Stricter Safeguards Imposed In Wake Of Shoreham Disaster

Stricter Safeguards Imposed In Wake Of Shoreham Disaster

Air shows have faced tougher safety regulations since the Shoreham disaster.

In the immediate aftermath of the crash the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) grounded all Hawker Hunter aircraft and restricted other vintage jets flying over land to performing fly-pasts only, with aerobatics banned.

Air shows were also subjected to enhanced risk assessments.

These measures will remain in place until a full report by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), which is expected later this year.

Further measures were announced in January, which included stricter requirements and earlier notifications to obtain permission to hold a display, more training and checks for those overseeing air shows, and raising the minimum experience, skill and health levels of pilots.

The CAA published its final report into making civil displays safer in April, ahead of the summer air show season.

These included raising the altitude at which ex-military jets can perform manoeuvres and boosting the competence of pilots.

The distance between display lines and crowds was increased, and the requirements of post-display reports were tightened to reflect the importance of feedback.

Speaking as the final report was published, CAA chairwoman Dame Deirdre Hutton said: "We began this review immediately after the accident at Shoreham last summer with the sole purpose of doing all that we can to make UK civil air shows even safer.

"It has been an extensive review, looking closely at all aspects of air show safety to identify any areas where the system can be strengthened.

"Air shows are enjoyed by millions of people up and down the country and we want them to be successful. And while we recognise implementing these changes will require significant work from the air show community, we believe they are essential to enhancing the safety of UK air shows and safety must always be the top priority."

Close

What's Hot