CAA 50 years old

The UK’s Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) celebrated its 50th anniversary on 1 April.

It was created from the previous ARB (Air Registration Board) in association with the then Board of Trade.

In 1975, a significant milestone came when Concorde gained its Certificate of Airworthiness from the CAA, bringing in the era of supersonic travel.

Sir Stephen Hillier, Chair of the UK CAA, said: “It's been an incredible 50 years for the Civil Aviation Authority, and indeed for the whole aerospace industry. I'm proud that the organisation has been able to sustain its position at the forefront of aviation and aerospace regulation for this extraordinary half-century, promoting safety, enjoying the trust and confidence of those that we regulate, and ensuring that we deliver the best possible outcomes for consumers and the industry.

“Aerospace has always been at the leading edge of technology, and I know that it will continue to be throughout the next 50 years.  As the UK’s aviation and space regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority is proud and excited to play its part in enabling and securing that future".

Air safety has been its paramount focus over the last 50 years but for the public the creation of the Air Travel Organiser's Licence (ATOL) scheme after the collapse of Clarksons, then a major tour operator, would bring the work of the CAA to the fore.

www.caa.co.uk

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Barry Humphreys, United Kingdom

The CAA might have incorporated the former Air Registration Board, but it is not correct to say that it was 'created from' it. The new CAA also incorporated the Air Transport Licensing Board and of course NATS, which accounted for some 90% of the new organisation. The CAA also took on some responsibilities previously performed by government departments, especially the DTI.