Useful regulatory frameworks
The guidance below explores how the existing UK and international regulations apply to your innovation and details regulatory approvals that you may need to consider for the trial of your innovative solution.
Airworthiness
The guidance listed below is available if you are designing a new aircraft, a new part, modifying an existing aircraft or maintaining one.
- How to apply for a Certificate of Airworthiness, along with the requirements.
- How to get approval from EASA, which states about the rules concerning continuing airworthiness and maintenance of an aircraft.
- EASA guidance on how to certify an aircraft.
- EASA's process for the certification of noise levels.
- Certification process for the approval of a design organisation, also highlighting rules governing the rights and obligations of applicants, and holders of those approvals.
- EASA's guidance documents on design organisations approvals and who to contact.
- Regulations linked to the production of EASA aircraft or associated components.
- Application and guidance information for Permits to Fly.
Airspace
The guidance below is available if you plan on utilising the airspace for a new concept or technology:
- CAP 1616: Airspace change process for changing the notified airspace design and planned and permanent redistribution of air traffic.
Flight Operations
The guidance listed below is available if you want to carry out commercial operations on an aircraft, for example, UAM:
- How to apply for an airline licence if you are based in the UK.
- Information about Air Operator Certificates that are available and the related costs and standards.
Radio communications licences
To use any radio transmitting device in the UK, it will need to either be licensed, or have a specific licence exemption. The Ofcom website provides information about applying for aeronautical radio licensing.
The Skyway Code
The Skyway Code is designed to provide private pilots with easy, quick access to the key information they need.
As well as covering the regulations it includes examples of radio phraseology, tables to work out crosswind components and ground marshalling signals.
Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and the carriage of Dangerous Goods
The guidance listed below is available if you want to maintain, modify or operate a drone:
- Guidance for the development and operation of UAS within the UK.
- If you are applying for an approval to carry dangerous goods, the RPAS with approval to carry dangerous goods manual and RPAS without approval to carry dangerous goods manual is available.
- Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems.
Guidance on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods as Cargo for UAS/RPAS Operators in the Specific Category
The Guidance on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods as Cargo for UAS/RPAS Operators in the Specific Category (CAP2555) document provides guidance on the carriage of dangerous goods (DG) for UAS/RPAS Operations in the Specific Category.
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