The Civil Aviation Authority

The CAA is the UK's specialist aviation regulator. Through its skills and expertise it is recognised as a world leader in its field.

Specific Responsibilities

• Air Safety
• Economic Regulation
• Airspace Regulation
• Consumer Protection
• Environmental Research & Consultancy

In Addition

• Ensures that UK civil aviation standards are set and achieved (SRG)
• Regulates airlines, airports and National Air Traffic Services economic activities and encourages a diverse and competitive industry (ERG)
• Manages the UK’s principal travel protection scheme, the Air Travel Organisers' Licensing (ATOL) scheme, licenses UK airlines and manages consumer issues (CPG)
• Brings civil and military interests together to ensure that the airspace needs of all users are met as equitably as possible (DAP).

The CAA's mission is to provide best practice regulation and expert advice that are independent and enable civil aviation to best meet the needs of its users and society in a safe and sustainable manner.

The CAA values are:

• Performance: The regulation and advice we provide must meet the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
• People: We believe in maintaining and developing excellence in our people as they are the source of our reputation and success.
• Value for Money: We must deliver value for money and continually review our activities to ensure that we operate in a cost-effective way.

In addition, the CAA advises the Government on aviation issues, represents consumer interests, conducts economic and scientific research, produces statistical data and provides specialist services. The UK Government requires that the CAA’s costs are met entirely from its charges on those whom it regulates.  Unlike many countries, including the other JAA member states, there is no direct Government funding of the CAA’s work.