CAP 403 Flying Displays and Special Events: Safety and administrative requirements and guidance 2023

We asked for feedback from the regulated community on proposed amendments to CAP 403 ahead of the 2023 display season. 

We compiled a draft of CAP 403 Edition 20 and consulted on it over four working weeks from 30 January 2023 to 24 February 2023. 

We received a total of 55 unique comments to the draft CAP 403 from 21 respondents.  

Of all the comments, 33 clearly conveyed some sort of change. Of these, 22 comments were textual in nature, suggesting revised wording or highlighting minor drafting points. Many of these comments were duplicated between respondents; and the other 11 comments were more substantive, calling for some sort of change of the underlying policy. 

We accepted 12 of all the comments suggesting some sort of change (36%). 

Of the 22 textual comments received, we accepted 8. Most of these comprised of rewording content for clarification, and we have tried to take a balanced view on what would be helpful. Of the 14 we elected not to implement, some called for revision to text that we had carefully drafted in cooperation with other organisations, some suggested changes that have already been made, whilst it was considered that the remainder might have further unintended consequences.

Regarding the 11 more substantive comments we received, we implemented 4. Of those we elected not to implement, all bar one asked that we expand on material that we thought was covered adequately either in this document or elsewhere. It was considered that the remaining comment might have further unintended consequences.

We published Edition 20 of CAP 403 Flying Displays and Special Events: Safety and Administrative Requirements and Guidance.