Jersey Aero Club Safety Evening | 29 October 2026

Members who were unable to attend our recent aviation safety evening with the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) can now access a copy of the presentation, kindly provided by the CAA’s Airspace Infringements Team.

The event formed part of Jersey Aero Club’s continuing commitment to promoting aviation safety, improving pilot awareness and encouraging the sharing of knowledge and best practices within the local flying community.

Understanding the Risks of Airspace Infringements

The presentation was delivered by Rob Gratton and Gianni Grando from the CAA Airspace Infringements Team, who provided an informative overview of the causes, consequences and prevention of airspace infringements.

The team highlighted the potential safety implications of aircraft entering controlled or restricted airspace without the necessary clearance, including the risk of mid-air collisions and disruption to commercial aviation.

Statistics presented from 2025 demonstrated the importance of continued awareness and education, with 30% of reported UK airspace infringements resulting in an identified safety risk.

The briefing also explored the operational consequences for air traffic controllers, airlines and airports, reinforcing why infringement prevention remains a significant aviation safety priority.

Prevention Starts Before Take-Off

A central message of the evening was that effective pre-flight planning, situational awareness and good airmanship are essential to reducing the likelihood of an infringement.

Key topics included:

• Pre-flight planning: Understanding airspace boundaries, reviewing current aeronautical information, checking weather conditions and planning alternative routes.

• The ‘Take 2’ initiative: Encouraging pilots, wherever possible, to remain at least 2 nautical miles horizontally or 200 feet vertically clear of relevant airspace boundaries.

• Threat and Error Management (TEM): Identifying potential hazards, recognising human factors and managing risks throughout each stage of flight.

• Communication with ATC: Understanding the different air traffic services available and making effective use of appropriate frequencies and Frequency Monitoring Codes.

• Navigation and technology: Using electronic moving maps to enhance situational awareness while maintaining traditional navigation skills and avoiding over-reliance on technology.

The presentation reinforced that even experienced pilots can encounter unexpected situations and that good preparation, effective decision-making and maintaining awareness of changing conditions are essential.

Managing the Unique Challenges of Channel Islands Flying

Of particular relevance to Jersey-based pilots was the discussion surrounding local airspace considerations and the challenges associated with flying between the Channel Islands, the United Kingdom and France.

The CAA highlighted several factors requiring particular attention, including controlled airspace boundaries, danger areas, altimeter settings, changing weather conditions, sea crossings and the availability of air traffic services.

The importance of maintaining suitable navigation backups and understanding the transition between Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) and Visual Flight Rules (VFR) was also discussed.

These considerations provided a valuable reminder of the importance of thorough preparation when operating within the Channel Islands’ complex airspace environment.

Learning from Infringements – A Just Culture Approach

The evening also explored how the CAA reviews reported airspace infringements and the actions that may follow.

Under the CAA’s CAP1404 process, occurrences are reviewed using a Just Culture approach, with an emphasis on understanding contributing factors, identifying lessons and preventing recurrence.

In 2025, the CAA reviewed 1,048 infringement cases, with pilot action or inaction identified as the root cause in approximately 77% of cases.

The presentation highlighted the importance of honest reporting, learning from mistakes and improving knowledge and competence rather than simply focusing on enforcement.

Presentation Now Available Online

We are pleased to make the CAA’s presentation available to members as a useful reference, whether you attended the evening or would like to revisit the information discussed.

Download: CAA Airspace Infringement Prevention – Jersey Aero Club Briefing, October 2026 (PDF)

The presentation includes practical guidance, supporting statistics, local airspace considerations and references to further safety resources available through the CAA and NATS.

Please note: This presentation is provided for information and educational purposes. Pilots must always refer to current published aeronautical information, charts, NOTAMs and applicable regulations when planning and conducting flights.

Thank You to the UK Civil Aviation Authority

Jersey Aero Club extends its sincere thanks to Rob Gratton, Gianni Grando and the wider CAA Airspace Infringements Team for their time, expertise and commitment to supporting the general aviation community.

Their presentation provided valuable insights and practical guidance to help pilots recognise potential risks and make safer, more informed decisions.

Events such as these are an important part of the Club’s commitment to aviation safety, providing opportunities for members to engage directly with industry professionals, ask questions and develop their knowledge.

We look forward to continuing our programme of aviation safety and educational events, working alongside industry partners to support safe and responsible flying across the Channel Islands and beyond.

Safe flying starts with good preparation, sound judgement and a commitment to continuous learning.