Soaring Ahead or Stuck in the Past? What the CAP 3040 Second Edition Means for Your Drone Operations

By Richard Ryan, Drone Lawyer

As a UK drone lawyer, I’ve seen firsthand how tricky it can be to navigate the ever-changing skies of unmanned aviation regulation. The Civil Aviation Authority’s (CAA) “Unmanned Aircraft Operations in an Atypical Air Environment (AAE): Policy Concept” (CAP 3040) is no exception. After the initial excitement of the First Edition, many in the drone community were eagerly awaiting the Second Edition, hoping for clarifications, improvements, and a more future-focused framework.

What’s New?
At a glance, the changes between the First and Second Editions might seem minimal—just a tweak to the reference for ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast) equipment, rolling back from RTCA DO-282C to the older DO-282B standard. But that’s not a small footnote. If you’ve been prepping your drone gear to meet DO-282C standards, you may now be left wondering why the rug’s been pulled from under you.

The Tech Twist:
DO-282B is an earlier standard for ADS-B performance, while DO-282C was supposed to reflect newer technology and real-world lessons learned. Reverting to an older standard could mean extra work or unexpected costs if you’ve already made purchases or adapted your systems for DO-282C. It also raises questions about whether the policy is truly forward-looking, or inadvertently stifling progress at a critical time in UK drone innovation.

Still Flying Through Foggy Regulations:
The Second Edition still leaves operators wrestling with a few nagging uncertainties:
1. Defining ‘Atypical Air Environment’: The document still lacks a crystal-clear definition of AAE. Without a firm legal baseline, you might struggle to know if your flight qualifies—adding confusion to your operations and potentially slowing down approvals.
2. Single Site Limitations: The CAA’s recommended approach of applying for just one site per Operational Authorisation (OA) remains. This can create unnecessary hurdles for those looking to scale up and serve multiple clients or routes.
3. Extra Admin, Less Innovation: Requirements like routine NOTAM submissions or intricate Electronic Conspicuity (EC) licensing haven’t been simplified. For many operators, these processes feel more bureaucratic than beneficial, potentially discouraging new entrants and curbing the industry’s growth.

How to Navigate This Airspace Turbulence:
• Stay Agile: Keep tabs on CAA communications and industry forums. If the CAA shifts requirements again, you’ll want to pivot quickly.
• Ask for Clarity: Don’t hesitate to reach out to uavenquiries@caa.co.uk for guidance, especially if you’ve already invested in tech aligned with DO-282C.
• Industry Collaboration: Connect with fellow operators, manufacturers, and drone associations. Shared experiences help identify practical solutions and give your concerns more weight when approaching regulators.
• Professional Advice: A drone-focused legal expert can help you interpret the Second Edition’s nuances, reduce compliance guesswork, and ensure you’re not sinking costs into the wrong standards.

Charting a Better Flight Path: While the Second Edition’s updates may feel like a step back, there’s still hope. The CAA emphasizes that CAP 3040 is an evolving concept. By voicing concerns, sharing data, and staying engaged, the drone community can help steer policy revisions that balance safety, innovation, and economic growth.

The Bottom Line:
The CAP 3040 Second Edition is a reminder that regulatory frameworks are works in progress. This can be frustrating, yes—but it’s also an opportunity. Operators willing to adapt, learn, and advocate for sensible changes can help shape the UK’s drone landscape into one that truly welcomes innovation. Keep your engines running, your channels of communication open, and your ambitions high. Together, we can ensure that tomorrow’s regulations are as cutting-edge and future friendly as the drone technology they’re meant to guide.

About the Author
Richard Ryan is a direct access barrister at Blakiston’s Chambers, specialising in drone law and unmanned aircraft regulation. Leveraging extensive knowledge of emerging aviation technologies and the UK’s complex regulatory landscape, Richard Ryan provides pragmatic guidance that empowers clients to navigate compliance challenges, secure operational approvals, and seize opportunities in the rapidly evolving drone sector. Known for translating intricate legal frameworks into actionable strategies, Richard Ryan is dedicated to shaping the policies that will define the future of unmanned aviation in the UK.

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Navigating the Legal Skies: Overcoming Challenges in Drone Deliveries

By Richard Ryan, Commercial Drone Lawyer

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The drone delivery industry is on the cusp of revolutionising retail and logistics. According to PwC’s report, “Drone Deliveries: Taking Retail and Logistics to New Heights,” we can expect around 5 million business-to-consumer (B2C) drone deliveries worldwide in 2024. This number is projected to soar to 808 million deliveries, valued at $65 billion, by 2034. Major players like Walmart, Amazon, and DHL are already investing heavily in this transformative technology.
While the report provides a comprehensive market analysis and technological overview, it touches only briefly on the legal and regulatory hurdles that businesses must overcome. As a commercial drone lawyer with over two decades of experience, I believe it’s crucial to delve deeper into these legal intricacies to fully harness the potential of drone deliveries.
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Bridging the Regulatory Gaps
Identified Gap: The report acknowledges regulatory challenges but lacks a detailed examination of existing frameworks across key markets like the UK, EU, and others.

Recommendation: Businesses should conduct a comparative analysis of international drone regulations. Understanding differences in areas such as Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations, airspace classifications, and certification requirements is essential. In the UK, for instance, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) sets stringent rules that operators must navigate carefully.

Data Protection and Privacy Concerns
Identified Gap: There’s minimal discussion on how drone operations intersect with data protection laws, such as the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Recommendation: Companies must establish protocols to ensure compliance with data protection regulations. This includes securing any data collected during drone operations and being transparent about data usage with consumers. Privacy impact assessments can help identify and mitigate potential risks.

Liability and Insurance Complexities
Identified Gap: The report briefly mentions insurance and liability but doesn’t delve into the allocation of liability in incidents like accidents or data breaches.

Recommendation: It’s vital to understand the legal liabilities for all parties involved—operators, manufacturers, and service providers. Comprehensive insurance coverage is necessary to mitigate risks. Contracts should clearly outline liability clauses to protect the business in case of unforeseen events.

Intellectual Property Rights Protection
Identified Gap: The importance of securing intellectual property (IP) rights for drone technology and software isn’t discussed.

Recommendation: Protecting technological innovations through patents and trademarks is crucial. This not only safeguards the company’s assets but also provides a competitive edge in a rapidly evolving industry.
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Legal Issues Requiring Further Explanation

Airspace Usage Rights
Issue: The legalities of low-altitude airspace usage are complex and not fully addressed in the report.
Explanation: In the UK, while airspace up to 500 feet is generally public, property owners have certain rights that could affect drone flights over their land. Clarifying these rights is essential to prevent legal disputes and ensure smooth operations.

Compliance with Aviation Laws
Issue: The process for complying with aviation laws, including obtaining necessary permissions from the CAA, needs more clarity.
Explanation: Detailed guidance on securing operational authorisations, especially for BVLOS flights, is crucial. Understanding the regulatory landscape helps in planning and reduces the risk of non-compliance.

Environmental Regulations
Issue: The report touches on environmental concerns like noise pollution and wildlife impact but doesn’t explore legal obligations in depth.
Explanation: Companies must conduct environmental impact assessments and comply with regulations to mitigate legal risks and foster community acceptance.
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Legal Requirements to Overcome Industry Challenges

Standardisation of Regulations
Assistance: Advocate for harmonising drone regulations across different jurisdictions.
Benefit: This will simplify compliance for companies operating internationally and encourage industry growth.

Development of Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) Systems
Assistance: Support the creation of UTM systems to safely integrate drones into national airspace.
Benefit: Enhanced safety measures can lead to regulatory bodies relaxing certain restrictions, facilitating smoother operations.

Public Engagement and Education
Assistance: Implement programmes to educate the public about drone operations, addressing safety and privacy concerns.
Benefit: Improved public perception can lead to a more favourable regulatory environment and increased consumer acceptance.
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Recommendations for Businesses

1. Develop a Comprehensive Legal Compliance Strategy
Craft a detailed framework that addresses all legal aspects of drone operations, including airspace rights, data protection, liability, and environmental compliance.

2. Engage with Regulatory Bodies
Proactively collaborate with the CAA and other authorities to stay updated on regulatory changes and contribute to the development of favourable policies.

3. Invest in Risk Management and Insurance
Implement robust risk management strategies and secure comprehensive insurance to mitigate potential liabilities.

4. Protect Intellectual Property
Secure patents and trademarks for technological innovations to maintain a competitive advantage and prevent infringement issues.

5. Conduct Environmental Impact Assessments
Ensure all operations comply with environmental laws by conducting thorough assessments and implementing necessary mitigation strategies.
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Conclusion
The potential of drone deliveries in transforming retail and logistics is immense. However, to fully capitalise on this opportunity, businesses must address the legal and regulatory challenges head-on. By proactively managing these aspects, companies can not only ensure compliance but also enhance operational efficiency and public acceptance.
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About the Author
Richard Ryan is a seasoned commercial drone lawyer (direct access barrister) with many years of experience in advising on UAV operations, regulatory compliance, and aviation law. With a deep understanding of the legal intricacies of drone technology, Richard Ryan assists businesses in navigating the complex regulatory landscape to achieve successful drone integration.

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Navigating the Skies: Legal Perspectives on the UK’s Drone Revolution
By Richard Ryan
November 2024
As an experienced drone lawyer in the UK with two decades of immersion in this rapidly evolving field, I’ve witnessed firsthand the transformative impact drones have across various industries. The recent ARPAS report “Drones In Action” (November 2024) showcases a spectrum of innovative applications, from housing inspections to emergency response. While these use cases highlight significant benefits—such as cost savings, improved safety, and enhanced efficiency—they also surface critical legal considerations that must be addressed to foster sustainable growth in the drone industry.
In this blog, I will analyse the legal issues arising from these drone applications, provide recommendations for regulators to facilitate industry development, and identify unresolved legal challenges.
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Legal Issues Arising from Drone Use Cases

1. Airspace Regulation and Flight Permissions
Many of the use cases involve operations in complex airspace or beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS), such as:
• Decommissioning Nuclear Sites (Sellafield Ltd): BVLOS flights over sensitive areas.
• Train Track Inspection (Network Rail): Flights over live tracks without service interruption.
• Electric Grid Tower Inspections (National Grid): Operations near critical infrastructure.
• Live Flare Stack Offshore Inspections: BVLOS flights over the North Sea platforms.

Legal Considerations:
• Air Navigation Order 2016 (ANO 2016) and CAA Regulations require specific permissions for BVLOS operations and flights near congested areas or critical infrastructure.
• Safety Assessments: Operators must conduct rigorous safety cases and obtain Operational Authorisations from the CAA.
• Compliance with Flight Restriction Zones (FRZs): Especially near nuclear sites, railways, and power grids.

2. Data Protection and Privacy
Use cases involving data capture, such as:
• Housing Inspections: Capturing images of residential properties.
• University of Exeter’s Gutter Cleaning: Collecting extensive imagery over campus buildings.
• Site Security Management: Continuous surveillance operations.

Legal Considerations:
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR): Operators must ensure compliance when processing personal data.
• Privacy Impact Assessments: Necessary to evaluate risks to individuals’ privacy.
• Transparency and Consent: Informing affected individuals when feasible.

3. Environmental and Wildlife Impact
Operations in sensitive environmental areas:
• Peatland Restoration: Drone seeding over ecologically sensitive peatlands.
• Emergency Response: Drones used in flood monitoring by the Environment Agency.

Legal Considerations:
• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Protects certain wildlife from disturbance.
• Environmental Impact Assessments: May be required for operations affecting protected areas.

4. Security and Counter-UAS Measures
Use cases involving critical infrastructure and potential security risks:
• Nuclear Sites: Potential for drones to be perceived as security threats.
• Emergency Services: Need to deconflict airspace during emergencies.

Legal Considerations:
• Security Regulations: Operators must coordinate with authorities to prevent misunderstandings.
• Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (C-UAS): Awareness of anti-drone measures that could impact legitimate operations.

5. Insurance and Liability
All commercial drone operations must consider:
• Mandatory Insurance: Compliance with EC Regulation 785/2004 on insurance requirements.
• Liability for Damages: Clear understanding of responsibility in case of accidents or data breaches.
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Pathways for Regulatory Enhancement

To facilitate easier business operations and industry development, regulators can consider the following recommendations:

1. Streamlining Permissions for BVLOS Operations
• Develop Standard Scenarios: Create predefined conditions under which BVLOS operations can be conducted without lengthy approval processes.
• Risk-Based Approaches: Adopt flexible frameworks that assess risk based on the operation’s specifics rather than a one-size-fits-all model.

2. Enhancing Regulatory Clarity and Guidance
• Clear Guidelines on Data Protection: Issue specific guidance on GDPR compliance for drone operators.
• Environmental Operation Protocols: Provide clear procedures for operations in or near protected areas to prevent ecological disturbances.

3. Facilitating Technological Advancements
• Support for UTM Systems: Implement unmanned traffic management systems to safely integrate drones into UK airspace.
• Encourage Innovation: Provide sandbox environments where companies can test new technologies under regulatory supervision.

4. Harmonizing Security Measures
• Establish Communication Channels: Create protocols for operators to notify authorities of intended flights near sensitive sites.
• Standardise C-UAS Policies: Ensure that anti-drone measures do not inadvertently disrupt lawful operations.

5. Simplifying Insurance Processes
• Unified Insurance Platforms: Work with the insurance industry to develop products tailored for drone operations.
• Liability Caps: Consider legislative caps on liability to reduce barriers for smaller operators.
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Legal Issues Needing Resolution

1. Airspace Integration and Management
• National Airspace Policy for Drones: There is a pressing need for a comprehensive policy that integrates drones into the national airspace, balancing innovation with safety.

2. Privacy Laws Adaptation
• Modernising Legislation: Current privacy laws may not adequately address the nuances of drone surveillance. Legislation needs updating to reflect technological capabilities.

3. Standardisation of Training and Certification
• Pilot Competency: Establish standardized training programs and certifications to ensure all operators meet safety and competency requirements.

4. Addressing Environmental Concerns
• Environmental Regulations: Clear regulations are needed to manage the environmental impact of drones, particularly in wildlife areas.

5. International Coordination
• Cross-Border Operations: With companies operating internationally, harmonization with EU and international regulations is essential to facilitate operations and maintain competitiveness.
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Other Relevant Issues
1. Public Perception and Acceptance
• Community Engagement: Efforts should be made to educate the public on the benefits of drones to alleviate concerns over privacy and safety.

2. Workforce Development
• Skill Shortages: Addressing the need for skilled professionals in the drone industry through education and training initiatives.

3. Ethical Considerations
• Responsible Use: Establishing ethical guidelines to govern the use of drones, particularly in sensitive contexts like surveillance and data collection.

4. Infrastructure Investment
• Support Facilities: Investment in infrastructure such as drone ports and charging stations to support the growing industry.

5. Encouraging SME Participation
• Reducing Barriers to Entry: Simplify regulatory processes to encourage small and medium-sized enterprises to enter the market, fostering innovation and competition.
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Conclusion

The “Drones In Action” report highlights the immense potential of drone technology to revolutionize various sectors in the UK. However, to fully realize these benefits, it is imperative to address the legal challenges that accompany such technological advancements. Regulators play a crucial role in shaping a conducive environment that balances innovation with safety, privacy, and environmental stewardship.

By streamlining regulatory processes, updating legal frameworks, and fostering open communication between stakeholders, the UK can position itself at the forefront of the global drone industry. As we navigate this exciting frontier, collaboration between industry players, regulators, and legal professionals will be key to unlocking the full potential of drones while safeguarding public interests.
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Author: Richard Ryan, an experienced drone lawyer specialising in UK aviation law, with 20 years of expertise in navigating the legal landscapes of unmanned aerial systems.

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The drone and electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) industries are at the forefront of a transportation revolution. Companies like Lilium have captured the imagination of investors and the public alike with promises of transforming urban mobility. However, the journey from visionary concepts to operational reality is fraught with technological, regulatory, and financial challenges. As a drone lawyer, I aim to shed light on these challenges and offer strategic insights for companies navigating this complex landscape.

Technological Ambitions vs. Realities
The allure of eVTOL aircraft lies in their potential to offer quick, eco-friendly transportation within urban environments. Yet, current battery technology presents significant limitations:
– Energy Density Constraints: Modern batteries struggle to provide the necessary power-to-weight ratios for long-distance, high-speed flight. Achieving energy densities beyond current capabilities is essential but remains a long-term goal.
– Reliability and Safety: Ensuring consistent performance and safety in varying conditions is a non-negotiable requirement for aviation authorities.
Legal Implications: Overpromising on technological capabilities can lead to legal liabilities, including accusations of misrepresentation or fraud. Companies must ensure that their public statements and investor communications are grounded in realistic assessments and backed by evidence.

Regulatory Compliance and Certification
Aviation is one of the most heavily regulated industries due to the inherent risks associated with flight:
– Certification Challenges: Navigating the certification processes of bodies like the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency) or the CAA (Civil Avaition Authority UK) is complex and time-consuming.
– Operational Regulations: Beyond aircraft certification, companies must comply with regulations concerning airspace usage, pilot licensing, and maintenance protocols.
Legal Implications: Non-compliance can result in fines, grounding of aircraft, or more severe legal actions. Early and proactive engagement with regulators is crucial to anticipate and meet requirements.

Financial Stewardship and Investor Relations
Bringing an eVTOL aircraft from concept to market is capital-intensive:
– Budget Overruns: Technological hurdles can lead to escalating costs, requiring additional funding rounds that may dilute existing shareholders’ equity.
– Investor Confidence: Transparent communication about challenges and realistic timelines is essential to maintain investor trust.
Legal Implications: Mismanagement of funds or misleading investors about the company’s financial health can lead to legal actions, including lawsuits for breach of fiduciary duties.

Strategic Leadership and Corporate Governance
Effective leadership is vital in steering a company through uncharted territories:
– Expertise: Leaders should have a deep understanding of both the aviation industry and the unique challenges of emerging technologies.
– Adaptability: The ability to pivot strategies in response to new information or changing market conditions is essential.
Legal Implications: Corporate leaders have a legal duty to act in the best interests of the company and its shareholders. Failure to do so can result in personal liability and damage to the company’s reputation.

Exploring Hybrid Solutions
Given current technological limitations, hybrid propulsion systems offer a viable interim solution:
– Combining Technologies: Hybrid systems use a combination of traditional fuel engines and electric propulsion, potentially extending range and improving reliability.
– Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF): Integrating SAF can reduce environmental impact while leveraging existing engine technologies.
Legal Implications: Transitioning to hybrid systems may alter certification requirements and operational regulations. Legal counsel can assist in navigating these changes to ensure compliance.

Actionable Strategies for Success
1. Realistic Goal Setting: Align technological ambitions with current capabilities to set achievable milestones.
2. Regulatory Engagement: Establish open lines of communication with regulatory bodies to facilitate smoother certification processes.
3. Financial Oversight: Implement robust financial controls and maintain transparency with investors to build and retain trust.

4. Leadership Evaluation: Ensure that the management team possesses the necessary expertise and is adaptable to industry developments.
5. Technology Assessment: Continuously evaluate technological approaches, including hybrid systems, to find the most practical path forward.

Conclusion
The potential of the eVTOL and drone industries is immense, but realising this potential requires a grounded approach that balances innovation with practicality. Companies must navigate a labyrinth of technological challenges, regulatory requirements, and financial pressures. Legal guidance is not just beneficial but essential in this journey.
As a drone lawyer, my role is to provide the legal frameworks and strategic advice that enable companies to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and chart a course toward sustainable success.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal concerns, please consult a qualified drone lawyer or just any lawyer!

The post Navigating the Skies: Legal and Strategic Insights for Drone and eVTOL Companies following Lillium appeared first on Blakistons.

Soon after 9pm on Wednesday 19 December 2018, an airport security officer who had just finished his shift at Gatwick airport was standing at a bus stop on site, waiting to go home, when he saw something strange. He immediately called the Gatwick control centre and reported what he had seen: two drones. One was hovering above a vehicle inside the airport complex, and the other was flying alongside the nearby perimeter fence. The message was relayed to senior management. Unauthorised drone activity is considered a danger to aircraft and passengers because of the risk of collision. Within minutes, Gatwick’s only runway had been closed and all flights were suspended.

Over the next half hour, 20 police and airport security vehicles drove around the airport, lights flashing and sirens blaring, with the intention of scaring whoever was operating the drones. It didn’t work. By 9.30pm, six more sightings had been logged by the Gatwick control centre, five of them from police officers. Inside the airport, thousands of passengers waited to set off on their Christmas holidays. In the sky above, planes circled, waiting to land. Some were at the end of long journeys, and more than a dozen aircraft were soon dangerously low on fuel.

Read the full article here.

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Our recent research with over 350 local authorities confirmed that councils do not have appropriate policies in place for drones and where there is a policy in place, it is not consistent with CAA regulations. We did not find a single policy that was accurate, up to date or enforceable.

Drones are here to stay, and the number of drones and unmanned aircraft is forecast to grow rapidly for both recreational use and commercial operations. Local authorities have a significant role to play in promoting the safe use of drones and creating an environment that supports the economic growth of the sector. We also believe that local authorities could have a very interesting role managing the governance of lower level airspace.

Airspace

Airspace is a national asset that needs to be shared in the most effective and efficient way to meet the overall needs of the UK. The biggest challenge to the future of unmanned aviation is public perception. The battleground here will be about airspace governance – the policies and rules that need to be put in place such that the benefits of unmanned aviation are seen to outweigh the perceived risks and nuisance.

The CAA is the regulator for the UK airspace structure and is the only organisation that can authorise changes to the structure of airspace. This works well for traditional aviation and there is an airspace change process that enables airports and our national air traffic control provider to request changes to the airspace structure. This change process is well defined and involves public consultation with local communities. It works effectively for governing higher-level airspace and airspace around airports.

However, lower level airspace that will be occupied by delivery drones and urban air mobility services is a bit like the Wild West. As long as the remote pilot complies with the CAA regulations, then unmanned aircraft can fly wherever they like. There are further restrictions that relate to Temporary Danger Areas (TDA’s) whereby drones can fly Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS), but this is not a viable option for scaling to meet the future volume of traffic.

There is a bigger picture that needs to be addressed around the governance of lower level airspace. Who decides that it is acceptable for unmanned aircraft to fly over the local parish graveyard? Who determines that 60 flights an hour at night over my house is acceptable when the flight could equally fly over a parallel route? PwC’s “Building Trust in Drones” research revealed that only 31% of the UK public feel positive towards drone technology. The biggest concern was the improper use of drones and 70% of respondents wanted routes to be registered with the CAA.

The CAA will not have the capacity nor the local knowledge to deal with this micro-managed governance of lower level airspace. We believe there will need to be a framework in place for the CAA to delegate governance of lower level airspace to a local body that can engage with the public and address their concerns, which may be varied and many; especially if we take the USA as an example. Local authorities would be well positioned to play that role.

Legislation

Drone legislation is complex with regular changes such as the mandatory drone registration scheme introduced at the end of 2019 (whereby only 60,000 registered users were recorded Dec 2019) and there will be widespread changes with the introduction of complex European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) regulations in June 2020. A local authority may find it substantially more cost effective to subscribe to a policy service rather than develop and maintain one in-house. Local authorities have a significant role to play in promoting the safe use of drones, creating an environment that supports the economic growth of the sector and also facilitating the police in enforcement activities.

The safety regulations are mainly contained in Articles 94 and 95 of the Air Navigation Order (ANO) are fundamental and are referenced in CAP 393. These are safety regulations and do not encompass matters relating to privacy and security.  The ANO articles set limits on where unmanned aircraft may fly and whether they can be used for commercial purposes (commercial operations) and do not necessarily include hobbyists or model flying clubs. The key ANO articles of relevance are:

• Article 241 – endangering safety of any person or property
• Article 94 – small unmanned aircraft: requirements
• Article 94A – small unmanned aircraft; permissions for certain flights
• Article 94B – small unmanned aircraft: Interpretation of expressions used in the definition of “flight restriction zone”
• Article 95 – small unmanned surveillance aircraft

There is inherent confusion within the various regulations such as Schedule 2 of the ANO defines a Small Unmanned Aircraft as follows:

“any unmanned aircraft, other than a balloon or a kite, having a mass of not more than 20kg without its fuel but including any articles or equipment installed in or attached to the aircraft at the commencement of its flight;”

Although not specified in the ANO, the CAA adopts the following definitions:

‘unmanned aircraft’ means any aircraft operating or designed to operate autonomously or to be piloted remotely without a pilot on board;

‘aircraft’ means any machine that can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions of the air other than reactions of the air against the earth’s surface;

Policy considerations

Whilst there are significant benefits from the use of drones, given the breadth of airspace, air traffic volume and lower flying altitudes across large geographies of a local authority, the potential risks need to be understood and mitigated.

The future of unmanned aviation is evolving rapidly and local authorities should ensure that they have a lead officer responsible for implementing and maintaining appropriate policy. The policy should initially be focused on drones and include:

• National context – up to date with the latest legislation and regulation as changes are announced;
• Local context – relevant local airspace restrictions and permissions required to fly in these areas;
• Council owned land – restrictions and opportunities for recreational flying from council owned property and land;
• Commercial use of drones – facilitating the growth and economic benefits of commercial drone operations;
• Exceptions – management of exceptions such as emergency services and flying clubs;
• Suspicious drone activity – Reporting suspicious activity or drone usage that presents a threat to the public;
• Council strategy – how the local authority intends to realise benefits from drone technology.

We advise a modern local policy that sets out a ?‘total airspace approach’ and includes proportionate local measures outside expanded flight restriction zones to ensure resident and wider public safety. A council must understand that there will be a need for special exemptions and/or permissions which, it may grant in exceptional circumstances. Where these will apply, they will primarily relate to public safety activities and accredited organisations.

Potential risks for local authorities

Our research highlights there is a general lack of understanding of the regulations and this is reflected in the lack of accurate and up to date policy across the local government sector. There are a number of very active social media groups within the drone community that share inconsistencies and misinformation provided by local authorities and organisations such as the National Trust and English Heritage. We believe it is only a matter of time before there is a test case challenging a local authority. Such a challenge would present the following risks to the local authority:

1. Significant legal costs in defending a challenge by judicial review. Legal consequences of a breach of the ultra vires rule are significant and there is much case law on this. A person who is aggrieved by a local authority’s decision may apply to the court for judicial review of the decision under Part 54 of the Civil Procedural Rules. The court may grant a successful applicant one of the following remedies against a local authority:

(a) An order quashing an ultra vires decision;

(b) An order (a prohibiting order, mandatory order or injunction) stopping an ultra vires action that is about to take place;

(c) An order compelling the local authority to perform a public duty (a mandatory order or injunction);

(d) An order making the legal position clear (a declaration).

2. Risk of other remedies available in ordinary private law High Court proceedings, namely injunctions, declarations and damages;

3. Significant and substantial negative PR.

Conclusion 

It is abundantly clear that local authorities have a great opportunity to take advantage of an evolving legal position and also be much better informed.  Councils can provide a much safer environment for people that enjoy open spaces and for people that enjoy flying drones.  The legislative burden is increasing at an alarming rate, which means that local authorities must be able to resource accordingly.  This can be expensive and time consuming.  By using a conjoined policy document that is up to date and consistent with changing regulations, local authorities will substantially mitigate the risks of legal challenge.

Richard Ryan is a barrister and Chris Gee is MD Agilio and Trustee for Safer Drones.

Richard and Chris are offering all local authorities a free review of their existing drone policy or an initial free consultation to answer questions relating to the development of a new policy. Please contact chris.gee@agilio.co.uk or richard.ryan@blakistons.co.uk.

Richard is a practicing barrister and also a commercial UAV pilot (PfCO). Richard worked for the CAA UAS Unit and was responsible for all complex drone permissions in the UK from land up to space and inspected and audited drone pilots and National Qualified Entities, the first person in the UK to do so. Richard provides cogent advice on drone law to many different stakeholders in the UK and abroad.

Chris is a commercial UAV pilot (PfCO), programme manager and management consultant with 25 years’ experience helping organisations innovate through new technology including drones. He has worked extensively in local government and also has manned aviation experience having previously held a pilot’s licence.

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