Summer 2019 English Channel airspace restrictions
Between 2 May and 30 August 2019 a number of airspace restrictions and a temporary danger area will be put in place over the English Channel to accommodate a large Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) conducting atmospheric research.
Dated: April 2019
Pilot found guilty following Manchester aircraft accident
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has welcomed the conviction of a pilot, following an aircraft crash in 2017 in which the pilot and passengers were injured. Robert Murgatroyd, 52, of Poulton-le-Flyde, Lancashire, was convicted of several offences under the Air Navigation Order and the Civil Aviation (Insurance) Regulations following a trial at Manchester Crown Court.
The Court heard that Robert Murgatroyd was the pilot of a Piper Cherokee light aircraft flying three paying passengers from Barton Aerodrome in Manchester to the Isle of Barra in Scotland on 9 September 2017. Shortly after take-off the aeroplane crossed the M62 motorway twice before clipping trees by the motorway, descending and crashing into a field close to the motorway. The pilot suffered a broken nose; one passenger suffered a cut to his hand; one suffered suspected cracked ribs and whiplash, while another suffered a serious cut to the head and severe bruising to his ribs.
Following an investigation by the CAA and Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, the aircraft was found to be 426lbs over the maximum take-off weight of 2150lbs and Robert Murgatroyd was subsequently charged with:
– Recklessly endangering the safety of an aircraft or persons in an aircraft,
– Recklessly endangering the safety of persons or property,
– Conducting a public transport flight without an Air Operator Certificate,
– Acting as a pilot without holding an appropriate licence,
– Flying outside the flight manual limitations,
– Flying without insurance,
– Flying without the aircraft flight manual,
He was convicted of all seven charges and will be sentenced on 15 March.
Speaking after the trial, Alison Slater, Head of the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s Investigation and Enforcement Team, said: “This was a very serious incident that could have ended with fatalities. Robert Murgatroyd has been found guilty of numerous offences, which collectively display a serious disregard for the safety of his passengers and the public. We hope his convictions will deter other pilots from ignoring the law for personal profit.”
Dated: February 2019
Alert for Airspace Department Location Change
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 [email protected].
Dated: January 2019
Update to EU exit information – commercial pilots
We have updated the information on our microsite concerning commercial pilots in the event of a non-negotiated EU exit. To enable the CAA time to complete its part in the licence transfer process, the CAA advises that application forms for State of Licence Issue transfers from the receiving EU National Aviation Authority need to be submitted to the CAA by 1 January, 2019.
Dated: November 2018
CAA launches airspace change portal
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.
Dated: October 2018
Updates to CAA’s EU Exit microsite
Following EASA’s announcement on accepting applications for some organisation types for third country approvals, the CAA has updated the following pages on its EU Exit microsite: production organisations, maintenance organisations, CAMOs, engineer training organisations and approved training organisations.
Dated: October 2018
Advice to the aviation industry on a no deal EU exit
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.
Dated: September 2018
CAA responds to Sky News story on the impact of a ‘no deal’ Brexit on aviation
We have published a response to Sky News’s story on the impact of a ‘no deal’ Brexit on aviation. It is misleading for Sky News to say that 35,000 pilots would need to renew their pilot’s licence in a ‘no-deal’ Brexit scenario. Both commercial and private UK pilot licences would remain valid for use on UK-registered aircraft as the United Kingdom is a signatory to the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) Chicago Convention. Our licences are internationally recognised – including by the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) – both now and after 29 March 2019.
Further information on our role and planning for a non-negotiated EU exit is available on our website.
Dated: September 2018
Update to CAA website: EU exit
We have updated our website with information about our preparations for the UK’s exit from the EU. Read more on our EU exit page.
Dated: July 2018
Controlled airspace approved for Farnborough
Airport’s Airspace Change Proposal given the go-ahead
Dated: July 2018
CAA increases operational scope of GA Permit aircraft
Extended scope of training and self-fly hire to be allowed in UK National Permit to Fly aircraft
Dated: June 2018
Ofcom to issue aeronautical radio licences
CAA will no longer issue licences to aircraft owners and ground stations from November 2018
Dated: June 2018
Sharing the cost of flying
Are UK pilots making the most of the rule change?
Dated: May 2018
Listening Squawks’ updated for new GA flying season
Pre-flight planning tool helps pilots avoid airspace infringements
Dated: April 2018
GA pilots can fly ‘EASA aircraft’ on National licences after 8 April 2018
Medical Declarations can be used with an EASA Licence on conversion
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is introducing an exemption to allow UK General Aviation pilots to continue to fly ‘EASA’ light aircraft under existing National pilot licensing and medical certificate arrangements, during the delay to the publication of the EASA amendment to the Aircrew Regulation which would have restricted National licence holders to ‘Annex II’ aircraft.
Dated: April 2018
Private pilot fined after landing without permission
The pilot of a light aircraft was fined £3,600 after landing at Coventry Airport without permission.
Dated: April 2018
CAA to introduce exemptions for General Aviation pilots and training organisations to cover delay to EASA aircrew regulation
UK CAA plans for exemptions to allow UK GA pilots and training organisations to continue to operate during a delay EASA’s amendment to the aircrew regulation.
Dated: March 2018
Pilot fined for flying into area restricted for air displays
Dated: March 2018
Converting to an EASA Licence from a UK National/JAR licence
To fly EASA certified aircraft from 8 April 2018 pilots will need to hold an EASA licence.
Please note that the following exceptions apply:
National licences for microlights and gyroplanes do not have an equivalent EASA licence to convert too.
EASA Balloon and Sailplane licensing is subject to delays in the drafting of the relevant legislation, so the UK will issue a short-term exemption for pilots of these categories, permitting the continued use of the current national licensing requirements for these categories of aircraft.
If pilots do not hold a Part FCL licence by 8 April 2018 they will only be able to fly UK registered (G) non-EASA (Annex II) aircraft within the privileges of their national licence.
To exercise aerobatic and towing privileges in an EASA certified aircraft pilots will need to hold the appropriate ratings on their Part FCL licence.
For more information please see the licence conversion guidance on our website.
You can also read this article from Flyer magazine’s Ian Seager who recently converted his own licence.
Dated: February 2018
GA pilots told to stay legal as April licence deadline approaches
CAA issues advice to private pilots on licence conversion deadline
Dated: February 2018
Operators of unlicensed airfields asked to update details for VFR charts
The CAA and NATS have extended the deadline of the survey to 7 March 2018.
The CAA and NATS have extended the deadline of a survey to help update the details of unlicensed airfields and aerial sporting activity locations that are made available to airspace users.
The details will be updated on the NATS AIS database and be published in the Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) and included on CAA VFR charts.
As the sites are not licensed by the CAA the survey is the only way to confirm the details published are accurate and made available to airspace users.
Site owners are asked to complete an online form by 7 March 2018 to help make sure their details are correct and up to date:
As well as establishing if existing sites published in the AIP are still current the survey will check that details are accurately reflected in safety information and identify a principal point of contact for each site.
Users of unlicensed sites are asked to ensure that site owners or landowners are aware of the survey to avoid information being removed from the NATS AIS database. If details are removed from the database site information will also be removed from all future AIS products, including CAA VFR charts.
Dated: February 2018
Transition of frequency assignments to 8.33 KHZ voice channel spacing
During 2018 most ground stations radios will convert to 8.33 kHz channel spacing. Airspace users must ensure they are correctly equipped and carry an 8.33 kHz capable radio where required. A list of converted ground stations is maintained in an AIP supplement.
Pilots are required to check supplement data before they fly and to review additional information and latest updates on the CAA’s website. An updated supplement will be released monthly throughout 2018.
Ground station operators should ensure their change is represented in the latest supplement and should take appropriate action if it is not (such as raising a NOTAM).
Dated: February 2018
e-Licensing becomes reality for commercial pilots
Commercial pilots can now apply for a licence online. The new service is part of the CAA’s plans to update the personnel licensing system for the UK aviation industry, with private licence applications following next year.
Dated: December 2017
Hot air balloon pilot fined for flying without a licence
A commercial hot air balloon pilot who continued to fly passengers, even though he no longer held a valid pilot’s licence, has been fined and ordered to pay costs, following a successful prosecution by the Civil Aviation Authority.
Dated: November 2017
JAR training no longer recognised for new PPLs after 29 September
Student pilots who started their PPL training under the Joint Aviation Regulations (therefore prior to September 2012), but have not yet applied for their licence, need to complete the process by 29 September 2017, the Civil Aviation Authority advised today. After that date, JAR training will no longer be recognised for the award of an EASA PPL(A) or PPL(H) and any applications received will be rejected.
The CAA is recommending that applicants use the online form to avoid postal delays.
Dated: September 2017
Listen up: CAA announce changes to airspace squawks
These frequency monitoring codes have played a vital role in reducing infringements of controlled airspace over the last ten years.
Dated: September 2017
Skyway Code updated and now available to buy in hard copy
Launched online earlier this year The Skyway Code provides private pilots with easy, quick access to key information. The must have guide for GA pilots has been updated and printed copies are now available to buy from aviation supplier AFE online.
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 for safety rules and advice.
The CAA’s guide to private flying rules, regulations and best practice is:
- Still available to download for free at http://www.caa.co.uk/General-aviation/Safety-information/The-Skyway-Code/
- Now available to buy in printed copy direct from AFE online
Dated: August 2017
CAA and Border Force carry out GA airfield checks
Pilots, passengers and aircraft arriving at five UK airfields were recently subject to on-the-spot checks in a multi-agency initiative led by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Border Force.
In total, 12 aircraft, 18 pilots and 12 passengers were inspected, during the enforcement operation that took place in August 2017. The five airports targeted were Blackbushe; London Oxford; Firs Farm airstrip in Berkshire; White Waltham; and Wycombe Airpark.
The CAA’s Investigations and Enforcement Team checked that aircraft were being operated legally and were in possession of either a valid certificate of airworthiness or permit to fly. The aircraft’s insurance details were also checked. Pilots’ licences were inspected to ensure they were current, and that the licence holder had the necessary ratings needed for the aircraft operation.
Passengers were also asked about their arrangements for booking and paying for flights, to ensure that these flights were legal and in compliance with EASA regulations.
Border Force officers checked the immigration status of pilots and passengers, as well as ensuring there were no breaches of customs regulations.
The CAA said the operation was part of a planned programme of activity aimed at checking aircraft were being operated in compliance with all aviation law, which is critical to ensuring the safety of passengers, pilots and the general public.
Alison Slater, Head of the CAA’s Investigation and Enforcement Team, said: “Pilots flying into the UK need to ensure they comply with aviation rules and regulations. Our recent work with Border Force colleagues had the simple aim of ensuring private flights arriving from overseas were being conducted safely. The general aviation community at large has every right to expect us to carry out this kind of activity.”
Although no major breaches of aviation regulations were uncovered during this operation, the CAA will continue to undertake routine activity with the UK Border Force and other agencies to ensure legal safety standards are applied.
Dated: August 2017
ADS-B can help reduce airspace infringements and mid-air collisions
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today confirmed that ADS-B ‘in/out’ using 1090 MHz is its preferred national system to improve electronic conspicuity for general aviation, ideally used through transponders. The CAA is already working with the GA community and industry to develop an integrated electronic surveillance solution offering both airborne and ground environment benefits. Read more …..
Dated: August 2017
GA 8.33 radio grant payments to aircraft owners begin
Fund helps aircraft owners update their radios to new requirements
Over 1,000 grants being paid during first wave of CAA funding
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed it has now begun payment of claims for the funding of new 8.33 kHz radios for general aviation aircraft. Payments to pilots and aircraft owners who applied for the radio grants during the first tranche of applications began on the 10 August 2017.
The CAA said that 1,072 of the first tranche claims will be paid in this initial payment run totalling £401,233. Claims can be made for 20% of the total purchase costs, with an average payment per person of £374. Processing of claims continues and remaining claims from this first tranche will be paid in the coming weeks.
In November 2016 the CAA signed a contract with the EU’s Innovation and Networks Executive Agency to distribute €4.3m of EU funds to UK aircraft owners and pilots to assist the transition to 8.33 kHz radios, which aircraft wanting to continue using a radio need to have fitted by the end of 2017. This EU funding covers all UK registered aircraft up to 14,000 kg as well as portable transceiver radios used by pilots.
The funding rebate scheme remains open to claims and the CAA confirmed it still had funding available, noting that the scheme will close for applications on 31 December 2017
More details of 8.33 kHz radio funding are available on the CAA website.
Dated: August 2017
Man prosecuted for flying without a licence
A 68-year-old man, who flew an aircraft without a valid pilot’s licence, has been fined and ordered to pay the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) costs.
Andrew Hart, took off in a PA 28 light aircraft, from Weston Airport, Dublin, bound for Shobdon Aerodrome, Herefordshire, on 12 December 2016.
Mr Hart had first obtained a private pilot’s licence in 1979, but on the date of the flight it was no longer valid. His medical certificate, which is required to validate a licence, had also expired.
On landing at Shobdon Aerodrome, Mr Hart was stopped by a visiting flight training instructor and asked to produce his licence. The training instructor had been concerned that Mr Hart had carried out a landing in poor weather conditions. Having failed to produce his licence, the training instructor informed the CAA, which began an investigation.
Appearing at Worcester Magistrates’ Court on 6 July 2017, Mr Hart, of Pembridge, Leominster, Herefordshire, pleaded guilty to one count of flying without a licence in contravention of the Air Navigation Order 2016.
He was fined £600 and ordered to pay CAA costs of £552. Mr Hart must also pay a victim surcharge of £60.
The court heard that during his flight to Shobdon, Mr Hart had also flown through restricted airspace in West Wales, without obtaining air traffic control clearance. MoD Aberporth is a military weapons testing facility, protected by a Danger Area which excludes all unauthorised aircraft. Mr Hart made no attempt to contact air traffic control before flying through the Danger Area. He was later traced by his aircraft’s registration mark.
Speaking after the hearing, Tony Rapson, Head of the CAA’s General Aviation Unit, said: “It should be self-evident that anyone flying an aircraft needs to be appropriately licenced for the type of activity they are engaged in.
“Unfortunately, a small number of people still think that the rules don’t apply to them and they can carry on regardless, despite the obvious risk to other airspace users and the general public. We will always take action against such people.”
Dated: July 2017
Classification of runways
An EASA Committee meeting was held on 28-29 June where a positive vote was made to amend regulation (EU) N° 139/2014 covering the definitions of runway approaches.
The changes to the definitions resulted from an ICAO expert work group. The work will facilitate the use of PBN and GNSS approaches at aerodromes enhancing safety. The UK has already amended its national requirements accordingly and EASA has now adopted the ICAO changes.
These changes affect all EASA certificated and UK licensed aerodromes.
Dated: July 2017
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has announced an exemption under the air Navigation Order for self-propelled hang-gliders fitted with wheels.
Dated: April 2017
Incorrect portrayal of airfields on CAA VFR Charts 1:500k
Dated: April 2017
Minor modification approvals and standard changes and repairs for CAA regulated aircraft
Minor modifications to CAA regulated aircraft can now be achieved in less time, for less money and with less paperwork involved, as the CAA has introduced a new process to effectively mirror the use of CS-STAN for UK registered non-EASA aircraft.
Full guidance has been published as CAP 1419 which sets out how to support a minor modification application, and how to use standard changes and standard repairs of CS-STAN.
Dated: March 2017
CAA confirms the medical self-declaration process for National PPLs has now gone live.
A form allowing PPLs to self-declare their medical status is now available on the CAA website.
Dated: September 2016
The CAA has confirmed that medical self-declarations for ‘national’ PPLs will begin this summer
Pilots interested in making use of the new process are advised to see the updated guidance on the CAA website.
Dated: July 2016