AAIB Ongar inquiry, CAA consultations and UK GA events
5 July 2026
A busy week for UK general aviation, with safety, regulation and social flying all in view. The AAIB’s deployment to Ongar, Essex, and its latest bulletin will be closely followed, while the CAA has put out several useful Skywise notices that will matter to owners, operators and airfield teams alike. There is also plenty on the calendar as the summer flying season gathers pace: club evenings, fly-ins and the run-up to Farnborough all offer good reasons to keep an eye on the diary. As ever, a little forward planning will make the week smoother on the ground and in the air.
Amateur Built Hot-Air Balloons. The CAA’s Skywise alert SW2026/243, issued on Monday 29 June 2026, says Safety Directive SD2021-004 has been updated to Revision 2 with revised direction on Non-Part 21 amateur-built balloon and airship operating limits. The notice also points readers to a new guidance page for amateur builders on the safe construction and operation of balloons. Skywise says the guidance is aimed at home builders who complete at least 51% of the construction, setting out how they can safely design and operate balloons outside the formal certification framework.
Before you head out, check the latest airfield notes and NOTAMs, then confirm diversion options and fuel availability at your destination. If you operate from a certified or licensed aerodrome, the CAA’s new diversion consultation is worth a careful read.
The UK’s first licensed aerodrome was Hendon, granted its licence in 1929, helping to shape the airfield system GA still uses today.
In the circuit
The AAIB has deployed a team to Ongar, Essex
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch says it has deployed a team to Ongar, Essex after an accident involving a light aircraft was notified on 30 June 2026. The page says an investigation has been launched and inspectors are on their way to the accident site.
AAIB current field investigations
AAIB’s current field investigations page was updated on 30 June 2026 and remains the Branch’s running list of accidents and incidents currently under investigation, set out by date with a brief description and status. For pilots and enthusiasts, it is the place to keep an eye on if you want a plain, official snapshot of what AAIB is actively looking into right now. The page itself does not give the individual case details here; it simply confirms that ongoing field investigations are being maintained and refreshed as new information comes in. That makes it a useful reference point for anyone following UK general aviation safety work week by week.
AAIB Bulletin 6/2026
AAIB Bulletin 6/2026 is a fairly quiet issue for general aviation: the contents list no general aviation fixed-wing, rotorcraft, sport aviation or unmanned aircraft reports in the main bulletin. The headline item is a serious incident involving a Leonardo AW139, G-CIMU, where a tail-rotor duplex bearing was found badly damaged during a post-flight maintenance inspection at Norwich Airport; the AAIB says that, had the helicopter continued flying, a loss of tail-rotor control was likely. The report notes that the bearing is considered a critical part and that three safety recommendations have been made after the investigation. In plain terms, it is a reminder that seemingly routine maintenance findings can uncover a serious hidden defect, and that tail-rotor control integrity remains a key area of attention on this helicopter family.
An Evening with Ian Seager, London Flying Club
London Flying Club’s next event is an evening with Ian Seager, held downstairs at The Albany on Great Portland Street in London on 2 July 2026. The listing says the event runs from 18:00 to 22:00, the talk begins at 19:00, and no prior permission is required. The page describes Seager as the owner of FLYER magazine and a well-known figure in the UK GA scene, with a wide background in aviation media and experience on many different aircraft types. It also notes that the event is free, though registration is required.
Open Weekend & Fly-in, Cotswold Airport
Cotswold Airport is listing an Open Weekend & Fly-in for 4–5 July 2026 at its Cirencester base, with PPR required and contact through the airport on 01285 771177. The event page also points readers to the airport’s event website and ticketing information. For pilots planning a summer visit, the key detail is simply that this is a booked-in fly-in weekend rather than a casual drop-in, so prior permission is required before setting out.
AOPA Netherlands & Germany Fly-in
AOPA Netherlands and AOPA Germany are due to host a joint fly-in on 4 July at Stadtlohn-Vreden, right on the Dutch-German border. FLYER describes it as a low-threshold gathering intended to bring pilots from both countries together and to strengthen cross-border cooperation within the European GA community. For UK general aviation readers, the appeal is simple: this is a friendly, practical meet-up rather than a grand showpiece, and it sits neatly in the summer calendar for anyone looking to stretch their wings across the Channel. As ever with event flying, organisers’ details should be checked before setting out.
On the calendar
10 July 2026
SleapKosh 2026
SleapKosh 2026 runs from 2026-07-10 to 2026-07-12 at Sleap Airfield, hosted by Shropshire Aero Club. It’s a fly-in weekend for visiting aircraft, SAC members and their guests, with advance PPR required, camping under the wing, trade stalls, live music and a big airshow programme. For UK GA pilots, the draw is the chance to join one of the country’s liveliest pilot gatherings, with aircraft parking, social flying and a packed event atmosphere all in one place.
17 July 2026
Runway25 Summer Fly-In 2026
Runway25 Summer Fly-In 2026 runs from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July 2026 at Wolverhampton Halfpenny Green Airport. Runway25 says it is putting on the fly-in with the airport to fill the gap left by RIAT’s cancellation, aimed at aircraft enthusiasts, traders and aircraft operators, with free entry but ticketed numbers control. For UK GA pilots, the draw is an organised summer gathering with aircraft booking information, and Halfpenny Green has also said rotors-running refuelling will be available.
19 July 2026
Best of British Day, Breighton Airfield
On Sunday 19 July 2026, Breighton Airfield hosts its Best of British Day, celebrating British engineering, style and heritage both on the ground and in the air. The Real Aeroplane Club says exhibitors such as classic car groups are welcome, making it a relaxed, mixed-aviation day out with plenty to interest pilots, owners and enthusiasts alike. It should be a lively chance to enjoy Breighton’s flying atmosphere alongside British-themed displays and visiting aircraft.
20 July 2026
Farnborough International Airshow 2026
20–24 July 2026 at Farnborough International, Etps Road, Farnborough, the Farnborough International Airshow returns as a major showcase for the global aerospace, defence and space industry. The organiser says trade registration is live, public tickets are available, and the show includes a Pioneers of Tomorrow public/careers day, making it a strong date for UK GA pilots and enthusiasts who want to see aircraft, displays and the wider aviation pipeline up close.
25 July 2026
Europa UK Fly-in, Carlisle Lake District Airport
On Saturday 25 July 2026, Carlisle Lake District Airport hosts the Europa Club UK Fly-In for Europa Club members and visiting pilots. Arrivals start from 10:00 BST, with a pilot briefing for the optional fly-out at 15:00, and the day includes a visit to the Solway Aviation Museum, the Pooleys mobile sales van, and a Europa Club Q&A. It’s a handy summer gathering for UK GA pilots who enjoy type-specific flying, an airfield visit, and a scenic fly-out, with discounted landing and fuel-based free-landing options also on offer.