A2 CofC Airspace Classification & Restrictions 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is a NOTAM and why is it important for drone pilots?
- Notice to Airmen — it provides temporary information about hazards, restrictions, and changes to airspace (Correct answer)
- A mandatory pilot licence renewal notice
- A notice about new drone regulations from the CAA
- A weather briefing document from the Met Office
Correct answer: Notice to Airmen — it provides temporary information about hazards, restrictions, and changes to airspace
NOTAMs (Notices to Airmen) are official notices containing information essential to flight safety. For drone pilots, NOTAMs can flag temporary airspace restrictions, emergency operations, military exercises, and events that may affect where they can fly on any given day.
Question 2: What is a Temporary Danger Area (TDA) and how should a drone pilot respond to one?
- A temporarily activated restricted area, often for military operations — drone pilots must avoid it during activation (Correct answer)
- A permanent danger area that is only marked temporarily on charts
- An area where drone flying is encouraged for testing purposes
- A zone only relevant to manned aircraft above 1,000 ft
Correct answer: A temporarily activated restricted area, often for military operations — drone pilots must avoid it during activation
TDAs are airspace areas that are activated temporarily, often for military low-flying, parachute operations, or other hazardous activities. When active (check via NOTAMs), drones must not enter TDAs. Even when inactive, pilots should check activation times before flying.
Question 3: What colour is typically used to highlight a Flight Restriction Zone on a UK drone airspace app?
- Red (Correct answer)
- Green
- Blue
- Yellow
Correct answer: Red
FRZs are typically displayed in red on UK drone apps, indicating areas that are prohibited or require permission before entry. Green areas generally indicate unrestricted flight, while other colours may indicate advisory or enhanced procedures zones.
Question 4: Which of the following locations is typically subject to a permanent drone restriction in the UK?
- Prisons and detention facilities (Correct answer)
- Public parks in city centres
- National parks
- Coastal areas
Correct answer: Prisons and detention facilities
Prisons, courts, and certain government security sites are subject to permanent drone restrictions under the Air Navigation Order and supplementary legislation. Flying near these locations without special authority is a serious criminal offence.
Question 5: What does the 'enhanced procedures zone' (sometimes called the advisory zone) around an aerodrome mean for drone pilots?
- Drone pilots are advised to contact the aerodrome before flying, though it is not legally mandatory within this zone (Correct answer)
- Drones are prohibited in this zone during all hours
- Special insurance is required before flying in this zone
- Drones must be fitted with ADS-B transponders in this zone
Correct answer: Drone pilots are advised to contact the aerodrome before flying, though it is not legally mandatory within this zone
Enhanced procedures zones (often shown in orange or yellow on apps) surround the mandatory FRZ. While not legally requiring permission in the same way as an FRZ, best practice dictates that pilots contact the aerodrome or check for relevant NOTAMs before operating in this advisory area.
Question 6: A drone pilot is asked to fly near the Houses of Parliament in London. Which restriction applies?
- It falls within a Prohibited Zone (P) — flying is banned without specific Crown/CAA permission (Correct answer)
- It is in Class G airspace with no special restrictions
- A simple NOTAM check is sufficient before flying
- The pilot needs only an A2 CofC to fly there legally
Correct answer: It falls within a Prohibited Zone (P) — flying is banned without specific Crown/CAA permission
Central London, including the Houses of Parliament and Buckingham Palace, falls within designated Prohibited Zone P-17 and associated restrictions. Flying in this area without specific authorisation from the relevant authorities is illegal regardless of qualifications held.
A2 CofC Airspace Classification & Restrictions 2
What is a NOTAM and why is it important for drone pilots?