Tailored news, notifications & alertsfrom the CAA

The latest narrative in the Airspace & Safety Initiative series to highlight known ‘hot-spots’ focuses on preventing airspace infringements in the vicinity of East Midlands. It has been written by members of the Midlands LAIT including East Midlands ATC and operators at Nottingham Aerodrome.

On 5th November 2020 a new system of reporting runway contamination comes into force. Called the ICAO Global Reporting Format (GRF), the ICAO Aerodrome SARPs are in Annex 14, with additional guidance in the PANS Aerodromes Doc 9981 and Circular 355. The GRF allows cross functional (Aerodromes, ATM and Flight operations) harmonisation and standardized reporting. […]

The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) is to introduce changes to the Royal Flights procedure and to notify the withdrawal of the Selected Helicopter Flights procedure. 

MATS Pt 1 (CAP493) Supplementary Instruction (SI) 2019/06 implement phase 2 changes to Class E Airspace ATS procedures.  This SI has been updated to include several additional amendments and is reissued as version 2. 

The ATM change notification form (SRG 1430) has been amended to reflect implementation of ATM/ANS Regulation (EU) 2017/373 and its replacement of Regulations 1034/2011 and 1035/2011. The form no longer requires the results of the risk assessment of the notified change to be included. Risk assessments of changes must still be carried out as part […]

The Airspace & Safety Initiative series to highlight known ‘hot-spots’ continues into 2020. The first of the new year focuses on preventing ATZ infringements at Manchester Barton Aerodrome. It has been written by the Aerodrome Flight Information Service Officers at Manchester Barton Aerodrome who are members of the Northwest LAIT.

The CAA has reviewed CAP 670 Air Traffic Services Safety Requirements Part D Human Resources. While these requirements are the responsibility of service providers to comply with, the CAA has determined that if measures in place satisfy CAP 670 Part D, these will be regarded as being compliant with the regulation. The CAA will provide […]

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.    The magazine can be downloaded from the UKAB website. […]

In May 2019 we sought views on a new decision-making process for PPR proposals – air traffic control operational procedure changes that give rise to a planned and permanent redistribution of air traffic. We have now published a document explaining how we have taken consultation responses into account in refining the process that we will […]

Supplementary Instruction (SI) 2019/01 to CAP 797 Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) Manual Edition 3 was published on 19 December 2019, effective 2 January 2020. This SI details changes made to the FISO Manual (CAP 797), relating to the implementation of ATS.TR.100 within Annex IV ‘Part-ATS’ to Reg (EU) No 2017/373 the ‘Air Traffic Management)/Air […]

Supplementary Instruction (SI) 2019/07 to CAP 493 Manual of Air Traffic Services Part 1 was published on 19 December 2019, effective 2 January 2020. This SI details changes made to the MATS Part 1 (CAP 493), relating to the implementation of ATS.TR.100 within Annex IV ‘Part-ATS’ to Reg (EU) No 2017/373 the ‘Air Traffic Management)/Air […]

Supplementary Instruction (SI) 2019/02 to CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual was published on 19 December 2019, effective 2 January 2020. This SI details changes made to the Radiotelephony Manual (CAP 413), relating to the implementation of ATS.TR.100 within Annex IV ‘Part-ATS’ to Reg (EU) No 2017/373 the ‘Air Traffic Management)/Air Navigation Services Common Requirements Regulation’. SW2019/241

On 30 October 2019 the Secretary of State for Transport wrote to the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to amend the 2017 Air Navigation Directions to give us a new requirement to review the classification of airspace. We are now beginning the first airspace classification review and we would like your help. Click here to […]

The sixth in the Airspace & Safety Initiative series to highlight known ‘hot-spots’ focusses on preventing infringements of the Hawarden Radio Mandatory Zone (RMZ). It has been written by the air traffic control team at Hawarden aerodrome which is a key member of the Northwest LAIT.

We’re consulting on proposed amendments to our statutory charges, due to take effect from 1 April 2020. The online consultation will close on 7 February 2020.

Drone users and enthusiasts can now report safety concerns and incidents online using a confidential drone reporting service. CHIRP, a charitable organisation that has been providing independent, confidential reporting facilities for the aviation since 1982, has extended its online reporting system to include drone-related incidents. The service is free to use, and CHIRP guarantees to […]

The fifth in the Airspace & Safety Initiative series to highlight known ‘hot-spots’ focusses on preventing infringements in the vicinity of Sandtoft Aerodrome. This update has been written by members of the Yorkshire LAIT including ATCSL at Doncaster Sheffield and Liverpool, operators at Humberside, Yorkshire Aero Club and Sandtoft Aerodrome.

The fourth in a series of narratives focusing on identified infringement ‘hot-spots’ in the UK has been published. This update has been written by members of the Solent Local Airspace Infringement Team (LAIT), Southampton Airport and Southampton Air Traffic Control.

The third in the Airspace & Safety Initiative series to highlight known ‘hot-spots’ focusses on preventing infringements in the vicinity of Warwick. This update has been written by members of the Midlands Local Airspace Infringement Team (LAIT): Birmingham Airport Air Traffic Limited, the Flight Information Service Officers at Coventry Airport and Wellesbourne Mountford Aerodrome.

This edition returns to the subject of passengers boarding before flight crew with a well-written argument from a reader and a rap on the knuckles for CHIRP. Also, passengers boarding before security checks are complete and anti-smoking policies. Two reports from ATCOs: aircraft not achieving their ‘level by’ restrictions and the use of ‘overload’ and […]

The purpose of Supplementary Instruction (SI) 2019/06 is to implement phase 2 changes to Class E Airspace ATS procedures contained within the to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493).

The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) is to implement changes to radiotelephony phraseology contained within UK Radiotelephony Manual (CAP 413).  This is in support of amendments to class E airspace Air Traffic Service (ATS) procedure changes contained within the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493).

The CAA has published comments on the EASA Notice of Proposed Amendment NPA 2019-10 Part C – Measurement of the safety key performance indicator and safety performance indicators in the SES Performance and Charging Scheme. Read our response to the NPA Part C here. Read NPA 2019-10 Part A, Part B and Part C on […]

CAP 1649 has been published and can be downloaded from the CAA website: www.caa.co.uk/CAP1649 This document aims to help Air Navigation Service Providers interpret Regulation (EU) 2017/373 Annex XIII Part-PERS pertaining to ATSEP training and competence assessments, including specific United Kingdom recommendations and United Kingdom requirements for limited certificate holder ANSPs. Details and requirements for […]

The UK Airprox Board (UKAB) has published its annual statistical review of all airprox incidents it assessed in 2018. The review analyses incidents by type of operation and provides historical context in which to observe long-term trends.   It has also published its latest monthly review for October which focuses in detail on one particular airprox incident. UKAB […]

The second in a series of narratives focusing on identified infringement ‘hot-spots’ in the UK has been published on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website. This infringement update has been written by members of the Northwest Local Airspace Infringement Team (LAIT): NATS Manchester; ATCSL, Liverpool; Barton Aerodrome; and Ravenair, Liverpool Airport.

CAP1753 has been published and details the CAA’s cyber security oversight process for aviation. This document provides the basis for all cyber security oversight activity by the CAA and includes detail of good cyber security practice against four key objectives. CAP 1753 is available for download from the CAA website. SW2019/190

The International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) has launched a questionnaire on NOTAM and the NOTAM system and is asking for feedback from users. Your response will help design a new system. The online questionnaire remains open until 31 October 2019: https://forms.gle/pEvdLFUwT5AksbTp9 As advised by ICAO: In answering the questions think of the ideal NOTAM system […]

Restriction of Flying Regulations for State Opening of Parliament, London, on 14 October from from 0930 hrs UTC to 1130 hrs UTC. Details by NOTAM at: http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com Helicopter route H4 and non-specific flight / enhanced non-specific flight clearances contained within area withdrawn for duration. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. SW2019/184

The British Helicopter Association and Civil Aviation Authority will be hosting a review of helicopter operations at major events during 2019. The intention is to facilitate an open exchange of views to ensure that safe operations remain a fundamental objective at future events. The meeting will be held in the Airport Terminal at Oxford Airport […]

The first in a series to highlight known ‘hotspots’ focuses on the southwestern corner of the London Control Zone (CTR) in the vicinity of Bagshot.

The CAA has today issued ORS4 1315 which exempts certain categories of aircraft from their Permit to Fly Condition that prohibits them from overflight of ‘Settlements’. The aircraft concerned will still need to avoid Towns and Cities, but it is envisaged that this change will make flight planning easier for the operators of the aircraft […]

The general exemption from the requirements of SERA.5001 will remain in place until 25 March 2020. This means that until 25 March 2020 pilots can continue to fly VFR: at or below 3000 ft AMSL within Class D airspace; during day only; indicated airspeed of 140 kts or less; clear of cloud, with surface and: […]

New infringement report published on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website shows how the textbook application of an Frequency Monitoring Code (FMC) allowed the early resolution of an airspace infringement in a busy volume of airspace. SW2019/172

CAP 1649 – Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel – Training & Competence (Edition March 2019) was issued for industry consultation on 4th April 2019 and closed on 31st May 2019. The CAA received 68 comments from 18 different stakeholders during the consultation period. A Post Consultation Report has now been compiled to address & answer […]

Think, plan, avoid and enjoy your flight. Key tips to help avoid airspace infringements produced in collaboration with the Airspace Infringement Working Group has been published on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website.

Following the relocation of our central London office from Holborn to Canary Wharf, our official corporate headquarters is now Aviation House located just outside of Gatwick Airport. The official registered address is Aviation House, Beehive Ring Road, Crawley, West Sussex RH6 0YR. More information is available on our website.

59% of reported Birmingham CTA/CTR infringements so far this year have been inside CTA2, the Control Area immediately to the south of the CTR. Main causal factors and a reminder of tips to avoid infringing CTA2 now published at airspacesafety.com

This notification updates and replaces the information sent on 4 May 2018 as SW2018/76 Applicants for the Radio Operator’s Certificate of Competence (ROCC), are required to provide proof of identity (ID), when making their initial application. The provided documentation must be certified by an approved UK CAA Authorised Examiner, or an official body such as […]

The UK Airprox Board (UKAB) has published its latest monthly review which focuses in detail on one particular airprox incident. UKAB is dedicated to improving aviation safety and is keen to ensure lessons can be learnt by pilots and air traffic controllers from the publication of these monthly reviews. The latest version of UKAB’s App […]

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.