Spring back to flying

This episode looks at stall and spin awareness in General Aviation; how stall and spin risks affect all pilots, not just aerobatic flying, and why loss of control remains a major safety issue.The discussion emphasises that early avoidance is critical, while well-practised, decisive recovery and structured aerobatics training can significantly improve pilot safety, confidence, and control.More information on Loss of Control and Aerobatics in Light Aircraft can be found in our Safety Sense Leaflets.Make sure you’re signed up to our Skywise alerts to be informed when we publish new and updated safety materials.

In this episode, we hear from organisers, pilots, regulators and industry experts from across the air display community.Recorded at the CAA’s Air Display Symposium earlier this year, we speak to the people who make air displays happen, exploring the challenges, innovations and priorities, shaping this year's program, and getting a behind the scenes look at how the industry is working together to deliver safe, exciting events for audiences across the UK.For more information about the CAA’s role in air displays, visit our website:Flying displays and Special events | UK Civil Aviation Authority

This episode highlights two key safety topics for GA pilots: trim runaways and fuel contamination.We explore how to recognise the early signs of a trim runaway, the immediate actions pilots should take, and why staying ahead of the problem is critical.We then cover the fundamentals of correct fuel sampling, including common sources of contamination, how to take reliable samples, and what to do if the fuel doesn’t look right.With more pilots returning to the skies as the weather improves, this episode offers practical reminders to help keep every flight safe.More information on trim runaways and fuel contamination can be found on our website at: Safety Topics | UK Civil Aviation Authority.Make sure you’re signed up to our Skywise alerts to be informed when we publish new and updated safety materials.

In March 2024, we launched a 10 week consultation on phase two of the general aviation pilot licensing and training simplification project. In September we released the consultation response documents covering aeroplanes, balloons, gyroplanes, helicopters and sailplanes. In this episode we’re joined by Ed Bellamy from our General Aviation Unit, who will be providing a helpful overview of the consultation feedback and next steps.CAP3032A: General Aviation Pilot Licensing Review Phase 2: Aeroplanes Consultation Response Document CAP3032E: General Aviation Pilot Licensing Review Phase 2: Helicopter Consultation Response DocumentCAP3032F: General Aviation Pilot Licensing Review Phase 2: Sailplanes Consultation Response DocumentCAP3032G: General Aviation Pilot Licensing Review Phase 2: Gyroplanes Consultation Response Document

Spring is now upon us and it’s time to start thinking about returning to flying! If you’ve had the winter off, we’re here to guide you through the important things to consider before getting back into your aircraft.For this episode we’re joined by James Shipp and Tom Gravett from the CAA General Aviation Unit to discuss pilot currency, aircraft airworthiness and airfield conditions.If you have any feedback or suggestions for areas that you’d like us to cover in this podcast, please get in touch at [email protected] informationSafety Animation – Returning to flying, pre flight checklistSafety Animation – Loss of Control: Stall and Spin AwarenessSafety Animation – Flying in CloudThe Skyway CodeSafety Sense Leaflet - Care of Passengers Safety Sense Leaflet – Loss of Control: Stall and Spin AwarenessClued Up – Weight and BalanceAstral Aviation Consulting Workshop – Skill Fade

As the temperatures drop in the winter months, there are a number of challenges that come with flying in cold and unpredictable conditions. For this episode, we’re joined by Joe Hadley and Richard Crockett from the CAA General Aviation Unit to cover the intricacies of winter flying. If you have any feedback or suggestions for areas that you’d like us to cover in this podcast, please get in touch at [email protected] links:Winter flying | Civil Aviation AuthorityThe Skyway Code | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)Flying in Winter - YouTubeSafety Sense Leaflet: Winter FlyingWinter weather — Astral Aviation ConsultingPre-flight planning - Airspace SafetyCarbon monoxide in general aviation Podcast on active carbon monoxide detectorsClued Up: Carbon MonoxideFlying with an active carbon monoxide detector - YouTubeNight rating for aeroplanesClued Up: Night FlyingClued Up Update: Night Flying

In this episode, we talk with the CAA’s policy lead on our project on cost sharing, we hear an update from Ed Bellamy on the Safety Sense Leaflet project and our latest published documents including Piston Engine Icing. We also talk with Justin Willcocks on good flight planning preparation along with references to advice and guidance and how to use the radio. Updates and resources mentioned in this episode:Cost sharing flights | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk) Safety Sense Leaflets | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk) SSL: Aerodrome senseClued Up: Unstable ApproachesClued Up: Rejected Take OffsTrim runawaysTake off decisions - go or no go? - CAA Safety filesCAP1950 GA Landing IssuesArrivals, departures and RT — Astral Aviation Consulting SSL; Distraction and InterruptionSSL: Care of PassengersTake-off - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation ConsultingLandings - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation ConsultingStalling - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation ConsultingSpinning - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation ConsultingWheel spats - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation ConsultingLoss of Control — Astral Aviation Consulting SSL; RadiotelephonyGA Podcast: Talking RadiotelephonyRadiotelephony — AstralAviation ConsultingAccess the latest updates with our SkyWise notification service.If you have any feedback or suggestions for areas that you’d like us to cover in this podcast, please get in touch at [email protected].

We chat about the latest on our active carbon monoxide detector project. In particular our latest survey which we launched at AeroExpo in June. We also hear from members of the GA community on their thoughts on what sort of carbon monoxide detector they fly with and why. If you have any feedback or suggestions for areas that you’d like us to cover in this podcast, please get in touch at [email protected] links:General Aviation Pilot Survey - Flying with Active Carbon Monoxide Detectors 2023Further information on the work of the CAA on Carbon Monoxide is available via our website: Carbon monoxide in general aviation | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)Infographic on recommended active carbon monoxide detectors

We speak with Dave Boxall, Chief Airworthiness Engineer at Cameron Balloons on their recent adventure with Red Bull on the Don’t Look Down project.You'll hear how this project came to be and the amazing adventure these organisations went on to get the balloon into the air. Kriss Kyle, Scottish BMX Pro said:“I’ve had to push past my fears several times before on Red Bull projects, but nothing has compared to this. Riding my BMX at 2,000ft, you’re so high up it almost doesn’t feel real anymore. I trusted the crew with my life, and wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of Cameron Balloons, who worked in partnership with the CAA to help make BMX riding at 2,000ft a reality.”   Cameron Balloons is the world leader in the manufacture of lighter-than-air aircraft and fabric structures. Their mission is to deliver the highest quality aircraft-standard engineering through robust and innovative products; led by a creative team, supported by a reliable aftersales service. Established in 1971, they have built over 9500 hot air balloons and continue to support this diverse industry with in-depth and realistic expertise.About the 'Don't look down' project:Don't Look Down: Kriss Kyle BMX film (redbull.com)Kriss Kyle's Don't Look Down: how it was made (redbull.com)BMX Pro Kriss Kyle Interview - Don't Look Down film (redbull.com)

One of our infringement specialists talks to Chris Sellen, a member of the Wessex Local Airspace Infringement Team (LAIT) based at Popham, about the team’s work to help reduce infringements in the local area. If you are planning on flying in the Solent area guidance and information from the Wessex LAIT is available online at airspacesafety.com/solent There are 12 Local Airspace Infringement Teams set up to cover infringement hot-spots in the UK. Each is focussed on helping to reduce airspace infringements through local initiatives and targeted actions. This is the first episode in a mini-series looking at different aspects of this work.More information and guidance to help avoid infringements is available on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website.