Summary
The CAA and Department for Transport assess each submission of the masterplan.
We check the masterplan against relevant criteria to ensure it covers the right material.
The CAA then decide whether to accept it into our Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS).
Methods of assessment
We will review all the information provided by Airspace Change Organising Group (ACOG) to show compliance with the assessment criteria (see below) and policy.
We do this through:
- Regular assessment. We meet often with ACOG to discuss the approach to master plan development. This includes reviewing materials and methods shared with us.
- Assessment at key milestones. This is when the CAA considers whether to accept each Iteration of the master plan into our AMS. We also consult the Secretary of State before doing so.
Criteria for assessment
The co-sponsors assess master plan submissions against the criteria set out in these documents:
- CAP 2156a Airspace change masterplan – CAA acceptance criteria
- CAP 2156b Airspace change masterplan – assessment framework
The documents were first published in August 2021 following a public consultation. We made minor amendments and improvements to the documents in December 2022 and June 2024.
Further information
Why does the CAA need to accept the masterplan into the AMS?
The delivery of the masterplan is a key part of the delivery of the CAA’s Airspace Modernisation Strategy. Once the masterplan is accepted into the AMS, together with CAP 1616, it forms the legal basis against which the CAA decides whether to approve any individual airspace change proposals.
How does the masterplan assessment differ from CAP 1616?
While the airspace change process (CAP 1616) applies at the level of individual airspace change proposals, we must also consider how all these proposals interact and deliver policy at a programme level. Therefore, both the masterplan and CAP 1616 processes are needed for making airspace change decisions to achieve airspace modernisation.
Does accepting the masterplan also mean airspace change proposals will be accepted?
No. A decision to accept an iteration of the masterplan does not prejudge the assessment of an airspace change proposal at a gateway of the airspace change process. The role of assessing and accepting the masterplan and decision-making on airspace change proposals sit with the Airspace Regulation team in the CAA.