UK airspace reform, Skywise alerts and UKAB airprox
3 May 2026
This week’s briefing is heavily shaped by airspace and safety: the CAA has set out proposed reform of the UK airspace change process, while Skywise has pushed a cluster of reminders on restriction codes, AIRPROX/MOR reporting and using ACOMS for airspace submissions. There is also a timely snapshot from UKAB’s April meeting, where 15 airprox were assessed and drones again featured prominently in the risk picture. For those planning local flying, the temporary Firth of Forth restriction and the early-May fly-ins are worth a close look before heading out. As the UK GA season settles in, the common thread remains simple: check the detail, read the NOTAMs, and keep the paperwork as sharp as the pre-flight.
CAA proposes reform of the UK airspace change process. The Civil Aviation Authority has launched a consultation on reforms to the UK’s airspace change process, aiming to make it more proportionate while keeping it evidence-based and transparent. The regulator says the changes are meant to improve how quickly airspace proposals are developed and decided, and to reflect lessons from the current process, which was introduced in 2018 and updated in 2023. For GA readers, the key point is that modernising airspace is being framed as vital to capacity, resilience and the integration of new aircraft types, while still balancing environmental objectives and the needs of other airspace users. The CAA says it is working with the Department for Transport and is seeking views from stakeholders, with the consultation running for 12 weeks.
Before every local hop, check the latest restriction codes and NOTAMs, then confirm whether any airspace submission must now go through ACOMS. If in doubt, file early and ask before you go.
UKAB’s monthly reviews often read like a weather vane for GA risk, and this April’s report again showed drones firmly in the mix — a reminder that shared airspace needs constant attention.
In the circuit
UK Main National Aviation Safety Plan - Skywise
The CAA’s Skywise alert, SW2026/107, points readers to the UK Main National Aviation Safety Plan 2026–2029 and frames it as part of the wider ICAO Global Aviation Safety Plan and EUR Regional Aviation Safety Plan, alongside the UK State Safety Programme. In plain terms, it is the national roadmap for improving aviation safety management over the next three years. The notice says the plan sets out the UK’s Operational Key Risk Areas, Organisational Challenges, and Safety Enhancement Initiatives. For club pilots and other GA readers, the useful point is that the CAA is signalling where its attention will be focused, and how it intends to drive continued safety improvement across UK aviation.
Identification codes for airspace restrictions
The CAA says it is amending the identification codes for airspace restrictions that apply only to Unmanned Aircraft Systems. The change is purely technical: the structures’ names and dimensions are unchanged, and the notice points readers to AIC W 020/2026 for the background and to the UK AIP for the revised codes. For UK GA pilots, the main takeaway is to note the updated coding and carry on using the published aeronautical information with care. It is a small but relevant housekeeping change, particularly for anyone flying with UAS-related airspace in mind.
AIRPROX and Mandatory Occurrence Reporting — Skywise
The CAA’s Skywise alert reminds UK ANSPs and aerodromes that Mandatory Occurrence Reporting duties remain in force under the relevant UK regulations, and flags that AIRPROX cases are still sometimes not being handled correctly. It points readers to further clarification on what action is required when the UK Airprox Board asks for information about an AIRPROX. For club pilots and instructors, the practical takeaway is simple: if an AIRPROX happens, the reporting chain matters, and the organisations involved need to make sure their occurrence-reporting response is the right one. This is a short but useful reminder from the regulator that the paperwork and follow-up are part of safety, not a box-ticking afterthought.
ACOMS becomes the sole route for airspace submissions
The CAA’s Skywise alert says that from 1 April 2026, the Airspace Co-ordination and Obstacle Management System (ACOMS) is the exclusive platform for submitting all Unusual Aerial Activity applications. It adds that email, legacy forms and any other routes will no longer be accepted, with the aim of improving consistency, compliance and traceability. Operators are being urged to make sure their ACOMS accounts and permissions are in place in advance, so as to avoid delays or disruption. For UK GA groups and organisers who deal with airspace activity paperwork, this is a straightforward but important process change to note and build into planning.
Restricted Airspace (Temporary) – Firth of Forth, 19-24 April 2026 DRONE ONLY
The CAA’s Skywise alert SW2026/104 sets out a temporary flying restriction over the Firth of Forth, Edinburgh, for 19–24 April 2026. It applies to drones and remotely piloted aircraft systems only, with the detail to be found in the associated NOTAM and briefing sheet BFS 018/2026. For UK general aviation readers, the key point is simple: this is a drone-only restriction, but it is still a reminder to check the airspace picture carefully before any local flying near the area. The notice is concise and directs operators to the formal NATS material for the full operational detail.
UKAB April 2026 monthly meeting: 15 assessed airprox, with drones dominating the risk picture
UK Airprox Board’s April 2026 monthly meeting sheet covers 15 assessed airprox reports, split across five Risk B, ten Risk C and none in Risks A, D or E. The mix spans light aircraft, airliners, helicopters, military types, gliders and unknown objects, all in the familiar busy mix of UK controlled and open airspace. It is a useful read for club pilots because it shows where the sharp edges were in the week of 20 to 26 April 2026, and how the Board judged the level of risk in each case. The standout theme is drone and unknown-object encounters. The page records a drone on short final to Heathrow with the Board judging that providence played a major part and a definite risk of collision had existed, plus several airborne sightings where the object could not be positively identified. One recommendation also asks the Kernan (Tandragee) aerodrome operator to review its UK AIP entry for coherence with other published material, which is the sort of practical housekeeping that matters to GA.
On the calendar
9 May 2026
Vintage Piper Aircraft Club (VPAC) Fly-in, Goodwood
On 2026-05-09, the Vintage Piper Aircraft Club Fly-In takes place at Goodwood Aerodrome, Chichester. FLYER says it will feature classic Piper aircraft and other US heritage types on show, with the event described as a chance to discover and enjoy these machines up close. It is listed as members only, with landing fees applying and PPR required, making it a neat opportunity for UK GA pilots and enthusiasts to see vintage types gathered at one of the country’s best-known airfields.
9 May 2026
Pooleys’ Air Weekend, Compton Abbas
Pooleys’ Air Weekend was scheduled for 9–10 May 2026 at Compton Abbas Airfield near Salisbury, hosted by Compton Abbas Airfield with Pooleys as the showcase partner. The event was invitation-only for pilots, with road visitors welcome to watch a non-stop weekend of flying and to book the airfield restaurant. It’s a standout for UK GA pilots because Pooleys says attendees fly in from around the country, landing fees are covered, and the weekend includes a dedicated pilot briefing and procedures tailored to Compton Abbas.
14 May 2026
Warbird Weekend, Compton Abbas
14–17 May 2026 at Compton Abbas Airfield near Salisbury, this FLYER-listed weekend sees Aero Legends’ warbird fleet return as regular visitors. It is set up as an opportunity for experience flights in iconic aircraft, while enthusiasts on the ground can get close to aircraft such as the Spitfire, Harvard and Tiger Moth; spaces to fly may also be available on the day. FLYER notes it is not an airshow or flying display, and that bookings, parking and flight availability are weather dependent. For UK GA pilots and enthusiasts, it’s a rare chance to combine a scenic airfield visit with the prospect of seeing — and possibly flying in — living history.
15 May 2026
Air-Britain Fly-in, Wycombe Park
15–16 May 2026 at Wycombe Air Park (EGTB) in Booker, Marlow, this is Air-Britain’s 46th annual fly-in and part of the Private Flyer Fest. The event is aimed at pilots and enthusiasts, with all types of aircraft welcome, PPR required, and a special nod to the 70th anniversary of the Piper PA-24 Comanche, with hopes of seeing a strong gathering of Comanches. For UK GA pilots, it’s a relaxed chance to meet fellow aviators, enjoy a busy airfield atmosphere, and be part of a marquee vintage-and-owner-flown gathering.
17 May 2026
Ultimate High Safety Forum at Goodwood
On 2026-05-17, Ultimate High will stage a dedicated GA Flight Safety Forum at Goodwood Aerodrome, in the Super Shell Building on the north-east corner of the airfield. It’s aimed at the General Aviation community, with a full day of ground-based safety presentations, a Q&A with all presenters, and optional UPRT taster flights for booked delegates. For UK GA pilots, the draw is practical, evidence-based safety content on loss of control, startle and surprise, landings, engine management and defensive flying — exactly the sort of real-world learning that can sharpen decision-making in the cockpit.