A2 CofC UK Airspace and Navigation — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What class of airspace is typically found around major UK airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick?
- Class G
- Class D
- Class A (Correct answer)
- Class E
Correct answer: Class A
Major UK airports like Heathrow and Gatwick are located within Class A controlled airspace, which is the most restrictive. No VFR flight is permitted, and all traffic requires ATC clearance.
Question 2: What is the significance of a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) for drone operators in the UK?
- It is an area where drones can fly freely without restrictions
- It extends to 5 km from an aerodrome where drone flights are prohibited without ATC permission (Correct answer)
- It is an area designated for drone testing only
- It only applies to drones over 25 kg
Correct answer: It extends to 5 km from an aerodrome where drone flights are prohibited without ATC permission
A Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) is established around protected aerodromes. Drone flights within the FRZ are prohibited unless the operator has permission from the relevant air traffic control unit and follows specific conditions.
Question 3: Which tool should a UK drone pilot use to check for airspace restrictions before flying?
- Google Maps satellite view
- The NATS Drone Assist app or CAA's online airspace map (Correct answer)
- The Met Office weather app
- A paper Ordnance Survey map
Correct answer: The NATS Drone Assist app or CAA's online airspace map
The NATS Drone Assist app and the CAA's online drone airspace tools provide real-time information on airspace restrictions, NOTAMs, and restricted areas specifically designed for drone operators.
Question 4: What does a NOTAM (Notice to Airmen) relevant to drone operations typically communicate?
- Weather forecasts for the next 24 hours
- Temporary changes to airspace or warnings about specific aviation hazards (Correct answer)
- Permanent changes to the Air Navigation Order
- Insurance requirements for commercial operators
Correct answer: Temporary changes to airspace or warnings about specific aviation hazards
NOTAMs communicate temporary restrictions, hazards, or changes to airspace that may affect flight operations. Drone pilots must check NOTAMs before every flight as they may include temporary drone restrictions.
Question 5: In UK Class G (uncontrolled) airspace, what is the maximum height a drone may be flown in the Open category?
- 50 metres AGL
- 120 metres AGL (Correct answer)
- 150 metres AGL
- Unlimited, as it is uncontrolled
Correct answer: 120 metres AGL
Even in Class G uncontrolled airspace, drones in the Open category are limited to 120 metres (400 feet) above ground level. Being uncontrolled does not mean unrestricted for drone operations.
Question 6: What is a Temporary Danger Area (TDA) and how does it affect drone pilots?
- A permanent no-fly zone around military bases
- A temporarily established area where activities dangerous to aircraft are occurring, requiring drone pilots to avoid or obtain clearance (Correct answer)
- An area where drones have priority over manned aircraft
- A zone where only commercial drones may operate
Correct answer: A temporarily established area where activities dangerous to aircraft are occurring, requiring drone pilots to avoid or obtain clearance
A TDA is a temporarily notified area of airspace where hazardous activities (such as military exercises or major events) are taking place. Drone pilots must check NOTAMs for active TDAs and avoid flying within them unless authorised.
A2 CofC UK Airspace and Navigation
What class of airspace is typically found around major UK airports such as Heathrow and Gatwick?