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Airspace Classes

Understand the core UK airspace classes and how each affects drone operations. This page explains Class A - G airspace, including where drones are allowed and when special rules, permissions or restrictions apply.

Contents

For most drone flights at normal heights, you'll usually be in Class G airspace, or in some cases Class D around busy aerodromes. Other UK airspace classes generally start much higher up, often several thousand feet above ground or from FL195 and above. If you're flying in the Open Category or under PDRA-01 below 120 m AGL, you don't need ATC clearance in Class G or Class D. The key is to stay outside any Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) or restricted airspace and always follow the Drone Code and the terms of your Operational Authorisation. The extra information below is here for pilots who may be working on a bespoke UK SORA Operational Authorisation. These types of missions can bring in extra requirements, which sometimes include coordination with ATC depending on where and how you plan to fly.

Class A Airspace (Controlled)

  • What is it? Controlled airspace reserved exclusively for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) traffic.
  • Where does it exist? (typical base/vertical limits) Primarily below FL195 on certain airways and TMAs. All airspace above FL195 in the UK is Class C. Check AIP ENR 1.4 for local bases.
  • Impact at below 120 m (≈400 ft) No practical impact, standard Open Category & PDRA-01 drone flights remain well below Class A; usual surface restrictions (FRZs/Restricted/Prohibited/Danger Areas) still apply.
  • If operating above 120 m (Specific Category) Requires a UK SORA Operational Authorisation and ATC coordination.

Class B Airspace

Class B is not currently used in UK airspace.

Class C Airspace (Controlled)

  • What is it? Controlled airspace that allows both IFR and VFR traffic, with services varying by flight rules and participants.
  • Where does it exist? (typical base/vertical limits) All airspace above FL195 in the UK is Class C. In addition, some CTAs/TMAs below FL195 are Class C. Confirm bases in AIP ENR 1.4.
  • Impact at below 120 m (≈400 ft) No practical impact, standard Open Category & PDRA-01 drone flights remain well below Class C; usual surface restrictions (FRZs/Restricted/Prohibited/Danger Areas) still apply.
  • If operating above 120 m (Specific Category) Requires a UK SORA Operational Authorisation and ATC coordination.

Class D Airspace (Controlled)

  • What is it? Controlled airspace surrounding major aerodromes, including approach and departure paths.
  • Where does it exist? (typical base/vertical limits) Often from the surface (CTRs) or higher (CTAs); confirm boundaries via AIP ENR.
  • Impact at below 120 m (≈400 ft) Permitted outside any FRZ; inside an FRZ you must have aerodrome permission; usual surface restrictions (Restricted/Prohibited/Danger Areas) still apply.
  • If operating above 120 m (Specific Category) Requires a UK SORA Operational Authorisation and ATC coordination.

Class E Airspace (Controlled)

  • What is it? Controlled airspace primarily providing IFR separation; VFR can participate with fewer requirements than C/D (local procedures apply).
  • Where does it exist? (typical base/vertical limits) Often begins a few thousand feet AMSL; bases vary, confirm in the UK AIP.
  • Impact at below 120 m (≈400 ft) No practical impact, standard Open Category & PDRA-01 drone flights remain well below Class E; usual surface restrictions (FRZs/Restricted/Prohibited/Danger Areas) still apply.
  • If operating above 120 m (Specific Category) Requires a UK SORA Operational Authorisation and ATC coordination.

Class F Airspace

Class F airspace was withdrawn from UK use in 2014. It previously referred to advisory airspace where ATC provided information services without full separation. All former UK Class F areas have since been reclassified or removed.

Class G Airspace (Uncontrolled)

  • What is it? Uncontrolled airspace, the default airspace class when outside any other class.
  • Where does it exist? (typical base/vertical limits) Most low-level airspace in the UK is Class G when outside controlled airspace.
  • Impact at below 120 m (≈400 ft) No impact; usual surface restrictions (FRZs/Restricted/Prohibited/Danger Areas) still apply.
  • If operating above 120 m (Specific Category) Requires a UK SORA Operational Authorisation and may require ATC coordination.