Operations Managers
Behind every Civil Air Support mission is an Operations Manager helping to turn a request for assistance into a safe, properly planned and supported flight.
Civil Air Support Operations Managers are experienced volunteers who coordinate our flying activities. They assess requests, identify appropriate crews and aircraft, provide operational support and ensure that each mission is properly authorised, monitored and reported.
Operations Managers do not replace the authority or judgement of the aircraft captain. Their role is to provide coordination, oversight and support while helping everyone involved maintain Civil Air Support’s operational and safety standards.
“The right people, the right aircraft and a clear plan.”
Our operational areas
Civil Air Support operates through eight geographical contact groups covering Scotland, England and Wales. Each area is supported by an Operations Manager who maintains awareness of the volunteer crews, aircraft and equipment available locally.
This local knowledge helps us respond efficiently, match each mission with suitable resources and coordinate with organisations operating in the area.
Our operational areas work as part of one national organisation. Crews, aircraft and specialist capabilities can be drawn from different areas whenever a mission requires them.
CAS operational areas
Eight local contact groups working together as one national organisation. Markers indicate approximate operational coverage and do not represent formal boundaries.
- 1. North Scotland
- 2. South Scotland
- 3. North England
- 4. Midlands & Wales
- 5. South West England
- 6. South East England 1
- 7. South East England 2
- 8. South East England 3
National Transport Group
Alongside our geographical areas, Civil Air Support has a UK-wide Transport Group comprising suitable volunteer pilots and aircraft.
The group supports missions involving the transport of people or essential items and can draw upon resources from across the country. Transport missions are coordinated through the same operational and safety procedures as our other flying activities.
Operational areas help us organise local knowledge and resources; they do not restrict where our volunteers can provide assistance. Civil Air Support works nationally, and missions may involve people and aircraft from several different areas.
How a mission works…
1. Request Received
A community organisation, agency, other eligible body or member of the public contacts Civil Air Support.
2. Initial assessment
The proposed operation is considered, including its purpose, conditions and the capabilities required.
3. Operation approved
A Civil Air Support Trustee is required to approve the operation before any activity begins.
4. Mission authorised
An Operations Manager develops the mission, assesses its suitability and identifies an appropriate crew and aircraft.
5. Mission supported
The crew is briefed and communications are established so that the mission can be monitored and supported.
6. Report completed
After landing, the crew reports the outcome in detail so that the activity can be recorded, reviewed and learned from.
What Operations Managers do…
Operations Managers answer our National Response Number (0800 1212 737). As all calls to Civil Air Support are connected directly with an experienced Duty Ops Manager, no time is wasted in support requests reaching the assessment stage.
Assess requests
Consider the task, location, conditions and required capabilities.
Match crews/aircraft
Identify suitable volunteers with appropriate experience, availability and aircraft.
Coordinate planning
Help arrange operational details, contacts, permissions and specialist support.
Brief the team
Make sure crews understand the purpose, scope and limitations of the mission.
Support the mission
Maintain appropriate communications and help respond to changes.
Complete the record
Ensure mission reports are issued, completed returned and properly recorded.
Safety comes first!
Civil Air Support is a voluntary support organisation, not an emergency service. Every proposed mission is considered carefully, and no flight proceeds unless the Operations Manager and aircraft captain are satisfied that it can be undertaken safely and within the experience and capabilities of the crew.
Could Civil Air Support help your organisation?
We welcome appropriate requests from community organisations, charities, public bodies and agencies. Our Operations team will discuss the requirement with you and determine whether Civil Air Support can provide suitable assistance.
How to engage us
Would you like more information about our capabilities and how we can deliver to your specific needs? If you wish to engage us, you can do so by telephone or email. You can also leave us a message by completing the form below.
Contact UsSend us a message
Civil Air Support is registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation in England & Wales (1211035) and Scotland (SC054794)