CHIRP Aviation

09/06/2026

When passengers use vacant crew jump seats, safety and security must remain the priority.

From Cabin Crew FEEDBACK 90:

Cabin crew are trained and positioned to support evacuation, manage exits and maintain crowd control. Any passenger seated at or near an emergency exit must be suitable, properly briefed and able to assist without distracting crew or impeding emergency procedures.

The use of vacant crew seats should be clearly covered in operator procedures, and any concern about a passenger’s suitability, staff-travel misuse or security risk should be reported immediately through the appropriate safety or reporting channels.

A legal practice still needs careful judgement. Safety depends on the right people being in the right seats when it matters most.

https://chirp.co.uk/newsletter/human-factors-and-the-reality-of-operations/

Cabin Crew FEEDBACK CCFB 90 May 2026 Human Factors and the Reality of Operations Fatigue continues to be one of the most frequently reported concerns to CHIRP and features throughout the reports in this edition. A number of the reports highlight its impact on cabin crew, with duties that remain with...

02/06/2026

Drone/UAS FEEDBACK 16: Automated flight programmes need extra planning

There are some common themes running through the reports in this issue, regarding Human Factors associated with automated flight plans. Whether it is for photography, mapping or anything else, if the settings are not appropriate for the task, a successful outcome is being left to chance!

READ MORE: https://chirp.co.uk/newsletter/automated-flight-programmes-need-extra-planning/

Drones/UAS FEEDBACK DUASFB 16 June 2026 Automated flight programmes need extra planning Welcome to Drone FEEDBACK Edition 16. With the reports in this issue, there is an element of commonality regarding Human Factors associated with automated flight plans. Whether it is for photography, mapping or a...

26/05/2026

CHIRP is looking for a new Chair to lead its Board of Trustees.

This is an important moment for the charity. With a new strategy in place, CHIRP is focused on breaking down barriers to reporting, building coalitions for system change, supporting better safety cultures, and engaging new and future generations.

We are looking for a collaborative, courageous and strategic Chair who can help guide the charity through its next stage of growth, sustainability and impact.

This is a voluntary, remote role, with expenses paid.

Closing date: 3 June 2026 at 16:00.

Find details and information on how to apply: https://www.charityjob.co.uk/volunteer-jobs/the-chirp-charitable-trust/chair-to-the-board-of-trustees/1067657

26/05/2026

CHIRP is pleased to introduce Richard Harrison as its new Director Aviation. This follows the departure of Nicky Smith at the end of 2025. Rich has joined the CHIRP Aviation team fresh from a full aviation career as a pilot in the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm. Rich commissioned in the Royal Navy in 1994 and over his military career has flown the T67M Firefly, Gazelle HT2 and Sea King Mk4 aircraft. He has also spent time off-duty gliding with the Royal Navy Gliding Club achieving solo standard. As a Sea King pilot he deployed to numerous operational theatres on land and at sea, accumulating 2500 flying hours and undertaking warfare-related instructional duties.

https://chirp.co.uk/news/chirp-appoint-new-aviation-director/

19/05/2026

Cabin Crew FEEDBACK 90: Human Factors and the Reality of Operations

Fatigue continues to be one of the most frequently reported concerns to CHIRP and features throughout the reports in this edition. A number of the reports highlight its impact on cabin crew, with duties that remain within regulatory limits still leaving crew feeling physically and mentally depleted. Long delays, disrupted rest, environmental factors and demanding passenger interactions all contribute to a level of fatigue that may not always be visible on paper, but is very real in the cabin.

READ MORE: https://chirp.co.uk/newsletter/human-factors-and-the-reality-of-operations/

Cabin Crew FEEDBACK CCFB 90 May 2026 Human Factors and the Reality of Operations Fatigue continues to be one of the most frequently reported concerns to CHIRP and features throughout the reports in this edition. A number of the reports highlight its impact on cabin crew, with duties that remain with...

11/05/2026

Discounts!

It's time for another reminder .... don't forget that through CHIRP Aviation you can get a 5% discount at Pooleys Flight Equipment Limited. Using the discount supports CHIRP's work so please share the link with anyone who might benefit and follow us for more updates.

Learn how to claim your discount: https://chirp.co.uk/newsletter/attention-under-pressure/

30/04/2026

Here, a report of great interest to CHIRP as it highlights the ever-present hazard in GA airspace of aircraft airprox events, such as the in circumstance described here by the paraglider pilot.

"I am a paraglider pilot. I was flying in good conditions and was trying to gain height above fields at the southern edge of [Location]. I was low and circling slowly in very weak lift. My net ground speed would have been approximately 10 km/h (I was circling slowly and drifting in an approx. 20 km/h wind). Visibility was excellent, with bright sunlight. My wing is bright blue with lime green and pink markings. My helmet is bright orange and my jacket bright blue. On one of my turns, I observed a white and blue single-engine aircraft directly in front of me and within a few seconds flight in terms of distance and heading. I was north of the light aircraft and would have been highly visible given light direction and colours ... "

READ MORE: https://chirp.co.uk/report/ga1402/

21/04/2026

CHIRP recently received two separate reports from reporters concerned that some PPL holders were conducting activities outside of those permitted by current regulations. The reports we received were not 'whistleblowing' reports but were aimed at obtaining clarification from CHIRP on the rules that applied in the specific cases reported on.

We consulted with the CAA GA unit and received guidance relating to the two situations outlined in the reports received. The guidance can be found at the link below.

https://chirp.co.uk/newsletter/airspace-an-emergent-issue-for-ga/

16/04/2026

Why, asks one report to CHIRP Aviation, is intentional jamming/spoofing of GPS permitted in certain circumstances?

This is a very topical question, as use of GPS is increasingly used for navigation by very many GA users. Our approach to reliance on GNSS in aviation has always been tempered by the fact that the signal in space remains vulnerable to interference such as jamming and spoofing.

Read more: https://chirp.co.uk/report/ga1409/

11/04/2026

Following our recent airporx post, we highlight this comprehensive report about a ‘’near miss’’ incident, where no accident or harm occurred. The reporter describes their attempt to discuss the issues with the relevant airfield users and stakeholders, demonstrating an exemplary approach to flight safety – that is, speaking up and resolving safety issues there and then in a respectful yet determined manner.

CHIRP hopes that by publicising this report others will learn from the situation described.

https://chirp.co.uk/report/ga1410/