Category Archives: CAA advice

Air navigation chart

Rules of the Air

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You will all be familiar with The Highway Code. It is essential reading for all who want to pass their driving test in the UK. Well, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) produce a flying equivalent, The Skyway Code.

The Skyway code is free to download from the CAA website. It is packed full of easy to read explanations, diagrams and tips for safe and legal flying. Subjects include Met Reports, Navigation, Radio Communications, Crosswind landings and even flying across international borders. If you prefer to keep the book version for bedtime reading, then we can sell you a copy at the cost price £12.95.

If you are planning to learn to fly and therefore must take the CAA theory exams, the Skyway code will not cover each subject in sufficient detail. But once you have qualified as a PPL it is a fantastic resource for keeping current on most aspects of flying. We recommend every PPL adds this publication to their Christmas list.

The Skyway Code a CAA safety publication for pilots
Image of European airspace maps

Brexit things …

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What leaving the EU may mean for UK PPLs

Amid the continuing negotiations about the UK's future relationship with the EU, there is one thing we know for sure: the UK will no longer be part of the EU Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) system after 31 December this year.

The CAA are working with the UK Government to provide some certainity to businesses and pilots about any future UK-EU aviation safety agreement and whether mutual recognition of licences, certificates and approvals will be included in it.  The Transition period ends 31 December this year, so we are all keen to understand how a future UK-EU aviation safety agreement might work, and whether mutual recognition of licences, certificates and approvals will be included in it.  And in the event of a No-Deal exit we do at least know that the CAA and many stakeholders in industry have been working out what a 'non-negotiated outcome' would look like, and preparing for it, for the last four years.

For those interested or concerned the CAA have put together a brief summary of the regulatory changes involved, and a longer, more detailed EU Exit microsite which is updated regularly with additional info as and when this emerges.

Happy Landings – CAA Advice

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If you are set up for a stable final approach your landing is much more likely to be a smooth and stress free event. If your approach is not stable, you are much more likely to have a ‘controlled collision with the earth’. Save yourself, your passengers and your aeroplane stress. Approach at the right speed and in trim. The CAA have offered interesting and easy to read advice. Unstable Approaches