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Airspace Classes

Understand the core UK airspace classes and how each affects drone operations. This page explains Class A - G airspace, including where drones are allowed and when special rules, permissions or restrictions apply.

Contents

Class A Airspace (Controlled)

  • What is it? Controlled airspace reserved exclusively for IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) traffic.
  • Where does it exist? (typical base/vertical limits) Often begins at FL195 (≈19,500 ft) over most areas; check AIP ENR 1.4 for local variations.
  • Impact at ≤120 m (Open Category & PDRA-01) No practical impact, standard drone flights remain well below Class A. Still check low-level restrictions such as FRZs.
  • If operating above 120 m/BVLOS (Specific Category) Relevant only to high-altitude operations under a UK SORA OA, which require explicit ATC clearance.

Class B Airspace

Class B is not currently used in UK airspace. Although it exists as an ICAO classification in other countries, no areas in the UK are designated as Class B.

Class C Airspace (Controlled)

  • What is it? Controlled airspace that allows both IFR and VFR traffic, with services varying by flight rules and participants.
  • Where does it exist? (typical base/vertical limits) Typically starts at FL195 (≈19,500 ft), though some CTAs may start lower, confirm in AIP ENR 1.4.
  • Impact at ≤120 m (Open Category & PDRA-01) None in practice unless a local structure descends to the surface alongside an FRZ/ATZ/Restriction.
  • If operating above 120 m/BVLOS (Specific Category) May require a UK SORA OA and ATC coordination as defined in your OA.

Class D Airspace (Controlled)

  • What is it? Controlled airspace surrounding major aerodromes, including approach and departure paths.
  • Where does it exist? (typical base/vertical limits) Often from the surface (CTRs) or higher (CTAs); confirm boundaries via AIP ENR.
  • Impact at ≤120 m (Open Category & PDRA-01) Permitted outside any FRZ/ATZ; inside an FRZ you must have aerodrome permission. Always check Drone Assist/NATS AIS/NOTAM for exact limits.
  • If operating above 120 m/BVLOS (Specific Category) Requires a UK SORA OA and ATC coordination with the controlling unit.

Class E Airspace (Controlled)

  • What is it? Controlled airspace primarily providing IFR separation; VFR can participate with fewer requirements than C/D (local procedures apply).
  • Where does it exist? (typical base/vertical limits) Often begins a few thousand feet AMSL; bases vary, confirm in the UK AIP.
  • Impact at ≤120 m (Open Category & PDRA-01) No practical impact at drone height; usual surface restrictions (FRZ/ATZ/Restricted/Prohibited/Danger Areas) still apply.
  • If operating above 120 m/BVLOS (Specific Category) May require a UK SORA OA and coordination with the controlling unit per your OA conditions.
  • Always check Drone Assist, NATS AIS, UK AIP ENR, and NOTAMs for FRZs, ATZs, Restricted/Prohibited/Danger Areas and RA(T)s.

Class F Airspace

Class F airspace was withdrawn from UK use in 2014. It previously referred to advisory airspace where ATC provided information services without full separation. All former UK Class F areas have since been reclassified or removed.

Class G Airspace (Uncontrolled)

  • What is it? Uncontrolled airspace, the default across most of the UK at lower levels.
  • Where does it exist? (typical base/vertical limits) Most low-level airspace in the UK is Class G when outside controlled or restricted areas.
  • Impact at ≤120 m (Open Category & PDRA-01) Permitted up to 120 m (≈400 ft) AGL without ATC clearance, subject to Open Category rules. Specific Category flights require a CAA Operational Authorisation (e.g. via UK SORA or PDRA-01) and compliance with all OA conditions, including any ATC coordination or geo-fencing requirements.
  • Always check Drone Assist, NATS AIS, UK AIP ENR, and NOTAMs for FRZ, Prohibited/Restricted/Danger Areas or other restrictions before flight.