UK flight training regulatory charges rise by 7.7%
The UK Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) charging scheme for the financial year 2024/2025 came into effect in April. The headline figure for the flight training industry is a 7.7% increase across all CAA safety related charges which includes licensing charges for pilots and flying schools, revised down slightly from the 8.3% increase previously proposed. Details of the revised charges for pilots and flight schools are contained...
UK CAA refreshes its STEM website fearing future skill shortage
The UK CAA has recently completed a revamp of its Science, Technology, Engineering & Maths (STEM) dedicated website citing that it has been recognised by the aviation community that there will be an anticipated shortage of skilled aviation professionals in the near future. The CAA says that “it is important we support the ambitions and interests of everyone to create opportunities which are inclusive and engaging for all. “Our...
UK CAA consulting on vertiport network
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a consultation on design proposals for vertiports at existing aerodromes, paving the way for vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft operations in the UK. Vertiports are sites used for the arrival, departure, and surface movement of VTOL aircraft and the CAA says the creation of a network to connect communities by air will be possible with the introduction of this...
UK CAA publishes new Safety Sense Leaflet
This month the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has issued its latest Safety Sense Leaflet (SSL) for the general aviation community, providing a guide on occurrence reporting. The CAA advises that reporting is an important element of improving aviation safety and is often a legal requirement. Occurrence reports are submitted to the UK CAA via the ECCAIRS portal. The CAA reviews reports and determines if any follow up action is...
UK CAA permits limited flight training in PtF aircraft
The UK CAA has enacted a General Permission to allow certain types of flight training on UK National Permit to Fly aircraft. Flight schools are now permitted to provide limited flight training in UK National Permit to Fly (PtF) aircraft as long as the individual under training already holds a pilot licence in the same aircraft category. Ab initio training is therefore not permitted under this General Permission, although can be...