Just what does the CAA's General Aviation Unit do?

What does the General Aviation Unit at the UK Civil Aviation Authority do? Well, here’s its own report from the third quarter of 2022:

Microlights

We consulted on proposed changes to CAP482; BCAR Section S-Small Light Aeroplanes.

BCAR Section S is the main certification code for the UK microlight aeroplanes up to 600kg (650kg for amphibian or floatplane) and specified the initial airworthiness requirements as well as acceptable means of compliance.

The new Section S has been complied in cooperation with the LAA, BMAA and Czech LAA with the aim of harmonising requirements to facilitate the import of these aircraft. We hope to publish our consultation response document this year.

Ex-military jets

We ran a consultation on the proposed introduction of Safety Standards Acknowledgement and Consent (SSAC) Class 5: Experience flight in an ex-military jet aeroplanes. We plan to publish our consultation response document before the end of the year.

Component release

Publication of an Exemption for ELA 1 aircraft that allows the use of components released with an EASA Form 1 by maintenance organisations outside of the UK, other than in Switzerland, until 31 December 2022. ORS4 No.1552: Use of EASA Form 1 by ELA1 Aircraft, issued by Maintenance organisations outside the UK, other than in Switzerland.

Carbon Monoxide detectors

The year-long trial with the UK GA community on the use of active carbon monoxide (CO) detectors closed at the end of September. Thank you to our GA volunteers for supporting this.

The data for the second three months of survey has been collated (March 2022 – May 2022).  The report for this period is available on our website. For further information on the risk of carbon monoxide, please see Carbon monoxide in General Aviation or contact: [email protected].

Maintenance & continued airworthiness

We have transitioned over 100 GA maintenance and continuing airworthiness management organisations from their Part-M Subpart F&G approvals to the more proportionate Part-CAO approval before the deadline of 24 September 2022.

Engagement

We have engaged with our GA stakeholders and pilots, either in person or virtually:

• We had a small representation at Private Flyer show (Leeds) in July and attended the LAA Grass Roots Fly-in at Popham Airfield, which took place in September. A highlight of the LAA Grass Roots Fly-in was Mark Shortman from the CAA and John Ratcliffe from the LAA presenting Steve Markham with his initial Permit-to-Fly for his homebuilt Spitfire Mk.26.
• We supported the Women’s World Gliding Championships (WWGC) in August, where the CAA undertook several supportive regulatory actions. We issued an exemption permitting the acceptance of Third Country Sailplane licences and certificates of those individuals taking part in this event for the entire month of August. We also ensured the organisers had the correct permissions for the ground radios to be used by the competing teams met the requirements of ICAO and the International Telecommunications Union (ITU). As well we supporting airspace changes for the event. You can hear more about the World Women’s Gliding Championships in the latest episode of our CAA on General Aviation podcast.
• Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the CAA, visited Cameron Balloons in Bristol and attended the Bristol Balloon Festival in August. Engaging with members of the UK ballooning community including the British Balloon & Airship Club (BBAC).

Flying safely

GA community resources and materials shared to support the UK GA flying community to operate safely include:

• A recent AAIB investigation highlighted the importance of being properly qualified to fly in cloud. We created a new Flying in Cloud | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk) webpage to bring together helpful resources for pilots including a new podcast and animation covering the safety guidance and resources that pilots should be aware of.
• We published a new Airworthiness Code designed to provide practical guidance on key topics such as the airworthiness system and the Part-ML maintenance programme. The Airworthiness Code; A maintenance guide for light aircraft is a guidance document designed to support owners and operators of general aviation (GA) aircraft.
• The latest publication of the new Safety Sense Leaflets. Loss of Control and Ditching.

Safety promotions

Astral Aviation Consulting (AAC), a third-party supplier, is providing support on GA Safety promotions. Activities over this past quarter include:

• Workshop: Arrivals, departures and RT workshop
• Top tips for a successful PPL examination flight – article by Katherine Maloney and workshop
• Registration is now open for the next workshop on Just Culture. Join Astral and special guests Dr Sarah Flaherty, Chris Mason and Ian Seager to discuss Just Culture within the CAA and how that relates to GA flying.

CAA General Aviation Unit