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New UK Civil Aviation Authority report sets out approach to managing drone and eVTOL noise

The UK Civil Aviation Authority has published a new report examining how noise from drones and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (known widely as eVTOL) could be assessed and managed, as innovation in the sector continues to develop.

Last updated: 12 October 2026

CAP2498C: Definition of the regulatory standards and regulatory framework roadmap – Phase 3 Report

This is the third report developed by EGIS following previous two project phases exploring the potential minimum specifications to support beneficial applications enabling Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) and the wider Airspace Modernisation Strategy (AMS).

Publication status: Current

Last updated: 16 December 2022

CAP1804: Charge Proposal for the UK Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Scheme Consultation - CAA Response Document

This document sets out our response to the comments received on the consultation for the proposed registration charge for the new UK Drone and Model Aircraft Registration and Education Scheme that becomes law on 30 November 2019.

Publication status: Current

Last updated: 07 November 2019

Getting an Operator ID before you fly (points 30 to 35)

What to do if you’re a drone or model aircraft operator.

Label all your drones or model aircraft with your Operator ID You must label your Operator ID on every drone or model aircraft you’re responsible for.

Last updated: 23 March 2026

CAP2988: The use of mobile communication networks in an aviation context

Through the UKRI Future Flight Challenge, we were commissioned to carry out an internal study to better understand the benefits and drawbacks of using Mobile Communications Networks (MCN) in an aviation context, and, how mobile networks services could improve the safety, security, and productivity of the Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems (RPAS) market.

Publication status: Current

Last updated: 08 May 2024

CAP2012: Drone Rules: REQUIREMENTS FOR FLYING IN THE OPEN CATEGORY

Publication status: Withdrawn

Last updated: 03 July 2023

CAP 2320: The Drone and Model Aircraft Code

Publication status: Current

Last updated: 18 March 2026

CAP2007: Drone Rules: FLYING IN TOWNS AND CITIES (OR BUSY AREAS)

Publication status: Current

Last updated: 16 December 2020

What's considered an unmanned aircraft?

What is and isn't an unmanned aircraft?

An unmanned aircraft (UA) is any aircraft that can:  operate and fly autonomously; or  be remotely piloted, without a pilot onboard  Common types of unmanned aircraft include drones, and model aircraft  Drones include: rotary wing drones fixed wing drones  Model aircraft include:  model aeroplanes model gliders model helicopters  Unmanned aircraft may be untethered or tethered. 

Last updated: 23 March 2026

CAP2238: Detect and Avoid Challenge: Sandbox Announcement

The CAA Innovation Hub is launching a series of Technology Demonstrators aiming to investigate key technologies that can be used as part of Detect and Avoid solutions for Beyond Visual Line of Sight RPAS operations.

Publication status: Current

Last updated: 17 August 2021