Safety Guidance for Air Rallies, Fly-ins, Air Races/Contests and Charity Events

Overview

This consultation concerns the proposed new publication entitled CAP1988 which we are planning to publish in April 2026.

This non statutory safety guidance CAP is for organisers and participating pilots of fly-ins, air rallies and races/contests when such events are conducted in accordance with the normal rules of the air (unless specifically permitted or exempted) and do not fall into the scope of CAP403 (Flying Displays and Special Events). This document also provides guidance for organised charity events involving multiple aircraft. For charity flights involving a single aircraft, please refer to the guidance in CAP1330

Additionally, this new CAP is to build on the guidance formerly found in CAP403 Flying Displays and Special Events until Edition 14 when significant re-writing took place and it was decided that such events are sufficiently distinct from the legal, safety and administrative requirements of those organising flying displays themselves.

It is hence that this document is separate and more targeted to the respective GA audience having been updated.

Why your views matter

Though this CAP does not introduce any new regulatory requirements. It is vital that the document reflects relevant practices in the general aviation community to allow these events to continue to flourish.

This CAP has been developed with the help of a working group comprising of several areas of the GA community. However, wider feedback from the GA community is crucial in supporting this to ensure the document is clear and unambiguous.