Our Safety Plan sets out at a high level how we satisfy ourselves that: aircraft are properly designed, manufactured, operated and maintained; airlines are competent; flight crew, air traffic controllers and aircraft maintenance engineers are appropriately trained and qualified; licensed aerodromes are safe to use; air traffic services and general aviation activities meet required safety standards; and new technology does not introduce risks that are unacceptable to us
The CAA Safety Plan is aligned with our business plan and, as such, shows activity currently supported by the required resource to deliver tangible safety outcomes. As our focus adapts to the changing aviation landscape, this plan will be updated to ensure we keep stakeholders informed on our regulatory activities to protect the public.
Why a safety plan?
Our plan fulfils UK obligations, as an ICAO Member State, by supporting their Global Aviation Safety Plan (GASP) and the UK's own State Safety Programme (SSP).
We are also integral to a European-wide safety regime, with the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) at its heart. The CAA Safety Plan is entirely consistent with the European Plan for Aviation Safety (EPAS).
What do we use to inform our decision making?
Safety data and intelligence is pivotal to our effectiveness at risk identification. We have a range of data sources including mandatory and voluntary reporting, subject matter expert judgements and observations during oversight.
Professional judgement from experts within the CAA, and the wider aviation community, remains fundamental to making sound decisions about risks.
Future risk identification, through collaborative horizon-scanning activity with industry, means we are better placed for a pro-active approach to future risk management.
Safety Plan Structure
Our last Safety Plan highlighted an increased focus on common root causes that cause global aviation incidents and accidents. This Safety Plan is intended to demonstrate where the CAA is using its resources to take effective and proportionate actions that produce clear safety outcomes.
Acknowledging that the aviation system is one which is continually evolving, the CAA monitors a multitude of other risks outside those contained within this plan. Where a clear safety threat is identified, and a tangible safety outcome determined, our work will adapt accordingly and the Safety Plan updated to reflect this.
This plan is structured around 4 key themes:
- Managing Safety – Enhancing CAA Oversight
- Managing Safety – Enhancing Industry Safety Management
- Managing Safety – Making a difference
- Managing Safety – Preparing for the Future
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