Aerodromes consultation on the update of CAP781 Runway Rehabilitation and Maintenance

Overview

The purpose of the consultation is to gain feedback from industry and the wider public on the proposed amendments to CAP781 as a result to the CAAs periodic review and update of the guidance material.  The document has been produced to meet accessibility requirements as such the layout and style has changed when compared to the original document.

The document includes editorial changes and new content regarding airside security considerations for contractors. It revises the text to incorporate ground handling service providers (GHSP) and apron management service (AMS) providers as stakeholders for engagement. Additionally, it offers guidance on airfield ground lighting (AGL) for both day and nighttime operations, low visibility procedures (LVPs), navigation aid maintenance during works, runway ramping, and runway markings.

The regulatory compliance chapter has been updated, along with additional guidance on runway closures and considerations for the rescue and firefighting services (RFFS). There are updates on runway incursion protocols, as well as revised text concerning centreline lighting, lead-off lighting, and pilot-controlled lighting. The wildlife hazard control chapter has also been updated.

New text is highlighted in grey and text being removed is red strike through.

What are the regulations? 

Regulations contain requirements which must be complied with. 

The CAA’s statutory role is to consider the required content of the regulations, consult on our proposed changes to the regulations, take consultation responses into account before forming a final view and then communicating that view to the Secretary of State (Department for Transport) in the form of an Opinion.  Our Opinions are published. 

The Secretary of State makes the final decision whether to implement CAA’s proposed changes to the regulations, and the final wording of the regulations.  The proposed wording of the regulations in this consultation may well change if and when the Secretary of State decides to amend the regulations.

Why your views matter

It is important to the CAA that everyone has an opportunity to voice their opinion on matters that could affect them. For this reason, we are asking for comments on these proposed changes to the Regulations.

We welcome comments from every sector of the community. This includes the general public, government agencies and all sectors of the aviation industry, whether as an aviator, aviation consumer and/or provider of related products and services.

What happens next

At the end of the response period, we will review and publish each comment and submission received.

Your feedback will be used to guide the development of the regulatory changes and refine the AMC and GM.