It is vital that CAP 403 Flying Displays and Special Events: Safety and Administrative Requirements and Guidance remains up-to-date and relevant, and that the CAA’s guidance material in these areas remains proportionate, clear and unambiguous.

We asked for feedback from the regulated community on proposed amendments to CAP 403 ahead of the 2022 display season. 

We compiled a draft of CAP 403 Edition 19 and consulted on it over four working weeks from 10 December 2021 to 10 January 2022. 

A total of 49 unique comments to the draft CAP 403 from 18 respondents were received.

48 clearly conveyed some sort of change and 1 was unclear. Of these, 34 comments were textual in nature, suggesting revised wording or highlighting minor drafting points. Many of these comments were duplicated between respondents; and the other 14 comments were more substantive, calling for some sort of change of the underlying policy. 

13 of the comments were accepted (27%). Most of these comprised of suggested rewording of content for clarification. A further 12 comments were suggested changes which had already been made.

Of the 23 elected not to implement, most called for revision to text that had been carefully drafted in cooperation and consultation with other groups. Others asked for further expansion on material that is covered adequately either in this document or elsewhere. Some suggested the introduction of content that was thought not necessary and outside the scope of this CAP.

We have produced a final version of CAP 403 Edition 19 which was published on 9 February 2022.