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UK Civil Aviation Regulations

These are published by the CAA on our UK Regulations pages. EU Regulations and EASA Access Guides published by EASA no longer apply in the UK. Our website and publications are being reviewed to update all references. Any references to EU law and EASA Access guides should be disregarded and where applicable the equivalent UK versions referred to instead.



The following sequence highlights the lines of enquiry to be evidenced to indicate whether process was followed in forming the decision and highlighting options moving forward.

Step 1 – Report of the breach

There is a report of a breach of regulations from:

  • Mandatory Occurrence Report (MOR)
  • Regulatory oversight
  • Whistle-blower
  • Police Report
  • Other

This process does not apply to the following: Medical Fitness Decisions (covered by separate process - secondary-review-of-an-ame-or-medical-assessor-assessment & final-medical-appeal)

Step 2 – The Investigation

An initial investigation is undertaken which will include:

  • Data gathering – to include all relevant correspondence, copies of log books, certificates, licenses etc
  • Interviews
  • Third party reports – to include documents such as radar traces, Met information, certificates etc.
  • An Investigation Summary Form to be completed for all cases where licensing/certificate action is taken

Further to this:

  • All interviews will be conducted by two Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) employees unless it is for simple clarification reasons.
  • All documents and records to be retained.
  • For Infringement investigations process refer to CAP1404
  • For FCL rejection process refer to Licensing Referral Flowchart

Step 3 – The Decision

Decision taken as to what action is appropriate:

  • Provisional Suspension (In scope for IRP)
  • Remedial Action (In scope for IRP)
  • Legal action (Not in scope for IRP)
  • No action (Not in scope for IRP)

For Provisional Suspension CAA legal must be consulted.

Letter of Suspension to be signed by a senior manager (or nominated deputy) within the CAA. Affected party to be advised of suspension.

Step 4 – Follow on Action

Following an enforcement action of Provisional Suspension or Suspension, the licence/rating may be reinstated following the agreed course of action

Letter lifting suspension must be signed by a senior CAA manager (or nominated deputy)

Decisions will be against the CAA’s Just Culture Policy