ARPAS-UK is disappointed with the CAA’s decision to proceed with significant increases to the service charges for Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) for 2025/26, despite our calls for moderation and fairness.

In our comprehensive response to the CAP3047 consultation in January, we stated that the proposed service charge increases for RPAS operators were significant and disproportionate. Today’s publication has essentially confirmed the fees will be introduced as per CAP3047 consultation, with little amendment.`

DSCO: a critical tool but its cost is challenging given the current size of the community

As detailed in the consultation and confirmed through our engagement with the CAA, a major driver behind these fee increases is the ongoing cost of the DSCO online application platform, which reportedly requires £1.7 million per year to operate.

On one hand, we recognise DSCO as a critical tool for the future of RPAS regulation in the UK. A fully digitised platform should enable the adoption of the SORA risk methodology, offering a streamlined, consistent, and predictable application process. It promises to facilitate the approval of higher-risk or innovative operations while aligning the CAA with international safety standards. This benefits not only RPAS operators but also enhances public safety and confidence in the sector. 

The £8 million development cost has, commendably, been funded from the CAA’s own efficiency reserves.

On the other hand, the ongoing cost burden of DSCO is significant relative to the size of the UK RPAS community.

• We can estimate that CAA revenues directly from user-payers service charges in the specific category were approx £1M per year (3000 PDRA01 holders x £234  + 100 OSC holders x say top £3000 a year). This is actually (very) modest. Funding an additional £1.7 million in annual operating costs on top of existing labour costs, from a direct user-payer revenue base of just £1 million, is effectively impossible.
• An increase of PDRA01 fees from £234 to £500 per year should be manageable for most businesses, though it still represents a doubling of costs for the most common category of operators.
• The real pressure lies in SORA applications, particularly if operators need to develop multiple SORA applications, and excess oversight hours are charged at £330/hour.

Lack of Transparency and Clarity

Although we have had several exchanges with the CAA on the matter of the Charges, it is disappointing that these significant increases were confirmed without accompanying explanations or detailed rationale. Clear communication about the cost drivers and the fee evolution is essential to maintain trust and encourage compliance across the sector. Transparency is also vital to give operators the visibility they need on how these charges are structured and what additional changes may lie ahead.

The absolute importance of generic location, or multiple sites, SORA applications

This emphasises how vital it is that generic location, or multiple sites SORA applications are accessible and affordable. A single, annual SAIL II Operational Authorisation, now costing £3,495 (a major increase vs current OSC fees) would provide operators with the certainty and stability they need.

To access ORS5 and the Scheme of Charges for RPAS, click HERE.

Link to our previous post with our response to the consultation on the matter HERE. (password protected, Members Only)