The Department for Transport (DfT) has sponsored the CAA to review regulation for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) in the UK, to identify and recommend improvements to the regulatory framework.
In August 2023, the CAA published a Call for Input (CAP 2569) that set out 15 opportunities to improve UAS regulation. The Call for Input received 2,629 responses, which validated our view that there are opportunities to improve UAS regulation. However, feedback also provided support for some of the key foundations of regulation we have retained from EU legislation, such as operational categories and class-marking. We therefore developed proposals to maintain existing regulatory structures, and to address targeted safety, security or user concerns.
In November 2023, the CAA published our Review of UK Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Regulations consultation (CAP 2610). The consultation set out proposals to simplify regulation, deliver greater education for UAS users, improve safety and security, and support the UAS sector transition to new regulations. The consultation closed in January 2024 and received 3,499 responses.
Following the publication of the CAA’s reply to the consultation, we will publish our formal opinion submitted to the Department for Transport. The Department for Transport will in turn consider whether to implement our proposed changes.
If the Department for Transport chooses to take forward our proposals, changes to the relevant regulations will be progressed through a Statutory Instrument. The timetable for this Statutory Instrument will be determined by the Department for Transport. The CAA will with work the Department for Transport to communicate this timetable to the UAS sector at the earliest opportunity.