CAA Safety files
CAA Safety Files is a podcast from the UK Civil Aviation Authority that examines occurrence, incident and accident reports published across the UK aviation industry. Each episode focuses on a single published report, explaining what happened and what lessons can be drawn from it. Listeners also hear from experts who discuss the relevant safety guidance and best practices. The series is aimed at aviation professionals and anyone interested in how safety is improved in the sector.
Episodes
Reporting for safer skies
In this special episode, we celebrate 50 years of Mandatory Occurrence Reporting (MOR) and reflect on the vital role it has played in improving aviation safety.Jon Round, Head of Airspace, ATM and Aerodromes at the UK CAA, and Phil Sleight, Deputy Chief Inspector at the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), discuss how a strong reporting culture, combined with a just culture approach, has ena
Lithium batteries - unpacking the risks
Lithium batteries are used to power a wide range of devices that passengers bring aboard but if they are not handled safely and transported correctly, they can pose serious safety risks. Additionally, if lithium batteries are loaded into the aircraft hold when they shouldn't be, then there is a higher risk of a more serious incident occurring. The range of devices powered by lithium batteries
Laser attack
Laser attacks on aircraft remain a serious safety risk for all pilots and flight crew, but for air ambulance services these incidents can also delay vital medical treatment reaching patients.We speak with crew from Yorkshire Air Ambulance who share their experiences of laser attacks, including a recent incident where a crew member suffered an eye injury from a laser beam.This episode covers safety
Powered flights over gliding sites
A glider pilot has just launched into the air in Southwest England and released from the winch when they see a Cessna flying below them. They take immediate action to avoid the aircraft and later file a report with the UK Airprox Board (UKAB).UKAB Director Simon Oldfield tells us more about this incident and the review that followed.We also speak with experienced glider pilot Andrew Wa
The risk of incorrect altimeter settings
In May 2022, an Airbus A320 approaching Paris Charles de Gaulle airport was given an incorrect altimeter pressure setting, which caused the barometric altimeters on board to show that the aircraft was nearly 300 feet higher above the ground than it actually was.The crew were unaware of the problem and didn't see the runway because of bad weather. They carried out what they believed was a normal go
Runway incursions - Part 2 of 2
How do airports manage the risk of runway incursions? We talk to Heathrow Airport’s Head of Airside Operations Trevor Waldock about causal factors that can lead to an incursion and some of the safeguards that are in place to prevent them.You’ll hear about the safety guidance and procedures that are followed at airports and the importance of a ‘just culture’ where everyone is encouraged to report s
Runway incursions – Part 1 of 2
An aircraft has landed at a busy UK airport and taxied away from the runway. A tower controller asks the flight crew to hold position and the pilot reads the instruction back to confirm. The runway is clear and the controller is about to issue a landing clearance when they see that the aircraft is no longer holding its position. It is now infringing the runway and continuing to roll forward.
Take off decisions - go or no go?
The pilot of a light aircraft is accelerating down a runway in southern England when the plane starts moving to the left. Trying to avoid a runway excursion, he rotates the aircraft early and before reaching a safe flying speed. We speak with AAIB Senior Inspector Emma Truswell about this incident and the findings from their investigation. Also joining us is Paul Tedder from the CAA’s General Av
The importance of occurrence reporting
Reporting occurrences has never been more important and in this special edition we speak to the CAA's Head of flight Operations Glen Bradley and Aerospace Modernisation Lead Adelle Roberts about how and why we should continue to report occurrences.You can find more information on the Importance of occurrence reporting on the CAA website.
Missing over the English Channel
On 2 April 2022 a light aircraft flying from England to France disappeared from radar over the English Channel. Tragically both of the pilots on board and the aircraft haven't been found. A few weeks later the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) published a Special Bulletin that set out the evidence that was available about this flight up until that point. In this episode we cover what is in
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