Free GPS Guide for GA Pilots
28 May 2010
A CD guide to navigating with GPS has just been released for GA pilots. The disc aims to highlight the benefits as well as the limitations of using GPS technology as a navigational aid. Produced by the Civil Aviation Authority through the Airspace & Safety Initiative the CD explains how GPS actually works and the dangers of over reliance on it.
The CDs are initially being distributed to flying schools and clubs across the UK, but will be made available to the wider GA community throughout the Summer at air shows such as AeroExpo and the LAA Rally at Sywell. The content will also shortly be available on the ASI website,
airspacesafety.comPilots unable to wait that long are encouraged to contact the CAA directly for a free copy.
For more media information please contact Jonathan Nicholson or Richard Taylor on 0207453 6027/6030, press.office@caa.co.uk
Notes to Editors:*The Airspace & Safety Initiative (ASI) is a joint CAA, NATS, Airport Operator’s Association, General Aviation and Ministry of Defence effort to investigate and tackle the major safety risks in UK airspace.
It emerged from a top-level discussion between the CAA Chairman, NATS Chief Executive and MoD Assistant Chief of the Air Staff following a number of incidents where light aircraft infringed controlled airspace, or military and commercial flights conflicted outside controlled airspace.
The ASI is a major review covering a number of different areas, with the aims of:
- Enhancing safety outside controlled airspace
- Identifying the hazards associated with the use of UK airspace
- Identifying the needs of all airspace users
- Prioritizing the hazards, and
- Developing a strategy to mitigate those risks while meeting the needs of all airspace users.
For more information on the ASI project visit
airspacesafety.com and for PPL information on airspace infringements visit
flyontrack.co.uk
National Visit Air Traffic Control Season
07 May 2010
This Spring, UK Air Traffic Control Units will be taking part in the ‘Visit ATC’ event. A similar initiative in 2008 proved a great success.
Ministry of Defence (MoD) and NATS units throughout the country are participating in the scheme which intends to increase the mutual knowledge and understanding of pilots and controllers. Pilots can observe first hand the skills required to be a controller and how ATC can help them, as well as appreciating the pressures and limitations of the role. The event is part of the UK’s ongoing ASI project.
All the visits will require prior registration and are open only to holders of pilot licences (NPPL, PPL, BGA certificate etc and student pilots). Those attending will be required to show their licence or evidence that they are learning to fly. Pilots who have not pre-registered or cannot produce their licence or evidence on the day will, unfortunately, not be admitted.
Places are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. All the events are free of charge.
Below are listed confirmed participating units. More will be added in the coming weeks.
MoD Units:| Station | Date | Contact name | Contact number | Max number | Notes |
|---|
| RAF Brize Norton | Sunday 30 May | Flying Officer Rebecca Kenyon | 01993 845123 | - | First-come, first-served basis. Attendees must drive to station (not fly in). |
NATS Units:NATS units are participating during the final weekend in May (29th and 30th). Some units have yet to confirm the two dates.Further information can be obtained from NATS’ organiser for the event, Nigel King
nigel.king@nats.co.uk or from the relevant Unit contact identified below.
Other ATC Units:If your local ATC unit is not listed, or you fail to gain a place for an open day, don’t forget thatmany ATC units host a small number of visits from local airfields and flying clubs throughout the year. Speak to the ATC unit concerned and see if they have any other events planned – alternately, wait for Visit ATC month 2011!
Latest Airspace Changes and Restrictions of Flying published
25 November 2009
The latest Airspace Changes and Restriction of Flying, effective from 9 November 2009, have been published. They are available in the download section or click
here
Significant changes to AIS website
25 September 2009
Significant changes to the Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) website have been made including automated login and date and time validity checks. More information can be found
here
Advance copy of Stansted TMZ AIC published
03 September 2009
The AIC detailing the new Stansted TMZ is now available from the download section or by clicking
here. Full distribution will take place through the normal AIC publication process on 10 September.