Tailored news, notifications & alertsfrom the CAA

Supplementary Instruction SI 2022/05 to the Manual of Air Traffic Services Part 1 was published on 13 June 2022, effective 13 June 2022. The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) is to remind air traffic controllers of the requirements relating to the application […]

To comply with regulatory requirements changes will be made to the format of the UK AIP and Aeronautical Charts effective AIRAC 07/2022: • ENR 3 ATS Routes: Tables restructured. • ENR 5.5 Aerial Sporting/Recreational Activities: For easy reference all sites published in a single alphabetical list regardless of type. • AD 2 Aerodromes: New section […]

The summer flying season is upon us and now would be a good time to review lessons that might be relevant before we all launch into the air. This edition of CHIRP GA FEEDBACK looks back at the previous 12 months and also includes thoughts on camera and equipment mounts, how to check that you’ve […]

Airspace Infringement Avoidance Amanda Rhodes (Air Traffic Radar Controller for Luton and Stansted) joins the GASCo panel for tonight’s airspace infringement avoidance webinar which will include tips and suggestions, quizzes and an example of airspace pre-flight planning using Threat & Error Management techniques. Monday 6 June (19:00 start) – register online https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_j2or6hFBQR2qVaO_vxmCzQ Military Civil Air […]

This working paper provides an update on progress on our work in relation to NERL’s licence obligation to conduct a review of Space Based Automatic Dependent Surveillance (SB ADS-B) costs and benefits committed to as part of the RP3 price control. It identifies some early conclusions from the information gathered so far and proposes next […]

As the post-COVID airline industry transitions from survival to recovery, CHIRP Air Transport FEEDBACK Edition 142 reviews some of the key issues from the last 12 months that have recently focused on commercial pressures and rostering versus available resources and manning.  There are also reports discussing UPRT training, Approach Bans, maintenance quality concerns, and lack […]

Following publication of amendments to Regulation EU 2017/373 Annex XIII AMC & GM, prior to the United Kingdom’s withdrawal from the European Union, CAP1649 has been re-issued to reflect these changes. No changes have been made to any Regulatory Requirements. This re-issue also provides an opportunity to update and expand on CAA guidance & recommendations […]

We have published a new set of pages on our website that contain up to date versions of UK law (Regulations and Rules) that have been retained and/or amended since the UK left the EU (and EASA).  More regulations are now included, and they are easier to search for and open. Where applicable AMC/GM/CS continues […]

Analysis of reports from 2020 identified poor planning and threat and error management as a cause in 62% of infringements while 54% of pilots reported distraction as a factor. Read the full Report from the Airspace Infringement Working Group’s Causal Factors Working Group Latest infringement figures and past causal factor reports (from 2017) are available […]

A new CAA web page has been published to clarify the process and requirements for the application, revalidation, and renewal of Assessor, On Job Training Instructor (OJTI) and Synthetic Training Device Instructor (STDI) licence endorsements. The web page also provides information on the administrative requirements and the use of the eight week grace period. SW2022/067

From the 1st June 2022 the CAA will be introducing a standardised way for ANSPs, TOs and ITOs to notify corrective actions for non-compliances and acceptance or rejection of observations raised during ongoing oversight audits. On completion of an audit an Audit Response Document (ARD) will be issued along with the Oversight Report. The ARD […]

The UK CAA have updated the requirements for providing certified documents in support of a personnel licensing application. These changes allow for:   · The option to provide a photo of yourself holding your ID (a ‘selfie’) as an alternative to obtaining a certified copy · The ability for non-aviation professionals to certify most licenses […]

The CAA has published the revised 14 Schemes of Charges and the Consultation response document on the 17th  March 2022 under CAA UK Official Record Series 5, that will be legally implemented with effect from the 1st April 2022. The current 14 Schemes of Charges will be effective to and including 31st March 2022.

The FRTOL Examiner Manual (CAP2118) and Guidance for FRTOL Practical Test Candidates (CAP2325) have been published. They follow the Introduction of new Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) Practical Test format and FRTOL Examiner Qualification Procedures  guidance published in February. Category: Air traffic control, Autogyros, Balloons, Flight crew licensing examiners, Flight training private, Gliders, Microlights, Private pilot aeroplane, Private pilot helicopter

Download the latest edition of CHIRP General Aviation FEEDBACK After a stop-start year last year, CHIRP is looking forward to more consistent and regular flying this year as Spring/Summer approaches. As part of getting back to flying, the need to consider contingencies and have a ‘Plan B’ is an important part of pre-flight planning and […]

The Air Traffic Management (Regulation (EU) No 716/2014) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (SI No. 211) was laid in Parliament yesterday, 3 March 2022 and is expected to come into force on 24 March 2022.  SI 2022 No. 211 makes amendments to UK (EU) Regulation No 716/2014 (also known as the Pilot Common Project Regulation) These amendments […]

Following publication of CAA ORS9 decision 6 detailing additional AMC and GM on Air Traffic Controllers’ Rostering System(s), the CAA has issued a supplementary amendment that deletes Part D: Human Resources from CAP670 and amends Part B Section 1 APP04.8 with effect from 7 March 2022.

The Q-Code for Hang gliding/Paragliding activities is “WP” (parachute jumping exercise (PJE), paragliding and hang gliding). If a NOTAM relates to paragliding/hang gliding the use of “WP” can be misleading if taken to indicate a PJE instead of paragliding/hang gliding. The flight characteristics and risks associated with paragliding/hang gliding are closer to glider flying than […]

Introduction of new Flight Radiotelephony Operator’s Licence (FRTOL) Practical Test format and FRTOL Examiner Qualification Procedures (CAP2117) has been published. This guidance is for existing Radiotelephony (RTF) Examiners, prospective FRTOL Examiners, FRTOL candidates, Approved Training Organisations (ATOs), Declared Training Organisations (DTOs) and Training Providers. Its content will be applicable from 14 March 2022.

The CAA has published CAP 1926 containing general requirements and guidance material for the use of RNAV Substitution on UK routes and procedures. The CAP acknowledges the use of FMS Coded Overlays as an operating technique in lieu of primary reference to conventional ground-based navigation aids and as such, permits use of the technique on […]

Issue 5 of Regulation 2017/373 Compliance Matrix ANNEX IV Part ATS has now been published. This version has been updated to include the AMC requirements published in ORS9. Decision 6 relating to ATCO Rostering, which become applicable from the 7th March 2022. As further amendments are pending relating to Statutory Instrument (SI) 2021 No. 1203, […]

The Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act became law in April 2021. The CAA has new roles and powers in relation to the Secretary of State’s powers to direct “a person involved in airspace change” to progress or cooperate in an airspace change. In December 2021 we published our Enforcement Guidance (CAP 2280) in respect of […]

This alert has been resent to correct an error to the SI reference in the final paragraph. Amendment 1 to Edition 4 of the Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) Manual (CAP 797) was published on 10 February 2022, effective 24 March 2022. The FISO Manual is published for use by FISOs and contains procedures, instructions […]

The Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) edition 10 is now available at www.caa.co.uk/CAP493 The effective date is 28 March 2022.

Amendment 1 to Edition 4 of the Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) Manual (CAP 797) was published on 10 February 2022, effective 24 March 2022. The FISO Manual is published for use by FISOs and contains procedures, instructions and information pertaining to both aerodrome and area operations; it may also be of general interest to […]

Supplementary Instruction SI 2022/04 to the Manual of Air Traffic Services Part 1 was published on 7 February 2022, effective 6 October 2022. The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) is to implement the re-designation of airways below FL 245 to control Areas […]

Currently when making an amendment to Manual of Air Traffic Services Part 2 (MATS Pt2) or Manual of Flight Information Services (MAFIS) documents by use of a Supplementary Instruction (SI), the amendment is to be notified to the CAA by the submission of a SRG 1430 change notification form along with the SI. It is […]

We have now published a report containing our draft findings of our review into the Cotswold Region and which contains our Initial Plan of volumes of airspace to take forward to the amend phase of the airspace classification review process.   We are asking you to comment on the report’s findings. The objective of this is […]

The CAA has published Edition 2 of CAP 1054 Aeronautical Data Quality providing guidance to UK industry on the means of achieving compliance with applicable national and international aeronautical data quality requirements for the provision and maintenance of aeronautical data and aeronautical information in UK Aeronautical Information Products.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published its decision to accept ACOG’s Airspace Change Masterplan Iteration 2 (CAP2312b) in the Airspace Modernisation Strategy. For more information, including the co-sponsors’ assessment and the CAA’s full decision in CAP2312A. SW2022/014

Supplementary Instruction SI 2022/03 to the Manual of Air Traffic Services Part 1 was published on 26 January 2022, effective 28 March 2022. The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) is to detail changes made to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) relating to aircraft operating at the lower or […]

Supplementary Instruction SI 2021/04 Version 2 to the Manual of Air Traffic Services Part 1 was published on 26 January 2022, effective 27 January 2022. The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) is to detail changes made to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) relating to aircraft operating at the […]

Supplementary Instruction SI 2022/01 to the Manal of Air Traffic Services Part 1 was published on 20 January 2022, effective 24 March 2022. The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) is to update procedures detailing the withholding of an ATC clearance.

We have recently published CAP1781a, this document provides some additional guidance in response to questions received about CAP 1781 – Guidance for the use of RNAV Substitution. SW2022/006

As part of our work to enable the Airspace Modernisation Strategy, the CAA has reviewed and amended its policies on radio and transponder mandatory zones (RMZ and TMZ). This has resulted in: # new acceptable means of compliance and guidance material to SERA.6005 Requirements for Communications and SSR Transponders adopted through ORS9 CAA Decision No […]

The CAA has published an amended version of its Wake Turbulence Categorisation Database.  The database should be used by ATC service providers in conjunction with the wake turbulence categories in Appendix B to the MATS Part 1 (CAP 493) to determine the required wake turbulence separation. Version 4 of the database is effective on publication.

Supplementary Instruction SI 2021/07 Version 2 to the Manual of Air Traffic Services Part 1 was published on 17 December 2021, effective 11 February 2022. The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) is to implement changes to HM Coastguard nomenclature, D&D cell coverage […]

Supplementary Instruction (SI) 2021/04 to CAP 797 Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) Manual Edition 4 was published on 16 December 2021, effective 14 February 2022. The purpose of this SI is to implement changes to Maritime and Coastguard Agency related nomenclature and procedures. SW2021/327

Following trials of Flight Information Display (FID) systems at a number of AFISO units, the CAA has published guidance in CAP797 SI 2021/03, CAP1032 SI 2021/01, CAP670 SA 2021/02 and CAP774 detailing the process for their approval and use at AFISO units. Similar guidance material for the use of FIDs at ATC units will be […]

CAP 774 UK Flight Information Services Edition 4 has been published and becomes effective on 15 December 2021. Aside from minor editorial changes within the foreword, Edition 4 includes amendments to ensure that the text of the document is gender neutral and to reflect the introduction of policy permitting the use, by aerodrome FISOs, of […]

Supplementary Instruction SI 2021/07 to the Manual of Air Traffic Services Part 1 was published on 13 December 2021, effective 11 February 2022. The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) is to implement changes to HM Coastguard nomenclature, D&D cell coverage and related […]

We have published new guidance on how to notify the CAA about events and obstacles in UK airspace.  We have also introduced a new online form for submitting notifications. Persons responsible for existing or proposed obstacles of 100 metres or more above ground level are to ensure that they comply with the mandatory requirement (Article […]

The Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft (ATMUA) Act in April 2021. As part of this, the CAA has new roles and powers in relation to the Secretary of State’s powers to direct “a person involved in airspace change” to progress or cooperate in an airspace change. We have now published our Enforcement Guidance covering […]

Two Supplementary Instructions to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 were published on 29 November 2021, effective 28 January 2022. MATS Pt 1 SI 2021/05: Reduction in longitudinal separation Supplementary Instruction SI 2021/05 introduces an amendment to note 3 to section 1, chapter 3, paragraph 8A.1, table 1 entitled longitudinal separation based […]

CAP632: Operation of Permit-to-Fly ex-military aircraft on the UK register This amendment has been published to reflect an alteration to the Official Record Series 9 Decision referred to in Chapter 5 and Appendix F. The red underlining from amendment 1 has been retained for clarity. Amendment 1 was published in September to reflect a revision […]

The UK regulation (EU) 2015/340 Compliance Matrix has been amended to include the requirements of Statutory Instrument 2019/645. The changes made do not significantly impact on the content of the regulation but manly relate changes from EU to UK terminology Issue 3 of the compliance matrix has now been published on the CAA web site […]

The UK regulation (EU) 376/2014 Compliance Matrix has been amended to include the requirements of Statutory Instrument 2019/645. The changes made do not significantly impact on the content of the regulation but manly relate changes from EU to UK terminology Issue 3 of the compliance matrix has now been published on the CAA web site […]

New hot-spot narrative written by local pilots and the Air Traffic Service Unit at Aberdeen. Issued by the Airspace & Safety Initiative to provide pilots operating the area with useful information on airspace and infringement prevention practices.  “Fantastic presentation and some really useful points!” GASCo’s infringement avoidance webinar on Monday 15 November at 7pm includes […]

UK Regulation (EU) 2015/340 sets the validity period for level 6 English Language Proficiency (ELP) endorsement for ATCOs at 9 years.Level 6 licence endorsements currently held are from either the date of original ELP assessment, or the date of Regulation (EU) 2015/340 ATCO licence issue. To lessen the impact of revalidating a considerable number of […]

Supplementary Instruction SI 2021/04 to the Manual of Air Traffic Services Part 1 was published on 29 October 2021, effective 27 January 2022. The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) is to detail changes made to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) relating to aircraft operating at the lower or […]

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has today opened a public engagement exercise as part of its review into its airspace change process, known as CAP1616. We are inviting all stakeholders to share their views and experiences of the CAP1616 process and its guidance through our online survey. We are asking for comments before 30 November […]

This Skywise is to advise that The Aviation Safety (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021, SI 2021 No. 1203 have been published, making amendments to retained EU regulations. A table setting out the various dates upon which the amendments made by this SI will come into force can be found here: Details of retained EU law […]

The CAA has updated its Safety Policy and Legislation tracker to include its Opinions to the Department for Transport on two further packages of changes to Aviation safety law. The Department for Transport has accepted these Opinions and is taking the steps necessary to implement changes to the relevant regulations via an upcoming Statutory Instrument. […]

The CAA has published a revised package of acceptable means of compliance (AMC) and guidance material (GM) to UK Reg (EU) No 923/2012 the Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA). The AMC and GM package can be found on the UK Regulations website and incorporates the recent amendment to the AMC and GM to […]

The CAA has published a comment on EASA Notice of Proposed Amendment NPA 2021-08, ‘Enhanced mobility options and streamlined qualifications for air traffic controllers’.   Read our response to the NPA 2021-08: CAA comments on NPA 2021-08. Read NPA 2021-08 on the EASA website SW2021/275

The UK Airprox Board’s new annual report offers an historic overview of cases followed by a detailed breakdown of Airprox by sector, risk, altitude and airspace. Understanding Airprox and the factors behind them is a key step towards mitigating against mid-air collision and UKAB’s sole purpose is to share its work far and wide to […]

London Luton Airport have produced a VFR Operating Pack which is now available on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website. This comprehensive guide includes pre-flight checklist, frequency reference cards, visual reference point details, arrival procedures and information on radio transmissions. “Great presentation, very informative with loads of reminders, and gotchas to look out for and […]

The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) is to update extant text concerning GPWS and to change reference from GPWS to TAWS.  To review this SI click here.

Regulation UK (EU) 2017/373 ATS.OR.305 details the responsibilities of ATC service providers on the problematic use of psychoactive substances by air traffic controllers. UK guidance material on this subject is provided within Official Record Series 9 (ORS9) Decision 7. ATC ANSPs are to review their compliance with Regulation UK (EU) 2017/373 ATS.OR.305 using the GM […]

Infringement narrative: RAF Syerston ATZ This Airspace and Safety Initiative latest update is the 30th in a series of narratives focusing on identified infringement ‘hot-spots’ in the UK. It has been written by the Aerodrome Controlling Authority at RAF Syerston and members of the CAA’s Airspace Infringement Team. Read Preventing infringements of the RAF Syerston […]

The CAA has published information on the requirements and use of units of measurement in civil aviation air and ground operations in the UK. CAP 2264 complements and gives additional guidance to that contained in the UK Units of Measurement Regulation (1986) as amended. Please see CAP 2264 – Units of measurement in civil aviation […]

Today the CAA has published a Decision amending the Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to the Standardised European Rules of the Air on flight in excess of the airspace speed limit. We have also published a minor revision to CAP632: Operation of Permit-to-Fly Ex-Military aircraft on the UK register to reflect this, summarising […]

The SRG 1430 form and its attach guidance notes are amended to: Reference UK regulations. Allow Interoperability documents related to a notified change to be provided post notification when any impact is determined. Allow more flexibility on the development of cyber risk assessments at the time of change notification and provide e mail address for […]

After considering feedback, from today (20 September) any SkyWise alerts for temporary restricted airspace will only be sent to the category ‘Airspace alerts’. Any restrictions including the use of drones will also be sent to the category ‘drones’. To continue receiving these alerts, please ensure that you are subscribed to the ‘Airspace Alerts’ and/or ‘Drones’ […]

GAsCo Regional Safety Officers provide information on how to avoid having an airspace infringement on Monday 20 September at 19:00. An hour and a half of information, tips, suggestions and quizzes. A perfect refresher to prepare for when COVID-19 restrictions can be lifted. Register now for free: Airspace Infringement Avoidance Webinar Join Matt Lane, recent […]

A Pilots guide to the Manchester Low Level Route (LLR) has been published on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website. Read Pilots Guide to the Manchester Low Level Route (LLR) SW2021/248

The Manchester Low-level Route (LLR) procedures in the UK AIP at EGCC AD 2.22.7 are being revised effective with AIRAC 9/2021 on 9 September 2021 so the Northwest LAIT has updated narrative number 2 to help pilots understand the changes and requirements of the LLR use. SW2021/235

The CAA has published ORS9 CAA Decisions to promulgate new and revised AMC and GM to Annex Annex I ‘Definitions’ and Annex IV ‘Part-ATS’ to the (UK) ATM/ANS IR. The new AMC and GM relate to ATS.OR.305 ‘Responsibilities of air traffic control service providers with regard to the problematic use of psychoactive substances by air […]

Version 4.0 of the policy for the approval of remote air traffic services expands on previous policy to include the evolution of the concept into Multiple mode of operation and provision of remote aerodrome ATS from multiple aerodromes both sequentially and simultaneously.  It also includes technical updates in Appendix B and ATC training requirements in […]

The Airspace & Safety Initiative’s latest hot-spot narrative looks at preventing airspace infringements in the vicinity of Edinburgh Airport. It includes details on how using the Frequency Monitoring Code can be of great benefit to pilots and controllers as well as other tips to avoid infringements. Read more airspacesafety.com/hot-spot-narratives/ SW2021/219

The CAA has published the process that will be used in developing aviation policy and legislation in the UK. The process involves coordinated activity between the CAA and the DfT and will be used in the development of aviation legislation, certification specifications and other detailed specifications, acceptable means of compliance and guidance material. Information about […]

Pre-flight planning guidance Pre-flight planning in a low-stress environment helps produce a safe strategy for the flight and reduces workload once airborne. Collaborative decision-making with ATC, weather services, and other pilots also helps size things up. The Airspace Infringement Working Group’s guidance, covering key aspects of successful pre-flight preparation and planning, is available on the […]

As part of the Airspace Classification Review procedure, the UK Civil Aviation Authority has published a report that provides a factual overview of the intelligence we have gathered to date on the Cotswold Region and are now inviting those stakeholders familiar with this region to provide feedback on our initial findings through an online survey […]

NATS will replace the AIS IBS with a new system on Thursday, 12th August 2021. The new system provides an improved user interface and enhanced functionality – Full details of changes are available via the NATS news item at www.nats.aero/ais including a new User Manual. Note: Users with existing Pre-flight Information Bulletin (PIB) accounts will […]

The Airspace & Safety Initiative‘s latest occurrence narrative looks at an infringement of Stansted Control Area 2 with a comprehensive pilot report, causal factors and analysis. Read Infringement of the Class D Stansted Control Area 2 (CTA-2)

Airspace Infringements: review and actions (CAP1404) has been amended to highlight the CAA’s audit and safety assurance functions of the Infringement Co-ordination Group (ICG), and introduces the option for those provisionally suspended by the CAP1404 process to request a review of that decision. These changes take effect from publication of this amendment to CAP1404 on […]

CAP 1430 – UK Air Traffic Management Vocabulary Edition 3 is now available at www.caa.co.uk/cap1430 The effective date is 28 September 2021.

This SkyWise is to advise that The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (SI 2021 No. 879) will come into force on 19 August 2021, except for the en-route obstacles provisions which will enter into force on 6 September 2021. For full details see The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (SI 2021 No. 879) which identifies […]

Restriction of Flying Regulations for Duxford Summer Airshow at Duxford Aerodrome, Cambridgeshire on 23,24 and 25 July 2021. Details by NOTAM and in AIC M052/2021 at www.nats.aero/ais. Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. SW2021/172

The Airspace & Safety Initiative has updated the Farnborough hot-spot narrative: Read: Preventing airspace infringements in the vicinity of Farnborough Controlled Airspace Infringement avoidance Monday 19 July (1900 – 2030 hours) Places available for GASCo’s July webinar on how to avoid an airspace infringement. Register online: Airspace Infringement Avoidance Webinars (gasco.org.uk)

The Air Traffic Services (ATS) licensing application forms have been updated with a host of improvements and to provide greater guidance for applicants. Following a four-week transition period, the latest versions must be used from 09 August 2021; older forms submitted after this date will be rejected. The following forms have been amended and published […]

The CAA has published CAP 1781 and CAP 1781b as guidance in support of how airports might mitigate the effect of the removal of conventional navigation aids from December 2022. From this date, NATS plan to commence decommissioning of DVOR, DME and NDB sites. The two CAPs offer the use of RNAV Substitution as one […]

The latest infringement occurrence narrative from the Airspace & Safety Initiative looks at an infringement of the Newcastle Control Area (CTA). It includes air traffic control and pilot perspectives, causal and human factors and threat and error management analysis – as well as links to pre-flight planning resources. Read Infringement of the Class D Newcastle […]

The Radio Operators Certificate of Competence (ROCC) certificate has been updated to include the Wireless Telegraphy Act 2006 and Ofcom requirements. Previously issued ROCC certificates will remain valid and holders do not require re-issue of this certificate unless it has been lost, (for which a fee will be incurred). There will be new procedures coming […]