Tailored news, notifications & alertsfrom the CAA

The latest hot-spot narrative highlights the risk of airspace infringements around Luton Control Areas (CTA) and Control Zone (CTR). Written by members of the Luton Local Airspace Infringement Team (LAIT) it includes guidance and suggestions to help reduce the risk.

We have been working closely with the industry during the initial phase of COVID-19 to help aviation’s continuing operations and recovery. The initial set of COVID licence exemptions, that included extending licence validity dates, expire on 22 November 2020. Industry and licence holders are asked to make sure they will then comply with the standard […]

The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction is to detail changes made to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) to implement the wake turbulence related aspects of Amendment 9 to ICAO Doc 4444 PANS-ATM, and to amend aspects of existing MATS Part 1 wake turbulence content following a review by the […]

Restriction of Flying Regulations for Battle of Britain flying displays at Lashenden/Headcorn Aerodrome, between 25 and 27 September 2020. Details of the displays by NOTAM. AIC M071/2020 refers at http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com.  Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones.

The twenty third hot-spot narrative from the Airspace & Safety Initiative features the service that London and Scottish Information provide service and assistance available to help avoid infringements.

Following consultation with the Birmingham Local Airspace Infringement Team, the CAA, and a review of infringement data, Birmingham Airport have taken the decision to remove Warwick VRP (M40 Junction 15) as a notified Visual Reference Point. The change is effective from 10 September 2020, and will be reflected in the UK AIP and airspace charts.

Due to a state requirement, the CAA have been required to implement new Temporary Danger Area (TDA) complex over the English Channel between 31 August and 30 September 2020. This complex replaces the previously notified areas. The Temporary Danger Areas will be utilised by Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) operating Beyond Visual Line of Sight. […]

Version 2 of CAP493 SI2020-03 has now been published. The purpose of this Supplementary Instruction (SI) is to detail changes made to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) introduced by ICAO Doc 4444 PANS-ATM Amendment 8, and to introduce amendments to vectoring to final practices.  Version 2 corrects a typographical […]

Restriction of Flying Regulations for flying displays at Old Warden Aerodrome between 18 July and 18 October 2020. Details of each event by NOTAM. AIC M061/2020 refers at http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com.  Restrictions also apply to the operation of all drones. This notification replaces SW2020/148 SW2020/174

Air Traffic Control licence holders should be aware that the medical element has been updated in licensing exemptions that relate to validity. The remaining content of the licensing exemptions has not changed but the reference numbers have been updated: EASA medical is now: ORS4 No. 1408Licensing is now: ORS4 No. 1410 For more information refer […]

Supplementary Instruction (SI) 2020/07 to CAP 797 Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) Manual Edition 3 was published on 4 August 2020, effective 3 December 2020. This SI details changes made to the FISO Manual (CAP 797), relating to amendment 8 to ICAO Doc 4444 PANS-ATM and to reflect changes made to the UK’s SSR Code […]

CAP493 SI2020-03 has now been published. This Supplementary Instruction details changes made to the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) introduced by ICAO Doc 4444 PANS-ATM Amendment 8, and introduces amendments to vectoring to final practices.

The latest infringement update covers Prohibited and Restricted Airspace. The twentieth in the Airspace & Safety Initiative series of narratives focusing on identified infringement hot-spots has been written by the airspace sponsors involved in the establishment of permanent and temporary prohibited and restricted airspace.

Supplementary Instruction (SI) 2020/06 to CAP 797 was published on 28 July 2020, effective 3 December 2020. A review of wake turbulence arrangements at AFIS aerodromes identified opportunities to reduce complexity and improve the quality of the guidance. This SI details changes made to the CAP 797 relating to warnings of wake turbulence provided by […]

Air Transport FEEDBACK 135 covers a wide-ranging set of issues that were reported to CHIRP prior to the COVID-19 lockdown period. There are still many relevant lessons and topics of interest within that will be applicable as aviation starts its recovery to historic levels of activity. Topics include the effectiveness of reporting processes; fatigue in […]

Policy for Permanently Established Danger Areas and Temporary Danger Areas was published on 21 July 2020 and replaces ‘DAP Policy: SARG Danger Areas’. This updated policy includes requirements for the establishment, notification and activation of permanent danger areas (DA) and temporary danger areas (TDA). 

A new edition of CAP 746, which contains the requirements for meteorological observations at aerodromes, has been published. The main changes to its content are: > Changes resulting from the introduction of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373> Additional information concerning AUTO METAR> Addition of guidance on achieving Basic Meteorological Observing competency.

The latest infringement update is focused on preventing infringements of Farnborough Controlled Airspace in the vicinity of Blackbushe Airport. It has been written by the team at Blackbushe Airport, Farnborough Air Traffic Service Unit and members of the Wessex Local Airspace Infringement Team.

Supplementary Instruction (SI) 2020/05 to CAP 797 Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) Manual Edition 3 was published on 16 July 2020, effective 14 September 2020. This SI details changes made to the FISO Manual (CAP 797), relating to a FISOs authority to permit the movement of aircrafton the manoeuvring area of an uncontrolled aerodrome.

Supplementary Instruction (SI) 02/2020 to CAP 413 Radiotelephony Manual ED 23 (Corr) was published on 14 July 2020, effective 10 September 2020. The advent of performance-based navigation (PBN) is having a major impact on all aspects of the aviation industry, with PBN routes and procedures being introduced more widely. As part of a continuing effort to […]

Supplementary Instruction (SI) 2020/04 to CAP 797 Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) Manual Edition 3 was published on 14 July 2020, effective 10 September 2020. ICAO has introduced measures to align the performance-based navigation (PBN) procedure approach chart identification with the designation of the navigation specification, transitioning from the RNAV(GNSS) Runway XX naming convention, to […]

CAP 779 Regulation of aeronautical information services has been revised to reflect current regulatory references and to highlight the requirement for Management Systems, Change Management Procedures and Formal Arrangements.

The CAA publishes airspace policy statements on a variety of topics; one of these details requirements and provides guidance regarding the approval of air traffic services (ATS) units (ATSUs) seeking to provide ATS within controlled airspace (CAS), where such units are not notified as the controlling authority for such airspace. The CAA’s triennial review of […]

The latest infringement update has been written by the team at Southend Airport Air Traffic Control and sets out tips for avoiding Controlled Airspace infringements at Southend,

The Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) has been published as Edition 8, which will become effective on 31 July 2020.  The MATS Pt 1 is available from www.caa.co.uk/cap493 SW2020/137

On 1 December 2020 the CAA will introduce a new procedure to review and, where appropriate, amend the classification of airspace. The classification determines the flight rules that apply in that airspace and the procedures that must be followed. Give us your views on a draft of this new procedure by visiting our consultation website […]

The CAA recognises the enormous impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on the aviation and aerospace industries. For this reason, we delayed the increase to our scheme of charges for an initial period of three months, to 30 June 2020. Having reviewed this decision in light of the ongoing challenges faced by the sector, […]

This infringement update is the seventeenth in a series of narratives focusing on helping pilots avoid airspace infringements in the UK. It has been written by a number of industry partners to help pilots understand NOTAM relating to the deactivation of controlled airspace.

Supplementary Instruction (SI) 2020/03 to CAP 797 was published on 9 June 2020 and will become effective on 8 July 2020. This SI details changes made to the Flight Information Service Officer Manual (CAP 797) Edition 3, to update Chapter 21 Aeronautical Information Service and Appendix D Directory.

A new edition of CAP413 has been published today (8 June 2020) with an effective date of 17 August 2020. Edition 23 Corr (dated 8 June 2020), replaces Edition 23 (published 9 April 2020) in its entirety. www.caa.co.uk/CAP413

While we understand that many pilots are currently unable to fly due to COVID-19 restrictions we aim to continue to release safety education and awareness material to support the GA community with the future return to flying and continue to help promote longer-term safety awareness. To meet that aim we are continuing to publish information […]

The contact telephone number for Airspace Regulation Operations (AR Ops) and Airspace Regulation (Utilisation) (AR(U)) has changed to 01293 983 880. AR Ops and AR(U) can be contacted for the purposes of, but not limited to, notification and coordination of Unusual Aerial Activity and promulgation of NOTAMs. See UK AIP ENR 1 for references to […]

We are constantly looking at ways to support the aviation sector in these unprecedented times. Our funding principles are underpinned by statute and legal obligation so we have not been able to waive any charges and are still required to issue invoices. But we are now able offer a payment plan to cover 2020/2021 annual […]

Air Transport FEEDBACK 134 is the first edition from our new Director Aviation, Steve Forward.  It contains reports about the handling of fuel priority calls; the importance of awareness of Minimum Safe Altitude versus Transition Level; fatigue management; go-arounds due to birds; unsafe engineering practices; and managing the long-term storage of aircraft.   These and many […]

The Met Office is currently prioritising activities so that it can continue to carry out urgent governmental work. To support the Met Office and in light of current restrictions on General Aviation, the CAA has sanctioned changes including: A suspension of GAMETs, Gatwick Take Off Forecasts, and aerodrome warnings for General Aviation airfields, and 9 […]

This alert is to inform UK certificated TO/ITOs that Edition 2 of CAP 794 – Air Traffic Controllers – Initial Training Objectives, has been published. The content has had major review, due to numerous documentary changes. One significant addition is the inclusion of UK Initial Training Terminal Objectives which, due to an error, were not […]

While we understand that many pilots are currently unable to fly due to COVID-19 restrictions we aim to continue to release safety education and awareness material to support the GA community with the future return to flying and continue to help promote longer-term safety awareness. To meet that aim we are continuing to publish information […]

The Radiotelephony Manual (CAP 413) has been updated. Edition 23 includes updates to: Foreword; Definitions; Military Callsigns and numerous editorial changes. It has been published today and has an effective date of 8 June 2020.

Three Supplementary Instructions (SI) have been published to incorporate guidance material concerning sailplane operations into the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493) and the Flight Information Service Officer (FISO) Manual (CAP 797). Associated radiotelephony procedures are incorporated into the Radiotelephony Manual (CAP 413). > CAP493 SI 2020-02 > CAP797 SI 2020-02> […]

Government guidance on coronavirus and General Aviation flying was published yesterday. It states that people should not take part in recreational flying during the current coronavirus outbreak. This is in line with government guidance to stay at home unless it is absolutely necessary to go out.

The CAA has published the following exemption to support the industry through the COVID-19 outbreak. Covid-19 Outbreak: Extension of Validity Periods for Licences, Ratings and Certificates of Aircrew, Instructors, Examiners, Aircraft Maintenance Licence Holders and Air Traffic Controllers (ORS4 No 1354) Guidance for pilots and engineers about this exemption is available on the CAA website. […]

The CAA has published the following exemption to support the industry through the COVID-19 outbreak. Coronavirus (COVID-19) and Theoretical Knowledge Examination Completion Period as required by Commission Regulation (EU) 1178/2011 as amended (ORS4 No.1353 ) Further information regarding COVID-19 is available on the CAA website. SW2020/059

At 2359 hours on 25 March 2020, the UK’s exemption from the SERA Class D visual meteorological conditions (VFR minima) below 3000 ft expires. To reflect this change, the procedures for the use of the Manchester Low-Level Route have been amended. With effect from 0001 hours on 26 March 2020, UK Aeronautical Information Publication EGCC […]

The CAA has updated its consolidation of Regulation (EU) 923/2012, supporting EASA Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material, The Rules of the Air Regulations 2015, supporting CAA Permissions and Exemptions plus related elements of the Air Navigation Order 2016. These updates can be found at www.caa.co.uk/sera and reflect the imminent expiry of the UK’s […]

Air traffic service providers are reminded that Official Record Series (ORS) 4 General Exemption No. 1312 will expire at 2359 UTC on 25 March 2020. From 26 March 2020, reference to the Exemption will be removed from the Manual of Air Traffic Services (MATS) Part 1 (CAP 493), and the requirements of SERA.5001 Table S5-1 […]

As a consequence of the severity of the current COVID-19 outbreak and its impact worldwide, the CAA has decided to delay the implementation of its recently proposed charge increases for three months to assist the UK aviation industry in these difficult times. You can see more information at Schemes of Charges. The CAA currently intends […]

The latest infringement hot-spot narrative has been written by members of the Air Traffic Control Unit at Royal Air Force Brize Norton. Ten more hot-spot narratives can be found on the Local area information page on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website.

The CAA has published comments on the EASA Notice of Proposed Amendment NPA 2020-02 All-weather operations – Non-commercial operations with other than complex motor-powered aircraft. Read our response to the NPA 2020-02: CAA comments on NPA 2020-02. Read NPA 2020-02 on the EASA website

This update has been written to provide a comprehensive guide to the Class D and Class E Farnborough controlled airspace which become effective on 27 February 2020. It follows the format of the other narratives that focus on identified ‘hot-spots’ to help prevent airspace infringements.

A Supplementary Instruction (SI) has been published to remind air traffic service providers that Official Record Series (ORS) 4 General Exemption No. 1312 is planned to expire at 2359 UTC on 25 March 2020. From 26 March 2020 the requirements of SERA.5001 Table S5-1 and SERA.5005(a) will apply without variation and reference to ORS4 No […]

The latest narrative in the Airspace & Safety Initiative series sets out advice from the Solent Local Airspace Infringement Team, Southampton Airport and Southampton Air Traffic Control on how to avoid airspace infringements when flying around, or under, Solent CTA-3 and CTA-5.

A review of Royal Flight procedures by the CAA has resulted in a requirement to make subsequent amendments to the Flight Information Service Officer Manual (CAP 797). Whilst the change is relatively minor, ATS personnel should note that the procedure concerning Selected Helicopter Flights and the requirement for the diversion of Royal aircraft of No 32 […]

The British Helicopter Association and Civil Aviation Authority are holding a pre-season helicopter special events briefing. This will enable heliport operators to update industry on their plans for the coming season and also facilitate an open discussion with the aim of promoting a safe and successful series of events. The pilots’ briefing for operations into […]

On 22 January 2020, the CAA published an updated third edition of CAP 1616, Airspace Change: Guidance on the regulatory process for changing the notified airspace design and planned and permanent redistribution of air traffic, and on providing airspace information. The third edition is available on our website. It incorporates: a new decision-making process for […]

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 […]

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.