Infringements of Controlled Airspace (CAS) are a potentially serious aviation hazard and occur when an aircraft enters CAS without permission. In recognition of this potential hazard, especially around the Stansted area, the CAA commissioned a project called “On Track” to take a fresh look at infringements by General Aviation (GA) aircraft. The Airspace Infringement Steering Group (AISG), comprising representatives from Safety Regulation Group (SRG) and Directorate of Airspace Policy (DAP), was established to focus the project and review progress.

This report presents the work and recommendations of the “On Track” project. The project ran from June 2001 to January 2003, with the aim ‘To identify the causal factors behind airspace infringements, and to make recommendations for safety improvements.’ To achieve this, a non-CAA project team was appointed to collect in-depth confidential data, not only on what happened but on why infringements occurred, and to make recommendations to the AISG based on comments and suggestions directly from pilots and controllers.

The project team investigated 165 infringement reports during the eighteen month data collection period (July 2001 to December 2002). Additionally, the team collected over 2,500 comments and suggestions for evaluation via an innovative website forum, email, freepost and telephone.

The project confirmed the advantages of short-term in-depth confidential data collection, which had previously been successfully employed on the “On The Level” Project (CAP 710). The CAA did not have to commit permanent resources to the data collection task, but was able to focus on a specific problem. This was further enhanced by the use of modern technology in the shape of an open forum website managed at arms length from Authority. For each of the 13 subject areas identified, the project team identified specific problems and made associated recommendations.

This 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 General Aviation Department/Directorate of Airspace Policy Airspace Infringement Working Group will carry forward the report's findings for possible implementation.

Click here for the final OnTrack Report.