CAP 403 Edition 23 Flying Displays and Special Events: Safety and administrative requirements and guidance for 2026

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 2026 display season. 

We compiled a draft of CAP 403 Edition 23 and consulted on it over four working weeks from 08 December 2025 to 02 January 2026. 

We received a total of 43 unique comments to the draft CAP 403 from 11 respondents.  

Of all the comments, 30 clearly conveyed some sort of change. 13 were either unclear / not specific or suggested no changes, many being purely comments.

Of the 30 conveying a change, 25 were textual in nature, suggesting revised wording or highlighting minor drafting / clarification points, 6 of the 25 were duplicated comments concerning 2 specific topics.  The other 5 comments were more substantive, calling for some sort of change of the underlying policy. 

We accepted 18 of the 30 comments suggesting some sort of change (60%).  These changes comprised of rewording content or the addition of further information for additional clarification, we have tried to take a balanced view on what would be helpful. 

Of the remaining 13, 9 expressed support for the changes, 3 were unclear / unspecific and 1 was based on an inaccurate / incorrect understanding of the regulation. 

We were unable to implement any of the 5 more substantive comments we received.  1 was a comment concerning a matter beyond the scope of CAP 403, 1 was based on an inaccurate / incorrect understanding of the regulation and the remaining 3 concerned suggestions for unacceptable changes to policy or may involve unintended consequences if implemented.

We have produced a final version of CAP 403 Edition 23 which was published on 09 February 2025.