CAA SkyWise on Airspace Change
Airspace Modernisation Strategy Support Fund – call for proposals now open
The Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) Support Fund October 2024 call for proposals has now opened. Applications close on 31 October 2024.
We are particularly interested in projects that focus on:
Innovative Surveillance Technologies
Data Integration and Analytics
Cybersecurity in Airspace Surveillance
Remote and Autonomous Systems
Environmental Monitoring and Compliance
Sustainability
For more information on the themes and how to apply, please visit our website.
Dated: October 2024
Airspace Modernisation Strategy: Part 3 publication
The Airspace Modernisation Strategy, Part 3: Deployment Plan has been published by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
A first iteration, the Deployment Plan details the work the regulator has committed to, including projects that are ongoing or commencing within the next two years and those activities that will need to be delivered by the industry. It also provides an overview of further scoped work to take place over the subsequent five years.
This includes information on nearer-term activities, concepts and challenges that the UK Civil Aviation Authority needs to consider, but where detail, timescales and clear deliverables are yet to be determined.
Part 3, alongside more information on Airspace Modernisation, can be found on the UK CAA’s website.
Dated: August 2024
Extension of public engagement on changes to the Manchester Low-Level Route (MLLR)
The UK Civil Aviation Authority is extending the public engagement period for the proposed changes to the Manchester Low-Level Route (MLLR) to enhance safety and access. This includes amending the area to Class G airspace, introducing a Restricted Area, raising the maximum altitude to 1500ft, and expanding the airspace eastward by 0.65 nautical miles.
Share your thoughts on our dedicated engagement website.
New closing date: 5 August 2024
Dated: July 2024
Updated criteria for accepting the airspace change masterplan
The CAA has identified a need to change the process for formal decision-making on future iterations of the airspace change Masterplan.
Future masterplans will provide more detail on the interdependencies and trade-offs between airspace change proposals (ACPs) in a particular region. The separate CAP1616 process considers the full scope of each individual ACP. Given that both decisions are intrinsically linked, the CAA has decided that the decision to formally accept a masterplan should only be taken once the relevant CAP1616 assessment has concluded.
We have therefore amended CAP2156a and CAP2156b to reflect this, including when the Masterplan will be published.
Dated: July 2024
Guidance for temporary and trial airspace change proposals
Following the publication of the revised CAP1616 airspace change process, the UK Civil Aviation Authority has published the revised requirements and guidance for temporary and trial airspace change proposals, CAP 1616g.
CAP 1616g can be found on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website and will come into force on 18 March 2024. All revised CAP 1616 documents and a statement on transition arrangements can be found on our website.
Dated: February 2024
Addendum to the assessment and acceptance of the Airspace Change Masterplan Iteration 2
We have published an updated addendum to the co-sponsors’ assessment and CAA acceptance of ACOG’s Airspace Change Masterplan Iteration 2. The addendum now includes the CAA’s acceptance of ACOG’s advice on the withdrawal of Cardiff Airport from the UK Airspace Change Masterplan. The associated airspace change proposal (ACP-2019-41) is expected to be withdrawn by Cardiff Airport in due course.
The original assessment and acceptance of Iteration 2 of the Masterplan is in CAP 2312A.
For more information, please visit the Airspace Change Masterplan section of our website.
Dated: January 2024
New UAS Integration Sandbox
We have launched a regulatory sandbox to help support the development for the integration of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) into UK Airspace.
Our intention is that the integrated Concepts of Operation (ConOps) be trialled by appropriate industry stakeholders to support the ongoing development of CAA policy and understanding for UAS flights integrated with other airspace users.
The call is open to individual organisations or consortia working on the development of UA systems operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS).
Full details, including how to apply, are available on the CAA website.
Dated: December 2023
CAP1616 airspace change process – guidance documents
Following the publication of the revised CAP1616 airspace change process, the UK Civil Aviation Authority has published the following documents:
CAP 1616f, Guidance on Airspace Change Process for Permanent Airspace Change Proposals
CAP 1616h, Guidance on Level 3 and Pre-Scaled Airspace Change Proposals
CAP 1616i, Environmental Assessment Requirements and Guidance for Airspace Change Proposals
Guidance for temporary and trial airspace change proposals will be published in due course. The revised airspace change process (CAP1616, version 5) will come into force on 2 January 2024. The revised documents and a statement on transition arrangements can be found on our website.
Dated: November 2023
Publication of revised CAP1616 airspace change process
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published its revised CAP1616 airspace change process. The package of improvements makes the airspace change process easier to understand and clarifies the requirements needed to be met to progress an airspace change proposal. The revised process takes into consideration feedback and insights from stakeholders affected by airspace change.
The new version will come into force on 2 January 2024. Further associated guidance will be published in due course.
The revised documents and a statement on transition arrangements can be found on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website.
Dated: October 2023
AMS Support Fund – Open Call for Proposals
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has launched its next round of funding to help support airspace modernisation projects across the United Kingdom. More information can be found on the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s website.
Applications can be made via an application form, that can be found on the website. Email all applications to [email protected] no later than 6 November 2023.
Dated: October 2023
Addendum to the assessment and acceptance of the Airspace Change Masterplan Iteration 2
We have published an updated addendum to the co-sponsors’ assessment and CAA acceptance of Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG)’s Airspace Change Masterplan Iteration 2. The addendum now includes the CAA’s acceptance of ACOG’s advice on the withdrawal of Aberdeen Airport from the UK Airspace Change Masterplan. This airspace change proposal no longer requires co-ordination and will proceed through the airspace change process independently.
The original assessment and acceptance of Iteration 2 of the Masterplan is in CAP 2312A.
For more information, please visit the Airspace Change Masterplan section of our website.
Dated: September 2023
Update on Daventry CTA 6 Airspace Amendment
After a comprehensive review, the UK Civil Aviation Authority is withdrawing its proposal to amend the base level of Daventry Control Area (CTA) 6 airspace due to safety concerns identified through analysis with NATS En-Route Plc (NERL). This decision emphasises the CAA’s commitment to the highest levels of safety for all airspace users.
Our report and more information on this decision can be found on our website.
Dated: September 2023
Publication of CAP1616 Review consultation response document
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published it’s consultation response document related to proposals to modify the guidance on the regulatory process for airspace change, known as CAP1616. More information on the CAP1616 review can be found on our dedicated review webpage.
Dated: September 2023
Modernisation Support Fund Project – Trial of ADS-B Obstruction Beacons on 978Mhz UAT
The Airspace Modernisation Support Fund (ASF) provides financial support to the UK aviation industry and stakeholders in modernising the UK airspace.
A project titled ‘Trial of ADS-B Obstruction Beacons on 978Mhz UAT’ by uAvionix completed in April 2023. The purpose of the trial was to evaluate the efficacy of the obstruction beacons from the point of view of the operator and of other airspace users. The final report on the project has been published on our website.
The next call for proposals is open from 2 October 2023 until 6 November 2023. More information can be found on our website
Dated: August 2023
Manchester Low-Level Route (MLLR) report
We have published our comprehensive report on the Manchester Low-Level Route. Developed through extensive stakeholder engagement and in-depth analysis, the report outlines key proposals for further investigation for potential changes to this piece of airspace.
Some of the key proposals include raising the airspace ceiling, adjusting classifications, and work with the North West Local Airspace Infringement Team to review Visual Reference Points (VRPs) in the airspace.
Dated: July 2023
AMS Support Fund – Open Call for Proposals
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has today launched its next round of funding to help support airspace modernisation projects across the United Kingdom.
More information can be found on the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s website.
Applications can be made via an application form, that can be found on the website, to [email protected] no later than 21 July 2023.
Dated: June 2023
Guidance for the design of SIDs to FL
The CAA has published interim guidance for airspace and instrument flight procedure designers for the design of Standard Instrument Departure to Flight Level.
Dated: May 2023
New Danger Area – EGD148 KEEVIL
The CAA has approved the implementation of a new permanent danger area, which will be known as EGD148 KEEVIL. The change will take effect on 15 May 2023, notified by an AIP SUPPLEMENT to be issued on 4 May 2023. Activation will be by NOTAM, with MOD Boscombe Down Air Traffic Control providing a Danger Area Crossing Service to other airspace users when the Danger Area is active; there are no changes to airspace classifications. Details of the airspace change can be found on the CAA airspace change portal.
Dated: April 2023
The Civil Aviation Authority (Air Navigation) Directions 2023
The Secretary of State has recently updated The Civil Aviation Authority (Air Navigation) Directions. The updated “2023 Directions” include some modifications to the Government’s air navigation priorities, emphasising the importance of delivering the UK’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy. They also include new requirements for the CAA in respect of lost communication incidents between ground-based controllers and civilian pilots.
For more information, please visit our website.
Dated: April 2023
Airspace Changes – West Airspace Deployment
The UK will introduce the systemisation of lower airspace across the southwest of England and most of Wales. In the design a new systemised route structure has been created between 7000ft and 24,500ft, with Free Route Airspace (FRA) established above 24,500ft (FL245).
The new airspace designs will be established under AIRAC schedule 03/2023, notified through a double cycle, to be effective on 23 March 2023. Further details can be found in UK AIC Y 013/2023 and the UK AIP.
Dated: March 2023
AMS Support Fund – Open Call for Proposals
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has today launched its next round of funding to help support airspace modernisation projects across the United Kingdom. More information can be found on the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s website. Applications can be made via an application form, that can be found on the website, to [email protected] no later than 31 March 2023.
Dated: March 2023
Annual AMS Progress Report
The CAA must report to the Secretary of State annually on the delivery of the Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
Our report for 2022 provides an update on policy and regulatory process since the last progress report and a summary of the Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) delivery plans and risks. We also provide our assessment of progress towards completion of each initiative.
Please note this report refers to progress made under the AMS published in 2018. Subsequent iterations of the progress report will refer to the refreshed AMS published in January 2023.
Dated: February 2023
Refreshed Airspace Modernisation Strategy
Modernisation of UK airspace, delivering quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys, is long overdue. Today, the CAA is publishing a refreshed Airspace Modernisation Strategy, bringing it up to date and widening its scope, in particular:
to extend the strategy out to 2040
to maintain and, where possible, improve the UK’s high levels of aviation safety
to focus on integrating all airspace users with simpler airspace design and supporting regulations
to introduce environmental sustainability as an overarching principle across all modernisation activities
to align with the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan and provide a clear strategic path for rulemaking, now the UK has left the EU and EASA.Read the Airspace Modernisation Strategy
Dated: January 2023
Performance-based Navigation: Enhanced route spacing guidance
We have published a new version of CAP1385 Performance-based Navigation: Enhanced route spacing guidance which captures all of the relevant trials and research work conducted to date, providing comprehensive guidance for the development of airspace design.
Dated: December 2022
Biggin Hill Runway 03 IAP ACP Decision Document
The CAA’s Decision on ACP-2013-08 Biggin Hill Runway 03 Instrument Approaches Airspace Change Proposal (CAP 2500) has been published.
Dated: December 2022
Updated criteria for accepting the airspace change masterplan
Today we have published minor amendments and clarifications to the criteria that the airspace change masterplan must meet to be accepted into our Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS).
CAP 2156a Airspace Change Masterplan – CAA acceptance criteria
CAP 2156b Airspace Change Masterplan – assessment framework
Background
The airspace change masterplan is a single coordinated implementation plan for airspace changes in the UK up to 2040. It will upgrade our airspace and deliver the objectives of airspace modernisation.
To ensure the masterplan is consistent with government policy and CAA statutory functions, we must ‘accept’ it into our Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS).
You can read more about the process on our website.
Dated: December 2022
Call for evidence to help us review the Barnsley region of UK airspace
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has today launched its Call for Evidence as part of its review into the Barnsley region of the UK’s airspace.
Please give us your views on volumes of airspace in this region that may need changes to their classification via our dedicated consultation website www.consultations.caa.co.uk.
We are asking for comments before 08 January 2023.
Dated: November 2022
Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Doncaster Sheffield Airport (DSA) have informed the CAA that they will suspend certain operations including air traffic service provision at 1500 UTC on 18 November 2022.
We are therefore sponsoring an airspace change process to manage the safe removal of the airspace for which DSA is the nominated unit providing service from the UK Aeronautical Information Publication.
Our statement of intent has been published on the airspace change portal.
Dated: November 2022
Report on airspace change engagement activity
Read the report on engagement activity on the airspace change process carried out between June and December, 2021. The report covers findings from internal/external workshops and an online questionnaire and what we will do next
Dated: October 2022
Addendum to CAP 2312A – Airspace Change Masterplan Iteration 2: Co-sponsor assessment and CAA acceptance decision
We have published an addendum to the co-sponsors’ assessment and CAA acceptance of ACOG’s Airspace Change Masterplan Iteration 2. The addendum covers the CAA’s acceptance of:
• ACOG’s proposed approach to managing interdependencies between airspace changes (the ‘cluster’ approach)
• ACOG’s advice on integrating a new Farnborough airspace change proposal into the Masterplan.
The original assessment and acceptance of Iteration 2 of the Masterplan is in CAP 2312A.
For more information, please visit the Airspace Change Masterplan section of our website.
Dated: October 2022
CAP 785B Volume II – Implementation and Safeguarding of Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) in the UK – updated link
The CAA has published CAP 785B Volume II “Implementation and Safeguarding of Instrument Flight Procedures (IFPs) in the UK”.
The CAP provides clarification on the process to implement IFPs in the UK and clarification for the provision of IFP safeguarding.
Dated: August 2022
New Airspace Change Portal release
As part of a new release for the Airspace Change Portal, we have added some new features and upgraded some of the existing functionality for both sponsors and the public.
Full details of the changes can be read in a news article on the portal.
Dated: July 2022
UK Civil Aviation Authority completes its review into the Cotswold Region’s airspace
We have published our final report on our findings following our review of airspace in the Cotswold Region and have announced which volumes of airspace the process will seek to amend, as well as the other activities put in place to improve UK airspace as a result of our review.
For more information, please see the Final Report or listen to our latest podcast at https://podfollow.com/caa-on-general-aviation.
Dated: July 2022
Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021 Part 1: Enforcement Guidance and Statement of Policy on Penalties
Part 1 of the Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act gave the CAA new roles and powers in relation to the Secretary of State’s powers to give a direction to “a person involved in airspace change” requiring them to progress or co-operate in an airspace change where doing so will assist in the delivery of the CAA’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
Having sought your views on a draft Statement of Policy on Penalties, we have now published CAP 2431, our Enforcement Guidance in respect of these new powers. Our consultation website explains how we took your views into account.
Dated: April 2022
Additional guidance for the purpose of spaceflight activities
The Secretary of State recognises that the CAA is required to take account of environmental objectives as set out in the Civil Aviation Authority (Air Navigation) Directions 2017 (as amended) (“the 2017 Directions”). The Secretary of State has issued further guidance to the CAA to define how the 2017 Directions should be applied to airspace change proposals that seek to facilitate spaceflight activities.
Dated: April 2022
Reminder: Draft Airspace Modernisation Strategy Consultation
Modernisation of UK airspace, delivering quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys, is long overdue. Don’t forget to give us your views on our draft Airspace Modernisation Strategy, which has been refreshed to:
extend the strategy to 2040
focus on integrating all airspace users with simpler airspace design and supporting regulations
introduce sustainability as an overarching principle across all modernisation activities
align with the ICAO Global Air Navigation Plan and provide a clear strategic path for rulemaking, now the UK has left the EU and EASA.
Please use the online consultation to give us your views before 4 April 2022.
Dated: March 2022
AMS Support Fund: Call for applications
The CAA again is inviting UK aviation industry organisations to submit funding proposals to the AMS Support Fund (ASF) The ASF, which is different from the FASI Grant, is intended to aid projects in support of the delivery of airspace modernisation where delivery benefits multiple stakeholders or research will enable wider industry deployment.
The fund will be managed and administered by the CAA in accordance with a new governance process as set out in the Terms of Reference (CAP2258)
The call for submissions is open from 16th March to 13th May 2022 and a decision on applications will be made in July 2022.
To send your application form, please email [email protected] with “AMS Support Fund” in the subject line.
Dated: March 2022
Updated Airspace Policy – ATS Network Policy With Neighbouring States
The CAA has revised the Route Network Policy With Neighbouring States in order to update references to organisations, documents and procedures. In addition, the title has changed to ATS Network Policy With Neighbouring States as this airspace environment now includes Free Route Airspace. This policy is effective 1st March 2022.
Dated: February 2022
Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act 2021: Draft Statement of Policy on Penalties
The Air Traffic Management and Unmanned Aircraft Act became law in April 2021. The CAA has new roles and powers in relation to the Secretary of State’s powers to direct “a person involved in airspace change” to progress or cooperate in an airspace change. In December 2021 we published our Enforcement Guidance (CAP 2280) in respect of these new powers.
We also sought your views on our draft Statement of Policy on Penalties; this is a reminder that you have until 23.59 on 3 March 2022 to tell us those views before the online consultation closes.
Dated: February 2022
Airspace Classification Review: Cotswold Region Report of our Draft Findings published for your views
We have now published a report containing our draft findings of our review into the Cotswold Region and which contains our Initial Plan of volumes of airspace to take forward to the amend phase of the airspace classification review process.
We are asking you to comment on the report’s findings. The objective of this is to ensure that we have not missed, misunderstood, or misinterpreted any relevant matters in our considerations. Your views will inform our final report and the Final Plan of volumes to amend under the airspace classification review procedure.
See our dedicated feedback website for more information and respond online before 27 March 2022.
Dated: February 2022
Airspace Change Masterplan Iteration 2: Co-sponsor assessment and CAA acceptance decision
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published its decision to accept ACOG’s Airspace Change Masterplan Iteration 2 (CAP2312b) in the Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
For more information, including the co-sponsors’ assessment and the CAA’s full decision in CAP2312A.
Dated: January 2022
Swanwick Airspace Improvement Programme – Airspace Deployment 6 Decision Document
On 24 November 2021 the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) approved an airspace change including changes relating to London Luton Airport’s Standard Instrument Arrivals (STARs). We have now published the decision document and technical assessments, which set out the full reasons for the CAA’s decision, on the airspace change portal.
Dated: December 2021
Swanwick Airspace Improvement Programme – Airspace Deployment 6 Approved
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today approved an airspace change including changes relating to London Luton Airport’s arrival routes. The revised airspace will become effective on 24 February 2022.
Further information can be found on the CAA’s airspace change portal. Full reasons for the CAA’s decision, including technical assessment will shortly be available on the ACP portal.
Dated: November 2021
CAP1616 Airspace Change Regulatory Guidance Review – Engagement
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has today opened a public engagement exercise as part of its review into its airspace change process, known as CAP1616. We are inviting all stakeholders to share their views and experiences of the CAP1616 process and its guidance through our online survey.
We are asking for comments before 30 November 2021.
Dated: November 2021
AMS Support Fund: Call for applications
The CAA is inviting UK aviation industry organisations to submit funding proposals to the AMS Support Fund (ASF). The ASF, which is different from the FASI Grant, is intended to aid projects in support of the delivery of airspace modernisation where delivery benefits multiple stakeholders and or research will enable wider industry deployment.
The fund will be managed and administered by the CAA in accordance with a new governance process as set out in the Terms of Reference (CAP2258)
The call for submissions is open until the end of 2021 and a decision on applications will be made in February 2022.
To send your application form, please email [email protected] with “AMS Support Fund” in the subject line.
Dated: October 2021
Definition of Category D for Minimum Standards for Noise Modelling
The CAA has published its decision on defining Category D for our Minimum Noise Modelling Requirements. This follows its consultation on this issue which was published in January 2021.
This document should be read in conjunction with the consultation document and our interim assessment of the consultation responses to CAP 1875, and our Policy on Minimum Noise Modelling Requirements.
Dated: September 2021
Criteria for accepting the airspace change masterplan
The airspace change masterplan is a single coordinated implementation plan of interdependent airspace change proposals modernising airspace out to 2040. To ensure the masterplan is consistent with government policy and CAA statutory functions, the CAA must ‘accept’ it into our Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
Today we publish the criteria that must be met for acceptance as CAP2156a Airspace Change Masterplan – CAA acceptance criteria and CAP2156b Airspace Change Masterplan – assessment framework. CAP2156c explains how you can give your input to masterplan development, and CAP2157 explains how we took into account your responses to our 2020 engagement exercise.
Dated: August 2021
Public evidence session – Swanwick Airspace Improvement Programme – Airspace Deployment 6 (ACP-2018-65)
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will be holding a Public evidence session on the airspace change proposal (ACP) Swanwick Airspace Improvement Programme – Airspace Deployment 6 (ACP-2018-65). This ACP affects London Luton Airport’s arrival routes.
To register to speak at the Public evidence session, please complete the form found on the Airspace Change Portal.
Dated: August 2021
CAA assessment of the criteria for call-in by the Secretary of State of Swanwick Airspace Improvement Programme – Airspace Deployment 6
The CAA has received a request for the final decision on the Swanwick Airspace Improvement Programme – Airspace Deployment 6 to be called-in. This document reports CAA’s assessment of the criteria for call-in by the Secretary of State.
Dated: August 2021
SkyGuardian Summer 2021 operations and TDAs
Notification release from 28-JUL-2021 for SW 2021/177
The CAA has approved Airspace Change ACP-2020-100 to facilitate SkyGuardian operating from RAF Waddington and RAF Lossiemouth this summer. The Temporary Danger Areas, known as TDAs, will be notified in AIC Yellow 068/2021 which is due to be published in July’s aeronautical information cycle.
The TDAs will be activated by NOTAM.
The CAA has also completed an in-depth review and issued the authorisation to General Atomics operate within the UK.
Operations are due to commence August 19th. Operations will take place from RAF Waddington during August and mid-September where the aircraft will relocate to RAF Lossiemouth for further flights.
Dated: July 2021
Airspace Classification Review update
An update on the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s progress on in its procedure to review the classification of airspace has been published.
More details on airspace classification can be found on our website.
Dated: April 2021
Inverness Airport Airspace Change Proposal: Call-in Window Open
Following the publication of a redacted version of the Sponsor’s final proposal, any stakeholder may submit a ‘call-in’ requesting that the final decision about changes to the design of UK airspace is made by the Secretary of State for Transport rather than the CAA.
Stakeholders can review the airport’s proposal to assess whether or not it meets any of the call-in criteria.
The ‘call in’ for Inverness Airport’s Airspace Change Proposal is open until 9 April 2021. Details on the process and how to submit a request.
Dated: March 2021
FASI Programme Funding Support Package
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has received confirmation of funding from the Department for Transport to support the airspace design change initiatives that are a core element of our Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
The funding will be administered via grants to help the airspace change sponsors involved in the masterplan progress their airspace design changes.
Dated: March 2021
CAA airspace change guidance CAP 1616: fourth edition published
We have published an updated fourth edition of CAP 1616 Airspace Change: Guidance on the regulatory process for changing the notified airspace design and planned and permanent redistribution of air traffic, and on providing airspace information
The revised guidance can be downloaded here.
Dated: March 2021
Gatwick Modified Route 5 (Runway 08 RNAV-1 Standard Instrument Departure Procedures) Post Implementation Review
As part of the post implementation review of this airspace change, data received from Gatwick Airport Limited for the period 30 March 2017 to 30 September 2017 has been published along with this Guide to the PIR Data.
Following the publication of this data an opportunity for feedback has been opened. Stakeholders have until 19 March 2021 to submit evidence or views on the data by email to [email protected]
Dated: February 2021
London Oxford Airport and RAF Brize Norton airspace change decisions
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has today published its decision not to approve airspace change proposals made by London Oxford Airport and RAF Brize Norton. For full details on the decisions please see their respective decision documents:
London Oxford Airport – Proposal for Revised Airspace and Instrument Flight Procedures
RAF Brize Norton – Class D CTR/CTA
Dated: February 2021
Co-sponsor assessment of Airspace Masterplan Iteration One (Southern UK)
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and the Department for Transport (DfT) have today published its co-sponsor assessment of the Airspace Masterplan Iteration One (Southern UK).
Please note, this document was developed before the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and meant it was not possible to publish this report in Spring 2020, as originally intended. We are now publishing it for completeness and although this is now a historical document, where relevant we have provided recent updates.
Dated: December 2020
Airspace Classification update
An update on the UK Civil Aviation Authority’s progress on in its procedure to review the classification of airspace has been published.
More details on airspace classification can be found on our website.
Dated: February 2021
East Anglia Military Training Area: Post Implementation Review
The Sponsor’s Report for the Amendment to East Anglia Military Training Area Post Implementation Review has been published.
This airspace change proposal is being conducted under CAP 725 but for transparency the publishing of this sponsor’s report opens a 28 day window for feedback. Any feedback should be sent to to [email protected]
Dated: January 2021
CAA Policy on Minimum Standards for Noise Modelling
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has today published its new policy on Minimum Standards for Noise Modelling.
We are now also seeking views on a revised proposed definition of minimum standards for noise modelling for Category D airports. See our consultation website for more information and how to respond. The consultation is open until 9 March 2021.
Dated: January 2021
Procedure for reviewing airspace classification
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has today launched its new procedure to review the classification of airspace.
This procedure will take effect from 1 December 2020.
Posted: December 2020
Airspace modernisation update – October 2020
The CAA has published a further update relating to work on airspace modernisation. This update is in relation to Sponsors restarting a ‘paused’ ACP and how we intend to assure that ACPs in the FASI-S programme that are progressing to a CAP1616 Stage 2 Gateway assessment do not constrain the optimisation of the wider network.
Dated: October 2020
Farnborough Airport Airspace Change Post Implementation Review
While it had been expected that Stage 7 PIR of the Farnborough Airport airspace change would begin in the latter part of 2020, the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced the activity levels of both IFR Commercial Air Transport and General Aviation.
It has been agreed by the CAA, sponsor and GA stakeholders that the start of the Farnborough airspace change PIR period will be postponed until 2021.
Stakeholders will meet again in January 2021 to determine the confirmed start date of the PIR, the scope of the required analysis and corresponding data requirements in order to determine the overall impact on all airspace users.
Dated: October 2020
Isle of Man/Antrim Post Implementation Review
The CAA’s Post Implementation Review assessment for the Isle of Man/Antrim sectors systemisation and introduction of RNAV1 route structure Future Airspace Strategy Implementation (North) (formally Prestwick Lower Airspace Systemisation) airspace change proposal has been published.
Dated: September 2020
Airspace Change Process for GNSS Instrument Approach Procedures without an Approach Control Service
The UK Civil Aviation Authority published its procedure for considering proposals involving the implementation of a GNSS approach to an aerodrome without an approach control service on 28 August 2020.
The purpose of this document is to set out the Civil Aviation Authority’s policy and guidance relating to the Airspace Change Process for a permanent change to airspace design involving the implementation of GNSS IAPs Without an Approach Control Service.
Dated: August 2020
Newcastle International Airport SIDs PIR feedback window open
Following the publication of updated data and corrections to previous data a new opportunity for feedback has been opened.
Stakeholders have until 0900 4 September 2020 to submit any evidence or views on the updated data and corrections that they want the CAA to take into account. Submission by email to [email protected]
Dated: August 2020
Public engagement on the criteria for assessing and accepting the Airspace Change Masterplan
As part of the CAA’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy, CAA and the Department for Transport (DfT), have commissioned NERL to establish an impartial team known as the Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG) to lead the programme to create a coordinated implementation plan for airspace changes in Southern UK. This is being referred to as the Masterplan for short.
We are seeking your views on the criteria that the CAA will use to determine whether to accept the Airspace Change Masterplan into the Airspace Modernisation Strategy.
See our public engagement exercise consultations.caa.co.uk/policy-development/airspace-change-masterplan-criteria for more information and respond online before 27 March 2020.
Dated: February 2020
Kemble CAS(T) Airspace Trial: 22 February 2020
On 22 February 2020, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) will establish Controlled Airspace (Temporary) (CAS(T)) for a flight operating from Kemble Aerodrome (EGBP).
Whilst CAS(T) has been established at Kemble in the past. The CAS(T) structure has been redesigned to help minimise the impact on other airspace users. This new design will be trialled this weekend.
The airspace comprises one CTR and two CTAs to allow the flight from Kemble to join controlled airspace. The airspace will be notified as Class D by NOTAM B0345/20, B0346/20 and B0350/20.
Kemble CTR and CTA 1 and 2
Kemble CTR and CTA 1 to show the lower levels of the controlled airspace
The rules for flight in this CAS(T) are the same as for permanent Class D airspace. A clearance to enter is required from the controlling authority, in this case RAF Brize Norton ATSU, therefore pilots must remain outside controlled airspace until a clearance to enter has been issued.
The introduction of this CAS(T) has been exempt from the Airspace Change Process as set out in CAP1616.
Dated: February 2020
Post Implementation Review of Luton Airport’s Runway 26 departure routes airspace change proposal
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has now completed a thorough review of changes made in 2015 to Luton Airport’s Runway 26 departure routes. We have assessed these changes against the original objectives of the airspace change proposal. This review concludes that the airspace change has been implemented and is operating as expected. This report marks the end of this airspace change request.
The report can be accessed through the following link: Report of the CAA’s Post Implementation Review of London Luton Airport’s Airspace Change Proposal – Runway 26 Brookmans Park RNAV-1 Standard Instrument Departure Procedures.
Dated: February 2020
CAP 1616 guidance: 3rd edition published
On 22 January 2020, the CAA published an updated third edition of CAP 1616, Airspace Change: Guidance on the regulatory process for changing the notified airspace design and planned and permanent redistribution of air traffic, and on providing airspace information.
The third edition is available on our website. It incorporates:
a new decision-making process for PPR proposals – a Planned and Permanent Redistribution of air traffic through a change in air traffic control operational procedure
an additional case (airspace reclassification) where the Secretary of State can call-in an airspace change proposal
updating references and improving clarity or consistency.
Dated: January 2020
Establishment of an Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) at Lee-On-Solent: Post implementation review published
The CAA has completed the post implementation review (PIR) of the Establishment of an Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) at Lee-On-Solent airspace change proposal. As a result of our analysis, the CAA has concluded that the Establishment of an Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) at Lee-On-Solent PIR does show that the proposal has been implemented and operated as expected.
Dated: November 2019
Predannack Airfield ACP Decision
ACP Decision Letter approving the implementation of a new Danger Area at Predannack Airfield and another linking this to the South Coast Exercise Areas for the operation of Unmanned Aerial Systems.
Dated: May 2019
Airspace Modernisation Strategy
We have today launched our new Airspace Modernisation Strategy that initiates the major overhaul of a key piece of national infrastructure. The Airspace Modernisation Strategy sets out a new shared objective between the Civil Aviation Authority and the Government for modernising airspace which is to deliver quicker, quieter and cleaner journeys.
Find more information on the AMS pages on the CAA website.
Dated: December 2018