Aerobatics redefined in ANO amendment

The CAA’s General Aviation Unit has confirmed that the definition of aerobatics in the new Air Navigation Order 2016 will revert to the previous 2009 definition.

“I have now confirmed that the Aerobatic Definition in the ANO will revert to that which was used in the 2009 order which was “Aerobatic manoeuvres includes loops, spins, rolls, bunts, stall turns, inverted flying and any other similar manoeuvre,” said Tony Rapson, head of the GA Unit.

“The amendment will be made at the next update which is expected to be December this year,” he continued. “The above definition can continue to be used  until the formal amendment is made.”

Steve Slater, CEO of the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) said, “The initial definition in ANO 2016 included referring to “an abnormal attitude; or an abnormal variation in speed” which had the potential to classify stalling or steep turns (or some of my landing for that matter) as aerobatic!

“They could have legally prevented a pilot from practicing handling skills well within the normal flight envelope and training regime of aircraft and pilot.”

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CAA GA Unit