CAA have re-issued CAP403 –  Changes to note as follows:

Chapter 3 Part A Paragraph 3.29

  • This no longer requires Rotary-Wing to take off and land at 150m, so they may now operate to and from a runway providing it meets the 75m requirement of Chapter 3 Part A Paragraph 3.22.
  • Also, the revised wording makes clear that lighter aircraft can operate at a distance based on airspeed being flown at the time.  There is a typo in the footnote, but the first sentence is clearly intended to state:”1 The reduced separation distance for light aircraft can be used during displays when the speed of the aircraft is less than 150KIAS.”
  • More significantly, the footnote invites you to ask for a waiver if your aircraft’s MTOM is greater 1200kg but you are displaying at a mass of less than 1200kg.

Appendix A

  • This section that provides guidance on risk assessments.  It now suggests the ‘initial’ assessment’ should assume all CAP403 measures are in place and at A19 says only the further mitigations over and above those already required by CAP403 need be listed.
  • This may save some repetition in preparing assessments.  However, the table above has not been changed and shows that mitigations can include actions that enforce or ensure the provisions of CAP403 are applied.

Other issues:

  • CAP Chapter 5 Part A Paragraph 5.32 has not changed in the latest update but there have been suggestions that FDDs should check that DAs at their event have passed fitness assessment.  As stated in 5.32,  pilots flying on a DA issued last year will not be required to pass a fitness assessment until they renew their DA this year.  Further,  I have received the following written confirmation from CAA, “This (fitness assessment) is only required when a DA is issued, renewed or upgraded, so there will be some pilots flying without having had a fitness assessment this season. There is no requirement on FDDs to confirm that pilots have a current fitness assessment.”
  • Several issues have arisen this year in the preparation for air displays.  Unfortunately, the increased period required for applications has not improved the delivery of permissions and exemptions and the new guidance in CAP403 has created further difficulties.  Please keep us aware of these issues as and when they arise.  If you come across mixed interpretations of the new requirements in CAP403, please let us know soonest so we can not only seek a resolution for you but also ensure everyone else is working to the same end.

Best wishes,

John Turner – Chairman, BADA