Member

I will now address comments on this instrument made by the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee on how the CAA will use delegated powers. Following changes to the basic regulation of 2018, the CAA’s delegation powers could no longer be used by the CAA for aviation safety tasks. This instrument amends Articles 62 and 69 of the basic regulation in a way that reactivates the CAA’s power to delegate aviation safety tasks. The CAA intends to use these powers to delegate the training and examination of drone pilots, as well as the assessment of the drones’ flightworthiness, to qualified third parties. This is similar to the CAA’s approach to pilot training and airworthiness for fixed-wing and helicopter aircraft. By delegating these powers, the CAA will be able to support the sector to develop and grow new technologies more quickly, which will support growth and innovation. The CAA has set out stringent requirements for third parties to be qualified entities. Qualified entities will be subject to an audit regime to ensure continuing compliance with the CAA’s requirements.