FAS Governance

The CAA has established a FAS Deployment Steering Group (FASDSG) to provide assurance and oversight of the development of the FAS and the implementation of proposed changes. Working under the FAS DSG is: The FAS Industry Implementation Group (FASIIG) is the air transport industry collaboration to develop and agree a ‘FAS Implementation  Deployment Plan’ and to ensure alignment between the delivery plans of the various parties responsible for implementing the proposed changes to support the FAS for commercial air transport operations. The FAS VFR Implementation Group (FASVIG) is a collaboration of VFR airspace users, working in concert with the wider aviation industry, MOD, regulator and government to develop a plan to deliver the FAS vision for VFR operations.

FASVIG Organisation

The FASVIG is a joint undertaking between business and general aviation, the flight training industry, sporting and recreational aviation, NATS, airlines, airports, MOD and the CAA.  Established in January 2014, it is working in partnership to develop a jointly agreed plan to deliver the CAA’s FAS to VFR operations in the period 2015‐2020. The plan, to be completed by July 2015, will include implementation of changes to procedures, airspace and associated regulatory and policy frameworks to deliver the improvements to safety, capacity, environmental performance required by the FAS.  The proposed changes have been packaged under the general headings of:

  • Modernising Airspace
  • Access to Airspace
  • VFR Efficiency Enablers

Three Joint Working Groups (WGs) have been set up to explore in more detail the implications of these packages in the areas of:

  • Airspace & Procedures
  • Regulatory & Government Policy
  • Information Management and Communications

A Joint-Chairs Coordination Group will be responsible for developing the Implementation Programme to ensure alignment between the activities of the three working groups.  A programme co-ordinator, funded jointly by the CAA and GA representative organisations and reporting to the joint chairs, will provide the central focus and link the work of the groups and organisations involved towards the production and implementation of the FASVIG Deployment Plan.The Joint Chairs Group is responsible for supporting the activities of the WGs, ensuring alignment between their detailed plans and driving progress against the FAS IP. The Regulatory & Government Policy WG would address policy constraints to realisation of FASVIG objectives whilst the Airspace & Procedures and Information Management and Communications WGs would address the development and implementation of new capabilities. These two WGs would be responsible for developing proposals for specific ‘deliverables’ (described later under ‘packages of change’), commissioning and co-ordinating work by various organisations; engaging relevant stakeholders in developing changes; prioritising and resolving issues as they arise. Summary terms of reference are shown below.

Working Groups – Summary Terms of Reference

Airspace & Procedures Regulatory & Government Information Management & Communications
Role Identify, and analyse airspace issues within packages of change.  Develop solutions and progress and resolve the challenges and uncertainties associated with development and deployment of future airspace concepts and supporting procedures Identify and resolve policy challenges and gaps in regulatory support for packages of change Identify, progress and resolve the challenges and uncertaintiesassociated with information management and communications requirements for VFR operations
Scope & Expertise All airspace infrastructure within the governance of the UK CAA useable by stakeholder assets.VFR Operations, Air Traffic Control, CNS modernisation and deployment, risk management All regulations applicable to the use of airspace infrastructure by stakeholder assetsRegulations as currently applied to VFR Operations, Air Traffic Control, CNS modernisation and deployment All means by which the community using airspace are communicated on matters of capacity, safety and efficiencyExpertise in CNS, AUS, and regulation in all community specific areas
Outcomes Preparation for modernised airspace structures taking advantage of developments in PBN to support their efficient use. Proposals for an updated airspace change and review process for adoption by the UKCAAA review and suggested action plan to evolve current airspace shortcomings in the top 20 volumes of controlled airspace Proposals for modernised information promulgation that ensures that all users have access to critical information to support the safety and efficiency of their flight plan.