General Aviation Pilot Licensing could be simplified and rationalised under new proposals.The proposals cover the potential changes to pilot licensing for aeroplanes, sailplanes, helicopters, gyroplanes and balloons and airships.Follows extensive work by the UK Civil Aviation Authority to consider the general aviation community views on licensing.
14 March, 2024
UK's Civil Aviation Authority proposes streamlined licensing system for General Aviation Pilots
Standards for helicopter landing areas at hospitals report released by CAA
05 March, 2024
Sir Stephen Hillier reappointed as Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority.
26 September, 2023
Air travel organisers’ licencing scheme enforcement powers
This letter to the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) confirms the Department for Transport’s intention to consider broadening the enforcement toolkit for the air travel organisers’ licencing (ATOL) scheme, including the introduction of civil sanction powers.
The intention to review the CAA’s powers for the ATOL scheme was also confirmed in the Department for Business and Trade’s announcement on reforms to package holidays.
Letter below....
08 September, 2023
The UK Civil Aviation Authority is to launch an independent review into the technical issue NATS faced on Monday 28 August
Rob Bishton, Joint-Interim Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “Millions of passengers every year rely on air traffic control to work smoothly and safely. The initial report by NATS raises several important questions and as the regulator we want to make sure these are answered for passengers and industry.If there is evidence to suggest NATS may have breached its statutory and licensing obligations we will consider whether any further action is necessary.”
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "I welcome NATS’ preliminary report outlining the facts of last week’s air traffic control technical failure – particularly the confirmation that there were no safety issues as a result.I also welcome the announcement from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) of an independent review to dig deeper into this event and understand whether there are any further steps to be taken to improve the resilience of the air traffic control system.Thousands of passengers faced disruption as a result of the failure, with over 1500 flights cancelled and hundreds more delayed. I once again want to echo NATS’s apology to those who were caught up in it, with a technical fix now identified to ensure that such an incident does not recur."
18 July, 2023
Independent review of Civil Aviation Authority sets out how "highly effective regulator" can continue to improve
CAA is still held in the highest regard but needs to improve communication in the decision-making process and foster tighter working relationships within the sector.
Aviation Minister Baroness Vere of Norbiton said: "The CAA is an effective and well-respected regulator for the UK aviation industry, balancing the interests of industry and consumers.I am pleased that this independent review recognises the CAA’s status as a world-leading regulator and it is only right that it strives to be even better to deliver for all its users in the future."
Jeremy Newman, current Chair of The Workforce Development Trust, said: "It was a privilege to lead the review of the CAA. It is clear that the CAA is held in high regard by other aviation regulators and the wider aviation sector. The aviation and aerospace sector has new opportunities from technology as well as environmental challenges and it will benefit from having a regulator that is able to adapt to these opportunities and challenges.I am confident that the CAA is well-placed to continue its world-leading role and I hope that implementing the recommendations in this review will make a positive contribution to ensuring this is the case."
07 July, 2023
Large swathes of air space over London to close during U.S. President Biden's visit.
The UK's Civil Aviation Authority is issuing notices to pilots warning them not to fly under 3,500 feet over large swathes of the skies over London during a state visit by the U.S. President.
27 June, 2023
UK looks at new plans to boost protections for airline passengers
Stronger enforcement powers for aviation regulators will lead to improved standards for all passengers on flights operating to and from the UK.
Transport Secretary Mark Harper said: "I recognise the work airlines do around the clock in order to provide a good service to customers and today’s proposals set out how we can go even further for travellers.I’ve heard really concerning examples of passengers’ wheelchairs getting damaged and being left without full and fair compensation. It’s important that everyone can travel with confidence.A thriving aviation sector is good for passengers, good for the industry and will grow the economy."
Paul Smith, Joint-Interim Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: "We welcome the announcement from government today to enhance the rights of air passengers, alongside strengthening the enforcement powers of the Civil Aviation Authority and making ADR mandatory.We have long called for a stronger enforcement toolkit to bring us in line with other regulators. The plans announced today achieve this and will help ensure that the Civil Aviation Authority is better equipped to hold industry to account in meeting their obligations to passengers.Everyone should have equal access to air travel and the planned changes to compensation when mobility equipment is damaged will help to improve this. We encourage UK airlines to adopt the proposals immediately for all flights, not just domestic flights, in advance of legislation being introduced.In addition, ADR provides an essential service to allow passengers to escalate a complaint. Many airlines already provide this option to passengers on a voluntary basis, but some do not. We encourage all airlines that don’t already to introduce this immediately."
31 January, 2023
Yearly update on the progress the CAA is making in its modernisation strategy.
Yearly update on the progress the CAA is making in its modernisation strategy.
30 January, 2023
Civil Aviation Authority annual progress report
Yearly update on the progress the CAA is making in its modernisation strategy.
28 January, 2023
Flybe collapses.....again......What to do if you were due to fly with flybe
If you are a passenger affected by this event, please read the advice below.If you are due to fly with Flybe today or in the future, please DO NOT TRAVEL TO THE AIRPORT unless you have arranged an alternative flight with another airline. Please note that Flybe is unfortunately not able to arrange alternative flights for passengers.If you have a Flybe booking sold by an intermediary (i.e. not directly with Flybe) that includes travel on a Flybe flight, please contact the relevant airline or booking / travel agent to confirm if there is any impact to your travel plans as the intermediary may be able to support you with alternative arrangements and provide further advice regarding any claim you may need to make.Customers are also advised to monitor the Civil Aviation Authority website for further information www.caa.co.uk/newsIf you require any further information or assistance, please contact the Administrators at:flybecustomers@interpathadvisory.com
If you booked directly with Flybe and paid by credit card you may be protected under Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974 and should contact your card issuer for further information. Similarly, if you paid by debit or charge card you should contact your card issuer for advice as you may be able to make a claim under their chargeback rules.If you purchased travel insurance that includes cover for scheduled airline failure, known as SAFI, you should contact your insurer. If you did not book directly with Flybe and purchased your tickets through a third party, you should contact your booking or travel agent in the first instance.Negative response letterPassengers who booked directly with the company via either a credit, charge or debit card may alternatively be able to make a claim through their card provider. Some card providers will ask for a negative response letter confirming the position. Passengers may also be able to make a claim against their travel insurer.The negative response letter will be published shortly.Direct booking with an airlineIf you paid the airline directly by credit card you might be protected by Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act 1974. You should check with your card issuer for further advice. You may have similar cover if you paid by Visa debit card and should check with your bank.Booked through an Airline Ticket AgentIf you booked your ticket through an airline ticket agent you should speak to the agent in the first instance; they may have provided travel insurance that includes Scheduled Airline Failure cover.Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI)Some airlines and airline ticket agents will offer customers either a specific Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance (SAFI) policy or include similar protection within a broader travel insurance product. The type of protection provided may vary depending on the type of policy taken out. A policy may simply cover the cost of the original tickets purchased or any unused portion, or the additional cost of purchasing new flights, such as new tickets for travel back to the UK.
29 November, 2022
Airlines, airports, and passengers to have their say on independent aviation regulator
Government launches call for evidence as part of Civil Aviation Authority review
Public, industry and other stakeholders will have the opportunity to share feedback on performance and strategy
Insight will be used to help ensure the provision of world-leading civil aviation regulation and public services for decades to come
30 August, 2022
UK Government launches review of Civil Aviation Authority powers in order to strengthen regulator for the future
The government has today launched an independent review of the UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to ensure the provision of world-leading regulation and public services for decades to come.
With a remit that includes everything from ensuring the highest standards of aviation safety and security, to the efficient use of airspace, space operations and protecting consumer rights, the Civil Aviation Authority is vital to the UK’s position as a world leader in aviation and aerospace.
Building on the organisation’s success in tackling the unprecedented challenges of recent years, the review will focus on:
- its efficiency and effectiveness in delivering its services currently, and for the future
- its role, form, function and delivery model
- the corporate governance and assurance mechanisms underpinning the organisation
- the CAA’s relationship with the Department for Transport and how the 2 organisations work together to deliver a quality service for the UK
- how its priorities match up to the government’s wider objectives, taking into consideration its role as an independent regulator
This year the regulator celebrated its 50th birthday and has played a key role in the aviation sector’s recovery, as set out in our 22-point action plan to help minimise disruption in the sector and protect passengers.
For years to come the regulator will also be crucial in ensuring the sector can modernise and innovate to meet the challenges of the future, while protecting consumer rights – as set out in our 10-year strategy Flightpath to the future.
Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said:
"Civil aviation regulation is the lynchpin of an industry which pre-pandemic carried millions of passengers every year, contributed £22 billion to our economy and supported nearly one million jobs.
This review will ensure UK civil aviation regulation continues to be world-leading on safety, security, environmental considerations, economic regulation and consumer protection – which often supports other countries in driving up global standards."
Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the Civil Aviation Authority, said:
"At the Civil Aviation Authority, we work tirelessly on our mission to achieve improvements in aviation and aerospace for consumers and the public.
We welcome the opportunity this review presents to highlight the dedication, skill and continuous learning culture of our organisation, whilst identifying any areas for improvement.
It will help ensure that we continue to be a diverse, innovative and future-focused regulator, dedicated to improving aviation safety, security and consumer interests and enabling a thriving aerospace sector.
We look forward to working in an open, transparent and collaborative way with government to support this review."
05 October, 2021
ATOL renewals statement October 2021 from UK's CAA
ATOL Licences as of 30 September 2021 - 1,133Did not apply 2021 - 144 *Granted 2021 - 871Applied but not yet renewed - 1 October 2021 - 118 **
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25 September, 2021
UK CAA warns travel first to renew ATOL licences before the end of September or stop selling holidays.....
The UK's Civil Aviation Authority is warning UK travel businesses that are due to renew their ATOL licence must apply for a renewal as soon as possible and those yet to meet their licence conditions must do so or face losing their ability to sell package holidays after 30 September 2021.
Stop taking new licensable bookingsStop accepting payments for existing licensable bookingInstruct agents (if applicable) that they should not accept any new bookings or any paymentStop advertising licensable business and remove all references to ATOL on your website/s and other publicity/promotional material.
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19 September, 2021
CAA launch autumn Virtual Voyage 2021 General Aviation Summit
There will be a 70-minute interactive discussion with a 20 minute live Q&A at each event this October. Hosted by Sophie O'Sullivan, Head of the General Aviation (GA) & Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) team, our agenda is taking shape.
The CAA hope to bring updates on new initiatives as well as programmes of work including:
- GA Consultation update
- UK - EU transition impact on licensing
- Licensing and medical updates
"The maiden Virtual Voyage event in the Spring reached an audience of over 3,500 members of the UK GA community and we hope to bring you a bigger and better series of events. Comments and suggestions as well as responses to our feedback survey have helped to create an agenda we hope will cover those topics we believe matter the most to you.
We have invited FLYER, FTN and AOPA to host the live Q&A sessions across the three events where questions will be posed to our CAA panel. Here are full details of event dates, times and live Q&A details."
For any questions on see the Virtual Voyage | UK Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)
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18 September, 2021
GA-ASI SeaGuardian flies first approved point-to-point UAS flight in UK
SeaGuardian flew from Royal Air Force (RAF) Waddington to RAF Lossiemouth and the SeaGuardian flight was controlled by NATS, the UK's civilian Air Navigation Service Provider. |
15 August, 2021
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published aviation statistics for the second quarter of 2021.
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06 August, 2021
UK holidaymakers warned to check for financial protection
What's the best form of financial protection?
Follow the rules and requirements for entry to your destinationBook on a credit card where possible for Section 75 protection under the Consumer Credit ActTake out comprehensive travel insurance as soon as you bookKeep up to date with UK Government travel advice and follow advice when returning
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