CAA on General Aviation

This episode highlights two key safety topics for GA pilots: trim runaways and fuel contamination.
We explore how to recognise the early signs of a trim runaway, the immediate actions pilots should take, and why staying ahead of the problem is critical.
We then cover the fundamentals of correct fuel sampling, including common sources of contamination, how to take reliable samples, and what to do if the fuel doesn’t look right.
With more pilots returning to the skies as the weather improves, this episode offers practical reminders to help keep every flight safe.
More information on trim runaways and fuel contamination can be found on our website at: Safety Topics | UK Civil Aviation Authority.
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In March 2024, we launched a 10 week consultation on phase two of the general aviation pilot licensing and training simplification project.
In September we released the consultation response documents covering aeroplanes, balloons, gyroplanes, helicopters and sailplanes.
In this episode we’re joined by Ed Bellamy from our General Aviation Unit, who will be providing a helpful overview of the consultation feedback and next steps.
CAP3032A: General Aviation Pilot Licensing Review Phase 2: Aeroplanes Consultation Response Document
CAP3032E: General Aviation Pilot Licensing Review Phase 2: Helicopter Consultation Response Document
CAP3032F: General Aviation Pilot Licensing Review Phase 2: Sailplanes Consultation Response Document
CAP3032G: General Aviation Pilot Licensing Review Phase 2: Gyroplanes Consultation Response Document

Spring is now upon us and it’s time to start thinking about returning to flying! If you’ve had the winter off, we’re here to guide you through the important things to consider before getting back into your aircraft.
For this episode we’re joined by James Shipp and Tom Gravett from the CAA General Aviation Unit to discuss pilot currency, aircraft airworthiness and airfield conditions.
If you have any feedback or suggestions for areas that you’d like us to cover in this podcast, please get in touch at [email protected].
Related information
Safety Animation – Returning to flying, pre flight checklist
Safety Animation – Loss of Control: Stall and Spin Awareness
Safety Animation – Flying in Cloud
The Skyway Code
Safety Sense Leaflet - Care of Passengers
Safety Sense Leaflet – Loss of Control: Stall and Spin Awareness
Clued Up – Weight and Balance
Astral Aviation Consulting Workshop – Skill Fade

As the temperatures drop in the winter months, there are a number of challenges that come with flying in cold and unpredictable conditions.
For this episode, we’re joined by Joe Hadley and Richard Crockett from the CAA General Aviation Unit to cover the intricacies of winter flying.
If you have any feedback or suggestions for areas that you’d like us to cover in this podcast, please get in touch at [email protected].
Related links:
Winter flying | Civil Aviation Authority
The Skyway Code | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)
Flying in Winter - YouTube
Safety Sense Leaflet: Winter Flying
Winter weather — Astral Aviation Consulting
Pre-flight planning - Airspace Safety
Carbon monoxide in general aviation
Podcast on active carbon monoxide detectors
Clued Up: Carbon Monoxide
Flying with an active carbon monoxide detector - YouTube
Night rating for aeroplanes
Clued Up: Night Flying
Clued Up Update: Night Flying

In this episode, we talk with the CAA’s policy lead on our project on cost sharing, we hear an update from Ed Bellamy on the Safety Sense Leaflet project and our latest published documents including Piston Engine Icing.
We also talk with Justin Willcocks on good flight planning preparation along with references to advice and guidance and how to use the radio.
Updates and resources mentioned in this episode:
Cost sharing flights | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)
Safety Sense Leaflets | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk)
SSL: Aerodrome sense
Clued Up: Unstable Approaches
Clued Up: Rejected Take Offs
Trim runaways
Take off decisions - go or no go? - CAA Safety files
CAP1950 GA Landing Issues
Arrivals, departures and RT — Astral Aviation Consulting
SSL; Distraction and Interruption
SSL: Care of Passengers
Take-off - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation Consulting
Landings - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation Consulting
Stalling - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation Consulting
Spinning - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation Consulting
Wheel spats - Loss of Control — Astral Aviation Consulting
Loss of Control — Astral Aviation Consulting
SSL; Radiotelephony
GA Podcast: Talking Radiotelephony
Radiotelephony — AstralAviation Consulting

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If you have any feedback or suggestions for areas that you’d like us to cover in this podcast, please get in touch at [email protected].