Industry News - Nov 23, 2025
23rd November 2025
Welcome to the first edition of the HAC Aeroclub Industry News Hub, your bi-weekly roundup of key developments in UK General Aviation. This newsletter aims to keep you informed about the latest news from regulatory bodies, industry leaders, and technology providers. We hope you find it a valuable resource. Please feel free to share your feedback and suggestions.
Regulatory Updates
CAA Proposes Statutory Charges Increase for 2026/27
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has initiated a consultation on proposed revisions to its Schemes of Charges, scheduled to take effect from 1 April 2026. The proposed increase in statutory charges for the 2026/27 financial year is intended to support expanded investment across the CAA's regulatory functions. This investment aims to strengthen consumer and public protection, foster innovation and industry growth, and enhance the CAA's organisational capability. The consultation is open until 22 December 2025, and all General Aviation stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback through the online submission form. The final response document is expected to be published in mid-March 2026.
Source: CAA Statutory Charges Consultation 2026 - 2027
Government Confirms UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS) Implementation
The UK government has confirmed modifications to the NATS (En Route) plc (NERL) licence terms to establish the UK Airspace Design Service (UKADS). This follows the recognition that the basic design of much of UK airspace has not changed significantly for decades, despite technological advances and a tenfold increase in demand. NERL will now be authorised to develop and make airspace change proposals to the CAA for the London, Scottish and Shanwick Oceanic Flight Information Regions. This move is part of the broader Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS) and aims to create a more modernised and holistic airspace design for the UK, replacing the current fragmented approach.
Source: UK airspace design service: modifications to NERL licence terms
Industry News
Textron Aviation Ends Bonanza and Baron Production After 80 Years
Textron Aviation has confirmed that it will end production of the iconic Beechcraft Bonanza G36 and Baron G58 models once all current orders are fulfilled. This decision marks the end of nearly eight decades of continuous production for these two cornerstones of the piston market. More than 18,000 Bonanza and 6,000 Baron aircraft have been delivered worldwide since the Bonanza's first flight on 22 December 1945. Textron has described the move as a strategic shift to focus on the single-engine turbine Beechcraft Denali. The American Bonanza Society Air Safety Foundation has confirmed that Textron Aviation will continue to provide parts and engineering support for both models.
Source: Textron halts Bonanza, Baron lines - AOPA
Aeros Flight Training Expands Fleet with Tecnam and Diamond Aircraft
Aeros Flight Training is continuing its fleet renewal programme with the addition of new training aircraft across its UK bases. The flight school has taken delivery of two additional Tecnam P-Mentor single-engine aircraft this month, following two delivered in the summer. The company also plans to add a number of Diamond DA42 twin-engine aircraft to strengthen its multi-engine training capability. Aeros operates from Cardiff, Gloucester, Leeds and Wellesbourne airports, offering modular training for UK CAA and dual UK CAA/EASA commercial pilot's licences.
Source: Aeros Flight Training adds Tecnam and Diamond aircraft to fleet - FLYER
Technology Updates
Garmin Pilot App Adds Graphical NOTAMs and Storm Tops Features
Garmin has announced significant updates to its Garmin Pilot mobile app, introducing new features to enhance flight safety and planning capabilities. The new Graphical NOTAMs overlay for SmartCharts will depict active runway, taxiway, and ramp closures, as well as conditional closures and field condition (FICON) codes. The app also now includes a Storm Tops feature, providing pilots with an additional tool to plan their flights around or through areas of weather. The SmartCharts with Graphical NOTAMs feature is available via a Garmin Pilot Premium subscription for iOS devices in the United States and the Bahamas.
Safety Focus
CHIRP Releases November 2025 GA Feedback Newsletter
The Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP) has published its latest General Aviation Feedback newsletter, Small Slips, Big Lessons. The newsletter focuses on the importance of sharing safety experiences and learning from both successes and near-misses. It highlights examples of pilots making good decisions in challenging situations and discusses how small slips can cascade into larger problems. The newsletter also includes a special focus on paragliding and hang gliding, and provides information on free GA safety workshops offered by Astral Aviation Consulting. The next workshop, on Global Navigation Satellite Systems, will be held on 26 November at 7:30pm.
Source: Small Slips, Big Lessons - CHIRP
