CAST introduction

Aerodrome safeguarding is a legal requirement under ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organisation) and the UK CAA (Civil Aviation Authority). The safeguarding of aerodromes is the process used to ensure the safety of aircraft manoeuvring on the ground, taking off, landing or flying in the vicinity of the airport. 

The Combined Aerodrome Safeguarding Team (CAST) will provide information, guidance and input to new policy and legislative updates through four CAST focus groups that will concentrate on technical matters, regulation and legislation, general aviation and training. CAST will act as a main point of contact and facilitate dialogue between stakeholders.

The CAST will aspire to make best use of its largest asset, our collective expertise. The CAST has a pool of wisdom based on experience that allows us to give sensible guidance and advice. We wish to develop a strong culture of sharing that knowledge and good practice, both informally and formally in the shape of training and certification for the aerodrome safeguarding discipline.

The CAST will facilitate multi-stakeholder cooperation in a way that has not been done before. Previously, the links between different stakeholders - such as airports, local planning authorities, CAA, government departments, industry consultants, etc - has been on a case-by-case basis. CAST will bring everyone together to connect the constituent parts for the benefit of maintaining flight safety.

CAST was established in autumn 2020, with the inaugural meeting held on 13 November 2020 and quarterly meetings taking place thereafter. The group was founded by Diane Jackson, Matt Roberts, Simon Vince, and Amanda Purdye in response to a recognised need for an inclusive forum bringing together aerodrome safeguarding professionals from across the industry. The group was initially supported by Tony Heap, who helped develop CAST under the CAA banner. Since then, CAST has continued to evolve, with support from the CAA and industry representatives, ensuring it remains a valuable forum for collaboration and the sharing of safeguarding knowledge and best practice. CAST is currently chaired by Nyree Millar-Bell.

Supporting the Chair is a steering committee consisting of Mike Sparrow (CAA), Matt Wilkins (Old Buckenham Airport) and Matt Roberts (CAA). The steering committee plays a key role in shaping the group's work programme, facilitating industry engagement and ensuring CAST continues to provide a valuable forum for collaboration, knowledge sharing and the promotion of safeguarding best practice.