AAIB bulletin, CAA drone rules and Biggin Hill trial
7 June 2026
This week’s briefing is a practical mix of safety, policy and flying opportunity. The AAIB’s latest monthly bulletin and Bulletin 5/2026 deserve a careful read, while the CAA has kept the regulatory pot simmering with fresh drone, airspace and project-tracker updates. On the airfield side, Biggin Hill’s Runway 03 instrument approach trial has opened more widely, which is worth noting for IFR-minded pilots and regular users alike. Meanwhile, the summer GA season is now properly in gear, with a healthy spread of events and fly-ins building through June. There is also a wider industry marker to note: UK aviation has recorded its strongest start to the year, with passenger numbers reaching a new high. That does not change the day-to-day business of club flying, but it is a useful reminder that the airspace and infrastructure conversation is only getting busier.
CAA project tracker shows a busy policy pipeline for UK aviation. The CAA’s project tracker sets out how proposed aviation policy and legislative changes move through five stages, from capturing the driver for change to reviewing the finished policy. It also explains that the list is intended to be broad, though it may not be exhaustive, and that some items are added only once scoping and stakeholder work is far enough along. For the current rulemaking tasks, the page shows a cluster of Stage 3 projects still in policy development, including aerodrome diversions, UKTSO article identification, BCAR updates, crew training material, OML medical policy, internet and cloud use in ATS systems, electronic licences, air operations updates, EDTO, PBN implementation, licensing structure, information security management systems, and cargo compartment safety. For UK GA readers, the key takeaway is that several familiar areas of day-to-day operation and airworthiness remain live on the regulator’s workstack, with consultations and linked documents available from the tracker itself.
Before the next flying weekend, check the CAA Drone Code updates and any local airspace or procedure changes, then give the latest AAIB bulletin a proper read. A quick review now is cheaper than learning it the hard way later.
Biggin Hill remains one of the UK’s best-known general aviation airports, and any change to its instrument procedures is watched closely by pilots well beyond Kent.
In the circuit
AAIB monthly bulletin for May 2026 published by GOV.UK
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch’s May 2026 monthly bulletin was published on 14 May 2026 as a 105-page PDF compiled from AAIB reports. The GOV.UK page says the bulletin is published on the second Thursday of each month and is organised into Field Investigations, Correspondence Investigations and Record-Only Investigations. For general aviation readers, the bulletin lists several UK occurrences worth a closer look, including a Cessna FRA150L spin accident near Thorganby, a Taylor Monoplane that inverted during landing at Nayland Airfield, and a number of correspondence cases involving landing gear failure, forced landings and loss of engine power. The page also notes that the accuracy of some correspondence and record-only information cannot be assured, so the individual report PDFs are the place to go for the full detail.
AAIB Bulletin 5/2026 lands with a sobering aerobatic fatality among the GA reports
This bulletin is a broad GA-heavy issue, with no commercial air transport or helicopter items, and a cluster of fixed-wing and sport-aviation cases. For club readers, the standout is the Cessna FRA150L G-PPFS accident near Thorganby, where the AAIB says the aircraft entered a fully developed left spin and the pilot did not push the control column far enough forward to un-stall the wing; the aircraft remained in the spin until impact, with both occupants fatally injured. The report notes that the pilot was newly rated for aerobatic flying, and the AAIB says the accident highlights how unexpectedly difficult multiple-turn spin recovery can be. There are also further GA reports in the issue, including a Taylor Monoplane, a Hoffmann H36 Dimona, and special bulletins on a Bellanca Decathlon, Ikarus C42 and Z-1RA Stummelflitzer, plus a DG-1000T item in the sport-aviation section.
UK aviation sees strongest start to the year as passenger numbers hit record high
The CAA says UK aviation had its busiest first quarter on record in 2026, with more than 61 million passengers passing through UK airports between January and March. That was around one million more than the same period last year, with much of the growth driven by short-haul European travel and over one million extra passengers heading to Western Europe. For general aviation readers, the wider takeaway is a market still showing robust demand and resilient operations despite a more challenging backdrop. The CAA also notes especially strong growth at several regional airports, while Dublin, Amsterdam, Geneva, Tenerife and Dubai topped the list of popular Q1 destinations.
Infrastructure inspections with drones made easier under new rules
The CAA has launched a new policy to make it easier for drones to fly beyond visual line of sight in so-called “atypical air environments”, where operators can reasonably expect fewer conventional aircraft because of nearby infrastructure. The regulator says this should open the door to safer, more routine drone use for tasks such as inspecting power lines, checking wind turbines and supporting site security. The piece also says the CAA will first work with selected operators to test and refine the policy, with sees.ai and National Grid among the early partners. In club-room terms, this looks like another solid step towards practical BVLOS operations becoming part of everyday infrastructure work across Britain, while still keeping safety front and centre.
Biggin Hill opens Runway 03 instrument approach trial to more operators
London Biggin Hill Airport says the Civil Aviation Authority has authorised the trial to move into its full phase, allowing all suitably equipped aircraft and operators to use the new satellite-based Instrument Approach to Runway 03. The airport says the procedure should bring more predictable, reliable arrivals and better resilience, particularly when the weather is less cooperative. The piece also frames the trial as part of a wider airfield investment programme, following runway resurfacing, upgraded LED and centreline lighting, improved IRVR technology and a 24-hour AUTO-METAR service. In club-room terms, it’s a useful sign that Biggin Hill is continuing to sharpen its offering for business and private aviation users.
AAIB Report: Bristell NG5 Speed Wing, G-STEL
The AAIB has published its report into the fatal accident involving Bristell NG5 Speed Wing G-STEL near Gordon, Berwickshire, on 20 May 2025. The aircraft had departed Nether Huntlywood Airfield for Kingsmuir Airfield, but shortly after take-off the pilot turned back, appeared to enter cloud while lining up to land, and then lost control in a spiral descent from which recovery was not achieved. The machine struck the ground and the pilot was fatally injured. For club pilots, the key take-away is the familiar but sobering one: low-level manoeuvring, deteriorating visibility and a hurried return to base can stack up very quickly; the full AAIB report is worth a careful read.
On the calendar
27 June 2026
Shuttleworth Festival of Flight Air Show, Old Warden
27-28 June 2026 at Old Warden Airfield near Biggleswade, this Shuttleworth weekend air show brings together visiting warbirds, Shuttleworth’s own historic collection aircraft, and a full programme of ground attractions. It runs from 09:00 to 21:00 each day, with tickets from £40, free parking, and kids going free, making it a strong family day out as well as a treat for aviation enthusiasts. For UK GA pilots and spotters, the appeal is the rare mix of vintage flying displays, aircraft line-up detail, and a major event hosted at one of the country’s most distinctive aviation sites.
27 June 2026
Headcorn International Airshow, Headcorn Aerodrome
Held on 27-28 June 2026 at Headcorn Aerodrome in Ashford, this inaugural airshow promises a weekend of flying displays and static exhibits spanning vintage, warbird and more modern aviation, plus a ground show with food and traders. The organiser says it will keep the intimate feel of the classic WWII airfield while adding HIA Green acts that spotlight sustainable aviation and green technology. For UK GA pilots and enthusiasts, it’s a fresh chance to see Headcorn’s historic setting brought to life with a broad mixed flying programme and no PPR required.
20 June 2026
Real STOL Fest, Breighton Airfield
On 20-21 June 2026, Breighton Airfield hosts the Real Aeroplane Club’s STOL Weekend, a flying event at its grass-strip base near Selby. FLYER notes it is separate from the cancelled Real STOL Fest, and that PPR is required, making it especially relevant for pilots planning a visit. For UK GA pilots and enthusiasts, it is a chance to see or take part in short-field flying at a historic airfield with an active club and classic aircraft scene.
14 June 2026
RAF Cosford Air Show 2026
On 14 June 2026, RAF Cosford in Shropshire hosts the RAF Cosford Air Show 2026, a sold-out day focused on aviation, engineering and innovation under the theme “Engineering the Future.” The Royal Air Force Museum says the event will feature aircraft from across the globe, technology showcases and hands-on STEM activities, with world-class flying displays aimed at families and aviation enthusiasts. For UK GA pilots and enthusiasts, the key takeaway is that the show brings major airspace restrictions and a high-energy flying programme around Cosford, so it’s one to note well in advance.
19 June 2026
St Michaels Wings & Wheels Fly IN
Held from 2026-06-19 to 2026-06-21 at St Michaels airfield, this BMAA-listed Wings & Wheels fly-in brings pilots and visitors together for a relaxed weekend on the grass. The event page highlights no landing fee, overnight camping, food and drink throughout the weekend, and a welcome for classic cars and motorcycles, with pilots asked to PPR via St Michaels Airfield. It should appeal to UK GA pilots looking for an easygoing fly-in with on-site catering and a mixed crowd of aviators and motoring enthusiasts.