UK OPERATIONAL PLANNING
UK site, airspace and operational planning for drone flights
An operational authorisation defines a permitted framework; it does not replace checking the actual UK site, airspace, people, weather and permissions for each operation.
Assess the real site
Record access, landowner arrangements, people, obstacles, emergency access, launch and recovery areas, adjacent areas and local restrictions.
Check airspace and coordination
Use current aeronautical information, restrictions, NOTAMs and required coordination. Document the source, time checked and operational decision.
Issue a controlled go/no-go decision
Brief crew roles, limits, communications, contingencies and abort criteria, then record who authorised the operation and under which conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Does UK CAA authorisation grant land access?
No. Aviation authorisation and landowner or site permission are separate matters.
Can an old site assessment be reused?
Only after confirming that the site, airspace, operation, aircraft, people and restrictions remain valid for the planned flight.