CAA SkyWise on Drones
RPAS Airspace Notifications – ACOMS now live
The way Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) users notify the UK CAA about airspace notifications has changed. From today, 28 May 2024, users will need to use the UK CAA’s new Airspace Co-ordination Obstacle Management Service (ACOMS) portal.
Please register on the CAA Customer Portal to then apply for the new ACOMS service.
Dated: May 2024
RPAS ACOMS Notifications – Two weeks to go
The way Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) users notify the UK CAA about airspace notifications is changing. From 28 May 2024, users will need to use the UK CAA’s new Airspace Co-ordination Obstacle Management Service (ACOMS) portal. You will need to register on the CAA Customer Portal to then apply for the new ACOMS service.
The new phase of the roll-out will allow drone users to submit requests directly to the regulator via a bespoke system for drone users that has been designed to provide simpler, fast, and more accurate processing.
Dated: May 2024
UAS Operations in UK Airspace – Specific Category UAS Modification Policy
The UK CAA has published UAS Operations in UK Airspace – Specific Category UAS Modification Policy (CAP722G).
CAP722G provides a definition and associated processes for a technical change to an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), which is described in Assimilated Regulation (EU) 2019/947 AMC1 UAS.SPEC.030(2).
Dated: May 2024
CAP 722 and CAP 722D Update
The CAA has published an update to CAP 722 (UAS Operations – Policy and Guidance) and CAP 722D (UAS Operations- Abbreviations and Master Glossary).
These updates contain minor amendments and clarifications.
Dated: April 2024
CAP 722H and CAP 2606 Update
The CAA has published an update to CAP 722H (Pre-defined Risk Assessment requirements, guidance and policy) and CAP 2606 (template Operations Manual to support PDRA-01).
CAP 722H has been updated following the launch of the PDRA digital online system, and CAP 2606 has been updated to clarify certain operational requirements.
Both of these documents can be found on our website:
• CAP 722H
• CAP 2606
Dated: April 2024
CAP 722H has been updated following the launch of the PDRA digital online system, and CAP 2606 has been updated to clarify certain operational requirements.
Both of these documents can be found on our website:
• CAP 722H
• CAP 2606
Adoption of EASA Special Condition Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft and Means of Compliance
Decision to adopt EASA Special Condition Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft and the Means of Compliance has been published in CAA Official Record Series 9 Decision No. 37.
The material is published in full on the CAA UK Regulations website
Dated: March 2024
BVLOS within Atypical Air Environments
Our latest drone podcast covers the UK CAA’s proposed policy on unlocking beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations using an ‘Atypical Air Environment’.
Hear how this could work in practice and how your views can help shape the final policy.
The episode is available now from the CAA Drone Safety series.
Dated: February 2024
SN–2023/005 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Geo-Awareness
We would like to alert drone operators that airspace restrictions shown in their device’s displays and apps may not accurately depict the current airspace in the UK.
Before flying, you must ensure that your flight will not take place within such a restriction, unless you have permission.
We strongly advise you not to rely on manufacturer’s inbuilt map software and apps, and instead use an alternative, which is based on the official source of airspace information.
You can find out more about the use of online maps and apps for flight planning on our airspace alerting apps webpage, and you can read our SN–2023/005 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Geo-Awareness on our website.
Dated: October 2023
Travelling through airports with your drone
Most airports, airfields and spaceports have a flight restriction zone (FRZ) that applies to drones and unmanned aircraft.
In our latest drone podcast, Tom Guest from the CAA RPAS team explains why these FRZs are in place and how they work.
We also cover guidance for passengers who are travelling with a drone and what to be aware of when you’re at the airport.
You’ll also hear from Gatwick Airport’s Stable Operations Lead, Aaron Bassett, who explains what happens when their systems detect a drone and the impact this can have on airport operations.
The podcast is available from the CAA Drone Safety series.
Dated: September 2023
RPAS DiSCO Stakeholder Working Group Applications Open
The Digitising Specific Category Operations (DiSCO) project will play a key role in enabling scalable Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) operations in the UK.
The project will deliver a globally standardised approach to RPAS risk assessment (SORA), an improved RPC framework, a flightworthiness scheme that allows operators to demonstrate the robustness of their RPAS through assessment by an external RAE-F. All combined in a new online tool that provides a streamlined, user-friendly process to support operators in applying and receiving operational authorisations.
We invite stakeholders to apply to join the DiSCO Stakeholder Working Group to facilitate engagement, consultation, and collaboration between the CAA and industry.
Dated: September 2023
Call for Input: Review of UK UAS Regulations
This Call for Input sets out our early thinking on the opportunities to improve regulation of UAS. It will allow stakeholders to influence policy whilst we are still developing our proposals.
Feedback will be used by CAA, in addition to other evidence and analysis, to inform a future consultation on the changes we propose to progress.
The opportunities described in this Call for Input cover opportunities to simplify the categorisations of operational requirements and to enable the adoption of product requirements.
You can give us your views by using the Online Response Form.
Feedback is required by 7th September 2023.
Call for Input: Review of UK UAS Regulations
Dated: August 2023
Updates to Specific Category Operations and PDRA01 Review
We have published a new edition of CAP722H ‘Specific Category Operations: Pre-defined Risk Assessment Requirements, Guidance & Policy’ covering Pre-defined Risk Assessment Requirements in the specific category and also announced a safety review of PDRA01.
More information is available on our website: News for remote pilots | Civil Aviation Authority
Dated: August 2023
1.CAP 2555 – Carriage of DG as Cargo for UAS/RPAS in the Specific Category
2.RPAS Operators With Approval to carry DG Manual Template
3.RPAS Operators Without Approval to carry DG Manual Template
We have issued new Guidance material for the carriage of dangerous goods in UAS/RPAS Operations (CAP2555).
Alongside this guidance we have published two Manual Templates on our website :
New Operations Manual Template for RPAS Operators with Approval to carry DG.
New Operations Manual Template for RPAS Operators without Approval to carry DG.
The Application for Approval to Transport Dangerous Goods by Air: Operators of UK Registered Aircraft also now include RPAS operators (SRG2807).
Dated: July 2023
Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material to UK Reg (EU) 2019/947
Please can we remind all RPAS Operational Authorisation applicants that as per the Skywise alert published on the 08/12/22, all documentation submitted in support of an application should be in accordance with the current AMC/GM.
Particular attention should be paid to CAP 722A and the requirements outlined within when drafting an Operational Safety Case Volume 1-3 and Appendix A.
Applications that are not submitted in this format will be placed on hold and passed back to the organisation to rectify. This will result in a delay to the processing time of an application and may have an impact on the issuing of an OA.
A renewal application can be submitted up to 90 days prior to the date of expiry.
Dated: April 2023
Restricted Airspace (Temporary) – HM Dockyard Portsmouth, 3 April 2023 to 31 December 2023 – DRONE ONLY
Restriction of Flying Regulations for drones only in HM Dockyard Portsmouth, 3 April 2023 – 31 December 2023 – Details by NOTAM and in a Briefing Sheet on the NATS website.
Dated: March 2023
Grounding of all Freefly Astro Aircraft
The CAA has decided to issue this Safety Directive (SD) following the publication of Service Bulletin (SB) SB-005 and SB-006 by Freefly.
SB-005 recommends the immediate grounding of all Freefly Astro aircraft due to an in-flight software failure causing a crash.
All operators should take the required mandatory action as described in this SD.
Dated: February 2023
Freefly Astro – Manufacturer service bulletin and suspension of flying
The UK CAA would like to draw the attention of all UAS Operators using the Freefly Astro system to the content of Service Bulletin Astro SB005 – Grounding of All Astro Aircraft – In-Flight Software Failure Investigation dated 8 February 2023. This can be found at Freeflys website.
All UAS Operators whose aircraft are affected by this Service Bulletin should follow manufacturer advice, immediately suspend all flight operations, and keep the aircraft grounded until further notice. Further safety communications from the UK CAA will follow as required.
Dated: February 2023
UAS Operations Policy and Guidance: CAP 722 update
Following feedback from our regulated community, we have updated CAP 722 to Edition 9 – Amendment 1, to address some inconsistencies and update hyperlinks following our recent website re-structure.
This latest edition of CAP 722 includes a description of the changes can in Annex A.
Dated: December 2022
New Acceptable Means of Compliance and Guidance Material (AMC/GM) to UK Reg (EU) 2019/947
We have published a decision introducing new Acceptable Means of Compliance (AMC) and Guidance Material (GM) for UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (ORS9 No 16), which is effective immediately. This provides a way of complying with regulatory requirements and can be found in the regulation library.
As a result, CAP 722, CAP 722A, CAP 722B, CAP 722C, CAP 722D and CAP 722E have been re-published, and CAP 722H (Pre-Defined Risk Assessments) has been newly published.
There have been significant changes to all these documents, in particular- CAP 722A, and UAS Operators and Remote Pilots are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the changes. UAS Operators and Recognised Assessment Entities are asked to start to implement these changes within their operations, before the end of January 2023.
Dated: December 2022
Open category class mark guidance
We have issued further guidance on the use of Class marked UAS in the Open Category, following the publication of the Statutory Instrument which amends UK Regulations (EU) 2019/945 and 2019/947. CAP 1789A and CAP 1789B (consolidated versions these regulations) have been updated, along with CAP 2012 (Open category summary).
Dated: December 2022
A2 Certificate of Competence use post 31 December 2022
Following the decision to extend the transitional period to 1 January 2026, holders of an A2 Certificate of Competence that references transition and legacy period dates of 31 December 2022, may continue to use these privileges until either the expiry date of the certificate, or the end of the new transition/legacy period (on 1 January 2026) whichever is sooner.
A re-issue of the certificate is not required. Our website has more information on the change.
Dated: November 2022
Ofcom UAS Spectrum Consultation
This SkyWise is to draw attention to the current Ofcom consultation titled Spectrum for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) which closes on Monday 5 September 2022.
This consultation proposes to introduce a new spectrum licence for drone operators, especially those looking to fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) using mobile or satellite technologies. The proposed Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) Operator Radio licence would authorise the licensed operator to use a range of technologies on their UAS/drone fleet that are not currently permitted today.
Please see the consultation for more details: www.ofcom.org.uk/consultations-and-statements/category-1/spectrum-for-unmanned-aircraft-systems
Dated: August 2022
Birmingham Commonwealth Games Airspace Restrictions
In the interests of public safety and security the UK Government has announced areas of restricted airspace for the Birmingham Commonwealth Games.
Airspace users will not be allowed within these areas without the permission of West Midlands Police.
The main restrictions will be from 28 July to 9 August.
Drone restrictions start on the 22 July and run to 9 August.
More information about the restrictions, flight planning, entry requests and specific procedures for Birmingham Airport and Coventry aerodrome is available on the Airspace & Safety Initiative website: airspacesafety.com/birmingham-2022/
This short video from West Midlands Police covers restrictions in place for drone users.
Dated: July 2022
Hot weather warning for drone pilots
Excessive heat can cause component or battery failure, which can lead to a loss of control.
When flying your drone in hotter than normal weather you should:
Check the maximum operating temperature for your drone.
Avoid unnecessary exposure to direct sunlight of your drone and controller.
Be aware of the impact of the hot weather on your own ability to fly your drone – take regular breaks and keep hydrated.
Dated: July 2022
Cap 1789A Update
The CAA has updated CAP 1789A to reflect the changes made to UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 in the Aviation Safety (Amendment) Regulations 2022.
These updates remove certain applicability dates, for provisions that were not retained at the point that the UK left the EU.
Dated: June 2022
Open category Legacy and Transitional UAS provision
Earlier this year we consulted on whether to extend the Legacy and Transitional UAS provisions in the Open category.
We received a fantastic level of responses from the drone community and have now published our consultation response document.
Our latest podcast explains the conclusions we’ve now come to and our recommendation to Government for taking the issue forward: The Drone classification consultation – your views and the next steps
Dated: June 2022
Legacy and Transitional category consultation
We have launched a consultation for drone users on whether the UK should extend the Legacy and Transitional category UAS provisions in the Open category.
Let us know your views at https://consultations.caa.co.uk/corporate-communications/legacy-and-transitional-provision/
Dated: April 2022
Updated Consolidated version of UAS Implementing Regulation
We have updated CAP1789A – Consolidated version of Regulation (EU) 2019/947 as retained (and amended in UK domestic law) under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 to reflect a number of regulatory changes made this year.
Dated: December 2021
CAP 2248: Carriage of Dangerous Goods by RPAS
The CAA Innovation Hub has published CAP 2248, which provides guidance to RPAS operators on the requirements and application process to gain approval from the CAA to carry dangerous goods in the UK, including a case study on dangerous goods related to COVID-19 relief efforts.
The CAA is currently refining its approach for assessing dangerous goods applications from RPAS operators, and the Innovation Hub plans to update this publication to reflect future developments.
As a first step, the CAA (Dangerous Goods, Flight Operations) has provided an example Dangerous Goods Manual for RPAS operators carrying dangerous goods falling within UN3373 Biological Substances, Category B, which includes COVID-19 test samples.
Dated: September 2021
CAP 722F – Model Aircraft Operations Policy and Guidance
The CAA has published CAP 722F – Model Aircraft Operations Policy and Guidance as part of the CAP 722 suite of RPAS documents, on the operation of model aircraft. CAP 722F sets out the applicable regulatory requirements and introduces the new Article 16 authorisation scheme.
Dated: August 2021
CAP 1789A Update – Consolidated version of US IR
The CAA has updated CAP 1789A- (Consolidated version of Regulation (EU) 2019/947 as retained (and amended in UK domestic law) under the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018) with the removal of some parts of the regulation that were not applicable at the time of EU exit, and therefore not carried across into UK domestic law.
Dated:August 2021
RPAS Loss of Control – propeller detachment recommendations
The CAA has issued a number of recommendations to reduce the likelihood of RPAS propeller detachment.
This guidance can be found on the CAA website, and will be added to CAP 722 in due course .
UAS Operators and remote pilots in the Open and Specific category of operation should familiarise themselves with this guidance and make any changes to operations manuals and procedures where necessary.
Dated: August 2021
CAP 2131: Preparing to safely return back to flying (Guidance) – Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace
To help remote pilots return safely to operating following the easing of Government COVID-19 restrictions, we’ve published a short publication (CAP 2131) with some advice and tips.
Dated: March 2021
AAIB investigation to Alauda Airspeeder Mk II
We wanted to alert you to a report published today by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB): AAIB investigation to Alauda Airspeeder Mk II, (UAS, registration n/a) 040719
We have already made significant changes to our requirements and oversight following the incident. We have now received the final AAIB report and will be looking to quickly address the recommendations. We will keep UAS operators and the wider industry up-to-date and involved in this work.
Dated: February 2021
Remote pilot minimum age requirement changes
With effect from 28 January 2021, the UK Government has now removed the minimum age requirement for remote pilots operating a UAS in the Open and Specific categories.
Dated: February 2021
Amendment to the transitional competency requirements for remote pilots
The transitional remote pilot competency requirements that are set out in Annex B of CAP 722, in relation to remote pilots operating under permissions or exemptions that have been issued prior to 31 December 2020 have been amended slightly due to an unforeseen technical issue.
For the amended text, please refer to the Latest updates section of the CAA’s UAS webpages.
The main CAP 722 document will be amended shortly.
Dated: December 2020
UAS Airspace Restrictions Guidance and Policy
The CAA has published CAP 722C – UAS Airspace Restrictions Guidance and Policy.
This CAP describes the policy and guidance for organisations or individuals who wish to restrict or facilitate UAS operations with an airspace restriction.
Dated: December 2020
Unmanned Aircraft: CAP 722 – UAS Guidance updated
Edition 8 of CAP 722 Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace – Guidance has now been published.
This document provides updated guidance to all involved with the operation of unmanned aircraft in the UK and its content reflects the effect of the new UAS regulations that become applicable from 31 December 2020.
Dated: November 2020
UAS Master Glossary and Abbreviations
Our UAS Unit has now published ‘CAP 722D – UAS Operations in UK Airspace – Master Glossary and Abbreviations’ to support the complete CAP 722 series of documents for Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in the United Kingdom.
Dated: October 2020
Guidance and policy: Rotary wing Swarm Operations
CAP 722E Rotary Wing Swarm Operations – Visual Line of Sight – Requirements, Guidance and Policy has now been published.
The aim of this new document is to enable UAS operators to understand the requirements that must be met as part of an application for operational authorisations related to rotary wing UAS swarm operations in visual line of sight (VLOS).
Dated: August 2020
Unmanned Aircraft: EU UAS Regulations update
We have published a new edition of CAP 1789 The New European UAS Regulations: General Outline.
This document has been updated following the delay to the European Union Unmanned Aircraft Systems Implementing Regulation which will now become applicable in the UK on 31 December 2020.
Dated: June 2020
EU Unmanned Aircraft Systems Implementing Regulation delayed
The European Commission has delayed the applicability date of the European Union Unmanned Aircraft Systems Implementing Regulation 2019/947 until 31 December 2020.
The Implementing Regulation will now become applicable in the UK on Thursday 31 December 2020.
The EU UAS Regulatory Package – Outline (CAP 1789) will be updated to reflect the new applicability date of this regulation.
Dated: June 2020
COVID-19 – UAS guidance for BVLOS operations
The CAA’s UAS Unit has published ‘CAP1915 – UAS guidance for COVID-19 BVLOS Operations’, which enables UAS operators to apply for UAS BVLOS authorisations aimed at supporting the COVID-19 response more effectively and efficiently.
It first describes the general factors relevant to the CAA when considering whether to grant an authorisation for UAS BVLOS operations and then describes the specific technical and operational characteristics that bound a simple BVLOS operation. It also outlines the prioritisation that the CAA will afford to applications in support of the NHS, National Public Health organisations or any similar trust or organisation.
Dated: May 2020
COVID-19 – Small Unmanned Aircraft Emergency Services Response
The CAA has published the following exemption to support the industry through the COVID-19 outbreak. This General Exemption allows a more flexible, but controlled, use of a small unmanned aircraft in support of the Police response while enforcing the Government restrictions resulting from the COVID19 pandemic.
Dated: April 2020
Jamming trial to effect electronic situational awareness devices and UAS system 40,000 FT AMSL
Jamming activity will take place 10 – 21 February 2020, 0800 and 1800 GMT, near RAF Spadeadam and surrounding areas.
This may affect cockpit devices and UAS systems operating on 433MHz, 868MHz (FLARM/PilotAware), and 2.4GHz, 5.8GHz (WiFi) within 30 NM of 550306N 0023318W (spadeadam) up to 40,000 FT AMSL.
During the trials GPS moving maps and WiFi devices (including UAS systems) may suffer intermittent or total failure. GNSS jamming will also take place as part of this activity.
For further information contact: [email protected]
In an Emergency or to cease jamming contact: 01697 747321 extensions 6386, 6375 or 6388.
Dated: February 2020
Small unmanned aircraft – water ingress and flight over uninvolved people
Following the AAIB’s investigations into a series of recent incidents involving the loss of control of multi-rotor small unmanned aircraft, the CAA has issued two related Safety Notices:
Safety Notice SN2020-001 – Water Ingress into a small unmanned aircraft in precipitation
Safety Notice SN2020-002 – Guidance and best practice when considering flight over uninvolved people
Remote pilots are reminded of the requirement in law that they must be reasonably satisfied that a flight can be safely made (ANO 2016 as amended article 94(2)), and so should familiarise themselves with these safety notices.
Dated: January 2020
Confidential drone safety reporting system now available
Drone users and enthusiasts can now report safety concerns and incidents online using a confidential drone reporting service. CHIRP, a charitable organisation that has been providing independent, confidential reporting facilities for the aviation since 1982, has extended its online reporting system to include drone-related incidents. The service is free to use, and CHIRP guarantees to keep reporters’ identities confidential.
CAA Approved drone operators should continue to report drone incidents to the CAA by filing Mandatory Occurrence Reports in line with current regulatory procedures although, as for other aviation professionals, CHIRP’s drone reporting facility is available to commercial drone remote pilots in circumstances requiring confidentiality.
Dated: December 2019
Guidance for the UAS Recognised Assessment Entity scheme
Requirements, administrative processes, instructions and guidance related to the operation of the Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE) scheme within the United Kingdom have been updated.
Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace – The UK Recognised Assessment Entity (CAP722B) is intended for organisations that are, or wish to be, approved as an RAE.
This new edition accounts for the introduction of the harmonised European Union (EU) Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations, which become applicable on 1 July 2020. In line with international developments, the naming of the National Qualified Entity (NQE) has been changed to Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE).
Dated: December 2019
Temporary Danger Areas: English Channel, 2 December 2019 – 31 March 2020
A Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) will carry out operational flights in the area of the English Channel between 2 December 2019 and 31 March 2020. As the aircraft will be operating Beyond Visual Line of Sight and has no Detect and Avoid capability a number of Temporary Dangers Areas (TDA) will be established.
Required Danger Areas will be notified by NOTAM.
TDA activations will also be announced on London Centre 121.5MHz and London Flight Information Service 124.75MHz .
For more information see TEMPORARY DANGER AREAS under News at http://www.nats-uk.ead-it.com/public/index.php.html
Dated: December 2019
Drone and model aircraft registration
The UK’s new Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Scheme is now live at Register-drones.caa.co.uk
The requirements for registration and education become law on 30 November 2019.
Also launched today is the new drones reunited service for lost drones at dronesreunited.uk
Dated: November 2019
Drone and model aircraft registration
The UK’s new Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Scheme will go live on 5 November 2019 (please note that you cannot register before this date).
Dated: October 2019
Updated requirements for UAS PfCO applications
From 1 October 2019 a rejection / assessment fee will be introduced for applications which do not meet the required standard.
Operations Manuals will require reference to the latest version of CAP 722.
Insurance is no longer required to be submitted as part of the application process.
Please refer to our website for more information on why your application may be rejected, CAP 722 updates and the remaining requirements for obtaining insurance.
Dated: September 2019
Small Unmanned Aircraft – CAP 722 Amendment
CAP 722 Seventh Edition has been re-published with a number of editorial and other minor amendments. An amendment record has been added to the CAP 722 publication page, which details all the changes made since original publication.
The current published version of CAP 722 has been updated and contains all amendments.
Dated: September 2019
Small Unmanned Aircraft: Guidance & Policy Update
A new edition of CAP 722 has been published. The update follows amendments to the Air Navigation Order and splits the content into three separate documents:
CAP722: Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace – Guidance & Policy
CAP722A: Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace – Operating Safety Cases
CAP722B: Unmanned Aircraft System Operations in UK Airspace – National Qualified Entity
Dated: July 2019
Small UAS flights below 400 ft will no longer be notified
Following recent updates to the Air Navigation Order for small Unmanned Aircraft Systems (SUAS) we have reviewed the process for the notification of SUAS flights.
Subsequently we will no longer issue NOTAM for SUAS flights below 400ft AGL. This decision follows engagement with key stakeholders and the use of risk analysis tools and safety data. It does not affect
– the requirements for UAS operators to follow the NATS NSF and ENSF process.
– the ability for aerodromes to promulgate NOTAM’s within their associated areas should they deem necessary.
Any SUAS operators with exemptions to operate higher than 400ft AGL will be required to inform the CAA, Airspace Regulation, to enable NOTAM to be published.
Pilots are reminded to remain vigilant whilst operating both inside and outside the London and City CTR due to the increase in UAS operations.
Dated: June 2019
New European UAS Regulations
We have published an outline of the new EU unmanned aircraft regulations under CAP1789
It includes a simple explanation of the general intent behind the key parts of the regulations and our plans for their implementation within the UK next year.
It is intended to be used as an aid to reading and understanding the regulations themselves.
Dated: June 2019
Small Unmanned Aircraft – Airspace Access Report Form
Following the 2019 amendment of the Air Navigation Order (ANO), we have launched an online form to report instances where access to airspace has been denied to UAS, and where the request may not have been considered in line with the guidance set out in CAP1788 and with consideration of the interests described below.
Users are reminded that the ANO, as amended, gives provision for aerodromes to grant or deny access to Flight Restriction Zones on the grounds of aviation safety, security or any other reasonable interest. CAP1788 has been published and issued to all protected aerodromes.
Dated: June 2019
DJI Matrice 210 series drone
On 22 March 2019 the CAA released a Skywise update regarding the DJI M210 series drone and a number of reported failures.
The manufacturer has been unable to identify a common root cause and continues to investigate whether the failures are related. The CAA has received no further similar reports.
No additional restrictions beyond those in the Air Navigation Order 2016 are in place for the use of a DJI M210.
However, the CAA reminds operators to have appropriate mitigations in place if flying over persons or property in accordance with the Air Navigation Order, as was the case prior to this reported issue.
Dated: May 2019
UK Drone Registration Scheme
A consultation is now open, until 7 June 2019, on the proposed charge for the new UK drone operator registration scheme. This will become law at the end of November 2019
Dated: April 2019
DJI Matrice 210 series drone
The CAA has received six Mandatory Occurrence Reports in the last three months affecting the DJI Matrice 210 series drone. The reports have indicated that on each occasion the DJI M210 has malfunctioned resulting in rapid uncontrolled descent and consequent damage to the airframe upon impact with the ground. Reports suggest the issue may lie with one of the airframe’s motors. We are working with the manufacturer and monitoring the situation.
All users of the DJI M210 series are advised to consider their obligations under Art. 241 of the ANO and avoid flying over people or property until further notice.
Dated: March 2019
Small Unmanned Aircraft – Air Navigation Order Amendments now in force. New Exemptions and Permissions issued
Operators of small unmanned aircraft are reminded that the Air Navigation Order 2016 (ANO) 2019 amendments announced previously are now in force. A summary of these changes can be found in CAP 1763.
The following General Exemptions have been issued, which reflect these changes.
ORS4- 1294: Small Unmanned Aircraft – First Person View (FPV) Flying
ORS4- 1295: Small Unmanned Aircraft with a Mass Greater than 7kg – Operations within Class D or E Airspace Outside of Flight Restriction Zones by SUA Operators Holding Permissions or Exemptions issued prior to 13 March 2019
The following new General Exemptions have been issued, which are effective immediately.
ORS4- 1296: Small Unmanned Aircraft – Control Line Model Aeroplane Flight Within Flight Restriction Zones
ORS4- 1297: Small Unmanned Aircraft – Commercial/Congested Area Operations involving the use of a Competent Observer
Dated: March 2019
Draft Commission Implementing Regulation for Unmanned Aircraft Operations
Proposals from the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) for a unified set of drone rules for all EU countries gained a final adoption (approval) at the end of February. Although substantially revised it follows the general principles published by EASA in February 2018 in its Opinion 2018-02. The Implementing Regulation (rules) is expected to be published in early summer 2019 and will become applicable 12 months later (June 2020). Once the final regulation is published this summer we will provide details on UK adoption plans.
Dated: March 2019
Small Unmanned Aircraft – Reissued First Person View General Exemption
Operators of small unmanned aircraft (drones) using ‘first person view’ (FPV) equipment should note that the General Exemption which permits this activity has been amended in order to accommodate the changes to the Air Navigation Order 2016 (see CAP 1763 ) which come into force on Wednesday 13 March 2019. Details of the new General Exemption, which also takes effect on the same day, can be found here ORS4 No1294
Dated: March 2019
Small unmanned aircraft guidance
We have published a document that covers the small unmanned aircraft related articles within the Air Navigation Order that will remain relevant after the 13 March 2019 amendment.
It provides an outline of the revised regulations as they now appear in law, guidance on the effects of the two recent changes, and how they will be interpreted by the CAA. It replaces CAP 1687.
Dated: February 2019
Blocking trials effecting UAS control
Jamming activity will take place 11th – 22nd of February 2019 near the STANTA training area in Norfolk within 3NM of location 523230N 0004352E.
The activity may affect UAV within 20NM (433-915MHz) and 13NM (2.5-5.8GHz) up to 40,000FT AMSL. During the trials UAS command and control systems may suffer intermittent or total failure or give incorrect notification. GNSS Jamming will also take place as part of this activity.
The activity is restricted to 5 occurrences per hour, and no longer than 2 minutes in duration
For further information contact [email protected] or 01293573703
In an emergency contact 01842 855167
Dated: February 2019