UK CAA to update CAP 722, April 2011

The 3rd and current Edition of CAP 722 was published on 28 April 2008 with a minor update in April 2009. It has been compiled by the Civil Aviation Authority’s Directorate of Airspace Policy (DAP) after consultation with the UK Industry. It is intended to assist those who are involved in the development of UAS to identify the route to certification, in order to ensure that the required standards and practices are met by all UAS operators.

The purpose of the document is to highlight the safety requirements that have to be met, in terms of airworthiness and operational standards, before a UAS is allowed to operate in the UK.

Whilst UAS flights beyond the limits of visual control are currently restricted to segregated airspace, the ultimate aim is to develop a regulatory framework which will enable the full integration of UAS activities with manned aircraft operations throughout UK airspace.