The LUC is an operational certificate which, if obtained, grants some privileges to its holder. It will allow the operator to undertake certain operations in the Specific Category without needing an Operational Authorisation issued by the CAA.
This document sets out the approach the CAA intends to take to UAS operations conducted under an LUC approval, to ensure they are conducted safely, with appropriate oversight and assurance. It introduces a policy position that provides an alternative pathway for eligible organisations to operate under CAA oversight without the need for case-by-case approvals for UAS activities in the Specific Category.
This policy introduces a 12-month trial of the LUC concept for eligible UAS operators. The trial will allow the CAA to assess safety performance, compliance, and oversight effectiveness before considering wider adoption or integration with UK Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA) methodology.
The objectives of this policy are to:
- Give suitable UAS operators a means of authorising their operations without submitting individual SORA applications for every UAS activity.
- Ensure that all operations remain within agreed limits by using existing organisational systems and competence.
- Allow the CAA to carry out oversight and assurance in a way that is proportionate and practical, while supporting operational flexibility.