Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide

Aerospace

CAA launches class D airspace consultation

With the requirements for pilots flying visual flight rules (VFR) in class D airspace set to change later this year, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today launched a consultation aimed at those pilots and ATC units likely to be affected by the change.

Above: CAA offices Gatwick.
Copyright CAA

In the UK pilots have been able to use an exemption to the Standardised European Rules of the Air (SERA) allowing certain aircraft operating below 3,000 feet to fly ‘clear of cloud’ when in class D airspace. That exemption to the ‘visual metrological conditions (VMC) minima’ will expire in September 2019.

Advertisement
ODU RT

The CAA launched consultation will provide more detail and explore options for the facilitation of non-instrument flight rule (IFR) operations in class D airspace after September. These options explore potential changes to the separation requirements currently applied to aircraft flying under a Special VFR (SVFR) clearance from air traffic control. 

Pilots and air traffic control units are strongly encouraged to participate in the consultation, which will be open until the end of May 2019.  

Advertisement
ODU RT

The CAA consultation can be accessed here .

 

Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard
Muirhead Avionics appointed ARC for selected IA products

Aerospace

Muirhead Avionics appointed ARC for selected IA products

19 May 2026

AMETEK MRO's Muirhead Avionics, announced today that it has entered into a long term agreement with Innovative Aerosystems (IA) to become an Authorised Repair Centre (ARC) for selected legacy avionics products formerly developed under Honeywell product lines and now fully supported by IA.

Intelligent Energy joins UK alliance to accelerate hydrogen flight

Aerospace

Intelligent Energy joins UK alliance to accelerate hydrogen flight

19 May 2026

Intelligent Energy (IE) has joined the Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance, alongside leading UK aerospace and UK hydrogen fuel cell manufacturer, Intelligent Energy (IE), has joined the Hydrogen in Aviation Alliance (HIA),which brings together companies from across aerospace, including Airbus, Bristol Airport, easyJet, GKN Aerospace and ...

Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

Aerospace Defence

Hexagon releases NCSIMUL upgrade

19 May 2026

Hexagon’s Production Software Division has announced the latest release of NCSIMUL, strengthening its integrated approach to NC programme verification, simulation and optimisation with a new Selective Simulation capability.

ATI launches tech strategy to double value of UK aerospace

Aerospace

ATI launches tech strategy to double value of UK aerospace

19 May 2026

The Aerospace Technology Institute (ATI) has today launched the latest UK technology strategy targeting a generational prize of doubling the UK aerospace sector's market value to $18 billion (£13.44bn) by 2035 and increasing by over four times, to $41 billion (£30.6bn), by 2050.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Aviation operational gains offset by industry growth

Aerospace

Aviation operational gains offset by industry growth

18 May 2026

Analysis from aviation intelligence company IBA, has found that global aviation carbon intensity improved from 860 gCO₂ per revenue tonne-kilometre (RTK) in 2018 to 690 gCO₂/RTK by September 2025 - an efficiency improvement of 20% - but that flight activity growth is offsetting those operational gains.

Egis appoints Shakir Khaja to drive UK and Ireland airport growth

Aerospace

Egis appoints Shakir Khaja to drive UK and Ireland airport growth

18 May 2026

Architecture, engineering and consulting firm Egis has appointed Shakir Khaja as Aviation Sector Director for Europe and Africa, to oversee the firm’s expansion across the airport sector, with a strategic focus on the UK, Ireland and wider European market.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
General Atomics LB