GVC Airspace Management & NOTAMs

Question 1

What is the correct process for a commercial drone operator to obtain airspace permission to fly within a controlled aerodrome's ATZ?

Accepted Answer

Contact the aerodrome's air traffic control (ATC) or AFIS unit directly and obtain verbal or written permission before flight

Answer

Submit a NOTAM through NATS at least 7 days in advance

Answer

Register the flight on the CAA drone portal — this automatically grants ATZ access

Answer

No permission is needed if the flight is below 50 m AGL within an ATZ

Question 2

Where can a commercial drone operator obtain official NOTAMs for pre-flight airspace planning?

Accepted Answer

The NATS NOTAMam service, the CAA AIS portal, or CAA-approved drone apps that aggregate NOTAM data

Answer

Only via direct telephone call to NATS

Answer

NOTAMs are not publicly accessible — only airlines have access

Answer

Local council planning departments issue NOTAMs for drone operations

Question 3

A NOTAM contains the time code 'B) 2603151400 C) 2603151800'. What does this indicate?

Accepted Answer

The restriction is active from 14:00 UTC on 15 March 2026 to 18:00 UTC on 15 March 2026

Answer

The restriction applies for 14 to 18 hours per day indefinitely

Answer

The NOTAM expires 14 to 18 days after its issue date

Answer

The restricted area covers altitudes between 1400 and 1800 feet

Question 4

What is Airspace Coordination Notice (ACN) in the context of commercial drone operations?

Accepted Answer

A system for drone operators to notify ATC of planned operations in certain airspace, improving awareness for both parties

Answer

The formal name for a NOTAM issued by a drone operator

Answer

A document required only for BVLOS operations

Answer

A CAA certification for airspace management specialists

Question 5

What does 'Class D' airspace mean for a commercial drone operator planning a flight?

Accepted Answer

Controlled airspace where ATC clearance is required; drone operators must contact the relevant ATC unit and receive permission before entry

Answer

Airspace reserved exclusively for military drones

Answer

Airspace where drones are permanently prohibited

Answer

Airspace with no special requirements for drones below 400 ft

Question 6

What is U-space in the context of UK drone airspace management?

Accepted Answer

A framework of digital services designed to support safe drone integration into airspace, including registration, geofencing, and traffic management

Answer

A designated physical area exclusively for drone deliveries

Answer

A CAA software tool for filing NOTAMs

Answer

A type of transponder required for all commercial drones