OSC Application Service closes to new applications on 22 April 2025
We're closing the OSC Application Service to new applications on 22 April 2025 and will introduce the UK SORA (Specific Operations Risk Assessment) Application Service for new applications on 23 April 2025.
You should familiarise yourself with UK SORA before applying for an OSC-based Operational Authorisation. UK SORA offers many advantages over the OSC method and provides a more effective and efficient method of applying for a Specific Category operational authorisation.
UK SORA-based Operational Authorisations
Step-by-step guide to applying for an OSC-based Operational Authorisation
1 Read the information in UAS Operations in UK Airspace – Operating Safety Cases CAP 722A (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
This document sets out what you must prepare before you apply.
2 Prepare your Operating Safety Case
This is made up of three volumes:
- Volume 1: Operations Manual
- Volume 2: UAS Description
- Volume 3: Safety Risk Assessment
We also require details of the competency levels of each remote pilot involved in the operation.
Details are in CAP 722A.
3 Complete and submit your Application for an Operational Authorisation to Operate unmanned Aircraft Systems in UK Airspace (opens in a new tab)
The form will guide you through the process and how to attach the required documents.
Preparing your documents
Your documents must be in line with UK Regulation (EU) 2019/947 (opens in new tab).
You can also find acceptable means of compliance and guidance material to this regulation at the link above.
We are unable to accept documents stored and hosted in third-party cloud servers.
Checklist
To help avoid delays to your application, make sure that:
- you include all volumes of your operating safety case
- the name of the organisation shown on your documents matches the name on your Companies House record
- your Operator ID is valid
- the details for the Accountable Manager for your Operator ID matches the details listed in your application
If these points are incorrect, or any other information is missing, we may put your application on hold until you provide or correct the information. This will delay our assessment.
Commercial decisions and contracts
We strongly advise you not to make any commercial decisions or book any contracts that rely on you having an Operational Authorisation until you find out if your application has been successful.
Operators from overseas
Operator from overseas must register as a UK operator and comply with the same requirements that would apply if you were based in the UK.
We may choose to accept valid national documents relating to operator certification, remote pilot competency or national operational authorisations as part of your risk assessment.
This is particularly the case where the regulatory environment in your parent country is similar to that of the UK. For example, in EU Member States.
What happens next
We will triage and assess your application when we receive it.
The time required to assess your application may be impacted by factors such as:
- the complexity and scope of your proposed operations
- the quality of your documentation
- your compliance, or otherwise, with the regulations
- our caseloads at the time of your application
What happens if we reject your application
If we receive an application that has regulatory deficiencies, we will issue findings highlighting the deficiencies. You will then have the opportunity to address the deficiencies.
If you fail to address the findings, either by not responding or by resubmitting your application with further deficiencies, we may reject your application.
The application process contains rejection rules for incorrect application submissions. Should an application be rejected the applicant will be notified and will be required to make a fresh application submission.
We may charge a rejection/assessment fee of £124.00 for applications that do not meet a certain level of standard in line with our CAA Refunds & Waivers Policy.
Renewing your OSC-based Operational Authorisation
You can submit your renewal application up to 90 days before the expiry date of your Operational Authorisation.
We may not renew your Operational Authorisation before it expires if you submit your renewal close to the expiry date.
Modifying your UAS without varying your Operational Authorisation
Policy for Operators who are considering modifying their UAS without needing to vary their Operational Authorisation is in UAS – Specific Category UAS Modification, CAP 722G.