CAA on General Aviation UK Civil Aviation Authority

Spring is now upon us and it’s time to start thinking about returning to flying! If you’ve had the winter off, we’re here to guide you through the important things to consider before getting back into your aircraft.
For this episode we’re joined by James Shipp and Tom Gravett from the CAA General Aviation Unit to discuss pilot currency, aircraft airworthiness and airfield conditions.
If you have any feedback or suggestions for areas that you’d like us to cover in this podcast, please get in touch at gapodcast@caa.co.uk.
Related information
Safety Animation – Returning to flying, pre flight checklistSafety Animation – Loss of Control: Stall and Spin AwarenessSafety Animation – Flying in CloudThe Skyway CodeSafety Sense Leaflet - Care of Passengers Safety Sense Leaflet – Loss of Control: Stall and Spin AwarenessClued Up – Weight and BalanceAstral Aviation Consulting Workshop – Skill Fade

As the temperatures drop in the winter months, there are a number of challenges that come with flying in cold and unpredictable conditions.
For this episode, we’re joined by Joe Hadley and Richard Crockett from the CAA General Aviation Unit to cover the intricacies of winter flying.
If you have any feedback or suggestions for areas that you’d like us to cover in this podcast, please get in touch at gapodcast@caa.co.uk.
Related links:
Winter flying | Civil Aviation AuthorityThe Skyway Code | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)Flying in Winter - YouTubeSafety Sense Leaflet: Winter FlyingWinter weather — Astral Aviation ConsultingPre-flight planning - Airspace SafetyCarbon monoxide in general aviation Podcast on active carbon monoxide detectorsClued Up: Carbon MonoxideFlying with an active carbon monoxide detector - YouTubeNight rating for aeroplanesClued Up: Night FlyingClued Up Update: Night Flying

In this episode, we talk with the CAA’s policy lead on our project on cost sharing, we hear an update from Ed Bellamy on the Safety Sense Leaflet project and our latest published documents including Piston Engine Icing.
We also talk with Justin Willcocks on good flight planning preparation along with references to advice and guidance and how to use the radio.
Updates and resources mentioned in this episode:
Cost sharing flights | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk) Safety Sense Leaflets | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk) SSL: Aerodrome senseClued Up: Unstable ApproachesClued Up: Rejected Take OffsTrim runawaysTake off decisions - go or no go? - CAA Safety filesCAP1950 GA Landing IssuesArrivals, departures and RT — Astral Aviation Consulting SSL; Distraction and InterruptionSSL: Care of PassengersTake-off - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation ConsultingLandings - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation ConsultingStalling - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation ConsultingSpinning - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation ConsultingWheel spats - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation ConsultingLoss of Control — Astral Aviation Consulting SSL; RadiotelephonyGA Podcast: Talking RadiotelephonyRadiotelephony — AstralAviation...

We chat about the latest on our active carbon monoxide detector project. In particular our latest survey which we launched at AeroExpo in June. We also hear from members of the GA community on their thoughts on what sort of carbon monoxide detector they fly with and why.
If you have any feedback or suggestions for areas that you’d like us to cover in this podcast, please get in touch at gapodcast@caa.co.uk.
Related links:
General Aviation Pilot Survey - Flying with Active Carbon Monoxide Detectors 2023Further information on the work of the CAA on Carbon Monoxide is available via our website: Carbon monoxide in general aviation | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)Infographic on recommended active carbon monoxide detectors

We speak with Dave Boxall, Chief Airworthiness Engineer at Cameron Balloons on their recent adventure with Red Bull on the Don’t Look Down project.
You'll hear how this project came to be and the amazing adventure these organisations went on to get the balloon into the air.
Kriss Kyle, Scottish BMX Pro said:
“I’ve had to push past my fears several times before on Red Bull projects, but nothing has compared to this. Riding my BMX at 2,000ft, you’re so high up it almost doesn’t feel real anymore. I trusted the crew with my life, and wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of Cameron Balloons, who worked in partnership with the CAA to help make BMX riding at 2,000ft a reality.”   
Cameron Balloons is the world leader in the manufacture of lighter-than-air aircraft and fabric structures. Their mission is to deliver the highest quality aircraft-standard engineering through robust and innovative products; led by a creative team, supported by a reliable aftersales service.
Established in 1971, they have built over 9500 hot air balloons and continue to support this diverse industry with in-depth and realistic expertise.
About the 'Don't look down' project:
Don't Look Down: Kriss Kyle BMX film (redbull.com)
Kriss Kyle's Don't Look Down: how it was made (redbull.com)
BMX Pro Kriss Kyle Interview - Don't Look Down film (redbull.com)

One of our infringement specialists talks to Chris Sellen, a member of the Wessex Local Airspace Infringement Team (LAIT) based at Popham, about the team’s work to help reduce infringements in the local area.
If you are planning on flying in the Solent area guidance and information from the Wessex LAIT is available online at airspacesafety.com/solent
There are 12 Local Airspace Infringement Teams set up to cover infringement hot-spots in the UK. Each is focussed on helping to reduce airspace infringements through local initiatives and targeted actions.
This is the first episode in a mini-series looking at different aspects of this work.
More information and guidance to help avoid infringements is available on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website.