The Air Navigation Order 2009

CAA’s power to prevent aircraft flying

232.—(1) If it appears to the CAA or an authorised person that any aircraft is intended or likely to be flown in any of the circumstances specified in paragraph (2), the CAA or that authorised person may direct in accordance with paragraph (3).

(2) The circumstances referred to in paragraph (1) are—

(a) where any provision of article 3, 10, 11, 12, 16, 42, 50, 98, 132, 133, 134, 139(2) or 152 would be contravened in relation to the flight;

(b) where the flight would be in contravention of any other provision of this Order, of any regulations made under this Order, of Part 21, 145 or M or of EU-OPS and be a cause of danger to any person or property whether or not in the aircraft; or

(c) where the aircraft is in a condition unfit for the flight, whether or not the flight would otherwise be in contravention of any provision of this Order, of any regulations made under this Order, of Part 21, 145 or M or of EU-OPS.

(3) If paragraph (1) applies the CAA or that authorised person may direct the operator or the commander of the aircraft not to permit the aircraft to make the particular flight or any other flight of such description as may be specified in the direction, until the direction has been revoked by the CAA or by an authorised person.

(4) If the CAA or an authorised person has directed under paragraph (3), the CAA or an authorised person may take such steps as are necessary to detain the aircraft.

(5) For the purposes of this article the CAA or any authorised person may enter and inspect any aircraft.