The USAF in East Anglia operates a variety of heavy aircraft primarily into and out of Mildenhall. During 2025 there were three significant airprox involving gliders and USAF heavy aircraft in the vicinity of Mildenhall and the associated combined MATZ. The third airprox is currently under review by the UK…

The BGA has responded to the CAA’s CAP1616 consultation. Key BGA concerns include the CAA’s proposals to reduce CAA oversight of sponsor’s stakeholder engagement and to remove the requirement for a post implementation review. The consultation was prompted by the new NATS-run UK Airspace Design Service and an associated NATS…

CAP3096 explains why and how many Airspace Letters of Agreement (LoAs) must be updated via the CAP1616 airspace change process to be made compliant with SERA and detailed in the AIP. As this CAA initiative potentially negatively impacts several gliding operations and freedoms to access airspace, the BGA is sharing…

As previously reported, the CAA is consulting on proposed changes to CAP1616, which describes the airspace change process requirements. The BGA will respond to the consultation. Individuals are encouraged to have their say too. The consultation, which closes on the 18th December, can be viewed here.

The Council owners of Doncaster airport have launched an Airspace Change Proposal (ACP) that proposes to reintroduce the controversial controlled airspace previously established by Doncaster-Sheffield Airport prior to its commercial failure. The ACP is at stage 1 of 7 stages. The BGA and local gliding clubs are engaging with the…

The BGA and several clubs have started to engage with Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs, eg NATS) on the topic of the CAA’s intention that sponsors modify existing airspace letters of agreement as detailed in CAP3096 despite those LoA’s being safe and effective as periodically reviewed in each case. As…

Several airspace services that are central to the Government’s approach to modernising UK airspace and will be provided by NATS (En Route) plc (NERL) are being consulted on. This is part of one of the most significant changes to airspace for a generation. CAA has updated its background document Modernising the…

Scottish Airspace Modernisation is a coordinated programme of three Airspace Change Proposals (ACP’s) sponsored by Glasgow Airport, Edinburgh Airport and NATS with the quoted shared aim of delivering quicker, quieter, more resilient and environmentally cleaner journeys to meet the aim of the Government’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy. Glasgow Airport and Edinburgh…

Restriction of Flying Regulations have been established for a glider aerobatics contest at Saltby, Grantham, between 12 September 2025 and 14 September 2025. Details by NOTAM and in Briefing Sheet 051/2025 on the NATS website.

Whilst UK airspace is safe, the UK airspace structure is recognised as being inefficient. In addition, new airspace users such as drones need to be accommodated. As previously reported, a Government directed Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) aims to redevelop UK airspace. The BGA has updated its published guidance on airspace…