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Drone operations at Heathrow

Drone operations near Heathrow: regulations and safety precautions

Drone operations near airports, including Heathrow, are subject to strict regulations to ensure the safety of aircraft and passengers. The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has designated certain areas around airports as "no-fly zones" for drones, and it is illegal to fly a drone in these areas without permission from the airport and the CAA.

If a drone is spotted in the vicinity of an airport, it can cause serious disruption to flight operations, as planes may have to be diverted or grounded until the drone is safely removed. In the UK, it is a criminal offence to endanger the safety of an aircraft and those found guilty of this offence can face up to five years in prison.

Heathrow Airport has measures in place to detect and deter drones, including using a variety of technologies such as radar and radio frequency detectors, as well as collaborating with law enforcement agencies to investigate any drone sightings. If you have any concerns or information about drones at Heathrow, you should report it to the airport authorities or the police.

 

Heathrow Flight Restriction Zone

The FRZ (Flight Restriction Zone) shape at Heathrow Airport is made by using the aerodrome traffic zone and the Runway Protection Zone(s). It is a rectangular shape that is 5 kilometres long and 1 kilometre wide, starting from the end of each runway. Both zones extend upwards to a height of 2,000 feet above the airfield. (NATS)

Apply for an off-airfield permit

To get permission to fly a drone outside the airport, you need an Off Airfield Drone Permit.

You have to apply for this permit through the NATS NSF portal and must apply at least 14 days before you plan to fly the drone.

Apply for a permit

Register as a drone operator

Registering as an operator with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is a must if you plan to fly a drone.

You can register by visiting the "Register as a drone operator" page on the UK Civil Aviation Authority website.

Register as a drone operator

Drone Assist App

NATS, the primary air traffic control provider in the UK, has created Drone Assist UK, a useful app that provides comprehensive information on flying a drone in the country. You can download the app by visiting the Drone Assist UK page on either the App Store or Google Play.

Find out more