UKCAA CAP 793 PDF

Introduction

Whilst perhaps a majority of aviation activity in the UK takes place at licensed aerodromes, there are a large number of unlicensed facilities, ranging from large airfields to private farm airstrips and helicopter landing sites. In April 2010 the Air Navigation Order (ANO) 2009 was amended to allow some flying training to take place at unlicensed aerodromes. The aim of this document is to provide guidance and advice on setting up and operating an unlicensed aerodrome, including one to be used for flying training.

NOTE: There are some circumstances in which it may not prove feasible to carry out training from an unlicensed aerodrome, and readers may wish to consider the information in the CAP carefully before making any decision either to 'unlicense' their existing licensed aerodrome or to set up an unlicensed aerodrome for flight training purposes.

The contents of this CAP are not mandatory, nor do they purport to be exhaustive. However, they do provide what can be considered as sound practice that has been developed in consultation with industry representative bodies. Throughout the document the word 'aerodrome' has been used as a generic term to refer to all unlicensed flying sites, including helicopter landing sites. The ANO 2009 Article 255 legal definition of an aerodrome is:

'Aerodrome'–

a) means any area of land or water designed, equipped, set apart or commonly used for affording facilities for the landing and departure of aircraft; and

b) includes any area or space, whether on the ground, on the roof of a building or elsewhere, which is designed, equipped or set apart for affording facilities for the landing and departure of aircraft capable of descending or climbing vertically; but

c) does not include any area the use of which for affording facilities for the landing and departure of aircraft has been abandoned and has not been resumed.

3 Whether an unlicensed aerodrome is a "farm strip", a helicopter landing site or a hard runway equipped airfield, the physical characteristics and operating standards should provide a safe operational environment. This publication provides guidance to the owners of, and those who operate or fly from, unlicensed aerodromes to enable safe operating practices to be met.

When an aerodrome is being used privately by qualified pilots, who should be well aware of the performance characteristics of their aircraft, then the aerodrome dimensions and operating practices should be appropriate and proportionate to that private activity. However, where flying training is taking place additional safety margins should be considered. It is emphasised that the commanders of aircraft, and the operators of aerodromes, being used for flying training, including those covered by JAR-FCL requirements, are required to satisfy themselves that the aerodrome is safe for that purpose. It is recommended that adequate risk assessments are made and documented before flying training takes place. Such documented risk assessments may be necessary to prove to the CAA and other authorities in the event of an accident or incident that an aircraft commander or aerodrome operator has had sufficient grounds to be satisfied that the aerodrome is safe for flying training. Safety Management Systems (SMS) are being implemented into the aviation industry to provide a framework for the identification and management of risk. The CAA has published a guidance document on the subject.

Although intended for Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holders and maintenance organisations, it has specific advice for small operators, to which operators of aerodromes and non-JAR-FCL flying training providers may wish to refer. It can be found on the CAA website via:

www.caa.co.uk/sms > CAA Safety Management Systems Guidance Material.