Herefordshire Aeroclub Industry News 19th January 2026
19th January 2026
Welcome to the Herefordshire Aeroclub Industry News Hub, your regular roundup of key news and updates from the UK General Aviation scene. This week, some news for N-registered aircraft owners, the first of the 2026 fly-outs from Shobdon. Read on to find out more…
Industry
Major Disruption for N-Registered Aircraft Owners
A significant number of UK-based General Aviation aircraft have been grounded this week following a directive from the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). On January 13, the FAA ordered the immediate grounding of approximately 801 N-registered aircraft held in trust by Southern Aircraft Consultancy Inc (SACI), declaring their Certificates of Registration invalid.
The FAA determined that SACI was not eligible to act as a US citizen trustee because its administration is based in the UK. This action has significant implications for aircraft owners, as the invalid registration may affect the validity of their insurance.
In a positive development, it was announced on January 15 that Valiair, a well-established US-based aircraft trustee, will be taking over ownership of SACI. The goal is to restore compliance and get the affected aircraft back in the air as soon as possible. However, aircraft remain grounded until the re-registration process is complete. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is enforcing the FAA's position within the UK. Owners of affected aircraft are advised to contact their insurers and seek independent legal advice. Read More
Government Appoints New Aviation Ambassadors
Ten new Aviation Ambassadors have been appointed by the Department for Transport to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. [4] Starting their roles on January 28, 2026, the ambassadors will engage with young people through school visits, workshops, and social media as part of the government's Generation Aviation programme.
The group includes notable figures such as Ross Priday, a former Chief Engineer for the Red Arrows, and Lauren Turner, the Operations Director at East Midlands Airport. The initiative aims to promote the wide range of careers available in aviation and encourage recruitment from diverse backgrounds, helping to secure the future of the UK's aviation workforce. Read more
Regulation & Safety
CAA Seeks Feedback on New Fly-in Safety Guidance
The CAA has launched a consultation on new safety guidance for GA events. The proposed publication, CAP1988, will provide non-statutory safety guidance for organisers and participating pilots of fly-ins, air rallies, air races, and charity events.
The consultation period runs from January 12 to February 16, 2026, with the new CAP planned for publication in April 2026. This guidance is intended for events conducted under the normal rules of the air and will replace guidance that was previously part of CAP403 (Flying Displays and Special Events). The CAA developed the draft with a GA working group and is now seeking wider community feedback to ensure the guidance is clear and reflects current best practices. Read more
LAA Upholds Expulsion
The Light Aircraft Association has confirmed that the expulsion of former LAA inspector Colin Hales has been upheld following an appeal hearing. Read more
US Moves to Unleaded Avgas
Although not a direct UK GA news story - it’s important to keep an eye on what is happening around us. The FAA has released a draft transition plan to move to unleaded avgas by the end of 2030. While this is a US initiative, it will have an impact on UK pilots flying in the US or operating N-registered aircraft and may influence future UK policy. Read more
Official Airspace and Regulation Updates
NATS published several new updates, including the Aeronautical Information Circular M 001/2026. This circular announces temporary airspace restrictions that will affect Gloucestershire.
The restriction relates to the Fire Service College at Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, where special Restriction of Flying Regulations will be in force between February 23rd and 27th, 2026. Pilots should be aware of these restrictions when flying in that part of the West Midlands area.
Air Accident Investigation Branch report for January
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch, or AAIB, published its monthly bulletin for January 2026 on January 8th. This bulletin includes details about completed investigations, and one report, in particular, focuses on an incident that occurred close to the West Midlands region at Gloucestershire Airport.
The report covers a Cozy Mk IV aircraft, registration G-BYLZ, which experienced a loss of engine power on its final approach to Runway 09 at Gloucestershire Airport on March 18, 2025. The aircraft landed short of the runway and hit the ILS antenna. Investigators determined the loss of power was caused by a plastic air induction elbow, which was attached to the engine, softening and collapsing during the approach. Following this accident, the Light Aircraft Association, or LAA, plans to take two safety actions concerning the use of 3D printed parts on aircraft.
The January bulletin also included correspondence investigations for other general aviation accidents. These included a Jodel D120 incident in Essex in September 2024 involving a loss of control after a reported engine failure, and a balloon (Cameron Z-275) accident in Essex in April 2025 where it struck power lines during landing. Read more
Technology Updates
SkyDemon releases version 4.2.3
The popular electronic flight bag SkyDemon released Version 4.2.3 on January 13, 2026. This update adds a useful feature: a 'Translate' button for Pilot Notes, allowing you to instantly translate notes into your preferred language on iOS, Android, and PC devices. Furthermore, SkyDemon has improved obstruction information displayed in mountainous regions. Read more
Community & Opportunities
Red Arrows Appoint First Female OC
In a historic move, Wing Commander Sasha Nash has been appointed as the Officer Commanding of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. She is the first woman to lead the world-renowned display team. Read more
Helping Dreams Flying Scholarships
The charity Helping Dreams Take Flight has launched its 2026 flying scholarships for disabled people. The scholarships offer 5 hours of powered flight training. Read more
Shobdon Flyouts for February announced
The Herefordshire Aeroclub (HAC) Membership Engagement Committee - based at Shobdon - have announced the first fly-outs of 2026.
“Fly-outs are an important way for club members of UK aeroclubs to continue to experience the joys of flying, maintain motivation for flying and bringing business to other airfields between more formally organised events. ”
Here are the fly-out dates:
Thurs Feb 5th - Meet at Shobdon at 16:30 for a briefing, followed by a sunset flight to Sleap, with dinner at the Sleap Cafe. Find out more here.
Sat Feb 28th - Want to enjoy one of the best pilot breakfasts in the country? The club are heading to Turweston Aerodrome in Buckinghamshire. Find out more here.
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.
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.
If you have aviation news you would like to share, or you would like your aircraft featured on the Industry News header, please email us at events@shobdonairfield.co.uk
