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 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…

A reminder that the operator of Chalgrove airfield advises that: Operation. The airfield is owned by Martin Baker and is used by the company to test and evaluate ejector seats. Associated with this there can be fast jets (usually a meteor), ground-based ejector test rigs firing seats upwards and associated…

The airspace in and around the RAF Lakenheath / RAF Mildenhall Combined MATZ (“CMATZ”) in the centre of East Anglia is particularly busy with military aircraft traffic. These two aerodromes record around 61,000 aircraft movements annually, including fast jets flying at up to 400 knots, KC-135 air-to-air refuelling tankers and…