The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) intends to run a 12-month trial of a Light UAS Operator Certificate (LUC) framework for UAS operators. The LUC concept is intended to provide an alternative pathway for UAS operations in the specific category, by granting privileges based on organisational competence rather than requiring case-by-case approvals by the CAA.
“This trial will allow the CAA to evaluate whether such an approach can sustainably maintain safety and compliance while enabling greater operational flexibility,” the CAA said.
The LUC concept will be trialled over a 12-month period with a small number of organisations who respond to the call for interest, are deemed suitable to participate in the trial and apply successfully for an LUC. The CAA notes that organisations deemed initially suitable are not guaranteed to be successful in applying for an LUC.
For the duration of the trial and until further notice, there will be no routine application service for an LUC in the UK.
For more information
Unmanned Aircraft Systems Light UAS Operator Certificate Policy Concept at the CAA