The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has confirmed it will recommend that the Secretary of State for the Department for Transport (DfT) implements a set of important updates to the UK’s drone regulations following extensive consultation.
“Reflecting detailed feedback from drone users, the changes will support the safe expansion of drone use while making it easier for users to understand and follow safety rules,” CAA said.
The recommendations will include:
- Clearer, simpler rules for drone operations, including renaming sub-categories in the ‘Open’ category to make it more obvious what they allow* and replacing exemptions related to ‘toy’ drones with a new limit of 100g.
- Increased education requirements, with the free online mandatory Flyer ID training extended to users of drones over 100g and improvements to make guidance more user friendly.
- Introduction of drone product standards via class-marking to improve safety and security from the point of manufacture.
- Implementation of Direct Remote ID requirements to enable a drone to broadcast identification and location data.
- More time for adoption, with transitional arrangements for operators to adopt class-marked drones, and more flexible approval pathways for manufacturers.
- Allow most drone users to continue operating their existing devices in the same operational sub-categories as today.
For most drone users there are no significant changes to the rules on where and how to fly safely that are contained in the UK Dronecode.
Kevin Woolsey, Head of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems at the UK Civil Aviation Authority, said: “These changes represent a major step in creating a regulatory framework that is ready for the future – supporting safe, responsible drone use while enabling the sector to grow and innovate.
“We’ve listened carefully to the drone community to develop an approach that simplifies the rules, strengthens safety and security, and helps the entire sector transition smoothly to new standards. Our ambition is to establish the UK as a world leader in unmanned aircraft regulation, where users are empowered to operate safely, and the sector has the clarity and flexibility it needs to thrive.”
CAA says the updated framework follows “significant engagement” with the drone community through an earlier call for input and a formal public consultation, which received almost 3,500 responses. Additional contributions were received from the Home Office and police.
CAA will now work with the DfT to implement these changes in legislation. Once that has taken place, the regulator will communicate more information on the changes and timescales to the community.
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