4 October 2024
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have carried out a series of ramp checks across the UK in a combined operation.
Between 31 August and 2 September, teams from the UK and US regulators carried out a series of ‘ramp checks’ across a variety of the small airfields and large airports from where N-registered aircraft regularly operate.
The ramp checks focused on the 890 N-registered General Aviation light aircraft and business jets based in the UK. These aircraft are certificated by the FAA and their pilots, owners and operators must follow all relevant rules and regulations regardless of where they fly.
FAA agents inspected FAA-issued pilot and aircraft documents, while CAA personnel reviewed compliance with equipment regulations, crew licence requirements and operating parameters.
A statement issued by the FAA said the teams went to nine UK airports including London Luton, Farnborough, London Oxford and London Biggin Hill.
“One purpose was to identify any potential illegal charter operations,” said the FAA.
“We’re committed to ensuring FAA-certificated operators fly safely no matter where they are,” said Jennifer Roberson of the FAA. “This sends a very strong message that you’re not exempt from FAA compliance checks when you operate outside the US.”
The checks were on N-reg aircraft at nine UK airfields
No evidence of potentially illegal charter operations was found, Roberson said. However, the FAA said it would like to do more operations like this in the UK and expand them to other countries where significant numbers of US pilots and aircraft operate.
Rob Bishton, CAA Chief Executive, said, “Our partnership with the FAA on initiatives like this is crucial to maintaining the safety of pilots, passengers, and the public, and maintain the reputation of the flying community.
“Collaborating on enforcement action gives us as regulators the opportunity to develop our regulatory and N registered community relationships, which strengthens aviation safety and efficiency and furthers our work to protect people and enable aerospace.”
The emphasis on illegal charter operations suggests a follow-up on the January 2019 accident when footballer Emiliano Sala was killed. The aircraft’s pilot, David Ibbotson, is presumed dead but no trace of his body has been found.
The AAIB report of the accident said the pilot did not hold a Commercial Pilot’s Licence, necessary for a charter flight, was not operating under an AOC, did not have a Night Rating although he did have an IR(R) Rating, and had not been signed off by the FAA for the type of aircraft, a Piper PA-46 Malibu.
Ramp checks discussion on the FLYER Forum
