A glider pilot has just launched into the air in Southwest England and released from the winch when they see a Cessna flying below them.   They take immediate action to avoid the aircraft and later file a report with the UK Airprox Board (UKAB). UKAB Director Simon Oldfield tells us more about this incident and the review that followed. We also speak with experienced glider pilot Andrew Watson and highlight the potential risks involved when flying near or above active gliding sites. Resources mentioned in this episode: Airprox report 2022173 (UK Airprox Board) Airprox inside magazin ..read more

In May 2022, an Airbus A320 approaching Paris Charles de Gaulle airport was given an incorrect altimeter pressure setting, which caused the barometric altimeters on board to show that the aircraft was nearly 300 feet higher above the ground than it actually was. The crew were unaware of the problem and didn't see the runway because of bad weather. They carried out what they believed was a normal go around and never realized that they came within six feet of hitting the ground. In this episode we talk to aviation experts at the UK CAA and NATS to get their perspectives on what happened, the ris ..read more

How do airports manage the risk of runway incursions? We talk to Heathrow Airport’s Head of Airside Operations Trevor Waldock about causal factors that can lead to an incursion and some of the safeguards that are in place to prevent them. You’ll hear about the safety guidance and procedures that are followed at airports and the importance of a ‘just culture’ where everyone is encouraged to report safety concerns and incidents. We also discuss the challenges of working through and emerging from the COVID-19 pandemic. Guidance and resources related to this episode: European Action Plan for the ..read more

The pilot of a light aircraft is accelerating down a runway in southern England when the plane starts moving to the left. Trying to avoid a runway excursion, he rotates the aircraft early and before reaching a safe flying speed. We speak with AAIB Senior Inspector Emma Truswell about this incident and the findings from their investigation. Also joining us is Paul Tedder from the CAA’s General Aviation Unit who covers the safety guidance around take off decision making and pre-departure briefings. Reports and resources mentioned in this episode: AAIB investigation to Europa XS, G-REJP Clued Up ..read more

On 2 April 2022 a light aircraft flying from England to France disappeared from radar over the English Channel. Tragically both of the pilots on board and the aircraft haven't been found. A few weeks later the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) published a Special Bulletin that set out the evidence that was available about this flight up until that point. In this episode we cover what is in the report and discuss the safety guidance that it includes for pilots. More information about this incident: AAIB Special Bulletin S1/2022 on Piper PA-28R-200-2, G-EGVA Flying in cloud animation Safe ..read more