CAA appoints Mike Barnard as new GA programme manager

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) today announced that Mike Barnard has been appointed as General Aviation (GA) Programme Manager. Mike’s main role will be leading a programme to develop and implement policy on how the CAA regulates the GA sector in the future to ensure it is safe and the regulation is proportionate.

Building on the CAA’s 2012 review on the future regulation of GA, and the European Aviation Safety Agency’s GA strategy review, Mike will be helping to define the sector’s future regulatory oversight. The work will cover both EASA regulated and national Annex II areas.

Mike has extensive experience of GA, being a Director of the Light Aircraft Association and the General Aviation Safety Council and a qualified private pilot since 1994. He also brings extensive management experience to the role from his career in the automotive industry.

Commenting on the appointment Andrew Haines, CAA Chief Executive, said: “GA is an extremely important sector of UK civil aviation and Mike’s appointment is part of our commitment to work more closely with GA to ensure that our oversight is both appropriate and helping improve safety. Mike is obviously passionate about GA and this enthusiasm, coupled with his industry background, will help to ensure the success of the programme.”

Mike Barnard said: “I’m looking forward to starting work on what will undoubtedly be an exciting role at a pivotal period for GA. Bringing all the parties involved together, and working in both a European and national regulatory system to ensure the regulation of GA is both proportionate and increases safety levels, will be both rewarding and challenging.”