Safety Sense Leaflet 36: Autopilots and Electric Trim
1 November 2026
A practical week for UK general aviation, with safety guidance at the top of the list. The CAA’s new Safety Sense Leaflet 36 on autopilots and electric trim is the headline item, and it sits neatly alongside a call for information on future air traffic services rulemaking. There is also a recording now available from the NPPL webinar, useful if you are brushing up on licensing details before the darker months settle in. Beyond the regulator, the news pile includes fresh industry investment, zero-emission project backing, and a steady line-up of club events and fly-ins as the season rolls on. If you are heading out flying this week, it is a good moment to review your automation and trim checks, then brief any airspace or low-flying considerations before you go. A little extra planning now pays off when the days are shorter and the cockpit workload can creep up.
NEW: Safety Sense Leaflet on Autopilots and Electric Trim
The CAA has issued Skywise alert SW2026/437, published on Monday 26 October 2026, to announce a new Safety Sense Leaflet on autopilots and electric trim in GA aircraft. The leaflet focuses on safe use of these systems, including how to handle trim runaway events, and says such events have contributed to several fatal accidents. It also stresses system knowledge, correct operation, pilot familiarisation and occurrence reporting. For UK GA and VFR pilots, this is a straightforward safety reminder rather than a new rule, but it is one worth taking seriously if your aircraft has autopilot or electric trim. The practical takeaway is to refresh your understanding of the system before flight, make sure you can recognise and respond to a runaway trim event, and treat the leaflet as something to brief into club, training and type-specific checking where relevant.
View full update on SkywiseCall for Information on Future Air Traffic Services Rulemaking
The CAA says it has published an engagement response document following its earlier Call for Information on Future ATS Rulemaking. The notice says the report summarises stakeholder replies, sets out the CAA’s reflections, and explains how the feedback will feed into the next stages of the work. It was issued on Thursday 29 October 2026. For UK GA pilots, the immediate point is that this is a policy-development step rather than a direct operational change. The page does not spell out any new requirements yet, so the main thing to watch is how future air traffic services rulemaking could affect airspace use, ATC services, and day-to-day flying once the next stage is published.
View full update on SkywiseRecording now available: Webinar – National Private Pilot’s Licence (NPPL) – Requirements and guidance
The CAA has posted a recording of its 15 October 2026 webinar on the National Private Pilot’s Licence, alongside the publication of CAP3181 on NPPL licensing, associated ratings and the IMC Rating. The alert says the recording is now available for anyone who could not attend or who wants to review the session, and gives a contact email for further NPPL questions. For UK GA and VFR pilots, the immediate point is simply that the CAA is signposting current NPPL guidance in one place, so this is worth a look if you fly on an NPPL or instruct/club around it. The page does not spell out any new rule change or deadline, so the practical takeaway is to watch the CAP and webinar material for the exact requirements rather than assuming anything has changed.
View full update on SkywiseBefore your next flight, refresh your autopilot and electric trim checks from the new CAA leaflet, then make one deliberate practice run-through of the failure drill and manual trim technique.
Robinson’s R44 II has been a familiar sight in UK and worldwide general aviation for years, and AAIB anniversary notices are a reminder of how much safety learning comes from keeping good records.
In the circuit
Safety Sense Leaflet 36: Autopilots and Electric Trim
The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published Safety Sense Leaflet 36, version 1 dated 26 October 2026, on autopilots and electric trim in general aviation aircraft. The leaflet highlights safe use of these systems, including how to manage trim runaway events, and says they have been linked to several fatal accidents. It stresses system knowledge, correct operation, pilot familiarisation, and occurrence reporting. For UK GA and VFR pilots, the clear takeaway is that autopilot and electric trim use is now getting fresh CAA attention, with the leaflet intended to improve understanding of normal operation and what to do if a system misbehaves. If your flying involves an autopilot or electric trim — especially in club, training, permit, or touring aircraft — this is one to read and brief out, and to watch for any further CAA follow-up on training, checking, or reporting expectations.
Boeing forecasts demand for 674,000 new pilots by 2045
Boeing’s latest Pilot and Technician Outlook says the world’s airlines will need 674,000 new pilots over the next 20 years, covering 2026 to 2045, with Europe and the wider Eurasia region accounting for 153,000 of those. The piece says the forecast reflects long-term demand even though airline hiring has slowed after the post-pandemic boom, and it notes that Boeing expects retirements to be a major driver in Europe and North America, with fleet growth becoming more important later in the period. For UK GA and VFR pilots, the direct effect is limited because the article is specifically about commercial aviation and says it should not be confused with demand for pilots in general aviation, business aviation or military flying. The main thing to watch is the wider training pipeline: the report highlights cadet schemes, scholarships, financing and new training methods, which may matter for anyone considering an airline career or following how flying schools and instructor capacity are being stretched.
Anniversary Statement: Robinson R44 II, G-CFNF
The AAIB has published an anniversary statement on the Robinson R44 II, G-CFNF, recalling the fatal accident near Bentley, South Yorkshire, on 30 October 2025. The page says the pilot entered autorotation after hearing a loud bang and feeling a lateral vibration, and that during the landing the helicopter rolled over, resulting in one fatality; the investigation is now complete and the final report will follow in due course. For UK GA and VFR pilots, the immediate takeaway is the reminder to treat abnormal noise and vibration as a serious in-flight emergency and to stay alert for how quickly a landing can deteriorate after an autorotation or forced landing. There is no wider operational change stated on the page, so the thing to watch for is the forthcoming final report, which may contain safety lessons relevant to helicopter handling, emergency training, and decision-making.
Govt backs seven zero-emission projects
The Department for Transport has backed seven UK zero-emission aviation projects, with electric aircraft tests planned across the Scottish Highlands and Islands and funding also going into hydrogen flight, airport charging infrastructure and refuelling. One headline project, led by Bristow Helicopters, will run demonstration flights with the Beta Technologies Alia CX300 from a hub at Inverness Airport, while other work will examine hydrogen-powered regional flights, mobile liquid-hydrogen refuelling and high-power charging systems at airports. For UK GA and VFR pilots, the immediate interest is not day-to-day flying rules but where the future of regional aviation infrastructure may be heading: charging, refuelling, pilot qualifications and regulatory approval are all being studied. That means it is worth watching how these trials develop around Scottish routes and airports, because they could influence future access, training, and the practical rollout of lower-emission aircraft at GA-friendly airfields.
Military low flying: MOD sponsored air exercises
The Ministry of Defence’s military low-flying page was updated on 28 October 2026 and now points to the current or planned exercise list for 2 to 6 November 2026, alongside the previous week’s 26 to 30 October 2026 list. The page says these are MOD-sponsored low-flying exercises within the UK low-flying system, involving fast jets, rotary and transport aircraft. For UK GA and VFR pilots, the practical point is straightforward: this is a reminder to stay alert for military low-flying activity when planning routes, especially near low flying areas. The page links to the MOD’s low-flying information, including LFAs and local military flying activity, so it is worth checking those resources before a flight if your trip cuts through busier low-level airspace.
Government and Rolls-Royce agree £2.5bn to build jet engines in the UK and create tens of thousands of jobs
The UK Government and Rolls-Royce have agreed a £2.5 billion, 10-year programme to support next-generation jet engines, with the deal announced on 28 October 2026 and published on 1 November 2026. The page says the arrangement could support 3,300 existing jobs by the end of 2029 and create tens of thousands more over the longer term, while helping develop cleaner and more efficient engines for passenger and military aircraft. For UK GA pilots, the direct flying impact is not spelled out, but the most relevant angle is the wider aerospace and skills base: the government says the work will involve engineering, research and manufacturing, and that suppliers across the UK should benefit. That means the story is mainly one to watch for any knock-on effects on training, maintenance, apprenticeships, and the health of the broader UK aerospace supply chain rather than immediate changes to airspace or access.
On the calendar
1 November 2026
The Adventure of Flight, Royal Geological Society
On 1 November 2026, The Flying Reporter is hosting An Afternoon Adventure of Flight at the Royal Geographical Society in London, with proceeds supporting Aerobility. The line-up includes John McFall, John Romain MBE and Jon Hunt, offering stories from stunt flying, the North Atlantic and a remarkable journey back from injury into aviation. For UK GA pilots and enthusiasts, it looks like a cracking chance to hear first-hand how high-end flying, planning and resilience come together in real-world aviation.
5 November 2026
Fireworks Night Fly-in, Sleap Airfield
On 5 November 2026, Shropshire Aero Club’s annual Fireworks Nights fly-in takes over Sleap Airfield in Shrewsbury for members and visiting pilots. The event runs from 08:30 to 16:30 and promises food stalls, children’s games, a licensed bar, fires to keep everyone warm, and a big fireworks display. It’s a lively autumn reason to head for Sleap, with fly-in access and an airfield atmosphere that should appeal strongly to UK GA pilots and enthusiasts.
6 November 2026
RAeS Light Aircraft Design Conference, London
On 6 November 2026, the Royal Aeronautical Society hosts the RAeS Light Aircraft Design Conference in London, with both in-person and online attendance options. It is aimed at the General Aviation community and brings together technical briefings, design competition updates, and project presentations covering the latest light aircraft technology. For UK GA pilots and enthusiasts, it is a rare chance to hear where light-aircraft design, airworthiness, and future concepts are heading, and to see the next round of competition winners announced.
7 November 2026
Fireworks & Night Taxy Runs, Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre
On 7 November 2026, Lincolnshire Aviation Heritage Centre at East Kirkby is staging its Fireworks & Night Taxy Runs, combining one of the county’s biggest firework displays with day-and-night taxy runs from Avro Lancaster NX611 and DH Mosquito HJ711. The centre says the ticket covers access to the museum and spectator areas, with a packed programme of lectures, cockpit viewings, a pyrotechnic flying display and the evening fireworks. It should be a standout outing for UK GA and warbird enthusiasts who want rare close-up aircraft activity in a historic setting, and the organiser advises booking early because tickets are limited.
8 November 2026
Remembrance Day, Breighton Airfield
On 8 November 2026, Breighton Airfield will mark Remembrance Day with a service at its memorial on the former RAF Breighton site, where the club honours those who served and those who did not return. The airfield says it welcomes flying visitors year-round, so this is a poignant stop for UK GA pilots and enthusiasts who want to combine a reflective ceremony with a visit to a historic wartime airfield.
15 November 2026
Aircraft Enthusiasts' Fair & Model Show, Army Flying Museum
On Sunday 15 November 2026, the Army Flying Museum at Middle Wallop is running its Aircraft Enthusiasts' Fair & Model Show from 10am to 3pm. Visitors can browse and buy, sell or exchange aviation and modelling items including books, photographs, magazines, models and accessories, and Models for Heroes will host a hands-on model-making session. It’s a smart day out for UK GA pilots and enthusiasts because admission includes museum entry at a special event rate, with proceeds supporting the museum’s work preserving British Army aviation history.
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