Regulation 6

Overview of Regulation 6

There are a couple of options that may be available to you if you are dissatisfied with a decision reached by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Decisions which relate to individual licensing action or privileges may have the option of being reviewed by the CAA's Safety Decision Internal Review process (SDIR) and/or through the Regulation 6 review process.

The information on this page provides an overview of the Regulation 6 process to help you to make a decision that is most appropriate for your circumstances.

There is more information about the CAA appeals or complaints processes and how to request a Safety Decision Internal Review. 

To request a Regulation 6 review, please contact the CAA colleague/team that made a decision regarding your licence.

Type of body

The Regulation 6 review process is established by Regulation 6 of the Civil Aviation Authority Regulations 1991. When a review is requested, a review panel is established to hear that matter comprising of CAA Non-Executive Board Members who are appointed by the Secretary of State and have had no previous involvement in the case.

Type of powers

The Regulation 6 review panel makes the regulatory decision on behalf of the CAA. This means it can review both the processes which were followed, as well as any substantial judgments made in a case.

Decisions in scope for review

The functions (both in UK as well as retained EU law) which are currently eligible for review are:

• Registration of aircraft.
• Certification of operators of aircraft.
• Certification of airworthiness of aircraft.
• Noise certification.
• Certification of compliance with the requirements for the emission by aircraft engines of unburned hydrocarbons.
• Personnel licensing.
• Licensing of aerodromes.
• Validation of any certificate or licence.
• Approval of equipment and approval or authorisation of persons.
• Approval of schemes for the regulation of the flight times of aircraft crew.
• Receiving reports of reportable occurrences.
• Making air traffic directions.
• Making airspace policy directions.

Provisional suspension cases are not permitted to be reviewed through the Regulation 6 process.

Eligibility

On request (within 14 days of proposed decision), depending on whether it is a function which is listed in Regulation 6 of the Civil Aviation Authority Regulations 1991 as being able to utilise the Regulation 6 process (as listed on this page). There is no cost to the applicant in seeking a Regulation 6 review.

Estimated time of review

Variable depending on the availability of the parties, including those who constitute the review panel.

Further options

If a person is unsatisfied with the outcome of the Regulation 6 process, they are not permitted to request the case be considered by the Safety Decision Internal Review. Instead, they can appeal to the County Court in cases where fitness of character is an issue.

For all other cases, they can apply for a Judicial Review of the matter through the Administrative Court.

Further information

• Regulation 6 - Appeals