CAA launches consultations on proposals to allow initial paid flight training on Permit to Fly aeroplanes and amateur-built microlights The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today launched two related consultations that propose expanding the types of aircraft allowed to be used for initial paid private pilot training. If enacted,…

General Aviation Policy Framework The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) provides safety assurance to the public in accordance with its statutory duties. The CAA also follows the principles of better regulation which means that their interventions should be proportionate and targeted to achieve the desired safety benefit without imposing undue burdens…

Airprox magazine 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…

Enabling ADS-B Out in the UK General Aviation Fleet The CAA have published Aeronautical Information Circular Y 141/2019 (alternative link) which details the use of ADS-B out in the UK GA Fleet. This AIC covers the use of ADS-B Out using Mode S Extended Squitter transponders or portable ADS-B transceiver.…

Consultation on the proposed General Aviation MET (GAMET) area forecast for low-level flights In order to implement new European regulations as detailed in ATM-IR (EU) 2017/373 some changes to UK Meteorological Observing and Forecast Arrangements for Civil Aviation will be required by the CAA. In parallel to implementing the new…

Airspace classification review 2019–2020 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 a new requirement to review the classification of airspace. We are now beginning the first airspace classification review and…

Sywell Aerodrome RNAV GNSS Approach Procedures decision The Civil Aviation Authority has published its decision document approving Sywell Aerodrome proposal to introduce RNAV GNSS Instrument Approach Procedures. The decision document is available to view here.

Carbon Offsetting your Flying The GA community can expect to come under scrutiny of its green credentials in the coming years, whether or not you accept Climate Change or that Human activity is affecting the climate. All the main parties included environmental issues in their manifesto, with potential (cost) impact…

Mike Jerram 1945 - 2019 It is with great sadness that we have learned of the death of Mike Jerram, Pilot magazine's longest serving contributor and editor. Our condolences go out to Mike's family and close friends. Martin Robinson CEO AOPA UK

Doncaster Sheffield Airport ACP decision The Civil Aviation Authority has published its decision document approving Doncaster Sheffield Airport’s proposal to introduce RNAV Standard Instrument Departure and Instrument Approach Procedures: Doncaster Sheffield Airport DSA - RNAV SIDs, IAPs The CAA has decided to approve the following changes to the structure of…