CAA Safety files

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 and cover the safety guidance for staff working at check-in, the boarding gate, on the ramp or in cargo handling roles. You will also hear from staff at easyJet who explain how they manage this risk across their network. Information for staff working in aviation roles Dangerous Goods - Batteries are included  (For shippers, freight forwarders and cargo handlers) Lithium batteries for cargo and ramp Lithium batteries for flight crew Lithium Batteries in Passenger Handling How to make a report to the UK CAA Report a Dangerous Goods Occurrence Make a Mandatory Occurrence Report (MOR) Information for passengersInternational standards allow passengers to carry dangerous goods either in carry-on baggage, checked baggage or on their person, depending on the specifics of the dangerous goods concerned. Individual airlines may have further limitations or restrictions on certain items, so it is important that you contact your airline before travelling if you have any questions or special requirements related to any dangerous goods.

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 – February 2023 (UK Airprox Board)Report an airprox (UK Airprox Board)Flying over gliding sites (UK CAA)

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 Prevention of Runway Incursions (EAPPRI)CAP 168 –Licensing of aerodromesUK (EU) No 139/2014 - The UK Aerodrome Regulation, UK Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material, and UK Certification Specification and Guidance Material for Aerodrome DesignCAP 790 –Requirement for an Airside Driving Permit (ADP) scheme

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-REJPClued Up: Rejected takeoffs (CAP 2510)CAA Standards Document 14 (A): Class, type and instrument rating skill tests and proficiency checksCAA Standards Document 19 (A): LAPL and PPL Skill test (Aeroplanes) policy and guidance for applicants and examiners The Skyway CodeTraining Comm 2019

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-EGVAFlying in cloud animationSafety guidance and resources mentioned in this episode:The Skyway Code CAA Safety Sense leaflet 23 - Pilots - its your decisionCAA Safety Sense leaflet 21 - DitchingWeather planning resources for pilots from the Met Office (including METARs and TAFs)Skybrary The Airspace and Safety Initiative