FAQ
Commercial Drone Operations UK
6 min read
FAQ: Commercial Drone Operations in the UK
Summary:
FAQ: Commercial Drone Operations in the UK Regulatory Framework: UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Drone pilots across all experience levels often have questions about operating drones commercially in the UK. Below is a comprehensive FAQ that addresses everything from basic requirements to...
FAQ: Commercial Drone Operations in the UK
Regulatory Framework: UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Drone pilots across all experience levels often have questions about operating drones commercially in the UK. Below is a comprehensive FAQ that addresses everything from basic requirements to advanced operational scenarios under CAA regulations.General Questions for All Pilots
1. Do I need a license to fly a drone commercially in the UK?
Yes, you need an Operational Authorisation from the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) to conduct commercial drone operations. If your operations fall under the Specific Category, you must apply for a PDRA01 Operational Authorisation or submit a custom risk assessment under the Pre-Defined Risk Assessment framework. For most commercial pilots, obtaining a CAA-approved GVC (General VLOS Certificate) is a common pathway.
- â–¸Regulatory Context: CAP 722 and CAP 2606 outline the requirements for commercial drone operations in the UK.
- â–¸Example: If you want to film aerial footage for a real estate company, you would need Operational Authorisation.
- â–¸Safety Reminder: Always ensure your drone is registered and marked with an Operator ID.
- â–¸Reference: CAP 722
2. What are the basic requirements to fly a drone in the UK? All drone pilots must:
- â–¸Register as a drone operator with the CAA.
- â–¸Obtain a Flyer ID by passing the online theory test.
- â–¸Operate within the Open Category (A1, A2, or A3) unless authorized for Specific Category flights.
- â–¸Follow the 120m altitude limit and maintain Visual Line of Sight (VLOS).
- â–¸Regulatory Context: UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 applies to all drone operations.
- â–¸Safety Reminder: Never fly near airports, restricted areas, or congested zones without proper authorization.
- â–¸Reference: CAP 722 and CAP 722H
3. What happens if I fly higher than 120m? Flying above the legal limit of 120m (400ft) without authorization is a violation of UK drone regulations. You could face penalties including fines, suspension of your Operational Authorisation, or legal action.
- â–¸Regulatory Context: The 120m limit is set to ensure drones do not interfere with manned aviation.
- â–¸Example: Flying over 120m during a commercial shoot without permission risks significant penalties.
- â–¸Safety Reminder: Use altitude-limiting features on your drone to stay compliant.
- â–¸Reference: CAP 722 Section 2.2
4. Can I fly near an airport or airfield? No, you cannot fly near airports or airfields unless you have explicit permission from the airport operator and CAA. Airports are considered Flight Restriction Zones (FRZs), and unauthorized drone flights in these areas are strictly prohibited.
- â–¸Regulatory Context: CAP 722 outlines FRZ restrictions.
- â–¸Example: To inspect infrastructure near an airport, you would need to coordinate with the airport operator and apply for an exemption.
- â–¸Safety Reminder: Use drone apps like Drone Assist to check for FRZs before flying.
- â–¸Reference: CAP 722 Section 2.3
Entry-Level Questions for Beginners
5. How do I register my drone with the CAA? Registering your drone with the CAA is simple:- Visit the CAA Drone Registration Portal .
- Create an account and complete the online registration process.
- Pay the registration fee (£10 annually).
- Receive your Operator ID and display it on your drone.
- â–¸Regulatory Context: CAP 722 requires all drones over 250g or equipped with cameras to be registered.
- â–¸Safety Reminder: Ensure your Operator ID is clearly visible on the drone.
- â–¸Reference: CAP 722 Section 2.1
6. What should I do if my drone crashes during a flight? If your drone crashes, follow these steps:
- Recover the drone if safe to do so.
- Assess any damage to property or persons.
- Report the incident to the CAA via the Occurrence Reporting Portal .
- â–¸Regulatory Context: CAP 722 requires all incidents involving injury or significant property damage to be reported.
- â–¸Safety Reminder: Always check your drone for damage before your next flight.
- â–¸Reference: CAP 722 Section 4.2
Questions for Active Pilots
7. Can I fly my drone at night? Yes, you can fly at night if you follow the CAA’s night operation guidelines:- ▸Maintain VLOS at all times.
- â–¸Ensure your drone is equipped with appropriate lighting to remain visible.
- â–¸Regulatory Context: CAP 722 permits night operations in both the Open and Specific Categories.
- â–¸Safety Reminder: Avoid flying over congested areas at night unless authorized.
- â–¸Reference: CAP 722 Section 2.4
8. How do I obtain permission to fly in the Specific Category? To fly in the Specific Category:
- Complete training for a General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC).
- Submit an application for Operational Authorisation via the CAA website.
- Include a risk assessment based on the PDRA01 template or a custom ConOps (Concept of Operations).
- â–¸Regulatory Context: CAP 722H provides detailed instructions for Specific Category applications.
- â–¸Safety Reminder: Ensure your flight plan complies with all safety and airspace requirements.
- â–¸Reference: CAP 722H
Questions for Professional Operators
9. What is the General Visual Line of Sight Certificate (GVC)?
The GVC is a certification issued by CAA-approved training providers. It demonstrates that you are qualified to operate drones in the Specific Category and can prepare risk assessments for commercial operations.
- â–¸Regulatory Context: CAP 722 and CAP 722H outline GVC requirements.
- â–¸Example: A commercial drone operator filming construction sites would benefit from a GVC.
- â–¸Safety Reminder: Renew your GVC before it expires to remain compliant.
- â–¸Reference: CAP 722 Section 3.1
10. What insurance do I need for commercial drone operations? All commercial drone pilots must have adequate public liability insurance to cover potential damages or injuries caused by their operations.
- â–¸Regulatory Context: CAP 722 recommends insurance as a best practice for all commercial pilots.
- â–¸Example: Coverage for a drone inspecting a wind turbine should include liability for damage to the turbine.
- â–¸Safety Reminder: Check your policy for coverage limits and exclusions.
- â–¸Reference: CAP 722 Section 5.2
Advanced Compliance Questions
11. Can I conduct Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations?
BVLOS operations require specific approval from the CAA and must comply with strict safety and airspace integration protocols. You must submit a safety case and demonstrate how risks are mitigated.
- â–¸Regulatory Context: CAP 2557 and CAP 722 outline BVLOS requirements.
- â–¸Example: Delivering medical supplies via drone would require BVLOS authorization.
- â–¸Safety Reminder: BVLOS operations must use Electronic Conspicuity (EC) technology.
- â–¸Reference: CAP 2557
12. What are the penalties for violating UK drone laws? Penalties include:
- ▸Fines up to £2,500 for minor offenses.
- â–¸Criminal charges for major violations, such as endangering aircraft.
- â–¸Suspension or revocation of your Operational Authorisation.
- â–¸Regulatory Context: CAP 722 Section 6.1 outlines enforcement measures.
- â–¸Safety Reminder: Always follow the 120m limit and other operational rules.
- â–¸Reference: CAP 722 Section 6.1
This FAQ is designed to ensure you operate safely, legally, and effectively as a drone pilot in the UK. For more information, consult the official CAA Drone Guidance .
_Disclaimer: Regulations may change. Always verify with official sources. This content is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice._
About the Author
Roberto Gramellini
Aviation expert and UAS regulations specialist with extensive experience in EASA compliance and drone operations. Passionate about making complex regulations accessible to drone pilots across Europe.
EASA UAS Regulations
ENAC Italian Compliance
Drone Safety Procedures
Aviation Law
Remote Pilot Training
EASA Regulatory Compliance Notice
This content is for educational purposes only and is based on EASA regulations current at the time of generation.
Always consult the official EASA documentation and your local aviation authorities for the most current regulations and legal compliance requirements before operating any UAS.