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UK Civil Aviation Regulations

These are published by the CAA on our UK Regulations pages. EU Regulations and EASA Access Guides published by EASA no longer apply in the UK. Our website and publications are being reviewed to update all references. Any references to EU law and EASA Access guides should be disregarded and where applicable the equivalent UK versions referred to instead.



UK Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 Part-SPO (Specialised Operations) applies to any aircraft operation, other than commercial air transport, where the aircraft is used for specialised activities such as agriculture, construction, photography, surveying, observation, patrol and aerial advertisement.

Operators engaged in commercial specialised operations or engaged in non-commercial specialised operations using a complex motor-powered aircraft must submit a declaration to us about their operation. In addition, a commercial operator conducting a high-risk specialised operation must also apply for and obtain an authorisation from us.

The declaration and authorisation will help us to establish and maintain the required oversight programme for Part-SPO aircraft. The programme will be developed based on the nature and complexity of each operation using available data, including that from any past oversight activities.

Who is affected

Operators established or residing in the UK who are conducting specialised operations.

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What is required from affected operators

Operators will need to be familiar with the UK Basic Regulation and the Air Operations. They will also need to comply with the detailed implementing rules in Annex VIII (Part-SPO). In addition, if conducting commercial specialised operations or engaged in non-commercial specialised operations using a complex motor-powered aircraft they will need to comply with Annex III (Part-ORO Organisation Requirements). If an operator needs specific approvals, for example, covering low visibility operations or dangerous goods; they will need to comply with elements of Annex V (Part-SPA).

Affected operators need to understand the rules and ensure they are in compliance.

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Making a declaration to the CAA

See our guidance on how to send us your declaration.