UK Proposes New High Seas Drone Flight Coordination

The UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is proposing a new interim approach to coordinate civil drone flights over the high seas within UK-delegated Flight Information Regions (FIRs). This move addresses growing operator demand and a recognized international regulatory gap for unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) operating beyond territorial waters.

As the State responsible for Air Traffic Services (ATS) in these FIRs, the UK is required by the Chicago Convention to ensure activities potentially hazardous to civil aircraft are coordinated effectively. The UK's arrangements for ATS in high-seas portions of the London, Scottish, and Shanwick Oceanic FIRs are based on this convention and its implementing provisions. UAS are already used for offshore activities like infrastructure inspection, survey, and environmental monitoring, with some flights extending into high seas airspace.

Current rules limit drone operations beyond 12 nautical miles

Domestic UK drone rules cannot be applied beyond 12 nautical miles from the coastline. The CAA stated, "The UK cannot apply its domestic UAS rules beyond 12 nautical miles (NM) from the UK coastline." This creates a legal grey area for operators. Both domestic and foreign operators have raised concerns about the legality of flying drones in UK-delegated high-seas airspace, where activity is already occurring without a formal notification or coordination process.

ICAO identifies gap in high-seas drone authorization

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has recognized the current convention and annex framework does not provide a practical pathway for authorizing non-certified UAS operations over the high seas. ICAO has also acknowledged the need for further work on guidance material for providing Air Traffic Services to remotely piloted aircraft systems in these areas. Within Great Britain and Northern Ireland's territorial seas, the UK uses an 'open' and 'specific' category framework, but this does not extend to international waters.

Proposed process requires operator information submission

The CAA plans a simple, proportionate process to ensure UAS operations over the high seas are visible and coordinated. Operators would be required to submit a defined set of basic information before flying in these areas. The proposed model would treat all non-certified UAS activity in high-seas areas as “activities potentially hazardous to civil aircraft.” It would be implemented through a new section in the UK Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP).

Stakeholders seek clarity on legal operation

Evidence of expanding activity includes UK Operational Authorisations held by organisations conducting work for offshore energy companies. The CAA, together with NATS and other relevant parties, would use the submitted operator information to decide necessary airspace coordination measures. Stakeholders invited to comment on the consultation include UAS operators, the general aviation community, air traffic services providers, and other interested parties.