Aerial work is any paid work undertaken by an aircraft (other than public transport).
Aerial advertising
The Civil Aviation (Aerial Advertising) Regulations 1995 set out the circumstances under which aerial advertising may take place. Guidance on the airspace notification/permission requirements for captive/tethered unmanned advertising balloons is detailed on the Balloons page.
Aerial Work and Foreign Registered Aircraft
Aerial survey or aerial photography
Aircraft not registered in the European Economic Area (EEA) may only be used in the UK for aerial survey or aerial photography (whether or not valuable consideration is received by the operator) if the operator holds a permit under Article 252 of the Air Navigation Order 2016.
Other aerial work
Guidance on the airspace notification requirements for aerial work is detailed on the Event and obstacle notification page.
Applying for a permit
Applications should be submitted at least two working days before the first flight is due to be undertaken.
Aerial Application Certificate (AAC)
An AAC is required where the dropping of articles is to be made for the following purposes:
- agriculture
- horticulture and forestry
CAP 414- "The Aerial Application Certificate" is a comprehensive source of information and provides guidance on all topics relating to your application.
First time applicants
- CAA Form CA 2345, together with the appropriate fee, should be sent to the General Aviation Unit. Details of costs can be found in the CAA Scheme of Charges - Aerial Application Certificates.
- A copy of the aerial application manual must be included with the application. The minimum notice period for the issue of an AAC required by the CAA is 28 days from receipt of the aerial application manual.
- A certificate is generally issued for a period of 12 months.
Renewals
- CAA Form CA 2346, together with the appropriate fee, should be sent to the General Aviation Unit. Details of costs can be found in the CAA Scheme of Charges - Aerial Application Certificates.
- Application should be made at least 28 days before the expiry date of the current certificate.
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