UK Drone Airspace Guide

Overview

UK airspace is split into controlled and uncontrolled classes. Most leisure flights take place in Class G where no air traffic clearance is needed below 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL. Controlled classes (A, C, D and E) plus various special use zones may require specific permission from the relevant authority.

Always check Drone Assist, UK AIP and NOTAMs before you fly so you know exactly which restrictions apply.

Class G Airspace (Uncontrolled)

• Open Category flights: up to 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL in Class G without ATC clearance, subject to Open-category rules.
• Specific Category flights require a CAA Operational Authorisation (e.g. via UK SORA or PDRA); operators must comply with all OA conditions, including any ATC coordination or geo-fencing specified.
• Maximum altitude ≤ 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL; maintain VLOS and follow the Drone & Model Aircraft Code.
• Always check Drone Assist / NATS AIS / UK AIP ENR / NOTAM for any FRZ, Prohibited/Restricted/Danger Areas or other restrictions before flight.

✅ Open Category: no ATC clearance needed in uncontrolled Class G outside restricted zones. Specific Category: follow OA requirements.

Class A Airspace (Controlled)

• Often begins at high altitudes (typically FL195 / 19,500 ft) over most areas, but consult AIP ENR 1.4 for any local variations.
• Only IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) traffic is permitted; drones are never allowed, even with a Specific Category OA.
• Since Class A begins high (around FL195), Open Category and PDRA-01 flights below 120 m remain outside Class A but always check other restrictions (e.g. FRZ) at low levels.

❌ Drone flights are prohibited within Class A airspace (Open Category and PDRA-01 flights below 120 m never enter Class A, but always check other low-level restrictions).

Class C Airspace (Controlled)

• Often begins at high altitudes (typically FL195 / 19,500 ft) over most areas, but consult AIP ENR 1.4 for any local variations (some CTAs may start lower).
• Does not affect Open Category or PDRA-01 drone flights below 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL.
• Only relevant if operating at high altitude under a UK SORA Operational Authorisation (OA), requiring ATC coordination.

✅ No ATC clearance needed for Open Category/PDRA-01 up to 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL outside FRZ/ATZ but always verify via Drone Assist/NATS AIS.

Class D Airspace (Controlled) / Controlled Traffic Region (CTR)

• Drones may operate under Open Category up to 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL in Class D as long as it is outside any FRZ/ATZ, but always check Drone Assist / NATS AIS / NOTAM for exact FRZ/ATZ boundaries and obtain permission if planning to enter those zones.
• Above 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL, BVLOS, or complex ops require a Specific Category OA (UK SORA) and coordination with ATC.

✅ No ATC clearance needed for Open Category/PDRA-01 up to 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL outside FRZ/ATZ but always verify via Drone Assist/NATS AIS.

Class E Airspace (Controlled)

• Often begins at 3,000 ft AMSL over most areas but can start lower/higher; always verify exact base altitude with AIP ENR 1.4.
• Does not affect Open Category or PDRA-01 drone flights below 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL.
• Only relevant if operating at high altitude under a UK SORA Operational Authorisation (OA), requiring ATC coordination.

✅ No ATC clearance needed for Open Category/PDRA-01 up to 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL outside FRZ/ATZ but always verify via Drone Assist/NATS AIS.

Flight Restriction Zones (FRZ / RPZ)

• Aerodromes (ATZ) plus Runway Protection Zones (RPZ): typically a circle of ~2-2.5 NM to 2,000 ft AAL plus buffer zones (~5 km x 1 km to 2,000 ft)
• Heliports (ATZ): ~2 NM cylinder to 2,000 ft, no RPZs.
• Spaceports: ~5 km to 2,000 ft AAL.

❌ Drone flights within any FRZ/RPZ are prohibited unless explicit permission is granted by the aerodrome/ATC.

Prohibited Areas and Restricted Areas

• Covers national-security sites, prisons, nuclear & government installations.
• Check UK AIP ENR and Drone Assist for current boundaries; permission processes vary by controlling authority.

❌ Drone flights are illegal without permission.

Restricted Area (Temporary) (RA(T))

• Temporary version of a Restricted Area, established for major events, airshows, emergencies (e.g. wildfires, flooding etc).
• Temporary restricted areas may activate at short notice; always review NOTAM immediately before flight.

❌ Drone flights are illegal without permission.

Danger Areas and Temporary Danger Areas (TDA)

• Live-firing areas, explosives, hazards etc.
• Always confirm status via NOTAM; do not enter active Danger Areas without clearance.

⚠️ Only enter if NOTAM indicates inactive or with explicit clearance from the controlling authority.

Temporary Segregated Areas (TSA) and Temporary Reserved Areas (TRA)

• Airspace temporarily segregated for exclusive use, often for high-risk drone or military operations.
• Legally excludes all other aircraft from entering while active. Used for complex or hazardous activities requiring complete separation.
• Can be activated by time schedule or by NOTAM. Check the relevant AIP ENR sections and NOTAM for exact activation times and coordinates; ensure your OA explicitly names any TSA/TRA permissions.

❌ Drone flights prohibited unless you are the authorised operator named in the TSA approval. Check AIP Supplements and NOTAM for TSA activation, boundaries, and conditions.

Military Aerodrome Traffic Zone (MATZ)

• 5 NM radius from surface to 3,000 ft AAL, may include stubs (1,000-3,000 ft AAL) extending 5 NM from the runway. Note: dimensions can vary slightly.
• Surrounds military aerodromes; remains Class G (Uncontrolled) airspace for civil users.
• Established to protect military aircraft during take-off, approach, and circuit flying.

⚠️ Although MATZ is Class G for civil users, always seek coordination with the military ATC unit or Low-Flying Booking Cell before operations inside or near MATZ.

Transponder Mandatory Zone (TMZ)

• Defined airspace in which aircraft must carry and operate a functioning transponder (usually Mode S).
• May overlay Class G or controlled airspace and is established to improve visibility to ATC and nearby traffic.
• Typical drones cannot equip the required transponder; permission/exemption is effectively unavailable for most Open/Specific Category operations.

❌ Drones cannot fly in a TMZ unless granted specific permission by the responsible authority.

Radio Mandatory Zone (RMZ)

• Airspace where aircraft must maintain two-way radio contact with the controlling Air Traffic Service Unit (ATSU) before and during entry.
• Commonly established in busy or complex Class G areas.
• Drones cannot meet the RMZ radio communication requirement without specialist equipment and prior authorisation.
• Check hours of RMZ activity and ATSU availability via AIP ENR/NOTAM; without certified radio equipment and permission, Open Category drones must avoid RMZ.

❌ Drone flights are not permitted unless prior approval is obtained from the responsible authority.

Military Low Flying Areas (MLFA)

• Designated zones used by military aircraft including fast jets, helicopters, and large transports for low-level flight training, as low as 250 ft AGL, and occasionally down to surface level. Flights may occur day or night and often at high speed.
• Military low-flying routes may be active without NOTAM; always consult the Military Low Flying Booking Cell for up-to-date activity before planning operations in or near these areas.
• These areas are not restricted airspace, but present an extreme collision risk.

❌ Drone flights within an active LFA are strongly discouraged unless operationally necessary and coordinated. Before flying in or near an LFA, contact the Military Low Flying Booking Cell to check for activity and seek guidance.

Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) & Protected Environmental Areas

• These are legally protected areas under UK environmental law (e.g. Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981). They may include bird nesting sites, wetlands, heathland, coastal areas, or nature reserves.
• Not restricted airspace, but disturbance to wildlife, especially during nesting or breeding seasons, can result in prosecution under environmental law.
• Some SSSIs also fall under local bylaws or Public Space Protection Orders (PSPOs) prohibiting drone flights.

❌ Avoid drone operations over or near SSSIs or RAMSAR sites, especially in spring/summer. Never disturb wildlife; some drone flights may breach protection laws even if the airspace is Class G.

Landowner Permissions & Local Bylaws

While UK airspace is regulated by the CAA, the land below the drone still matters:

• People do not own the airspace above their property, but they do control access to the land.
• It is illegal to take off or land a drone from private land (including parks, carparks, farmland, private estates) without the landowner's permission.
• Public spaces such as beaches, commons, and council parks often have local council bylaws or PSPOs banning or restricting drone flights, even if airspace is unrestricted. Operators should check local authority websites or signs for PSPOs/bylaws (e.g. parks, beaches) and always obtain landowner permission for take-off/landing.

✅ Always check land ownership and local regulations before flying.

⚠️ The CAA and any permissions issued by them do not override property rights or local authority powers on take-off/landing.

Summary and Checklist

Need to exceed 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL, fly BVLOS, or operate in controlled/restricted airspace?

Submit a UK SORA risk assessment (UK SORA replaced OSC from 23 April 2025) for a CAA OA.

✅ Pre-flight Checklist

• Always review Drone & Model Aircraft Code; stay ≤ 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL and VLOS unless authorised.
• Use Drone Assist/NATS AIS to check FRZs, Prohibited/Restricted/Danger zones, TDAs, RA(T)s.
• Read NOTAMs for restrictions.
• If in doubt, contact the local ATC unit or check via NATS AIS or CAA publications.
• Obtain permissions early (aerodromes, ATC, landowners, CAA).