Unmanned Aircraft Systems / Drones

In the United Kingdom, unmanned aircraft system (UAS) flights around protected aerodromes are restricted.

UAS of any size must not be flown within the flight restriction zone (FRZ) of a protected aerodrome, without appropriate permission.

Cambridge City Airport administers all drone flight requests within its FRZ using Altitude Angel’s system to manage these requests.

Request permission

UAS flight requests within Cambridge City Airport’s FRZ must be submitted 48 hours in advance to allow us time to assess your request. All approvals are issued in accordance with the terms and conditions below.

For urgent requirements that sit outside of these parameters, you must submit a flight request and contact us at +44 (0)1223 373535 during office hours.

Click here to submit a drone flight request

Cambridge City Airport drone safety map by Altitude Angel

Using the map below, please locate Cambridge City Airport, select the Cambridge City Airport FRZ and click “Request to Fly here”.

This link will take you directly to Altitude Angel’s operator portal, where you can submit your flight request details for approval. If you are not already an Altitude Angel user, then you will be presented with the option to register for free and then proceed to your new account to submit your mission details.

Please see user guide to Altitude Angel’s operator portal for more information.

Terms and conditions

  • Approval is issued subject to permission on the day based on the operational state of the airport
  • The operator must be contactable by telephone throughout the flight, a contact number must be provided to ATC if it is different to what is detailed on the approval
  • Where the approval details specific restrictions, these have been put in place and must be complied with to ensure the safety of our operation
  • The flight is to be conducted in accordance with the Air Navigation Order and you are responsible for avoiding all other aircraft at all times
  • Approval for access to airspace is given on the basis of remaining entirely within the limits of the stated lateral and vertical operating area and no safety assurance against other unusual air activities taking place in the same area is given or implied
  • The operator must maintain direct, unaided visual contact with the drone at all times, sufficient to monitor its flight path in relation to other aircraft, persons, vehicles, vessels and structures for the purpose of avoiding collisions for which you are exclusively responsible and liable for
  • The operator shall have the approval and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) permission for commercial operation (if required) in their possession at all times during flight
  • The operator/flight assistant shall maintain an exclusive telephone line for ATC to contact them in the event of an emergency. The drone must be landed immediately if any incident arises or is likely
  • Operators are required to have drone insurance sufficient to cover all aviation risks that may arise
  • The granting of approval/permission does not imply exemption from the requirements of the Air Navigation Order or the Rules of the Air Regulations. Applications for flights which require exemption or written permission under the Air Navigation Order must be made to the CAA
  • Approvals are not valid if any of the details of the operation change (vertical/lateral limits etc). An updated request should be submitted, and further approval received prior to flight

Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ)

Diagrams showing the FRZ around Cambridge City Airport can be seen in the map on this page.

The FRZ is active at all times (24 hours 7 days a week) and applies to all small, unmanned aircraft of any mass, even small toys.

Outside ATC hours, permission must be obtained from the aerodrome operator. If permission cannot be obtained the flight may not take place.

When you fly a drone in the UK, it is your responsibility to be aware of and follow the rules that are in place to keep everyone safe and ensure you are flying legally.

When you fly a drone in the UK it is your responsibility to be aware of the rules that are in place to keep everyone safe. Follow these steps to make sure you are flying safely and legally:

  • Don’t fly near airports or airfields – it is illegal to fly within 1km of an airport
  • Remember to stay below 400ft (120m)
  • Observe your drone at all times – stay 150ft (50m) away from people and property
  • Never fly near aircraft – it is illegal to endanger an aircraft
  • Enjoy responsibly

Drone access policy (UK only):

The drone pilot must be aware of and comply with the law relating to safe and legal operations, this includes:

  • Air Navigation Order 2016
  • CAP722A
  • The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) Drone Code

All drone pilots must:

  • Operate only within the area authorised by the airspace owner
  • Make sure that anyone flying under their operator ID is sufficiently competent to undertake the operation safely and legally
  • Make sure that flyers have planned and will carry out flights safely and legally
  • Keep any software on the drone or model aircraft up to date, including any information on airspace restrictions
  • Make sure pilots are aware of any airspace restrictions through GuardianUTM such as www.dronesafetymap.com or Drone Assist Apps (iOS and Android)
  • In the case of European Class marked drones or model aircraft, make sure the class mark is not removed
  • Apply the appropriate level of experience, skills, and resources to manage safety risks effectively; the more complex or risky a proposed operation is, the more extensive and detailed the planning and oversight of the proposed operations must be

Actions:

  • Read the aircraft instruction manual carefully
  • Register as an operator (this is a legal requirement for all drones or model aircraft weighing 250g or over; and for all drones or model aircraft with a camera, apart from toys)
  • Label their aircraft with their operator ID
  • Demonstrate competence through training, either through a valid FlyerID or CAA-approved training course through a UK Recognised Assessment Entity (RAE)
  • Look after their aircraft to ensure it is in safe working condition to fly
  • Where required, insure the aircraft or make sure the correct insurance cover is held
  • Carefully decide when and where the aircraft will be flown
  • Carefully decide who may fly their aircraft
  • Ensure the remote pilot is competent to carry out the flight safely and legally
  • Plan your flight carefully to minimise risk and reduce the chance of something going wrong

Reporting safety concerns about drones

If you have any concerns about drones being used in vicinity of Cambridge City Airport either from a safety or privacy perspective, contact your local police on 101.