A2 CofC Airspace Classification & Restrictions — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In UK airspace classification, which class of airspace is associated with the busiest controlled routes and requires ATC clearance for all aircraft including IFR and VFR flights?
- Class A (Correct answer)
- Class C
- Class D
- Class G
Correct answer: Class A
Class A airspace is the most restrictive controlled airspace in the UK. All flights require ATC clearance and must be conducted under IFR. Drone operations in Class A are effectively prohibited without specific authorisation — which is extremely rare.
Question 2: What does 'Class G' airspace mean for drone pilots in the UK?
- Uncontrolled airspace where drones may fly subject to open category rules and altitude limits (Correct answer)
- Airspace reserved exclusively for gliders
- Airspace requiring prior permission from the CAA
- Ground-level restricted airspace around airports
Correct answer: Uncontrolled airspace where drones may fly subject to open category rules and altitude limits
Class G is uncontrolled airspace. Drone pilots flying in Class G are not required to contact ATC, but must still comply with all ANO requirements including the 120 m altitude limit, distance rules, and any geographic restrictions such as ATZs or flight restriction zones.
Question 3: What is an Aerodrome Traffic Zone (ATZ) and how does it affect drone pilots?
- A cylinder of airspace around an aerodrome; drones must not enter without permission from the aerodrome (Correct answer)
- A zone where drones are permanently banned
- A zone only relevant to fixed-wing aircraft
- An area where drones may fly freely below 50 m AGL
Correct answer: A cylinder of airspace around an aerodrome; drones must not enter without permission from the aerodrome
An ATZ is a defined volume of airspace around an aerodrome (typically 2 nm radius, surface to 2,000 ft AAL) intended to protect aircraft in the circuit. Drone pilots must contact the aerodrome and obtain permission before entering an ATZ.
Question 4: What is a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) in the context of UK drone regulations?
- An area around aerodromes where drone flight is restricted without specific permission or exemption (Correct answer)
- A temporary area restricted due to military exercises
- A zone where only military drones can fly
- An area designated for drone training purposes
Correct answer: An area around aerodromes where drone flight is restricted without specific permission or exemption
Flight Restriction Zones (FRZs) are established around licensed aerodromes to protect aircraft operations. They typically extend 5 km from the aerodrome boundary and apply from the surface upwards. Drone flight within an FRZ requires specific permission from the aerodrome or a CAA exemption.
Question 5: Which UK app or service is widely used by drone pilots to check airspace restrictions before flying?
- NATS Drone Assist or Altitude Angel apps (Correct answer)
- Google Maps satellite view
- CAA NOTAM viewer only (no apps are approved)
- FlightRadar24
Correct answer: NATS Drone Assist or Altitude Angel apps
Apps such as NATS Drone Assist and Altitude Angel (which powers several manufacturer apps) aggregate airspace data including NOTAMs, FRZs, ATZs, and temporary restrictions. Using these tools before every flight is best practice and part of responsible pre-flight planning.
Question 6: A drone pilot is planning to fly 4 km from a licensed aerodrome boundary. What must they check first?
- Whether they are within the aerodrome's Flight Restriction Zone and contact the aerodrome if so (Correct answer)
- Nothing — 4 km is outside all restricted zones
- Only whether there are NOTAMs active in the area
- Whether the aerodrome is Class D or above
Correct answer: Whether they are within the aerodrome's Flight Restriction Zone and contact the aerodrome if so
FRZs can extend up to 5 km from an aerodrome boundary, so at 4 km the pilot is potentially within the FRZ. They must check using an approved app or NOTAM service and, if within the FRZ, contact the aerodrome to obtain permission before flying.
A2 CofC Airspace Classification & Restrictions
In UK airspace classification, which class of airspace is associated with the busiest controlled routes and requires ATC clearance for all aircraft including IFR and VFR flights?