UK CAA announces improvements in pilot licence processes and provides policy update
Source: CAA, 05-Jun-13
The introduction of the new European regulations for pilot licensing has resulted in a significant amount of change for UK pilots in the past year and has also impacted the Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) systems and processes. The result has been pilots and other stakeholders not receiving the level of service that we would hope [...]
CAA appoints new GA programme manager
Source: CAA, 09-May-13
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today announced that Mike Barnard has been appointed as General Aviation (GA) Programme Manager. Mike’s main role will be leading a programme to develop and implement policy on how the CAA regulates the GA sector in the future to ensure it is safe and the regulation is proportionate. Building [...]
More UK CAA application forms go online
Source: CAA, 17-Apr-13
As part of a process to improve the way it handles official transactions with the aviation industry, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will from today accept more applications online, including secure online payments. UK based aircraft maintenance organisations, for example, can now apply for, or apply for variations to their ‘Part 145’ approval electronically, [...]
UK CAA’s GA safety publications to be overhauled
Source: CAA, 19-Feb-13
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is to strengthen its provision of safety information to general aviation pilots from this spring. The CAA announced today that the publishing group, Archant, will begin producing general aviation safety material on its behalf. Archant, publisher of Pilot magazine, has been awarded a contract to write and distribute three [...]
UK CAA to accept online applications and payments
Source: CAA, 29-Jan-13
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will soon offer online applications and provide payment options for certain services through secure online processes. As part of a major project to update and improve the way it handles applications, the CAA will begin accepting e-applications and payments, initially, for two services – Part 145 maintenance organisation approvals, [...]
UK CAA conducts flight inspection of new helideck lighting
Source: CAA, 11-Dec-12
An innovative new lighting system for use on off-shore helidecks has undergone a successful flight inspection by the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The new system, developed under a CAA research project and manufactured by Orga BV in the Netherlands, is designed to radically improve visibility for approaching pilots. The first production version of the [...]
Olympic airspace restrictions begin
Source: Royal Air Force, 16-Jul-12
Extra airspace restrictions around London and the Southeast, designed to ensure a safe and secure London 2012 Olympic Games, began on Saturday 14th July. The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), National Air Traffic Services (NATS) and the Ministry of Defence have worked together to inform airspace users about the restrictions and how people can continue to [...]
Olympics – London 2012 pilot’s guide launched
Source: CAA, 25-Jun-12
A definitive pilot’s guide to the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games has been launched today by the Airspace & Safety Initiative (ASI). The 100-page manual navigates pilots through the various security and operational airspace restrictions in place for the duration of the Games, as well as detailing the specific additional procedures to be followed [...]
UK CAA postpone EASA pilot licence start date
Source: CAA, 23-May-12
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced that the introduction of new EASA pilots’ licences in the UK has been delayed until 17 September 2012. The CAA said that due to the complexity of the transition to the new licence format, and changes to the associated requirements and infrastructure, the original 1 July 2012 [...]
UK – Suspended licences await pilots infringing Olympic zone
Source: CAA, 16-May-12
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today confirmed the enforcement policy that will be in place to deal with infringements of this summer’s Olympics security airspace restrictions. The existing CAA policy of not generally pursuing a prosecution in cases when an airspace infringement is inadvertent, and the pilot has taken all reasonable steps to resolve [...]
Helicopter Safety Steering Group meets over North Sea EC225 ditching
Source: Oil & Gas UK, 15-May-12
The Helicopter Safety Steering Group (HSSG) met today, Monday 14 May, to share preliminary information on the recent helicopter ditching incident in the North Sea. Making up the HSSG are helicopter operators, oil and gas operators and contractors, offshore trade unions, the pilots’ union BALPA, the regulators HSE and CAA and Oil & Gas UK. [...]
UK – CAA eases night flying restrictions
Source: CAA, 13-May-12
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today announced a change to night flying regulations which will allow aircraft to operate under Visual Flight Rules (VFR) in the hours of darkness. Currently, all civil aircraft flying at night in the UK must comply with Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) but, from the 8 June 2012, this [...]
UK CAA publishes new pilot licensing guidance
Source: CAA, 02-May-12
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today published comprehensive information on the latest flight crew licensing requirements for UK licensed pilots. The new document, CAP 804, notifies the requirements for UK national licences and provides a complete guide to the new EASA licensing regulations. The full publication is available for download from the Publications [...]
New UK/Ireland agreement for recreational flyers
Source: CAA, 30-Apr-12
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today announced that following, agreement with the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA), pilots of UK-registered amateur-built aircraft, and other listed types flying to the Republic of Ireland, can now do so for up to 28 days through a general exemption. Previously pilots were required to make individual applications to [...]
EASA pilot licences – UK CAA podcast goes live
Source: CAA, 21-Apr-12
With less than three months to go before EASA pilot licences start being issued, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has released a podcast explaining what the changes mean for UK pilots. The audio guide has been produced exclusively for the CAA by the award winning Flaps Podcast team and is available for download at www.caa.co.uk/eupilotlicensing [...]
UK CAA release 22 page “Quick Guide” to EASA pilot licensing
Source: HeliHub.com, 06-Mar-12
The Civil Aviation Authority in the UK has produced a very useful guide to EASA pilot licensing regulations. In summary, they tell us this: “From 1 July 2012, EU rules for licence validations will apply to pilots with licences issued outside of the EASA Member States who are engaged in commercial flights in UK-registered EASA [...]
UK CAA consults on Airspace Transition Altitude
Source: UK CAA, 01-Feb-12
To enhance safety, to enable the more efficient use of airspace, and to align the management of airspace more closely with other nations, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today launched a consultation on its intention to raise and harmonise the Transition Altitude in UK airspace to 18,000ft. At lower levels, it is important [...]
2012 Olympics pilot briefing event announced
Source: CAA, 03-Jan-12
To help pilots prepare for flying in south east England during the 2012 London Olympics the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) and the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), through the Airspace and Safety Initiative (ASI), have joined forces to host a free briefing day in central London on Saturday 10 March 2012. The event will [...]
UK and Ireland agree new airspace policy
Source: CAA, 17-Nov-11
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) have approved a joint policy on Performance-based Navigation (PBN) to be implemented across UK and Irish airspace. PBN relies on new technology such as global navigation satellite systems, instead of more traditional ground based beacons, to enable aircraft to navigate to very high [...]
CAA approves temporary airspace change for London 2012 Olympics
Source: CAA, 10-Nov-11
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved temporary changes to controlled airspace in areas to the South West, South East and North East of the busy London Terminal Control Area during the London 2012 Olympics when there is expected to be a significant amount of additional air traffic movements. The changes announced today will [...]
British military releases more airspace for GA
Source: CAA, 10-Nov-11
Following a Ministry of Defence decision on the use of its Air Weapons Ranges, more airspace will be made available for general aviation flying, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced today. From the 1 November 2011, airspace restrictions designed to protect aircraft from munitions demolition work on Air Weapons Ranges, outside of the Danger [...]
Cabri G2 now fully UK certified
Source: HeliHub.com, 25-Oct-11
The UK CAA yesterday issued all the necessary documentation for the Guimbal Cabri G2, making it fully certified for use in the UK. Local distributor Cotswold Helicopter Centre, who had a very positive response to this new type at Helitech recently, tell HeliHub.com that they are starting type ratings on their demonstrator next week. They [...]
UK CAA consults on future charges
Source: CAA, 14-Oct-11
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a consultation on its Scheme of Charges for 2012/13. The CAA said it welcomed all comments on its proposed charges for the new financial year, which are due to take effect on 1 April 2012. The consultation will close on 21 December 2011. The CAA said it [...]
UK’s CAA launch flight data monitoring initiative
Source: CAA, 17-Aug-11
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced a new joint initiative with industry to produce a set of standardised Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) safety measures. FDM aims to improve safety through an analysis of information downloaded from an aircraft’s on-board computer at the end of every flight. This information can be used to identify [...]
CAA launches major new safety plan
Source: CAA, 26-Jul-11
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has set out its key safety objectives for the next two years at an industry launch event at its Gatwick headquarters. The CAA’s Safety Plan 2011 to 2013, which has been published in draft form, invites comment from all industry groups. A final version will be published in August. [...]
Development of London 2012 Airspace Restrictions announced
Source: CAA, 25-Jul-11
Further development of the airspace security restrictions covering the London Olympic and Paralympic Games for 2012 were announced today by the UK Government, as part of its paramount objective to deliver of a safe and secure Games for all. A number of changes to the Government’s original proposals, announced on 7 March, have been made [...]
UK CAA approves new segregated airspace for unmanned aircraft
Source: CAA, 27-Jun-11
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved a request from the Welsh Government to establish additional segregated airspace in the vicinity of West Wales Airport and the area to the east of the airport. The new segregated airspace will be for the sole use of unmanned aircraft conducting flying operations from the West Wales [...]
UK CAA launches 2011 GA Safety Award
Source: CAA, 09-May-11
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is once again calling for nominations for its annual General Aviation Safety Award. The Award seeks to honour individuals and teams who, through skill and determination, have made a lasting contribution to GA flight safety. Whether it is a ’one off’ incident, or a lifetime of campaigning work, the [...]
UK CAA update aircraft registration fees
Source: CAA, 12-Mar-11
The Civil Avaition Authority in the UK issued their latest update on charges for registering aircraft, valid from 1 April 2011 until at least 31 March 2012. Charge for the registration of a balloon, unpowered glider, microlight, small light aircraft, or any other aircraft having a maximum weight not exceeding 15,000kg. £62 Charge for the [...]
London 2012 airspace restrictions announced
Source: CAA, 07-Mar-11
Planned airspace security restrictions covering the London Olympic and Paralympic Games for 2012 were announced today by the UK Government, as part of its commitment to deliver a safe and secure Games. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), air traffic control provider, NATS, and the Ministry of Defence (MoD), will now work with the aviation [...]
UK CAA suspends Sterling Helicopters AOC
Source: HeilHub.com, 22-Feb-11
HeliHub.com can confirm that the CAA have today (Tuesday 22nd February) taken the step to suspend the Air Operations Certificate of Sterling Aviation. Richard Taylor of the CAA has confirmed this fact to HeliHub.com in the last hour. Various issues have led to this move, which can be reviewed in the following recent stories on [...]
Alan Mann Helicopters have their operators certificate restored
Source: HeliHub.com, 21-Feb-11
Alan Mann Helicopters had their AOC (Air Operations Certificate) reinstated on 2nd February 2011 according to CAA spokesman Richard Taylor today. The company had its AOC revoked by the CAA on 14 July 2010 after some key personnel left the company and they were unable to meet the CAA’s requirements – in terms of named [...]
UK CAA deny they have suspended Sterling Helicopters’s AOC
Source: HeliHub.com, 21-Feb-11
Following the press release put out by East Anglian Air Ambulance, HeliHub.com made further enquiries into the wider implications of what this EMS operator has publically stated, in particular their statement that “the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) temporarily suspended the Air Operators Certificate (AOC) of Norwich-based firm Sterling Aviation”. On speaking with Richard Taylor of [...]
CAA announce change of policy for ex-military helicopters
Source: CAA, 07-Feb-11
Ex-military Permit to Fly aircraft will now be able to carry up to four occupants, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced. The CAA said that the previous ambiguity as to the maximum number of occupants permitted for carriage in ex-military aircraft necessitated a review of CAA policy. Previously, the only permitted occupants of [...]
UK CAA reduces operator costs after BHA representation
Source: HeliHub.com, 29-Jan-11
The British Civil Aviation Authority has reviewed and reduced the charges it levies on companies holding an Air Operators Certificate after representations from the British Helicopter Association among others. Previously, there were separate bandings for operators of 0-4 and those for 5-10 helicopters, with a big jump between the two making it very difficult for [...]
UK CAA calls on instructors to help cut airspace infringements
Source: CAA, 30-Oct-10
An education campaign, aimed at reducing the number of airspace infringements, has been launched by the Airspace & Safety Initiative (ASI), the broad-based coalition tasked with tackling UK airspace safety risks. Information packs, containing listening squawk information cards, radio best practice kneepads, magazines and interactive CDs, are being sent to all flying schools in the [...]
British CAA changes regulation of ex-military aircraft
Source: CAA, 16-Aug-10
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced changes to the regulation of permit to fly ex-military aircraft. Following a number of incidents and accidents involving ex-military aircraft over recent years, the CAA is taking steps to clarify the purposes for which ex-military aircraft can be operated. The CAA is therefore acting to remind the [...]
UK CAA approves new segregated airspace for unmanned aircraft
Source: CAA, 02-Jun-10
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has approved a request from the Ministry of Defence to establish additional segregated airspace for the use of Unmanned Aircraft operating from the Wiltshire aerodromes of Upavon and Boscombe Down. The new segregated airspace, designated as Danger Areas by the CAA, will be connected to the existing Salisbury Plain [...]
UK CAA sets out guidelines on unmanned aircraft
Source: CAA, 07-Apr-10
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today issued updated guidance on the use of unmanned aircraft, following recent legislative changes. The advice includes the new regulations affecting small, unmanned aircraft used for surveillance work. Small, unmanned aircraft are increasingly being used for commercial aerial work such as surveillance and data gathering, as well as [...]
UK CAA hosts successful meeting on equipment needs of SAR for offshore helicopters
Source: CAA, 24-Jun-09
UK CAA research paves the way for more people with colour vision deficiency to become pilots
Source: CAA, 03-Jun-09




