CAP3096
What is CAP3096?
CAP3096 provides an explanation to Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), aerodrome operators and airspace users, (the possible ‘change sponsors’, according to the CAA) as to why they must facilitate a review, and guidance as to how they may update certain letters of agreement (LoAs) via the CAP1616 ACP process.
In some cases, state the CAA, LoAs have introduced non-compliant airspace designs in order to allow certain aircraft access to controlled airspace (CAS), because they were unable to comply with the introduction of aspects of the Rules of the Air regulations. CAA notes that the method of operations, via LoAs, was previously accepted by all concerned to allow the safe operation of the activity. Although not previously stated, the CAA notes that there has always been the intention for compliant and permanent airspace designs to be implemented in the future where required. The CAA notes that as the current airspace designs are not compliant with extant regulations, policies and/or guidance, they create risk (presumably to the CAA) when compared to airspace design that is compliant and managed accordingly.
CAP3096 offers guidance as to how these arrangements can be made compliant. It explains how the CAA will support the change sponsor(s) impacted by this review, as well as the Aeronautical Information Service (AIS) provider, by coordinating the responses to the requirement to promulgate a compliant airspace design in the UK Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).
In summary, the CAA has decided that by 2027, LoAs must be updated via an airspace change proposal to be compliant with SERA and detailed in the AIP.
Why use an LoA?
The purpose of an LoA is to define the co-ordination procedures to be applied between an Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP) and the airspace user, to permit the airspace user to safely fly within the airspace. For example, when an airport takes control of lower airspace (below 7000′) or NATS takes control of upper airspace (above 7000′) in a way that thus potentially excludes gliding activity, an LoA can define procedures that allow the gliding activity to continue within what would otherwise effectively be segregated airspace.
Which LOAs are impacted?
CAP3096 details some 43 LoAs that CAA has decided in the first instance are non-compliant (with the CAA’s new requirement). The LoAs are detailed in CAP3096 appendix B and are associated with:
- Swanwick
- Prestwick
- Belfast/Aldergrove
- Bristol
- Cardiff
- Farnborough
- Glasgow
- Southampton
Are the LoAs hazardous?
The BGA including gliding clubs of course supports continued safe and compliant airspace. The existing LoAs are routinely reviewed by the relevant ANSPs and are proven to be safe. In many cases, the CAA has previously supported, or encouraged, or even required the LoAs to be established.
How is airspace change established?
The CAP1616 airspace change process is a complex, seven-stage process. ACPs are usually sponsored by specialists funded by airports or ANSPs (e.g NATS).
What should clubs do that are potentially impacted by CAP3096?
The CAA’s CAP1616 identifies that “anyone can sponsor an airspace change proposal, although it is most often an airport/spaceport operator, an air navigation service provider or a potential operator of a new or innovative aircraft type.”
The BGA has written to clubs advising that they should engage with ANSPs on the topic of CAP3096 and that unless clubs feel that they are resourced to submit a CAP1616 ACP to change the classification of airspace currently safely managed under an LoA, they should advise the ANSP that they are not resourced to be a ‘change sponsor’.
News
15th December 2025
On 15th December, the BGA and several BGA club reps met with NATS to discuss several LoAs to which the BGA is a signatory that are potentially impacted by CAP3096 with the aim of identifying the change sponsor. NATS was politely advised that the BGA is not resourced to sponsor a CAP1616 ACP. In the absence of other data, the BGA has agreed with NATS to review LoA usage and has instigated a survey which has been sent to BGA clubs for completion by early January 2026. Following a cordial exchange on CAP3096 related detail, a further meeting with NATS is planned for January 2026.
22nd December 2025
The BGA has been approached to discuss the OSSEP LoAs. A meeting is planned including a BGA club representative during early January 2026.
Two gliding clubs have been approached by NATS-run ANSPs to discuss their LoAs. Meetings are expected during January 2026.