Aviation Anthology Vol 1 2026 - Digital Version - Flipbook - Page 32
O the publication by the CAA of guidance relating
specifically to the oversight of competition
ballooning (Safety Recommendation 2024-012).
The coroner’s prevention of future deaths report
HM Senior Coroner for Worcestershire issued a
Prevention of Future Deaths (‘PFD’) report in August
2024 requiring response from the CAA. Under the
Coroners and Justice Act 2009, coroners are under a
statutory duty to issue such a report where they consider
that action should be taken to prevent future deaths
and that an identified party has the power to take such
action. The coroner identified issues extending beyond
the immediate circumstances of the accident, including:
(i) the absence of comprehensive CAA oversight of
amateur-built balloon design and testing; and (ii)
insufficient clarity regarding the control and supervision
of competition ballooning activities in the UK.
From recommendation to regulation: industry
collaboration
The CAA’s response to both the AAIB’s Safety
Recommendation 2024-012 and the coroner’s PFD
report illustrates a measured and proportionate
approach. Rather than introducing prescriptive rules,
the CAA elected to develop targeted, non-statutory
guidance informed by consultation and industry
engagement. A draft of CAP 1739 Safety Guidance
for Balloon Events and Competitions was issued
for stakeholder consultation in early 2026, with the
consultation running from 12 January 2026 to 13
February 2026. The CAA guided that “… it is vital
that the document reflected relevant practices in the
Ballooning community so that these events continue
to flourish with proportionate, clear and unambiguous
guidance.”[5]
safety officers, and pilots, emphasising the need for clear
lines of authority and accountability in relation to safetycritical decisions.[7]
Response to unsafe flight condition risks: CAP 1739
addresses risks associated with unsafe flight conditions,
including specific reference to parachute stall. The
emphasis is in terms of pilot responsibility to consider
and mitigate risk through appreciation of operational
limits and situational awareness during flight.[8]
Competition flying: CAP 1739 introduces dedicated
guidance addressing competition ballooning. Following
consultation, this material is set out in a discrete
appendix (Appendix B) in order to provide clarity and
focus on competition-specific considerations.
Conclusion: implications for aviation insurers and
claims practitioners
CAP 1739 reflects a significant development in how
risk within balloon operations, specifically in event and
competition contexts, is set out and understood.
From a claims perspective, CAP 1739 is likely to assume
a central evidential role in the aftermath of balloon event
incidents or accidents. Where liability is contested, the
extent to which pilots, organisers and other stakeholders
have adhered to the guidance and best practices set
out in the CAP will be highly material. Questions of
reasonable care, foreseeability and the adequacy of risk
management are likely to be framed by reference to its
provisions.
CAP 1739 also underscores that aviation safety
is never a ‘job done’, while evidencing the CAA’s
considered and proactive engagement with AAIB
safety recommendations, the coroner’s Prevention of
Future Deaths reports regime and the UK ballooning
community.
CAP 1739: scope and content
CAP 1739 was issued in April 2026 (Version 1). It builds
on CAA guidance set out in a separate CAP document,
CAP403 Flying Displays and Special Events, but with
additional guidance focused on competition balloon
flying.
[1] Civil Aviation Authority, CAP 1739: Safety Guidance for Balloon Events
and Competitions (CAA, 2026).
[2] The AAIB Annual Safety Review 2025.
[3] The AAIB Annual Safety Review 2024.
[4] AAIB Bulletin – Field Investigation (DB-6R), GCMFS 07-24.
CAP 1739 recognises that balloon events “involving the
coordinated launch of multiple balloons and involving
hundreds of public spectators…carry risks that could
be mitigated through clearer guidance.”[6] CAP1739
responds by providing guidance for participating pilots,
event organisers, and competition directors and officials
in relation to balloon-only events, including tethered or
static displays, competitions and both private and public
flying events. Its principal features include the following :
[5] CAA Safety Guidance for Balloon Events and Competitions :
Feedback updated 30 April 2026.
[6] CAP 1739 at Chapter 1, 1.12.
[7] Ibid at Chapter 2.
[8] Ibid at Chapter 2, 2.75 to 2.82.
Clarification of roles and responsibilities: The
Ombersley accident highlighted the absence of a
clearly defined governance structure within balloon
competition environments. CAP 1739 responds directly
to that deficiency. CAP 1739 defines the respective roles
and responsibilities of event organisers, flight directors,
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DAC Beachcroft
Aviation Anthology 2026 - Volume I
