Winter flying

More from CAA on General Aviation All episodes →

1. 

   E16 · 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…

2. 

   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…

3. 

   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…

4. 

   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:…

5. 

   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…

6. 

   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:…

7. 

   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…

8. 

   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…

9. 

   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…

10. 

    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 &…