The On Track report was the result of CAA-sponsored independent research. The views expressed in it were those of the authors and participating members of the GA community, and did not necessarily reflect CAA opinion or policy. The joint CAA Safety Regulation Group General Aviation Department/Directorate of Airspace Policy Airspace Infringement Working Group has been charged with carrying forward the report's findings for possible implementation.

The AIWG’s Terms of Reference are as follows:

1. Purpose

The AIWG is a joint GAD/DAP-sponsored Working Group, the purpose of which is to monitor airspace infringement data and identify trends in order to instigate remedial action through the appropriate regulator, industry body or service provider in order to minimise the incidence of airspace infringements. In particular the AIWG will consider if airspace design or pilot awareness are features of the pattern of infringements.

The AIWG will carry forward the findings and recommendations of the GAD-led study into identifying the causes of infringements by GA pilots (the 'ON TRACK' project). For the original report, and original response, click HERE. In addition, the AIWG will consider infringements of all types of airspace by all categories of pilot.

Having considered statistical or other evidence (including pilot reports), the AIWG will make recommendations and take action through its members to alleviate potential problem areas. These recommendations may be UK-wide, site-specific, or user-specific.

Finally, the AIWG will be responsible for the establishment and management of a website (as a successor to the ‘ON TRACK’ website) containing a web forum, the purpose of which will be to allow the aviation community to post comments and suggestions associated with GA-related airspace infringements for the CAA’s consideration and subsequent action. Although the upkeep of this website is funded by the CA, the day-to-day management of its content will be managed on its behalf by GASCo - the CAA has no direct control over how this should be done although it can contribute to the content carried by the site.

2. Membership

Chairmanship of the AIWG will alternate between DAP Assistant Director AP 1 and Hd GAD.
The role of Secretary will be undertaken by an appointee from the DAP Terminal Airspace Section.
The following departments, sections and organisations will be invited to participate in the workings of the group:
CAA SRG - Air Traffic Services Standards Department, GAD, Personnel Licensing Department.
CAA DAP - Terminal Airspace (may be combined with the Secretary's role), Off-Route Airspace. En-Route Airspace as required.
CAA Corporate Centre - Corporate Communications
National Air Traffic Services Ltd - Policy & Planning, Terminal Control Ops
MOD - (to be confirmed)
GASCo - Flyontrack web forum moderator
Guild of Air Traffic Control Officers
GA - invited representative(s) of GA community.
Airport Operators Association
Other invited participants as required for specific issues.

3. Frequency of Meetings

The AIWG will meet at quarterly intervals.

GAD staff will co-ordinate the production of a quarterly digest of comments relating to airspace infringements posted on the web forum and present these at each meeting.

DAP staff will collate the statistics on UK airspace infringements and present the results of their analysis at each meeting. The AIWG will consider the need for further investigation or action. Subsequent meetings will then provide an opportunity to monitor trends.

In the event of a serious spate of incidents outside this period, the Chairman may call additional ad hoc meetings, if necessary.

4. Terms of Reference and AIWG Reviews

AIWG TORs will be reviewed at the first meeting of each calendar year. As part of these reviews, AIWG membership and the frequency of meetings are to be considered and, should the infringement situation decline to a position when it is considered not to constitute a matter requiring Working Group action, the need for further meetings will also be reviewed.

5. Website

The AIWG is to conduct an annual review of the utilisation of the web forum at its second meeting of each calendar year. The AIWG will consider withdrawing the facility in the event of there being a significant decline in its utilisation.

6. Liaison with other Working Groups

Close liaison is to be maintained with any other Working Groups in this area to ensure a consistent approach to this issue.

AIWG Membership

Click here for details of AIWG’s membership.