The Directorate of Airspace Policy (DAP), a Group within the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), sits alongside the groups responsible for Safety Regulation, Economic Regulation and Consumer Protection.  The Directorate is staffed by civilian and military experts with experience of commercial, business, recreational and military aviation.

The Government requires the Directorate of Airspace Policy to secure the most efficient use of airspace consistent with the safe operation of aircraft and the expeditious flow of air traffic whilst taking into consideration the requirements of operations and owners of all classes of aircraft.  Additionally environmental implications and national security issues must be considered.  The Directorate is also required to provide the UK Meteorological Authority and Regulation for Aeronautical Information.

DAP sustains the joint and integrated UK Civil and Military Air Traffic Service.  These joint arrangements are reviewed at the Joint Air Navigation Services Council (JANSC) and underpinned by a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the CAA and the MoD and through the NATS Licences.  The Director is responsible to the CAA Board and the Airspace Policy Committee (APC) provides oversight for the Directorate's activities.

The work of the Directorate includes the approval and establishment of controlled airspace; the formulation, monitoring and enforcement of standards, rules and regulations; the planning of off-route airspace arrangements; the allocation of finite related resources including radio frequencies and secondary radar codes; the co-ordination of unusual aerial activities; and the policy and planning for the provision of meteorological services to UK civil aviation.  Furthermore, the Environmental Research & Consultancy Department (ERCD) is dedicated to providing services within the field of aviation and the environment.

The Directorate of Airspace Policy is also playing a significant role in the Airspace and Safety Initiative (ASI).  The ASI is a joint CAA, NATS, AOA, GA and MoD endeavour to investigate and tackle the major safety risks in UK airspace.  More information can be found at the ASI Website – www.airspacesafety.com

Details of the Sections within DAP and their responsibilities can be found via the DAP Structure link to the left.

General contact details are as follows:

Directorate of Airspace Policy

K6

CAA House

45-59 Kingsway

London

WC2B 6TE

General enquiries by phone / fax:

Tel: 020 7453 6560

Fax: 020 7453 6565

Contact details of other areas of the CAA