CAA issues new safety guidance for events including fly-ins

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published new guidance covering the organisation of air rallies, fly-ins, air races, contests and charity flying events.

CAP1988, titled Safety Guidance for Air Rallies, Fly-ins, Air Races/Contests and Charity Events, is released today, 20 May 2026. It consolidates and updates advice previously spread across several CAA publications.

The document is aimed primarily at Event Organisers (EOs), contest directors and associated personnel involved in planning and running General Aviation events. It applies to events conducted under normal Rules of the Air and outside the scope of CAP403 Flying Displays and Special Events.

Focus on planning and risk management

The guidance places responsibility for the safe conduct of events on the Event Organiser and recommends that organisers without aviation experience appoint suitably experienced individuals to oversee flight safety matters.

Among the recommendations are:

• Detailed pilot briefing material
• Established arrival and circuit procedures
• Taxi and parking planning
• Public segregation from active airfield areas
• Emergency response planning
• Coordination with Air Traffic Services providers.

The CAA says safety measures should be scaled appropriately depending on the size and complexity of the event.

Tom Bootyman at the Priory Farm Fly-in

Guidance for public events

For larger events attracting public attendance, CAP1988 recommends organisers undertake comprehensive risk assessments and consider guidance contained in CAP403 and the Events Industry Forum “Purple Guide”.

The publication also highlights:

• Management of mixed fixed-wing and helicopter operations
• Runway separation distances
• Crowd control measures
• Supervision of children and animals
• Ground handling and marshalling arrangements.
• Drones and balloons

CAP1988 includes specific guidance on drone operations at aviation events.

The document states that unauthorised drone use by members of the public should not be permitted and recommends that event staff are briefed on appropriate action if drone activity is observed.

It also advises organisers not to permit the sale of gas-filled toy balloons because of the hazard posed to aircraft.

Special advice for air races. Photo: Jez Poller

Air races and aerobatic contests

The document contains dedicated sections covering:

• Air racing
• Aerobatic competitions
• Helicopter contests
• Gliding competitions
• Charity flying events.

For air races, organisers are advised to coordinate early with the CAA and Air Traffic Service providers and may apply for exemptions covering overtaking, occupied runway operations and low flying where appropriate.

Aerobatic contests are recommended to use NOTAMs and establish structured briefing procedures and communication arrangements.

Application timelines

Appendix B of the document sets out recommended lead times for permissions and notifications, including:

• 42 days for CAA permissions and exemptions
• 90 days for Restricted Area (Temporary) applications
• 60 days for temporary radio frequencies
• A minimum of two working days for NOTAM action.

The guidance also includes links to relevant publications and organisations including CAP403, British Aerobatics, the British Gliding Association and the Racing, Rally and Records Association.

Click here to download the full CAP1988 document from the CAA