The first appointment has been made to an independent aviation panel designed to strengthen transparency around decision-making and regulatory processes at the Civil Aviation Authority.
Traffic Commissioner for West Midlands Nick Denton has been selected by ministers following a “diligent recruitment process” run by the Department for Transport.
He brings expertise in investigative processes and procedures following many years working as a Traffic Commissioner and in the civil service, the DfT added.
The panel, described as being is fully impartial of the CAA, will be available to review eligible decisions made by the aviation regulator taken from May 2.
It will be open to individuals whose cases meet a certain threshold if they remain unsatisfied following a new CAA internal review process.
The panel will consider whether the CAA correctly followed its processes and procedures in arriving at a decision. It will have the power to remit the case back to the authority where it investigates and considers the CAA has not done this.
In the exceptional event that the CAA chooses not to reconsider a case in light of a recommendation to do so from the panel, it will need to explain its rationale to the complainant, the panel and the aviation minister.
However, the CAA will remain the ultimate decision-maker in safety-related decisions.
Aviation minister Robert Courts said: “The UK aviation sector is world-leading, in part because of our high standards in training and regulation. We want everyone to feel fairly treated, which is why it is so important to have this panel.
“Under Nick’s leadership as the independent reviewer, we will continue to have a thriving independent aviation sector.”
CAA chairman Sir Stephen Hillier said: “The CAA warmly welcomes Nick Denton to his new role as the independent reviewer of how the CAA has made decisions that affect individuals.
“As the UK’s independent aviation safety regulator, we always strive to make decisions properly and with safety interests to the fore. This additional layer of review will add more transparency to our processes for making those decisions, help ensure that we continually improve the quality of our service and build further trust between the CAA and those that we license.”
Denton added: “I’m very pleased to be appointed to the panel and to offer my expertise in reviewing cases with a fair, proportionate and independent eye, as I have done up to now in my Traffic Commissioner role.
“Decision-making processes must be understandable and transparent to those whom they affect and people need to be confident that they have received fair treatment. I will do my utmost to ensure that the panel achieves these outcomes.”
More information about the panel, including its terms of reference, will be made available on GOV.UK and the CAA website in May.