Podcast · Leisure & Travel

CAA Safety files

by UK Civil Aviation Authority · English · Leisure & Travel

This series looks at occurrence, incident or accident reports that have been published throughout the different areas of the UK aviation industry. Each episode will focus on a different report. We'll talk about what can be learned from it, and also hear from experts who will cover the relevant s

New episodes: Now and then
Typical length: 32 min
Latest: 13 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

13 Oct 2026 · 32 minNew

Reporting for safer skies

In this special episode, we celebrate 50 years of Mandatory Occurrence Reporting (MOR) and reflect on the vital role it has played in improving aviation safety. Jon Round, Head of Airspace, ATM and Aerodromes at the UK CAA, and Phil Sleight, Deputy Chief Inspector at the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), discuss how a strong reporting culture, combined with a just culture approach, has enabled the aviation industry to learn from events, identify trends, and continuously enhance safety standards. The episode also explores how these principles will remain essential as aviation evolves…

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Earlier episodes 9 most recent

E8 · 9 Jul 2025 · 53 min
Lithium batteries - unpacking the risks
Lithium batteries are used to power a wide range of devices that passengers bring aboard but if they are not handled safely and transported correctly, they can pose serious safety risks. Additionally, if lithium batteries are loaded into the aircraft hold when they shouldn't be, then there is a higher risk of a more serious incident occurring. The range of devices powered by lithium batteries is constantly evolving and includes items such as power-banks, vapes, light-up trainers and e-prams. We speak to members of the UK CAA’s Dangerous Goods team about the risks relating to these batteries…
E7 · 29 Jan 2025 · 43 min
Laser attack
Laser attacks on aircraft remain a serious safety risk for all pilots and flight crew, but for air ambulance services these incidents can also delay vital medical treatment reaching patients. We speak with crew from Yorkshire Air Ambulance who share their experiences of laser attacks, including a recent incident where a crew member suffered an eye injury from a laser beam. This episode covers safety guidance for pilots, flight crew and operational staff and the National Police Air Service (NPAS) explains why it is important for UK airspace users to report laser incidents as a crime. Related…
E6 · 11 Sep 2023 · 29 min
Powered flights over gliding sites
A glider pilot has just launched into the air in Southwest England and released from the winch when they see a Cessna flying below them. They take immediate action to avoid the aircraft and later file a report with the UK Airprox Board (UKAB). UKAB Director Simon Oldfield tells us more about this incident and the review that followed. We also speak with experienced glider pilot Andrew Watson and highlight the potential risks involved when flying near or above active gliding sites. Resources mentioned in this episode: Airprox report 2022173 (UK Airprox Board) Airprox inside magazine –…
E5 · 31 May 2023 · 20 min
The risk of incorrect altimeter settings
In May 2022, an Airbus A320 approaching Paris Charles de Gaulle airport was given an incorrect altimeter pressure setting, which caused the barometric altimeters on board to show that the aircraft was nearly 300 feet higher above the ground than it actually was. The crew were unaware of the problem and didn't see the runway because of bad weather. They carried out what they believed was a normal go around and never realized that they came within six feet of hitting the ground. In this episode we talk to aviation experts at the UK CAA and NATS to get their perspectives on what happened, the…
E4 · 18 May 2023 · 44 min
Runway incursions - Part 2 of 2
How do airports manage the risk of runway incursions? We talk to Heathrow Airport’s Head of Airside Operations Trevor Waldock about causal factors that can lead to an incursion and some of the safeguards that are in place to prevent them. You’ll hear about the safety guidance and procedures that are followed at airports and the importance of a ‘just culture’ where everyone is encouraged to report safety concerns and incidents. We also discuss the challenges of working through and emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidance and resources related to this episode: European Action Plan for the…
E3 · 15 May 2023 · 36 min
Runway incursions – Part 1 of 2
An aircraft has landed at a busy UK airport and taxied away from the runway. A tower controller asks the flight crew to hold position and the pilot reads the instruction back to confirm. The runway is clear and the controller is about to issue a landing clearance when they see that the aircraft is no longer holding its position. It is now infringing the runway and continuing to roll forward. This is the first episode of a two-part series looking at runway safety and specifically incursions at commercial airports. We speak with aviation experts including the UK CAA’s Principal Aerodrome…
E2 · 14 Mar 2023 · 30 min
Take off decisions - go or no go?
The pilot of a light aircraft is accelerating down a runway in southern England when the plane starts moving to the left. Trying to avoid a runway excursion, he rotates the aircraft early and before reaching a safe flying speed. We speak with AAIB Senior Inspector Emma Truswell about this incident and the findings from their investigation. Also joining us is Paul Tedder from the CAA’s General Aviation Unit who covers the safety guidance around take off decision making and pre-departure briefings. Reports and resources mentioned in this episode: AAIB investigation to Europa XS, G-REJP Clued…
17 Aug 2022 · 25 min
The importance of occurrence reporting
Reporting occurrences has never been more important and in this special edition we speak to the CAA's Head of flight Operations Glen Bradley and Aerospace Modernisation Lead Adelle Roberts about how and why we should continue to report occurrences. You can find more information on the Importance of occurrence reporting on the CAA website.
E1 · 22 Jul 2022 · 31 min
Missing over the English Channel
On 2 April 2022 a light aircraft flying from England to France disappeared from radar over the English Channel. Tragically both of the pilots on board and the aircraft haven't been found. A few weeks later the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) published a Special Bulletin that set out the evidence that was available about this flight up until that point. In this episode we cover what is in the report and discuss the safety guidance that it includes for pilots. More information about this incident: AAIB Special Bulletin S1/2022 on Piper PA-28R-200-2, G-EGVA Flying in cloud animation…

About CAA Safety files

CAA Safety files 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: Now and then
Typical length: 32 min
Latest episode: 13 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1635722596

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