UK CAA CAP...
 

Curious. What are these CAPs used for, like CAP 562? Are these more like FAA Advisory Circulars which are optional, or closer to FAA Orders which define FAA policy? Is there any site which explains these documents?

Thanks.
W1

CAP stands for Civil Aviation Publication and many are, as you say, similar to FAA AC's. CAPs are just the registration system for issuing advisory notices, explanatory notices. information from studies, etc.
However, British Civil Aviation Regulations (BCARs) are also CAPS and similar to EASA regulations but only pertaining to British aircraft and organisations not covered by EASA regulations i.e. State aircraft (including Coastguard and Police Units) unsupported aircraft types such as Westland-Bell 47 helicopters and Supermarine Spitfires, etc. again, on the British register.
Some other countries also base their airworthiness regulations on the British CAA's BCARs and CAPs.

I suggest that you browse the CAA publications (caa.co.uk/publications)

Thanks.
W1

Here are the Publication Categories - Very good infos are there!
Please Select the category of publication in which you are interested

• Aerodrome
• Air Traffic Services
• Air Transport Policy
• Aircraft Maintenance
• Airport Security
• Airspace
• Aviation Legislation
• Aviation Safety
• Aviation Statistics
• CAA Forms
• CAA Location Maps
• Consumer Protection
• Corporate Reports
• Design and Production
• Economic Regulation and Policy
• Engineer Licensing
• Environment
• Flight Crew Licensing
• Flight Operations
• General Aviation
• Ground Handling
• Human Factors
• Information Notices
• Official Record Series
• Research
• Safety Critical Information
• Safety Notices

Appreciate the links.
W1