Flying displays

Flying Display Season 

Flying Display Season 2023 Mid-Season Update

As we have reached the mid-point of this year’s Flying Display Season (DS 23), this update is designed to assist all those involved in delivering or participating in display activity, by providing feedback and updates on the Flying Display Season (DS) and associated activity thus far. www.caa.co.uk/CAP2571

Flying Displays must be carefully planned, both on the ground and in the air. These webpages set out guidance for Flying Display organisers and display pilots. Links to relevant application forms are also included.

Flying Display Season 2022 Mid-Season Update

As we approach the mid-point of this year’s Flying Display Season (DS 22), this update is designed to assist all those involved in delivering or participating in display activity, by providing feedback and updates on the Flying Display Season (DS) and associated activity thus far. www.caa.co.uk/CAP2571

Flying Displays must be carefully planned, both on the ground and in the air. These webpages set out guidance for Flying Display organisers and display pilots. Links to relevant application forms are also included.

Safety and administrative arrangements

Further details for flying displays and special events are set out in CAP 403: Flying Displays and Special Events: Safety and Administrative Requirements and Guidance. It includes requirements for applications for Flying Display and Special Event Permissions and Flying Display Director (FDD) Accreditation. The new CAP403 has been amended and updated as Edition 21 following consultation in December 2023.

To participate in a flying display, display pilots are required to obtain a Display Authorisation (DA). Details on obtaining a DA will be found in CAP 1724 Flying Display Pilot Authorisation and Evaluation: Requirements and Guidance which following consultation has been amended, updated and published as Edition 6.

Charges

Full details of associated charges can be found in the CAA Scheme of Charges.

Flying display and special event organisers

If planning either a flying display that will be advertised and open to the public, or a Private Flying Display, a Flying Display Permission will be required. Further details can be found in CAP 403.

Permissions for flying displays will only be granted to FDDs that have been appropriately accredited under the joint CAA/MAA FDD accreditation scheme. For flying displays consisting of one single item, permissions may be granted to the display pilot who has been accredited to act as an Airborne FDD (AFDD), provided other conditions are met. Further information on FDD accreditation and how to apply can be found in CAP 403 and on the Flying Display Director Accreditation page.

If planning an event that involves the use of helicopters for arriving and departing members of the public, Guidance for event organisers and helicopter operators at special events(PDF) should be referred to.

Display pilots

To participate in a flying display, display pilots are required to obtain a Display Authorisation (DA). Details on obtaining a DA can be found in CAP 1724 Flying Display Pilot Authorisation and Evaluation: Requirements and Guidance.

DA issues, revalidations and upgrades can be applied for using form SRG1300.

To help facilitate newly qualified display pilots (tyro DAs) with an opportunity to gain experience and exposure within the Flying Display community, the CAA has developed a scheme whereby first time newly qualified display pilots may be eligible for display slots at flying displays where event organisers and Flying Display Directors do not incur any extra charge .Further details of the qualifying requirements can be found in CAP403.

Behavioural and attitudinal fitness assessment

FDDs and display pilots are required to complete a behavioural and attitudinal fitness assessment in order to demonstrate that they are suitable candidates for organising and participating in a flying display. Further information and access to the online assessment form can be found on the behavioural and attitudinal fitness assessment webpage.

Making an application for a Flying Display or Special Event Permission

For further information about applying for a Flying Display or Special Event Permission and access to the online application form, please visit How to apply for a Flying Display or Special Event Permission.

SRG1330

SRG 1330, the Airborne Flying Display Director (AFDD) Checklist can be used to supplement any existing procedures that AFDDs use before flying in a Flying Display or Private Flying Display as defined in CAP 403 and should be provided to the nominated individual present on the ground at the display venue responsible for contacting the emergency services in the event of an incident or accident.

Airspace notification

Guidance on the airspace notification requirements for flying displays is detailed on Airspace notification of air displays and flypasts.