Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Aerospace
  • /
  • CAA appoints Sophie O’Sullivan as interim Head of GA Unit

Aerospace

CAA appoints Sophie O’Sullivan as interim Head of GA Unit

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) announced today that it has appointed Sophie O’Sullivan as the interim Head of its General Aviation (GA) Unit whilst Rachel Gardner-Poole is on secondment at the UK Space Agency.

Image courtesy CAA

Sophie (above) is currently the Head of the Unmanned Aircraft Systems department having set up this unit in 2018 and will now run the GAU alongside her current role for the duration of the seven-month secondment period. Sophie’s appointment is effective immediately.

Rob Bishton, Group Director of Safety and Airspace at the UK Civil Aviation Authority said: “In light of Rachel Gardner-Poole taking on a secondment with the UK Space Agency, I have asked Sophie O’Sullivan to take over the running of the General Aviation Unit throughout the secondment period. Sophie brings a wealth of experience in unmanned aircraft systems, strategy, risk, better regulation and a previous career in the private sector working in a mix of strategy, change management and consultancy roles.”

Advertisement
Security & Policing Rectangle

Sophie said, “I am really looking forward to working with the dedicated and professional colleagues in the General Aviation Unit. I do believe there will be opportunities to understand how the UAS and GAU communities can work together on some of their common challenges – encouraging safety reporting from our communities, promulgating safety information and electronic conspicuity.”

Advertisement
ECS leaderboard banner
HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

Aerospace Defence

HMG Paints develops apprenticeship pathways

11 February 2026

As National Apprenticeship Week reaches its 19th year, HMG Paints is continuing its commitment to workforce development within the sector through a showcase of the various development pathways found within apprenticeships in the business.

ACS UK wins two tier-one airline contracts

Aerospace

ACS UK wins two tier-one airline contracts

11 February 2026

Aircraft interiors specialist, ACS UK, has secured two significant new contracts with tier-one global airlines, covering the design and manufacture of bespoke, customised monuments for widebody aircraft.

International Group launches IADA

Aerospace

International Group launches IADA

11 February 2026

The International Group announced yesterday that it has launched an aerospace and defence division - International Aerospace & Defence Alloys (IADA) - a dedicated business focused on high-integrity alloys for aerospace and defence programmes.

Bruderer UK and Brandauer invest to mark 60 years

Aerospace

Bruderer UK and Brandauer invest to mark 60 years

10 February 2026

Telford based Bruderer UK and Brandauer are marking 60 years of precision production with a £700,000 investment.

Advertisement
ODU RT
AFD Systems expands its workforce

Aerospace

AFD Systems expands its workforce

10 February 2026

Advanced engineering and manufacturing specialist, AFD Systems, has invested in its continued growth with the recruitment of three new employees.

EgyptAir takes delivery of first of 16 A350-900s

Aerospace

EgyptAir takes delivery of first of 16 A350-900s

9 February 2026

EgyptAir has taken delivery of its first of 16 Airbus A350 900 on order, becoming the launch operator for the type in North Africa.

Advertisement
PTC rectangle
Advertisement
General Atomics LB