Safety policy and legislation project tracker

UK Continuing Airworthiness Regulation (EU) 1321/2014 as regards the requirements on maintenance licences and training organisations set out in Annex III (Part 66) and Annex IV (Part 147) – requires updating to reflect technological development and changing industry requirements.

CAA Strategic focus area: Enabling aviation and aerospace to innovate and grow. 
CAA Board priority: Core Regulation to support economic growth.  
eVTOL: This project also supports the introduction of eVTOL.   
Technology: There is a need to update the legislation to keep up with technology advancements. 

In December 2022, the UK CAA issued ORS9 Decision 24 permitting approved maintenance organisations to use maintained components which have been released by EASA approved maintenance organisations on an EASA Form 1 for Part ML aircraft.

The UK CAA must now look at the decisions ahead regarding the acceptance of EASA Form 1s in these circumstances from 1^st January 2025 onwards, whether we wish to re-issue the ORS9 decision using the same legal pathway or seek an alternative solution.

The current ORS9 expires on 31^st December 2024. We are therefore required to make a decision on the future of this particular issue.

Consultation 2024:

Review of ORS9 Decision 24 ‘Part ML MRO Parts’ - Civil Aviation Authority - Citizen Space (caa.co.uk)

Following the fatal accident of AW169 G-VSKP at the King Power Stadium (Leicester City football stadium) and AAIB’s investigation report (AAIB-25398), a need was identified to improve CS-27/29 with respect to non-structural Critical Part mandatory life limitations. This is the subject of AAIB Safety Recommendation 2023-20. 

The goal of this task is to introduce a definition of non-structural component mandatory life limitations and their applicability.

AAIB Safety Recommendations 2023-20.

To cover a shortfall in the Certification Specifications and AMC/GM relating to the  application and definition of Life Limits for Non-Structural Critical Parts.

Following the fatal accident of AW169 G-VSKP at the King Power Stadium (Leicester City football stadium) and AAIB’s investigation findings, a need has been identified to improve CS27/29 material with respect to how rotorcraft catastrophic failure modes are assessed with respect to their potential for reduction in hazard severity, considering means of mitigation at a system or assembly level and means of monitoring. 

AAIB Safety Recommendations 2023-25.

To cover a shortfall in the Certification Specifications and AMC/GM relating to design assessment of Critical Parts.

Traditionally Air Traffic Services (ATS) Operational Systems and Equipment have used private-wire circuits and networks for data communications, in some cases using Internet Protocol (IP).  However public Internet and non-operational IT networks (Intranets) have not been used for data communications within, and between, Air Traffic Service systems.

There is now a demand for low-cost communication datalinks for low-integrity services, where loss of data or data corruption can be mitigated to have low safety impact. Where low safety impact can be demonstrated, it may be now justified to make use of the Internet, and intranets used by ANSPs

Increased industry demand and proposals for the use of low-cost applications using the Internet and cloud-based services.

Some projects have already started and highlighted the lack of clarity where these technologies can be used, and the lack of criteria to demonstrate compliance.  

This amendment will enable the CAA to implement Electronic Personnel Licences, which are now permitted internationally by ICAO Annex 1, Amendment 178.

To reach Net Zero flying by 2050, the aviation industry has been working on the use of hydrogen as an aviation fuel that offers the potential for no carbon emission flights. However, this use of hydrogen as an aviation fuel is at an early stage of development. As a result, industry and the CAA do not have a comprehensive understanding of the risks to aviation safety; industry has not yet developed hydrogen related standards; and the CAA has not yet developed hydrogen related policies.

Update Acceptable Means Of Compliance (AMC)  to permit aeromedical examiners (AMEs) to change some (but not all) vision limitations and the time limitation (TML) on medical certificates.

Changes to Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material (AMC & GM) in UK Regulation (EU) 2017/373 (as amended) Occurrence Reporting

Changes to Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material (AMC & GM) in the ‘Air Traffic Services Safety Requirements’ (CAP 670 4^th Amendment)

Single Engine Turbine-Instrument Meteorological Conditions (SET-IMC) engine-fire warning system

General update of the Air Operations Regulations

Review of “Operation of experimental aircraft under E Conditions” CAP 1220

Stage 4 - Deliver policy

CAP1220: Operation of experimental aircraft under E conditions | Civil Aviation Authority

CAP3065: E Conditions Consultation Response Document November 2024 | Civil Aviation Authority

Consultations:

2024: CAP1220 Operation of experimental aircraft under E Conditions – Revision 3 - Civil Aviation Authority - Citizen Space (caa.co.uk)

Performance Based Navigation (PBN) implementation rules relating to the Airspace Modernisation Strategy

Revision of CAP 553 British Civil Airworthiness Requirements (BCAR) Section A

To update the UK Reg (EU) 965/2012 (Air Operations) to align with ICAO Standards and Recommended Practices (SARPs)

To ensure global harmonisation of aerodrome safety.

To clarify the regulations and remove the necessity for continued general exemptions

Public Consultations of our proposals:

Consultation 2022: Pilot Medical Declaration Review

Consultation 2023: Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) Phase 2 review

 Consultations:

2022 - Pilot Medical Declaration Review

2023 - Pilot Medical Declaration (PMD) Phase 2 review

Guidance on Right-of-Way

Update guidance material to UK Reg (EU) No 923/2012 relating to right-of-way and aircraft on converging flight paths

RPAS Regulatory Review Including Remote ID

To review the RPAS framework and implement regulatory requirements for RPAS

Public Consultations of our proposals:

Consultation 2023: Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) 947/2019: Remote Pilot Competence

Consultations: 

 2023: Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) 947/2019: Remote Pilot Competence

Air Traffic Management Civil Aviation Publications (UK Reg (EU) 2017/373)

To ensure technical requirements are kept up to date and applicable

Helicopter Performance Based Navigation Specific Approvals (Required Navigation Performance 0.3)

Update UK Reg (EU) 965/2012 to support helicopter operators wishing to apply for a specific approval under SPA.PBN for Required Navigation Performance 0.3 operation

Prohibition of Supersonic & Transonic Flight over land

Amend UK Reg (EU) No 923/2012 to prohibit supersonic instrument flight rules (IFR) flight over land, unless approved by the CAA.

Public Consultations of our proposals:

Consultation 2024: Prohibition of Supersonic, Transonic and Hypersonic Flight over land

Consultations:

2024: Prohibition of Supersonic, Transonic and Hypersonic Flight over land

Implementation of  ICAO Flight Information Service (FIS) in the UK

To simplify the FIS and ensure that it embraces emerging technologies and service delivery capabilities. 

Airspace Modernisation 

To introduce the Airspace Modernisation Strategy programme and the pipeline of potential changes to legislation needed to deliver it

Operation of CAP 632 Ex-Military Aircraft

Change to the regulatory method for approving CAP 632 operators To strengthen the legal position for the operation of CAP632 ex-military aircraft and allow enforcement to be taken against an operator if necessary.

Helicopter ditching and water impact survivability

Through the application of safety improvements to mitigate the risks associated with the operation of helicopters over hostile sea areas for extended periods, through the application of safety improvements

Amendment to UK Regulation UK (EU) 139/2014 (Aerodromes)

To maintain a high level of safety for aerodrome design and operations and to ensure alignment with ICAO

Amendment to Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 (Air Operators use of aeronautical database)

Regular update and additions to Certification Specifications in relation to Airworthiness of Part 21 aircraft.

Adoption of Special Conditions

Regulations for Vertical Take-off and Landing (VTOL) operations at Aerodromes in the UK

Public Consultation of our Proposals:

2024: Vertiport Design Proposal for Existing Aerodromes

Consultations: 

2024: Vertiport Design Proposal for Existing Aerodromes

Enabling Advanced Air Mobility operations (AAM) in the UK

General Aviation Pilot Licensing and Training Simplification Project

Public consultation of our proposals:

GA Pilot Licensing and Training consultation

Stage 3 - CAA policy development ongoing.

Update to CAP1032 Licensing Structure

Critical parts removed from service - UK Reg No (EU) 1321/2014 and AMC changes

Revision of Certification Specifications in relation to critical parts post removal from service assessment programme

Revision to Certification Specifications in relation to Critical Parts.

Public consultation of our proposals:

Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) related to UK Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 (the UK Aircrew Regulation)

UK Means of Compliance for Special Condition on vertical take-off and landing

Clarity on how to comply with the Special Condition

Public consultation of our proposals:

• UK Means of Compliance for Vertical Take-off and Landing aircraft under Special Condition VTOL Consultation

Links to associated Documents

UK Reg (EU) 2015/340 Update to the ATCO legislation to reflect ICAO Annex 1 and Standards Recommended Practices (SARPs)

Stage 3 - CAA policy development ongoing.

0150

Updating Flight Simulation Training Device Requirements

Incorporate elements from the ICAO Doc 9625 ‘Manual of criteria for the Qualification of Flight simulation Training Devices’ into the UK Regulatory framework.

Stage 3 - CAA policy development ongoing.

0148

Update and additions to CS-25

To ensure CS-25 is kept up to date.

Stage 3 - CAA policy development ongoing.

0146

Update and additions to CS-UKTSO

To ensure Technical Standards Orders are kept up to date.

Stage 3 - CAA policy development ongoing.

0145

Installation of components post EU-Exit by Part 145 approved organisations

Update to Part 145 Regulation (EU) 1321/2014 to ensure it reflects International Agreements.

Stage 4 - Deliver policy

0134

Part 66 Introduction of maintenance licensing and training methods for electric powerplant

To propose a change for UK licence holders, to ensure aircraft with electrical propulsion are covered in the requirements for Annex III (Part-66) to UK Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014

Public Consultations of our proposals:

2024: Part 66 and 147 changes (E propulsion requirements)

Stage 3 - CAA policy development ongoing.

Consultations:

2024: Part 66 and 147 changes (E propulsion requirements)

Ref

Issue

Driver/Change

Consultation Method

Status

Links to associated – Documents

0132

ATOL Reform

Ensuring that our policy framework is aligned with our regulatory approach, i.e. focusing on proportionate risk-based regulation

Initial consultation (CAP 2151) of our proposals during April-August 2021.

Consideration of the consultation responses is ongoing.

Stage 3 CAA Policy development ongoing.

Consultation:  ATOL Reform (CAP 2151)

Ref

Issue

Driver/Change

Consultation Method

Status

Links to associated – Documents

0131

Update to the UK Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA)

Airspace modernisation (electrification of aircraft propulsion), simplification of the ruleset, increased harmonisation with ICAO.

 - 

Stage 3 CAA Policy development ongoing.

 - 

Amend regulation 2019/947 (UAS) and AMC/GM for the creation and use of PDRAs within the UK.

Opinion and Instruction Document - 0128

Regulatory provision for establishment of entities to carry out CAA tasks in the Specific Category

To make regulatory provision for establishment of these entities under UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947

0126

Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947

To ensure Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material is kept up to date.

Consultation 2022: Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947

Consultation 2023: Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) 947/2019: Remote Pilot Competence

 -

Consultations:

2022: Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947

2023: Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) 947/2019: Remote Pilot Competence

Draft Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material (CAP 2378)

AMC & GM explanatory document (CAP 2372)

0121-001

Airworthiness requirements for the Certified Category RPAS

For the introduction of requirements into the Airworthiness Regulations for the design, certification, production, and continuing airworthiness of certified RPAS.

Stage 3 - CAA policy development ongoing.

0121

Certified category UAS regulations

Development of Regulations and AMC/GM for certification of UAS, Pilot Licencing, Operation Certification and additional regulatory changes

Stage 3 - CAA policy development ongoing.

Amend the current rules around cost share flying to effectively mitigate the risks associated with this form of aviation, while maximising the benefits these flights provide. 

Public Consultation of our proposed changes:

Consultation 2021:  UK Cost Shared Flights 

Consultation 2023: Proposed changes to the advertising element of the cost sharing regulations

Stage 3 - CAA policy development ongoing. Consultation underway. 

Consultation  2021:UK Cost Shared Flights 

CAP 2391: Comment Response Document: UK Cost Sharing Flights

Ref

Issue

Driver/Change

Consultation method

Status

Links to associated docs

0028

Permit to Fly allowing Ab Initio flight training

Amendments to Article 42 of the ANO and UK Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011

Public Consultation on our proposals:

Conducting paid for initial pilot training in UK National Permit to Fly aeroplanes

Conducting paid for initial pilot training in amateur built UK National Permit to Fly microlights

Stage 3 - CAA policy development ongoing.

CRD:

Comment Response Document  

CRD:

Comment Response Document

Public Consultation of our proposals:

UK ISMS (Information Security Management Systems) regulation

 - 

 - 

0008

All Weather Operations

Update obsolete definitions, enable future technologies for landing and take-off and to improve safety by allowing Continuous Descent on Final Approach for Non-Precision Approach terminating at a circling minima

Public consultation of our proposals:

2023: All Weather Operations and Fuel/Energy Planning and Management

2024: Call for Evidence for the Impact Assessment for proposed new Fuel/Energy Planning Management regulations

2024: All Weather Operations and Fuel/Energy Planning and Management Consultation Paper

Stage 5 - SI Laid December 2024

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2024

Consultations:

2023: All Weather Operations and Fuel/Energy Planning and Management

2024: Call for Evidence for the Impact Assessment for proposed new Fuel/Energy Planning Management regulations

2024: All Weather Operations and Fuel/Energy Planning and Management Consultation Paper

Air Traffic Management Regulatory Compliance and Interoperability

To ensure appropriate means of compliance and guidance is available following repeal of UK (EU) Reg No 552/2004 (the Interoperability Regulation) in September 2023

Public Consultation of our proposed changes:

Consultation 2023:  CAP670 Air Traffic Services for ATM Regulatory Compliance and Interoperability

Consultation 2023:  CAP670 Air Traffic Services for ATM Regulatory Compliance and Interoperability

The implementation of ICAO Annex 19 amendment 1.

Public consultation of our proposals: 

 Acceptable Means of Compliance & Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014 SMS in Part-145 and Occurrence Reporting 

Stage 5 - SI Laid May 2023

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2024

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2023

Details of amended law

Opinion and instruction document - 0022

0124

Instructions for continued airworthiness, the production of parts to be used during maintenance and the consideration of ageing aircraft aspects during certification

Harmonisation of the instructions for continued airworthiness (ICA) among the design approval holders, in relation to the identification, approval, formatting and availability of the ICA to the end users.

Public consultation of our proposals:

• Acceptable Means of Compliance & Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) 748/2012: Annex I (Part-21) 
• Acceptable Means of Compliance & Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) 1321/2014: Maintenance data and component installation

Stage 5 - SI Laid May 2023

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2023

Details of amended law

Opinion and Instruction Document - 0124

Ref

Issue

Driver/Change

Consultation Method

Status

Links to associated – Documents

0125

Maintenance data and the installation of certain aircraft components during maintenance

To provide industry with flexibility for the acceptance of parts and appliances with different production background for installation and maintenance on type certified aircraft without decreasing the level of safety.

Public consultation of our proposals:

• Acceptable Means of Compliance & Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) 748/2012: Annex I (Part-21) 
• Acceptable Means of Compliance & Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) 1321/2014: Maintenance data and component installation

Stage 5 - SI Laid May 2023

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2023

Details of amended law

Opinion and instruction document - 0125

The Air Navigation (Dangerous Goods) (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (legislation.gov.uk)

0143

Third Country Production Organisation Approvals

Amending Article 9 of UK Regulation (EU) 748/2012 to allow the CAA to continue to accept third country approvals from regulatory partners with whom an agreement or working arrangement has been concluded

Stage 5 – SI Laid November 2022

The Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management (Amendment) Regulations 2022

0142

Extension of UAS Transitional and Legacy Provisions

To extend legacy and transitional UAS arrangements in UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 relating to class marking

Public consultation of our proposals in spring 2022. CAA CAP2367 details the results.

Stage 5 – SI Laid November 2022

CAP2344 Consultation: Extending the provisions for Legacy and Transitional Category UAS

Opinion and Instruction Document - 0142

The Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management (Amendment) Regulations 2022

0138

Regularising Safety Directive for Night Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)

To incorporate the requirements of the Safety Directive into the SPA (Specific Approvals). HEMS element of UK Regulation (EU) 965/2012 and revoke the Safety Directive.

Stage 5 – SI Laid November 2022

Opinion and Instruction Document - 0138

The Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management (Amendment) Regulations 2022

Ref

Issue

Driver/Change

Consultation Method

Status

Links to associated – Documents

0021

Amendment of UK Regulation (EU) 2017/373 Annexes Part ATS and Part FPD and UK Regulation (EU) No 923/2012

- 

Stage 5 – SI Laid November 2022

Opinion and Instruction Document - 0021

The Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management (Amendment) Regulations 2022

0020

Helicopter Terrain Awareness & Warning Systems (HTAWS) for Offshore Operations

To address the excessive rate of controlled flight into terrain (CFIT), loss of control in flight (LOC-I) accidents in offshore helicopter operations and to address UK AAIB Safety Recommendations 2011-061, 2011-062 and 2011-063, and 2016-012 and 2016-013.

Task 0020 Comment Response Documents from Focused Consultation:

Original Equipment Manufacturers 

Offshore Helicopter Operators

Stage 5 – SI Laid November 2022

Opinion and Instruction Document - 0020

The Aviation Safety and Air Traffic Management (Amendment) Regulations 2022

Ref

Issue

Driver/Change

Consultation Method

Status

Links

No Reference Number

Annex 16 reference in BR

Adopting amendment to ICAO Annexe 16 relating to the certification of aircraft for noise, certification of engines for emissions, and certification of aeroplanes for carbon dioxide emissions – coming into force on partly on 1 July 2022 and partly on 1 January 2023

DfT led change

Stage 5 - SI Laid June 2022

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2022 (legislation.gov.uk)

Ref

Issue

Driver/Change

Consultation method  

Status

0118

Amendments to Pilot Common Project Regulation - delay implementation and target deployment dates for a number of air traffic management systems

Amend Regulation No 716/2014 as required

DfT led

Stage 4 - Statutory Instrument published 3 March 2022, coming into force on 24 March 2022.

Stage 5 - Statutory Instrument published 28 October 2021, came into force on 20 November 2021.

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

Details of amended law

UAS | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

Opinion and Instruction Document - 0004

Mitigating the risk of: uncontained in-flight fire; corrosion and fatigue in aircraft; and runway excursions.

Stage 5 - Statutory Instrument published 28 October 2021, came into force as follows:

• 20 November 2021 (generally);
• 26 August 2023 (Regulation 21(5)  - cargo compartment requirements).

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

Details of amended law

Continuing Airworthiness | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

Additional Airworthiness | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

Opinion and Instruction Document - 0005

Stage 5 - Statutory Instrument published 28 October 2021, came into force on 20 November 2021.

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

Details of amended law

Air Operations | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

Opinion and Instruction Document - 0006

Consultation already complete as per Opinion and Instruction document.

Public consultation of our proposals - Acceptable Means of Compliance & Guidance Material to UK Regulation (EU) 965/2012: Air Operations - Civil Aviation Authority - Citizen Space (caa.co.uk)

Stage 5 - Statutory Instrument published 28 October 2021, came into force as follows:

• 20 November 2021 (generally);
• 16 February 2022 (Regulation 11(2)(c) - support programme requirements)

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

Details of amended law

Air Operations | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

Opinion and Instruction Document - 0007

Stage 5 - Statutory Instrument published 28 October 2021, came into force as follows:

• 20 November 2021 (generally);
• 27 January 2022 (Regulation (2) - repeal of the ADQ Regulation).

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

Details of amended law

ATM/ANS interoperability | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

ATM/ANS provision of services | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

Stage 5 - Statutory Instrument published 28 October 2021, came into force on 20 November 2021.

UK AMC/GM related to the amendments under development.

Supplemental Opinion and Instruction Document to remove redundant clauses relating to basic instrument rating 

Statutory Instrument published May 2022. Coming into force on 1July 2022

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2022 

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021

Details of amended law

Aircrew | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

Opinion and Instruction Document - 0120

Supplemental Opinion and Instruction Document - 0120A

Stage 5 - Statutory Instrument published 28 October 2021, came into force on 20 November 2021.

Supplemental Opinion and Instruction Document to extend derogation to holders of licences and certificates issued after 8 April 2020.

Statutory Instrument published May 2022.  Coming into force on 1 July 2022

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2022

The Aviation Safety (Amendment) (No. 3) Regulations 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

Details of amended law

Sailplanes | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

Balloons | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

Opinion and Instruction Document - 0123

Supplemental Opinion and Instruction Document - 0123A

The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

UK regulations | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

UK regulations | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

UK regulations | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

CAP1284

CAP1397

Article 162 of the Air Navigation Order (ANO) 2016

The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

UK regulations | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

CAP1845, Consultation: Bringing new light aircraft between 450-600kg under national regulation

CAA CAP1920

The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

UK regulations | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

CAP 482, British Civil Airworthiness Requirements (BCAR) Section S – Microlight and Small Light Aeroplanes - Issue 8

The Air Navigation (Amendment) Order 2021 (legislation.gov.uk)

UK regulations | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

SI 2021 No. 614 - 20/5/2021

UK regulations | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

SI 2021 No. 10 - 07/01/2021

UK regulations | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

SI 2021 No. 10 - 07/01/2021

UK regulations | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)

SI 2021 No. 10 - 07/01/2021

UK regulations | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)