Royal Aeronautical Society Heathrow Branch October 2018 Lecture -
"The Work of the Aviation Safety Regulator"
by Troy Preston, Head of Future Safety, Civil Aviation Authority UK


ABSTRACT:
The UK has one of the world’s largest aviation industries. In 2016, UK airlines flew over 1.2 million flights carrying nearly 154 million passengers. And our airspace system handles around 2.4 million flights a year. On top of this is the nation’s extensive general aviation community that includes private flying, microlights and balloons. At the same time, we have an excellent aviation safety record.

It is important to recognise that the safety performance of large commercial aeroplanes varies across the world and the fact that the fatal accident rate for UK airlines is one of the lowest in Europe and the rest of the world. UK airspace and UK airlines are among the safest. Yet in 2014, the UK Civil Aviation Authority announced its intention to form a new approach to the safety regulation of the aviation industry - moving to a regime of 'performance based' oversight.

In this lecture, the Guest Speaker will explain why then has the UK CAA decided to overhaul its approach to aviation safety regulation? How are things changing and what does the future hold?


ABOUT THE SPEAKER:
Since July 2018, Troy has headed up the Future Safety Team responsible for the UK regulators’ safety strategy, policy, innovation and the provision of safety and business assurance to the Executive Team.

Troy is an experienced engineer who has 35 years’ working in the aviation Industry. During this time, he has worked in design and manufacturing, air traffic management and most recently in UK safety regulation.

Troy’s career highlights include; leading a major safety improvement programme for NATS, the project management of the Swanwick Air Traffic Control Centre programme (from inception to going live) and the co-management of the Heathrow Control Tower during the Terminal 5 opening.