Podcast · Leisure & Travel

CAA on General Aviation

by UK Civil Aviation Authority · English · Leisure & Travel

The General Aviation podcast brings you the latest guidance from the UK Civil Aviation Authority with information for all types of General Aviation (GA) operating in the UK. Including updates and discussions on our current projects and areas of work. You’ll hear interviews with representatives f

New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 20 min
Latest: 14 Jul 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

14 Jul 2026 · 10 min

Stalls, spins and aerobatics awareness

This episode looks at stall and spin awareness in General Aviation; how stall and spin risks affect all pilots, not just aerobatic flying, and why loss of control remains a major safety issue. The discussion emphasises that early avoidance is critical, while well-practised, decisive recovery and structured aerobatics training can significantly improve pilot safety, confidence, and control. More information on Loss of Control and Aerobatics in Light Aircraft can be found in our Safety Sense Leaflets . Make sure you’re signed up to our Skywise alerts to be informed when we publish new and…

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Earlier episodes 19 most recent

E15 · 21 May 2026 · 22 min
Preparing for air display season
In this episode, we hear from organisers, pilots, regulators and industry experts from across the air display community. Recorded at the CAA’s Air Display Symposium earlier this year, we speak to the people who make air displays happen, exploring the challenges, innovations and priorities, shaping this year's program, and getting a behind the scenes look at how the industry is working together to deliver safe, exciting events for audiences across the UK. For more information about the CAA’s role in air displays, visit our website: Flying displays and Special events | UK Civil Aviation…
E14 · 23 Apr 2026 · 13 min
Fuel sampling and trim runaways
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…
E13 · 24 Oct 2024 · 18 min
Post consultation licensing simplification project update
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:…
E12 · 26 Apr 2024 · 25 min
Spring back to flying
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…
E11 · 14 Dec 2023 · 19 min
Winter flying
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…
E10 · 31 Aug 2023 · 40 min
Summer flying season update
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:…
E9 · 11 Aug 2023 · 21 min
Active carbon monoxide detectors
We chat about the latest on our active carbon monoxide detector project. In particular our latest survey which we launched at AeroExpo in June. We also hear from members of the GA community on their thoughts on what sort of carbon monoxide detector they fly with and why. 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: General Aviation Pilot Survey - Flying with Active Carbon Monoxide Detectors 2023 Further information on the work of the CAA on Carbon Monoxide is available via our…
E8 · 27 Jul 2023 · 27 min
A BMX park in the sky
We speak with Dave Boxall, Chief Airworthiness Engineer at Cameron Balloons on their recent adventure with Red Bull on the Don’t Look Down project. You'll hear how this project came to be and the amazing adventure these organisations went on to get the balloon into the air. Kriss Kyle, Scottish BMX Pro said: “I’ve had to push past my fears several times before on Red Bull projects, but nothing has compared to this. Riding my BMX at 2,000ft, you’re so high up it almost doesn’t feel real anymore. I trusted the crew with my life, and wouldn’t have been able to do it without the help of Cameron…
E7 · 12 Jul 2023 · 13 min
How Local Airspace Infringement Teams work
One of our infringement specialists talks to Chris Sellen, a member of the Wessex Local Airspace Infringement Team (LAIT) based at Popham, about the team’s work to help reduce infringements in the local area. If you are planning on flying in the Solent area guidance and information from the Wessex LAIT is available online at airspacesafety.com/solent There are 12 Local Airspace Infringement Teams set up to cover infringement hot-spots in the UK. Each is focussed on helping to reduce airspace infringements through local initiatives and targeted actions. This is the first episode in a…
16 Jun 2023 · 17 min
Project update on private pilot licensing and training in the UK
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) launched a once in a generation consultation on proposals to simplify General Aviation (GA) pilot licensing and training. In this episode we speak with Laurence Baxter from our General Aviation Unit to provide an update on the findings of that initial consultation, shared in the Consultation Response Document and provides an update on the next steps in the project. GA Pilot Licensing & Training Simplification Phase 1 Strategic Direction - Consultation Response Document Further information on this project is available on the CAA website: Licensing &…
E6 · 22 May 2023 · 31 min
Talking Radio Telephony
We speak with David Woodward and Anthony Hatch, whose work with Local Airspace Infringement Teams, along with their pilot, FISO, ATCO, flight instructor and RT examiner experience, led them to want to start a conversation about Radio Telephony (RT). More RT related information, including a Safety Sense leaflet on Radiotelephony is available from the CAA website , and the Airspace & Safety Initiative , which includes guidance on the importance of Radio Telephony as an element of pre-flight route planning . Let us know what you would like to hear about next: [email protected] This episode…
E5 · 29 Mar 2023 · 23 min
Return to flying
Spring is here and many pilots are returning to GA flying after the winter months. We speak with Lucy Wootton, Chief Inspector at the Light Aircraft Association who explains how to prepare for getting back into the air. We also talk to Jo Aston, the CAA’s Met Technical Officer who shares her experience as a specialist aviation meteorologist. Updates and resources mentioned in this episode: We have published GA Pilot Licensing & Training Simplification Phase 1 Consultation Response Document as a follow up to our initial consultation we ran last year. This sets out the responses we received…
24 Nov 2022 · 15 min
The role of the GA licensing working group
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a once in a generation consultation on proposals to simplify General Aviation (GA) pilot licensing and training. In this episode we speak with Maeghan Sheehan, a newly qualified GA Pilot and a member of the working group for this project, on her experience of working with the CAA. If you are involved in GA in any capacity; we would like to hear from you. You may be a pilot, an instructor, a pilot in training, running a flying school or have any GA licence from the CAA. If so, we would ask you to read and respond to this consultation and help…
9 Nov 2022 · 16 min
Answering your questions on the GA licensing consultation
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a once in a generation consultation on proposals to simplify General Aviation (GA) pilot licensing and training. In this episode we invite Laurence Baxter from our General Aviation Unit back in to discuss in more detail the role of the working group and a deeper dive into the wider work of this project. If you are involved in GA in any capacity; we would like to hear from you. You may be a pilot, an instructor, a pilot in training, running a flying school or have any GA licence from the CAA. If so, we would ask you to read and respond to…
21 Oct 2022 · 16 min
Help simplify private pilot licensing and training in the UK
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a once in a generation consultation on proposals to simplify General Aviation (GA) pilot licensing and training. In this episode we speak with Laurence Baxter from our General Aviation Unit to learn more about this work. If you are involved in GA in any capacity; we would like to hear from you. You may be a pilot, an instructor, a pilot in training, running a flying school or have any GA licence from the CAA. If so, we would ask you to read and respond to this consultation and help shape the future of UK GA flying. Our consultation is open…
E4 · 16 Aug 2022 · 22 min
The Women's World Gliding Championships 2022
The CAA spent a day at the Women's World Gliding Championships 2022. We spoke with Liz Sparrow, Director of the Championships and Pete Stratten, CEO of the British Gliding Association learning about how the event came to be in the UK and learning more about the scrutineer process behind competition gliding. We also spoke with Simon Smith, the Chief Tug pilot at The Gliding Centre, at Husband’s Bosworth airfield talking about the safety factors associated with tugging gliders. Women are underrepresented in aviation generally with only 6-7% of glider pilots being female. The championships was…
E3 · 9 Aug 2022 · 20 min
Safety sense leaflets – Commonwealth games airspace
This episode includes updates on our project to update our suite of Safety Sense Leaflets and the work that has gone into the temporary airspace restrictions for the Commonwealth Games. Flying in Cloud A recent AAIB investigation has highlighted the importance of being properly qualified to fly in cloud. Our podcast and animation cover the safety guidance and resources that pilots should be aware of. Flying in Cloud Carbon monoxide project - CODE We discussed before our current CAA project on Carbon Monoxide. Recently published data reports are available on the CAA website at: Carbon…
E2 · 14 Jul 2022 · 20 min
Our review of airspace in the Cotswold region
We have now published our final report on our review of airspace in the Cotswold region. Join Nikki Deeley and Emma Simpson from the Airspace Classification team to learn more about which volumes of airspace the process will seek to amend, as well what other activities can be used to improve UK airspace. For more information see Cotswold region final findings report 2022 The airspace classification information on the CAA website
E1 · 16 May 2022 · 29 min
Airworthiness – Carbon monoxide – STEM
This episode includes updates on recent work across three areas; Airworthiness, a Carbon monoxide project and STEM. Airworthiness We published our latest Virtual Voyage session in April with a special focus on Airworthiness. This is available to view on the Virtual voyage | Civil Aviation Authority (caa.co.uk) . As part of this session, we share details of our previous GA Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation (CAMO) Roadshow. For those of you interested in participating in the next CAMO roadshow please complete this registration survey . We also shared a presentation on the GA B3…

About CAA on General Aviation

CAA on General Aviation is a English leisure & travel podcast from UK Civil Aviation Authority. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: UK Civil Aviation Authority
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Monthly
Typical length: 20 min
Latest episode: 14 Jul 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1624458348

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