A2 CofC UK Airspace and Navigation 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the standard shape and extent of a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) around a UK aerodrome with a single runway?
- A circle with a 2 km radius centred on the runway
- A cylinder extending 1 km from the aerodrome boundary up to 2,000 feet
- A shape resembling a keyhole or lozenge extending along the runway centreline (Correct answer)
- A square zone of 5 km × 5 km centred on the control tower
Correct answer: A shape resembling a keyhole or lozenge extending along the runway centreline
The FRZ around a single-runway aerodrome typically has a distinctive shape that extends along the runway centreline and fans out at the ends, often described as resembling a keyhole or lozenge, with the inner zone being a circle and extensions along approach/departure paths.
Question 2: At what distance from the boundary of a protected aerodrome's FRZ must a drone pilot exercise increased vigilance?
- There is no requirement beyond the FRZ boundary (Correct answer)
- Within 1 km of the FRZ boundary
- Within 2.5 km of the FRZ boundary
- Within 5 km of the FRZ boundary
Correct answer: There is no requirement beyond the FRZ boundary
While there is no formal additional restriction zone beyond the FRZ boundary, best practice requires pilots to exercise caution near any aerodrome. The legal restriction applies within the FRZ itself, but situational awareness should extend beyond it.
Question 3: What type of airspace is typically found above FL195 (approximately 19,500 feet) in the UK?
- Class G uncontrolled airspace
- Class A controlled airspace (Upper Airspace) (Correct answer)
- Class D controlled airspace
- Class F advisory airspace
Correct answer: Class A controlled airspace (Upper Airspace)
Above FL195 in the UK, the airspace is classified as Class A upper airspace (UIR — Upper Information Region), controlled by NATS. All flights require IFR clearance. While drones rarely operate here, understanding airspace structure is part of the A2 CofC syllabus.
Question 4: What is the purpose of an Aeronautical Information Publication (AIP) for drone operators?
- It provides drone-specific operating manuals
- It contains comprehensive information about aerodromes, airspace, and flight procedures in the UK (Correct answer)
- It is a pricing guide for commercial drone services
- It lists approved drone manufacturers
Correct answer: It contains comprehensive information about aerodromes, airspace, and flight procedures in the UK
The UK AIP contains detailed information about all aspects of UK airspace, aerodromes, procedures, and regulations. While primarily aimed at manned aviation, drone operators should understand its relevance for identifying restricted areas and aerodrome information.
Question 5: A drone pilot plans to fly near a military aerodrome that is not listed as having an FRZ. What should they do?
- Fly freely as there is no FRZ restriction
- Contact the military aerodrome to notify them and seek guidance before flying (Correct answer)
- Only fly above 120 metres to be visible to military aircraft
- Wait until nightfall when the aerodrome is likely closed
Correct answer: Contact the military aerodrome to notify them and seek guidance before flying
Even if a military aerodrome does not have a published FRZ, good airmanship and safety require the drone pilot to contact the aerodrome to advise of their intended operations. Some military sites may have additional local restrictions.
Question 6: Which organisation is responsible for providing air traffic services and managing UK airspace?
- The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA)
- NATS (formerly National Air Traffic Services) (Correct answer)
- The Ministry of Defence (MOD)
- The Department for Transport (DfT)
Correct answer: NATS (formerly National Air Traffic Services)
NATS is the UK's air navigation service provider, responsible for managing air traffic and providing air traffic control services in UK airspace. The CAA is the regulator, while NATS is the operational service provider.
A2 CofC UK Airspace and Navigation 2
What is the standard shape and extent of a Flight Restriction Zone (FRZ) around a UK aerodrome with a single runway?