At a glance:
- Regulators from UK and USA join forces to inspect N-reg aircraft in the UK.
- Unannounced inspections took place at UK airports and airfields between 31 August and 2 September.
- International collaboration improves safety for 890 N-reg aircraft.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have announced a significant step forward in enhancing aviation safety and regulatory oversight with a strategic partnership on inspections of N-registered aircraft operating in the United Kingdom.
Between 31 August and 2 September, teams from the UK and US regulators carried out a series of ‘ramp checks’ across a variety of the small airfields and large airports - including Farnborough and Luton –from where N-registered aircraft regularly operate.
The ramp checks focused on the 890 N-registered general aviation light aircraft and business jets based in the UK. These aircraft are certificated by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and their pilots, owners and operators must follow all relevant rules and regulations regardless of where they fly.
During the inspections, FAA agents accompanied by UK CAA regulatory and enforcement officers, conducted checks on N registered aircraft. Whilst FAA personnel inspected FAA-issued pilot and aircraft documents, CAA personnel reviewed compliance with equipment regulations, crew licence requirements and operating parameters. UK CAA personnel, observed by FAA partners, mirrored these inspections on G-registered aircraft, finding commonalities of approach and utilising opportunities for mutual learning.
The UK Civil Aviation Authority and FAA collaboration underscores the commitment of both authorities to uphold the highest standards of aviation safety and regulatory compliance to ensure the well-being of passengers, crew, and the public.
Rob Bishton, Chief Executive at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said:
“Our partnership with the FAA on initiatives like this is crucial to maintaining the safety of pilots, passengers, and the public, and maintain the reputation of the flying community.
“Collaborating on enforcement action gives us as regulators the opportunity to develop our regulatory and N registered community relationships, which strengthens aviation safety and efficiency and furthers our work to protect people and enable aerospace.”
The UK Civil Aviation Authority and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have announced a significant step forward in enhancing aviation safety and regulatory oversight with a strategic partnership on inspections of N-registered aircraft operating in the United Kingdom.
Notes to editor
- The UK Civil Aviation Authority is the UK’s airspace and aerospace regulator. We work to protect people and enable aerospace.
- The Federal Aviation Administration is the United States’ aviation safety regulator and air navigation service provider.
- Ramp checks are inspections conducted in areas where aircraft arrive or depart, ensuring pilots and aircraft comply with airworthiness, operational, and flight crew licensing requirements
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