Aviation Authority Sets Out Safety Oversight Programme and Publishes First Statistical Release

The Civil Aviation Authority of the Velocity Interoperability Network today set out its safety oversight programme for its first months of operation. The Authority's 22 inspectors will audit every air operator and approved maintenance organisation, inspect every aerodrome on the register and carry out ramp inspections of aircraft at the principal sites. The first cycle of 48 audits and inspections begins on 21 September 2026 and will be completed by 31 March 2027. The activities of the programme and the schedule of the first cycle are set out on the Safety Oversight page of this site.

From 14 September 2026 the reporting of accidents, serious incidents and incidents to the Authority is mandatory for operators, pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and aerodrome operators. Reports must be made within 72 hours of the occurrence. The Authority will publish an analysis of reported occurrences in each quarterly statistical release. Reporting is intended to improve safety, and the Authority will not take enforcement action on the basis of a report except in cases of gross negligence or wilful misconduct.

The Authority also published its first statistical release, covering the transition period from 10 August to 5 September 2026 and the position at establishment. During the transition period 6,840 aircraft movements were recorded at the six aerodromes of the Network, and 38 occurrences were reported: no accidents, two serious incidents and 36 incidents. At establishment 214 aircraft, 1,120 licence holders and 14 operators were recorded on the Authority's registers. The full release is set out on the Statistics page. The next release, covering the quarter ending 30 September 2026, will be published in October.