Flying displays and special events : a guide to safety and administrative arrangements (12th ed., including amendment 2012/1, 29 June 2012)

Air displays and aerial special events form a significant part of the UK leisure industry today and participation, together with their organisation and administration, needs careful consideration if the highest safety standards are to be achieved and maintained.

This publication is intended as a code of practice and an indicator of best practice to provide guidance to ensure that the safety of both the participants and the spectators is not compromised.

The coverage of this CAP ranges from full flying displays through air races and rallies, parachuting, helicopter and balloon events to model aircraft displays and the minima and standards quoted should be treated as almost absolute unless sound logic demands otherwise.

They should be treated as applying equally to practice for, as well as participation in, air displays and special events.

Participating in or organising air displays and special events carries a heavy responsibility.

Safety is paramount; not only that of the participants, but arguably even more important, that of the spectators, whether paying or not.

Therefore only the highest standards are acceptable. Displays must be carefully planned both on the ground and in the air and nothing should be considered without careful thought to ensure that it is safe.

A risk assessment procedure is included to help in this process.