CAA responds to AAIB recommendations after fatal accident
Students flying solo as part of their training should now prefix their aircraft callsign with ‘Student’ on initial contact with an Air Traffic Service Unit (ATSU).The move follows Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) recommendations over a fatal accident involving a student. The purpose of the ‘Student’ prefix is to enable all ATS personnel to take into consideration the limited ability of student pilots when issuing information and/or instructions.Although the prefix is primarily intended for use by ab initio students, it can also be used where, for example, the holder of a valid licence is returning to flying after a significant absence and is undergoing renewal training.