Regulations
CAA

CAA: Publication of revised CAP1616 airspace change process

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published its revised CAP1616 airspace change process. The package of improvements makes the airspace change process easier to understand and clarifies the requirements needed to be met to progress an airspace change proposal. The revised process takes into consideration feedback and insights from stakeholders affected by airspace change. The new version…

UK CAA

SN–2023/005 Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems Geo-Awareness

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) wishes to alert drone operators that airspace restrictions displayed on their devices and apps might not provide an accurate representation of the current UK airspace. Before taking off, operators must ensure that their flights do not occur within these restricted areas unless they have the appropriate permissions. The CAA strongly…

UK CAA

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 a recent drone podcast by the CAA, Tom Guest from the CAA RPAS team explains why these FRZs are in place and how they work. They also cover guidance for passengers who are travelling with a drone and what to…

CAA’s call for RPAS DISCO Stakeholder Working Group Applications by 9 Oct’23

The Digitising Specific Category Operations (DiSCO) project is an important programme run by the CAA to digitize the Operational Authorisation process, so that the submission and review of OAs can be essentially automated – a gain in time and efficiency. Beyond the pure IS/IT project, they are reviewing several aspects of Operational Authorisations in the context…

UK CAA

Reminder to all those holding an NQE “full recommendation” from PfCO days: GVC required to have an OA starting Jan 2024

We’re rapidly approaching a critical deadline. Effective January 1, 2024, all commercial drone pilots will be required to have an Operational Authorisation (OA), replacing the previous PfCO or NQE Certificate. Staying compliant is essential to continue flying in the specific category.  Under CAP 722 edition 8, B3.2.7.2 Remote pilots operating under ‘standard permission’/’PFCO’ based permissions that were first…

UK CAA

CAA’s Call for Input: Shaping the Future of UK UAS Regulations

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has taken a proactive step towards enhancing the regulation of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the United Kingdom. In its recent announcement, stakeholders are invited to contribute their insights and perspectives in the ongoing effort to improve and streamline UAS regulations. This Call for Input represents a significant opportunity for…

Department for Transport

CAA Review by DfT. 62% of RPAS operators disagree.

The Department for Transport announced the publication of the CAA’s performance review. If you remember, the consultation was open to the public and we invited you to respond. Also, ARPAS-UK responded and took part in workshops alongside General Aviation. To read the announcement by Baroness VERE, Minister for Aviation, click HERE. Yet, behind the headline,…