I think there truly is a mood for change.
This must come right from the top, because - to be frank - most of the CAA staff are the same people who were there last year, and the year before, and the year before.
And, gosh, this is a supertanker of an organisation: inherently resistant to change!
One example I found today:
Instead of ratings being valid for 13 months, or 25 months etc from the date of test/check they may now be valid from the end of the month for 13/25 months. A simple change that makes it easier to keep valid and also removes the question: my test was at 1pm on the 14th, so even though the date in my ratings page says 13th, shouldn't it be valid until at least midday on the 14th.
Keeps it simple for all of us.
Another example:
The CAA's CD of templates for RFS to change to ATOs.
Yes. We might think the CAA is a little behind the times in only getting online now. But it IS now doing it!
And I understand hundreds of forms are being cut down to just 30, or so. Well that's a challenge, and an achievement. Although how things were allowed to carry on in the past until we had 100s of forms is another matter!!