Introduction to the General Aviation unit

Our General Aviation Unit was formed in 2014 and is dedicated to effective regulation that supports and encourages a dynamic GA sector.

The creation of a dedicated GA Unit within the CAA emerged from the Government’s Red Tape Challenge in 2013, which explored ways to reduce the regulatory burden on the general aviation sector. The Unit has been assembled from airworthiness, flight operations and licensing specialists from across the CAA. All have significant knowledge and experience of general aviation, with most being active private pilots. The Unit is based in the our Aviation House facility in Gatwick.

As of April 2021, the GA Unit partnered with the Remotely Piloted Aircraft System Unit (RPAS) teams.

The team covers most aspects of sport and leisure aviation plus regulation of commercial balloon operations and oversight of airshows. It regulates non complex aircraft including microlights, amateur built and historic aircraft, balloons, gliders, piston twins and singles up to 5,700kg maximum take off weight and single pilot helicopters up to 3,175kg.