Public Consultation on DRAFT CAP1724: Flying Display Pilot Authorisation and Evaluation: Requirements and Guidance (Edition 8)

It is vital that CAP 1724 Flying Display Pilot Authorisation and Evaluation: 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 1724 ahead of the 2026 display season. 

We compiled a draft of CAP 1724 Edition 8 and consulted on it over four working weeks from 05 January 2026 to 30 January 2026. 

We received a total of 43 unique comments to the draft CAP 1724 from 8 respondents.  

Of all the comments, 18 clearly conveyed some sort of change and 25 were either  unclear / not specific or suggested no changes, some being purely comments.  46% of all the comments supported the proposed amendments.

Of the 18 conveying a change, 9 were textual in nature, suggesting revised wording or highlighting minor drafting / clarification points, 2 being duplicated between respondents.  The other 9 comments were more substantive, calling for some sort of change of the underlying policy. 

We accepted 13 of the 18 comments suggesting some sort of change (72%).  8 of these 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 5, 4 concerned minor policy changes and 1 concerned an underlying policy change that will require further DAE consultation before any implementation.

Of the remaining 25, 5 were unclear / not specific whilst the remaining 20 expressed support for the changes.

Regarding the 6 comments suggesting some sort of change that were not implemented, 1 concerned a grammar issue (spelling) that we were unable to locate, 3 concerned sensitive text that we are unable to change due to further unintended consequences and 2 concerned underlying policy beyond the scope of CAP 1724.

We have produced a final version of CAP 1724 Edition 8 which was published on 9 March 2026.