/164

Page IX of the regulation 2015/340 ATCO licence contains space for recording Rating Endorsements and Date of First issue. Currently the CAA does not record all Rating Endorsements, only ADI (TWR). It is now the intention to enter all Rating Endorsements. To facilitate this and to minimise the workload, the date of first issue for […]