UK CAA APPLICATION
Applying for a UK CAA operational authorisation
A UK Specific Category operation may require an operational authorisation from the UK CAA. The application route and evidence must follow current UK CAA requirements rather than an Irish IAA or EU member-state procedure.
Define the proposed operation
Describe the purpose, locations, airspace, people at risk, UAS, command-and-control links, crew and operational limits. State clearly why the intended operation cannot remain within the Open Category.
Select the current UK route
Use only application routes and assessment methods currently accepted by the UK CAA. Do not relabel an EASA PDRA or Irish application as a UK submission without checking UK applicability.
- Current UK CAA application service
- Applicable predefined or risk-assessment route
- Operations manual and procedures
- Technical, organisational and crew evidence
Keep the dossier internally consistent
Heights, distances, roles, mitigations and emergency actions must agree across the ConOps, assessment, operations manual, ERP and supporting records.
Treat CAA questions as controlled changes
Log every CAA question, update the source document, record the revision and provide a traceable response. An answer email alone does not correct an inconsistent manual.
Frequently asked questions
Does complete documentation guarantee authorisation?
No. The UK CAA decides each application. Complete and consistent evidence supports assessment but cannot guarantee approval.
Can an Irish IAA application be submitted unchanged to the UK CAA?
No. The competent authority, legal framework, forms and accepted assessment route must be checked and adapted for the United Kingdom.