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Drones at UCL

29 April 2021

If you want to fly a drone or model aircraft, you must be registered with the CAA and pass a theory test. You can then apply to UCL Estates to fly a drone from or over UCL property.

For up-to-date information about drones and unmanned aircraft, see the dedicated webpage.

On 31 December 2020 the regulations regarding Drones, Flights and Operations were updated. The updated regulations are based around flight risk and the type and size of the drone. In simple terms, the higher the risk involved in a drone flight, the more restrictions and limitations apply.

CAA registration

You must be registered with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) before flying any drones fitted with a camera regardless of size and weight. There are two requirements and you may need to meet both:

  • Operator ID: The legal owner of the individual drone has to be registered and an ID tag must be displayed on the drone
  • Flyer ID: This is required for persons flying the drone, not necessarily the owner. Drone flyers or operators of drones are required to register and undertake competency testing

More details regarding registration can be found on the Civil Aviation Authority website.

Drone flight categories

Drone flights (or "Unmanned Aircraft Systems") are classed into Categories according to the level of risk they pose to the public and other airspace users. The Categories dictate where drones of a certain weight and type can fly, and how close they can fly to uninvolved people, crowds and built-up areas.

At UCL drone flights that fall into the "Specific" category are permitted.

  • Open: UAS Operations which present low risk to third parties – further split into 3 subcategories: A1, A2 and A3 (mainly hobbyist/recreational use and some commercial use)
  • Specific: UAS Operations which are more complex or which fall outside the Open Category (mainly commercial use and flights operating under a model flying club authorisation)
  • Certified: UAS Operations which are very complex, and which present the same high risk as ‘manned’ aviation

You can find more information on drone categories on the CAA CAP2012 fact sheet.

Mandatory requirements when using drones

Authorisation to fly over UCL will be given provided the following conditions are met:

  • The drone operator must obtain registration with the CAA and will need to obtain an Operator ID and Flying ID in order to fly on UCL Estate
  • All flights on UCL Estate will be conducted under the ''Specific'' category requiring permission from the CAA to permit flights in congested areas
  • The drone operator has suitable and specific insurance policy - generally a minimum of £1m Third Party cover in place for the period of the flight(s)
  • Evidence of safety arrangements such as risk assessment/method statement (RAMS). This is to identify sufficient safety measures are in place - to ensure that drone operations will not endanger people, property or aircraft 

Drone Authorisation Form

 

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