Search results for 'drones'

Our Strategy

What we want to achieve and how we plan to do it

Some technologies, such as drones are transitioning from test and development towards demonstration and scale, while others have increased in prominence – for instance, the role of Artificial Intelligence and autonomy.

Last updated: 09 May 2025

CAP3151 (PDF)

There was also interest in reporting low-level noise, for example, reporting on the impact of low-level noise on rural communities and tranquil areas. 4.5 Reporting on the effectiveness of noise abatement procedures and initiatives, such as continuous climb or continuous descent procedures, and how flights conform with such procedures, were suggested by respondents. 4.6 One respondent suggested reporting on the rate of fleet modernisation and uptake of quieter aircraft which could include reporting on the proportion of ICAO Annex 16 Volume I Chapter 14 aircraft that make up a fleet at a particular airport. 4.7 In addition to reporting aircraft noise, respondents suggested reporting noise from other operations, such as airport support vehicles, airport infrastructure, drones and space launches.

Last updated: 17 September 2025

ORS9 Decision No 48 AMC GM Initial Airworthiness (PDF)

An agreement between the auditing entity and the auditee should be established when planning a remote audit, which should include the following: — determining the platform for hosting the audit; — granting security and/or profile access to the auditor(s); — testing platform compatibility between the auditing entity and the auditee prior to the audit; — considering the use of webcams, cameras, drones, etc., when the physical evaluation of an event (product, part, process, etc.) is desired or is necessary; — establishing an audit plan which will identify how remote ICT will be used and the extent of their use for the audit purposes to optimise their effectiveness and efficiency while maintaining the integrity of the audit process; — if necessary, time zone acknowledgement and management to coordinate reasonable and mutually agreeable convening times; — a documented statement from the auditee that they will ensure full cooperation and provision of the actual and valid

Last updated: 13 May 2025

Understanding airspace

How UK airspace works

Class G airspace is primarily used by recreational flyers, the military, emergency helicopters and drones.

Last updated: 17 March 2025

New plans for quicker, quieter and cleaner flights on the horizon

Consultation launched on how to deliver plans to cut flight delays, reduce carbon emissions and deliver growth for the sector

With over 2.6 million aircraft flying through the UK every year, both the Department for Transport and UK Civil Aviation Authority are seeking views on how a UK Airspace Design Service could deliver on airspace modernisation – utilising new technology to meet demand and ultimately help pave the way for incorporation of new technologies, such as drones and spacecraft. 

Last updated: 06 November 2024

UKADS Key topics

Answers to frequently asked questions

Why the UKADS is needed As the airspace change masterplan has progressed, it has become clear that the challenges of today’s airspace change model risk the delivery of much-needed modernisation: the complex nature of UK airspace, particularly in the London area neighbouring airports, each having their own requirements, proposing and funding individual airspace change proposals where the airspace designs are interdependent dispersed and scarce expertise in the industry sometimes leading to inconsistent standards and variable quality in airspace change proposal submissions increasing demand from new or developing types of airspace user (such as drones, aerial taxis, high-altitude platforms, space launch) to have routine access to an integrated airspace for all users, but no obvious sponsor to take forward or fund any changes to the airspace design needed to accommodate them.

Last updated: 04 September 2025

CAP3121 (PDF)

“New Users” means a User who: ▪ is or is in the process of applying to be an “unmanned aircraft system operator” or “UAS operator” carrying out “UAS operations” as defined in UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947; ▪ is the holder of or is in the process of applying for an “operator licence” or a “spaceport licence” as defined in the Space Industry Act 2018; ▪ is the owner of a “spacecraft” or a “carrier aircraft” as defined in the Space Industry Act 2018; or ▪ is any other User who owns, operates, or is in the process of applying for the relevant approvals to own or operate, a novel type of aircraft for which the Licensee has not previously provided air traffic services and who wishes to use such services.

Last updated: 12 June 2025

CAP 493 SI 2025-02 - Disruptive Passengers (PDF)

Additionally, if an accident is Reportable AAIB ACC Watch Manager Aerodrome Operator (but see local emergency orders) ACC can assist Submit an MOR Involves any of approach, navigation or communications facilities DEO Duty ATSEP at the aerodrome Submit an MOR Unintentional use of unpaved areas Aerodrome Operator Submit an MOR AIRPROX Report ACC Watch Manager Aircraft Operators Other ATSUs involved Submit an MOR AIRPROX Report involving SUA small UA Civil Police: Provide location of AIRPROX as soon as practicable to initiate tracing action ACC Ops Supervisor Aircraft Operator Other ATSUs as necessary Submit an MOR Serious Incident AAIB ACC Watch Manager Aerodrome Operator Submit an MOR MAYDAY and PAN messages ACC Watch Manager ACC can may assist Aerodrome Operator Submit an MOR Air Traffic Services may be subject to criticism ACC Watch Manager ACC can may assist Head of ATSU Submit an MOR Likely to give

Last updated: 15 August 2025

CAP1092 (PDF)

The study and practical application of human factors requires different expertise and is central to the CAA’s safety regulation approach. 18 Civil Aviation Authority Section 2: The regulatory challenge And new technologies such as the increased use of Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and the development of space planes require us to adapt our regulation accordingly.

Last updated: 22 February 2024

Environmental Sustainability Panel

The Panel provides expert technical advice to support the CAA's work

A technology leader and specialist in aerospace and autonomous systems, including R&D in drone and advanced air mobility sectors, he is passionate about exploring the opportunities presented by new technologies and developing them into sustainable, practical real-world applications.

Last updated: 11 September 2025