Flight Restriction Zones (FRZ) Explained for UK Drones

What Is a Flight Restriction Zone?

A Flight Restriction Zone is a volume of airspace around an aerodrome (airport or airfield) that is established specifically to protect manned aircraft during take-off and landing — the most safety-critical phases of flight. Within an FRZ, drone flying is prohibited unless you have obtained permission from the relevant air traffic control authority.

FRZs were introduced to address the growing risk of drones interfering with airport operations. High-profile incidents at airports have demonstrated the potential consequences of unauthorised drone flights near runways.

FRZ Dimensions

The standard FRZ around most UK aerodromes extends:

• A radius around the aerodrome reference point (typically covering the runway and surrounding area)
• Extended zones along the runway's centreline to protect the approach and departure paths
• From the surface to a specified altitude

The exact dimensions vary by aerodrome. Major international airports have larger FRZs than small airfields. The CAA publishes the specific boundaries for each FRZ.

Where to Find FRZ Information

• NATS Drone Assist app: Shows all FRZs on an interactive map with clear boundaries
• CAA Drone and Model Aircraft Registration website: Includes a map tool showing FRZs
• UK Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP): The official source for all aerodrome information
• NOTAMs: Check for any temporary changes to FRZ boundaries or additional restrictions

Always check FRZ boundaries before every flight. FRZ locations can be surprising — some aerodromes are in unexpected locations, and FRZ shapes are not always circular.

How to Get Permission to Fly in an FRZ

If you have a legitimate need to fly within an FRZ, you must contact the relevant air traffic control unit before your flight. The process varies by aerodrome:

1. Identify the ATC unit responsible for the FRZ
2. Contact them well in advance of your planned flight
3. Provide details of your operation (location, altitude, duration, drone type)
4. Receive explicit permission before flying
5. Maintain communication as required during the flight

Permission is not guaranteed. ATC may refuse permission based on traffic levels, weather, or other operational considerations. Some aerodromes have published procedures for drone operators; check the AIP or contact the aerodrome directly.

Penalties for FRZ Violations

Flying within an FRZ without permission is a criminal offence. Penalties can include:

• Significant fines
• Criminal prosecution
• Imprisonment for the most serious cases (endangering aircraft)
• Seizure of drone equipment

Airport operators and police take FRZ violations extremely seriously. Drone incursions at airports can cause flight delays, diversions, and closures, with significant economic and safety consequences.

FRZs and Other Restrictions

An FRZ is one of several types of airspace restriction. It is separate from:

• Controlled airspace (CTR): The wider control zone around an airport may extend beyond the FRZ
• Danger areas: Military or other hazardous activity zones
• Temporary restrictions: Short-term restrictions for events or security

You must comply with all applicable restrictions, not just the FRZ. An area may be outside the FRZ but still within controlled airspace, requiring separate permission.

Common FRZ Mistakes

• Assuming a small airfield has no FRZ — many small airfields do have them
• Checking the map once and not rechecking — FRZ boundaries can be updated
• Flying at the edge of an FRZ without a safety margin — GPS accuracy is not precise enough to rely on
• Forgetting that FRZs extend from the surface — even a 2-metre hover within an FRZ is illegal without permission