CAA prepares ground for mandatory CO detector

What’s stopping pilots from fitting a Carbon Monoxide (CO) detector in their aircraft? The CAA wants to know.

In yet another consultation on CO detectors – there have been several over the past few years – the CAA appears to be preparing the case for carrying a CO detector compulsory in piston-engine aircraft.

Michael Macdonald, Head of General Aviation at the CAA, said, “Plenty of pilots will already have an active carbon monoxide detector in their home but may not have thought that one could be beneficial in their aircraft.

• Four carbon monoxide digital monitors tested

“As recent accidents have shown, carbon monoxide entering from aircraft heating systems is a risk to pilots and passengers, but one that can be mitigated with a cheap and easily available bit of kit.

“This consultation on active carbon monoxide detectors is about gathering feedback and evidence to understand what may be holding pilots back from using this potentially lifesaving equipment and whether we, as the regulator, should be doing more to encourage its adoption.”

The CAA says its consultation focuses on:

• Barriers pilots face in obtaining an active carbon monoxide detector
• Role maintenance plays in combatting CO
• Importance of protecting passengers
• Whether active detectors ought to be required for some operations.

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has been actively engaged on the topic of carbon monoxide in general aviation over the last three years and has undertaken multiple initiatives to raise general aviation pilot awareness of CO as well as the various prevention and detection measures that can be taken to mitigate the risk.

The consultation will be open for four weeks and will close on 20 March 2024.

Take part in the consultation here