Airspace - A Vital Resource

Without access to the airspace our sport of flying microlights would be impossible.

Airspace is a finite resource which is under constant pressure, particularly as regional airports and those offering facilities to executive aircraft develop throughout the country.

Although we can fly in controlled airspace it can limit our freedom of movement and so it is important that we keep as much uncontrolled airspace as possible.

On this page we will report on airspace matters, both general and specific, to help members keep informed.


UK Call for Evidence Electronic Conspicuity

As members will be aware, in the crowded skies of the UK mid-air collision is largely avoided by see-and-avoid (lookout). Electronic Conspicuity (EC) is the term that encompasses electronic devices that can be used to enhance see-and-avoid. The device may be a simple one that transmits a position which others can use to alert them of your aircraft and so plan to avoid you, or a more complex one that alerts you to aircraft which pose a danger. The call for evidence asks for opinion on CAA plans to introduce EC, potentially by mandate, in UK airspace. You can read the CAA document and the BMAA response by using the links below.

EC Call for Evidence

BMAA Response to the call for evidence


UK Aviation Strategy to 2050 Consultation

Following the National Airspace Modernisation Strategy this document puts forward proposals for the future management of airspace. You can read the consultation document and the BMAA response.

UK Aviation Strategy to 2050 Consultation

BMAA Response to the consultation


The National Airspace Strategy

The UK Government is responsible for planning how the airspace will be used to be efficient and environmentally friendly. In 2018 the Department for Transport published a consultation document for the Airspace Modernisation Strategy. You can read the consultation document and the BMAA response by following the links below. Members are encouraged to respond as individuals.

Airspace Modernisation Strategy document

BMAA Response to the consultation


The Airspace Change Process

To make a change to a piece of Airspace, whether in size or classification, the proposer, called the Sponsor, must follow a process detailed in the documents linked below.

CAP725 For ACPs which began public consultation before 02/01/2018

CAP1616 For ACPs which began public consultation from 02/01/2018

The BMAA has developed a standard response to CAP1616 stage 1b (Design Principles) Follow this link to read the response.


Airspace change proposals (ACPs) current

Listed here are current proposals that are under consideration together with BMAA comment and final responses. Please follow the link to read more details

Land's End
Husbands Bosworth
Manston - Kent
Liverpool
Shetland Space Centre
RAF Northolt
Manchester
Glasgow
Edinburgh
RAF Waddington
Revised hold and link routes in Scottish TMA
London Oxford Airport (LOA) 
Brize Norton (BZN)


Please note that LOA and BZN are separate consultations for separate ACPs although they have been developed alongside each other. Each can be granted or rejected independently of the other.


Airspace change proposals (ACPs) completed

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