Last amended by Civil Aviation Act 2012 in 2012. Reformed the CAA's economic regulatory functions and established the Aviation Consumer Advocate.
Independent editorial summary — not the official statute text. Read the official version on legislation.gov.uk.
Summary
The principal statute governing civil aviation in the UK. It establishes the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as the aviation regulator, provides for the regulation of air navigation, aerodromes, and air transport licensing. The Act also deals with liability for damage caused by aircraft, investigation of accidents, and offences relating to aviation safety.
Key Points
- Establishes the CAA as aviation regulator
- Powers to make Air Navigation Orders for safety
- Strict liability for surface damage caused by aircraft
- Investigation of aviation accidents
- Licensing of air transport
- Establishes the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as the UK's aviation regulator
- Provides for regulation of air navigation and the making of Air Navigation Orders
- Regulates aerodromes — licensing, safety, and noise controls
- Section 76: no action lies in nuisance or trespass by reason only of the flight of aircraft over property at a reasonable height
- Provides for investigation of air accidents (now handled by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch)
- Powers to regulate air transport licensing and route licensing
- Establishes the Civil Aviation Authority
- Aircraft registration and airworthiness
- Air navigation orders
- Investigation of accidents
Parts & Sections
Amendments History
2012 — Civil Aviation Act 2012
Reformed the CAA's economic regulatory functions and established the Aviation Consumer Advocate.
2006 — Civil Aviation Act 2006
Updated CAA powers and introduced provisions on environmental duties.
Frequently asked questions
- What role does the Civil Aviation Authority play under this Act?
- The Act establishes the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) as a body corporate responsible for regulating civil aviation. It serves as the UK's aviation regulator, overseeing areas such as air navigation, aerodrome safety, and the licensing of air transport. The CAA is also responsible for enforcing safety requirements and managing the regulatory framework for the aviation industry.
- Can I sue an airline if their plane flies over my house?
- Section 76 of the Act states that no legal action can be brought in nuisance or trespass solely because an aircraft is flying over property at a reasonable height. This provision protects aircraft operators from liability for the mere passage of aircraft over land, provided the flight is conducted at a reasonable altitude.
- How are aviation accidents investigated under the Act?
- The Act provides for the investigation of air accidents, which are now handled by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch. It also grants powers to make Air Navigation Orders, which regulate air navigation, set safety requirements for aircraft, and license aviation personnel. These orders ensure that aviation operations meet necessary safety standards.
- What does the Act say about liability for damage caused by aircraft?
- The Act includes provisions for strict liability regarding surface damage caused by aircraft. This means that operators may be held liable for damage to property on the ground resulting from aircraft operations, without the need to prove negligence. This liability framework is a key component of the Act's approach to aviation safety and compensation.