The significant downturn in commercial aviation has resulted in Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs) reducing their manpower and services within controlled airspace. As a result, the classification of some portions of controlled airspace can change (eg from D to G) on a relatively short timeline. For example, on the 21st…

From the CAA (15th May): We are acutely aware of the impact that COVID-19 is having on UK aviation and are committed to supporting all sectors to recover as quickly and as safely as possible. The fallout of the Covid-19 pandemic and its impact on a fall in demand for…

The BGA have worked with the CAA to develop guidance material for sailplane operations which has been added to the CAA Radiotelephony Manual (CAP 413).  This is currently in the form of a Supplementary Instruction (CAP413 SI 2020-01) but will form part of CAP 413 in time.  The effective date…

The CAA has provided an exemption for gliders and powered gliders from the carriage of a Secondary Surveillance Radar transponder with the capability and functionality prescribed for Mode S Elementary Surveillance for specified Temporary Reserved Area (Gliders) until 31 March 2021. You can view the exemption here. You can view…

All pilots are politely reminded of the need to check NOTAMs before flight. Details of Temporary Restricted Airspace (RA(T)’s) appear in NOTAMs and in Aeronautical Information Circulars.

The BGA utilises a set of agreed principles when making initial contact with Airspace Change Proposals. The principles have recently been updated to include a specific principle regarding GNSS approaches outside controlled airspace. You can view the document here.

At a recent liaison meeting between BGA representatives and Cranfield airfield, where Cranfield was reminded of gliding activity and they provided an update re their operations, it was noted that the airfield is increasingly busy with commercial pilot training and University research flying. There are two instrument approaches. The instrument…

Following work by a team from Lasham GS, an SSR transponder code specifically for glider towing operations where the tug aircraft is suitably equipped will be NOTAM’d and available for use UK-wide from 1st April 2020. The code availability will be published in the UK AIP as of the May…

The CAA has published guidance that aims to limit infringements of Farnborough airport’s controlled airspace that comes into force on 27 Feb 2020 and as a result significantly changes the lower airspace structure and anticipated VFR traffic routing in the SE of England. You can view the guidance on the…

Alan Sparrow has updated ASSelect with the new Farnborough CTR/CTA (effective 27 Feb 20). See https://asselect.uk to download the new airspace data.