Herefordshire Aeroclub Industry News 28th December 2025
28th December 2025
Welcome to the Herefordshire Aeroclub Industry News Hub, your bi-weekly roundup of key news and updates from the UK General Aviation scene. This week, some great stories, and the Shobdon NYD Flyout! Read on to find out more…
Industry
Garmin Autoland Executes First Real-World Emergency Landing
In a landmark event for aviation safety, Garmin’s Autoland system successfully conducted its first-ever emergency landing in a real-world scenario on December 20, 2025. The system was activated in a Beechcraft King Air B200 (N479BR) after the flight crew made a conscious decision to engage the system following a pressurization failure. The aircraft landed safely at Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (KBJC) in Colorado, with no injuries reported.
Initial reports suggested pilot incapacitation, but it has since been clarified that the crew made a deliberate choice to utilize the Autoland capability. The system automatically selected a suitable airport, communicated with air traffic control, and executed a flawless approach and landing. This event marks a significant milestone for Garmin’s autonomous flight technology, which received FAA certification for the King Air 350 in August 2025 and saw its first B200 installation in January 2024. Approximately 1,700 aircraft are now equipped with this potentially life-saving technology.
“Save Popham Airfield” Campaign Gathers Momentum
The future of Popham Airfield is under significant threat from a proposed development of a 4,250-home garden village. The draft local plan from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council has earmarked the popular GA airfield for closure. In response, a campaign group, “Popham Airfield Matters,” has been established to fight the proposals.
The group, chaired by John Chaplin, has criticized the council’s plan for its questionable feasibility, potential infrastructure problems, and for disregarding the airfield’s national significance. The campaign has garnered support from the GA community, including AOPA UK and FLYER magazine, which has urged pilots that “NOW is the time” for action. HAC members interested in supporting the campaign can find more information at pophamairfieldmatters.org.
Regulation & Safety
CAA Announces New Drone Regulations for 2026
The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has announced significant changes to drone regulations, which will come into effect on January 1, 2026. Key changes include a reduction in the weight threshold for registration from 250g to 100g, the introduction of UK Class Marks, and the phasing in of Remote ID requirements. The CAA will also assume the role of the UK’s UAS Market Surveillance Authority (MSA). A temporary Restriction of Flying Regulations for drones is also in place for Edinburgh between December 29, 2025, and January 1, 2026.
NHS Drone Deliveries Take Flight in Cornwall
A new partnership between Open Skies Network and the Cornwall Partnership NHS Foundation Trust has established a medical drone delivery service between the mainland and the Isles of Scilly. The service will transport vital medical supplies, improving healthcare access for the remote island community.
Government Backs Sustainable Aviation with New Grants
The UK government has allocated £63 million across 17 projects aimed at advancing Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production. The funding will support the development of alternative fuels, advanced propulsion systems, and new aerodynamic technologies, as the UK continues to work towards a greener future for aviation.
Community & Opportunities
Shobdon Pilots’ New Years Fly-out
Discussions are happening in the Shobdon Pilot WhatsApp group. The weather is looking positive, and we are all itching to take advantage! There are a few fly-outs happening across the country, with Bodmin, Sleap and Northrepps all advertising their fly-outs. It seems that Sleap is shaping up to be the destination of choice. If you want to see what’s on their menu, click here. I can say from personal experience that the café is small, but the food is great!
If you are based at Shobdon and are not already a member of the Shobdon Pilots WhatsApp group, you can join by clicking this link or scanning the QR code below.
Seats are available in various planes, so if you are not a pilot or you are a student, post a message in the group to secure your seat!
Join the Shobdon Pilots Group
Do you fly from Shobdon? Are you learning to fly at Shobdon? Join the Shobdon Pilots WhatsApp group to take part in discussions ranging from the weather to Mach Loop achievements.
Final note for 2025
2026 is looking to be a fantastic year at Shobdon with some really great events planned! Wishing you all a happy new year
- The HAC Board and Membership Engagement committee.
