Drone Permits in the UK: When and How to Get One

What Is an Operational Authorisation?

An Operational Authorisation (OA) is the formal permission issued by the UK CAA that allows drone operators to conduct flights in the Specific Category. It is the closest thing to a traditional "permit" in UK drone law, though the CAA does not use the word "permit" officially.

You need an OA when your intended operation exceeds the boundaries of the Open Category. The Open Category covers lower-risk flights — generally below 120 metres, within visual line of sight, and away from people. Anything beyond those limits requires the additional scrutiny and approval that an OA provides.

When Is an OA Required?

Common scenarios that require an Operational Authorisation include:

• Flying in congested areas or over assemblies of people
• Operating beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS)
• Flying drones heavier than 25 kg
• Operations that cannot meet the conditions of the Open Category subcategories (A1, A2, A3)
• Flights above 120 metres AGL (above ground level) in certain circumstances
• Operations near aerodromes outside of standard permissions

Pre-Defined Risk Assessments (PDRA)

For certain common operation types, the CAA has published Pre-Defined Risk Assessments. A PDRA is a standardised risk assessment that simplifies the application process. If your operation matches a PDRA scenario exactly, you can reference it in your application rather than conducting a full bespoke risk assessment.

PDRAs cover scenarios such as VLOS operations in controlled ground areas, BVLOS over sparsely populated areas, and specific inspection tasks. Check the CAA website for the current list of available PDRAs.

SORA: The Risk Assessment Framework

For operations that do not fit a PDRA, you will need to conduct a Specific Operations Risk Assessment (SORA). This is a structured methodology that evaluates:

• Ground Risk: The risk to people and property on the ground beneath the flight path
• Air Risk: The risk of collision with manned aircraft
• Mitigations: The measures you will put in place to reduce both ground and air risk to acceptable levels

The SORA process assigns a Specific Assurance and Integrity Level (SAIL) from I to VI. Higher SAIL levels require more robust mitigations and may demand additional operational approvals.

How to Apply for an OA

1. Determine that your operation falls within the Specific Category
2. Ensure the remote pilot holds a GVC or equivalent qualification
3. Prepare an Operations Manual detailing your procedures, safety measures, and emergency protocols
4. Complete either a PDRA application or a full SORA risk assessment
5. Submit your application through the CAA's online portal
6. Respond to any queries or requests for additional information from the CAA
7. Receive your OA, which will specify the conditions and limitations of your approved operation

Processing Times and Costs

The CAA aims to process OA applications within a defined timeframe, but complex applications may take longer. Processing times vary depending on the complexity of the operation and the completeness of the application. Check the CAA website for current fees and expected processing times.

Incomplete applications are a common cause of delays. Ensure your Operations Manual, risk assessment, and supporting documents are thorough before submitting.

Conditions and Limitations

An OA is not a blanket permission. It will include specific conditions such as:

• Geographic areas where the operation is approved
• Maximum altitude and distance parameters
• Weather limitations
• Required crew qualifications and minimum numbers
• Reporting and record-keeping obligations

Operating outside these conditions invalidates your authorisation and may constitute a criminal offence.